Queen of the West

Above Fort Pillow

May 28, 1862.

 

To Commodore C. H. Davis

                        Flag Officer &c:

 

            Dear Sir

                        I have just rec^d your note of to-day, touching the subject of our conversation of Sunday morning, and the move in which the Rams can best co-operate with the gunboats, in resisting an attack by the enemy.

 

            The enclosed communication, which I had written this morning, and was about to send to you when I received your note, will explain the current of my own thoughts on the same subject—my view being, as you will perceive, to act as soon as possible, on the offensive. I will be much obliged to you for your views on the suggestions which I have ventured to submit in this note, whenever your conclusion is formed.

 

            I concur in your opinion of the needless exposure of the rams to the enemy's guns, to which you allude, and had myself gone out to forbid it, and to direct them to lie / above the mortars which it is their business to guard. But I was myself on board the little tug which subsequently dropped down below Craighead's Point—wishing to see the position of the batteries which it may presently be necessary for me to pass by, and to obtain a precise knowledge of the bearing of the channel from the pilots on board.

 

            Allow me to add, Commodore, that almost the only efficient service these rams can render, is that for which they were specially built—viz: to run into the enemy, with good speed, and head on, and smite him.

 

            With that view my instructions which I have been given, have been to wait while we remain here, until the enemy advances so far above the Point that he cannot refuse the collision and retreat—and then go in, each boat for its self, and strike wherever the blow can be delivered to the best advantage.

 

            I fear it would be unsafe to change this order, at this late hour, for to-night; but I will be very happy to confer with you fully on the whole subject, so that the orders for the future may be well understood, and made as simple as possible. /

 

I am, with high respect

                                    Your obdt servt.

                                                Charles Ellet Jr

                                                            Col. Comg &c

 

[overleaf]

 

C.E.Jr to Commodore

                        Davis

May 28 1862

Proposed conference &c

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