RICHMOND, Va., April 18, 1861.
His Excellency JEFFERSON DAVIS:
Our object is to now secure the navy-yard at Gosport. The Merrimac, Cumberland, Pennsylvania, and perhaps other vessels are now there. The channel has been partially obstructed, and I have placed Major General Taliaferro in command. He left here this evening. It will require perhaps 5,000 men to take the place. We shall do our best to secure it.
JOHN LETCHER
Sources
The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies. Series I, Vol. LI, Part II. Washington: Government Printing Office, 1897.
Spirit of '61 