CHAP. XIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.-UNION.

by Colonel Brown, out of supporting distance, endeavors to throw the whole blame on the Federal Government. His language is highly insubordinate, and which I shall not fail to treat in a proper manner.

By Brigadier-General Mansfield's letter you will perceive we have a very small naval force at the inlet. He requires several light-draught vessels of war for the sound.

In consequence of the loss of clothing, camp equipage, ammunition, &c., large requisitions have been made to supply losses of the Twentieth Indiana Regiment. Clothing we have not on hand to issue. We have large number of men greatly in want of clothing at Camps Hamilton and Butler. Many men parade with only drawers and shirts. I have again and again urged the Quartermaster-General to send us clothing. He, however, has it not on hand.

I am, General, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JOHN E. WOOL, Major-General.

P. S.-I shall dispatch the Spaulding as soon as possible with such supplies as we have. I also send a letter from General Mansfield, of the 10th instant.

[Inclosure Numbers 1.] HEADQUARTERS, FORT CLARK, Hatteras Inlet, North Carolina, October 8, 1861.

SIR: The reason of not having the post report, it was impossible to get any report of the Twentieth Indiana Regiment. They arrived at this post on September 28, but did not leave the steamer until they embarked on the boats for Chicamacomico. The colonel commanding the post sent a report from Colonel Brown. Unfortunately the tug Fanny was captured and the messenger made a prisoner. Colonel Brown, with his command, retreated to this place (Fort Clark), arriving here on October 5, and I have not yet had a morning report of the regiment. The adjutant informed me that they had lost their roll-books, and that they did no even know the name of the men composing their companies, and that he should have to make out new ones. Supposing you did not wish an incomplete return of the troops a this post, I have delayed until a perfect return could be made. At the same time there has not been any means of sending them, even had they been ready. According to the instructions on the regimental return, the return should not be sent to headquarters until completed (see note 4, on the face of the return).

One reason why I made no report of the capture of the Fanny was this: Captain Rowan said he should not call at Fort Monroe, but proceed immediately to Washington. Another reason was, I could not get at the truth relating to her capture; consequently did not wish to make any report until I could make one the truth of which could be relied upon.

It is evident to me, from the tone of your letter of the 6th instant, that a change in your feelings towards me has taken place. I do not wish to know the reason for the change nor do I ask it. I suppose that I shall be blamed for the recent disaster at this post. If such is the case, I have only to say that I am ready, eager, and willing to go before the country and give all the particulars in relation to my course since I have been in command a this post, and then let the people judge between me and the criminal neglect of the Government in not heeding my suggestions.