Hardys Bluff Nov 14^th 1861

 

Capt J R Waddy

            A A Genl

 

                                    Sir

                                                I respectfully request the addition of one or more companies to this Command for the following reasons. We are here immediately in sight of Newport News and in less than two hours sail of the enemy’s shiping at that point We have a battery of ten guns with arrangements for seven others, a post about two miles distant and the intervening space to defend. To work these guns, defend the post and act as a covering force to the battery, we have but five companies amounting in the aggregate to 301 officers and men. Our position is vitally important in the protection of James River and through it the Capitol and interior of the states. A force so meager is severely adequate for such grave and important responsibilities. Besides, an additional company is required to bring the Battalion within the purview of Art No 203 of the Provisional Congress so as to entitle it to two field officers. When my connexion with the 3^rd Regiment was severed and I was permanently assigned to this Command it was with the understanding that this arrangement would be made; unless it is done the necesity will be engendered of subordinating the command by transfering one of its field Officers to some other post or he will be placed in the anomalous position of being required to perform duty without a legal right to claim a just compansation therefrom, a contingency which I am/ certain is neither expected nor desired. This might be obviated perhaps by the minimal addition of one of the unattached companies of the Brigade and if it is proved impracticable to grant the actual force applied for I respectfully request that the latter attenuation may be adopted.  With the hope that my application may be laid before the Commanding General for his favorable consideration

 

                                                            I remain Sir

                                                                        Respectfully

                                                                                    Yours &c

                                                                                                F H A[?]

                                                                                                Comd Battalion

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