Steam Ram Queen of the West;

Above Fort Pillow:

May 28, 1862.

 

To Commodore C. H. Davis

                        Flag Officer of the Mississippi Gun boat

                                    Squadron:

 

            Commodore:

                                    Refering to the suggestions which I submitted when I called on you the 25^th instant, for a combined movement with a view to surprise and destroy the enemy's gunboats, rams and transports, now lying below the guns of fort Pillow, I beg leave to suggest in addition, that unless such a movement is promptly made I fear the opportunity for it may possibly be lost altogether.

 

            The river is now in good condition, but falling rapidly. Commodore Farragut's fleet is probably advancing; and as it approaches Memphis, the rebel steamers of all classes will / doubtless seek to hide in tributaries which are now navigable for them to enter, but which, if our advance is delayed, may not be navigable for us when we wish to pursue.

 

            I would be pleased, therefore, if the proposition, after the consideration you have given it, should meet your concurrence, to join the whole, or a portion of the boats Rams under my command, to the whole, or win a single one of your gun boats, and placing them all under the shelter of three barges which I have prepared for the purpose, and how will very soon arrive, run below fort Pillow by day-light, and attack the rebel fleet wherever it can be found.

 

            The stern wheel boats which I have provided, and fitted up as Rams, will make excellent tow boats for carrying along any amount of coal which may be needed to run as far as we may wish and return.

 

            The importance of this movement is, I think, likely to be very great in view of the battle which is now daily expected at Corinth. If that battle results in our / favor, by occupying the river below, and by destroying the rebel fleet, we will deprive them defeated army of its means of crossing the Mississippi and renewing the contest on the other side. If the battle should result in our defeat, we can still afford most valuable service by cutting off the river supplies of the enemy.

 

            Submitting this suggestion again for your consideration, I have the honor to be, Commodore,                       

 

  With high respect

   Your obdt. Srvt.

  Charles Ellet Jr.

 Col. Commanding &c

 

[overleaf]

 

C.E. Jr to Com. Davis

            May 28, 1862

 

Proposal to run the batteries of Fort Pillow—

SOURCES