The
latter it was never found necessary to land. I communicated direct to
the commander of the expedition the following instructions:
"CITY POINT, VIRGINIA, January 3, 1865.
"GENERAL: The expedition intrusted to your command has been fitted out
to renew the attempt to capture Fort Fisher, N. C., and Wilmington
ultimately, if the fort falls. You will then proceed with as little
delay as possible to the naval fleet lying off Cape Fear River, and
report the arrival of yourself and command to Admiral D. D. Porter,
commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.
"It is exceedingly desirable that the most complete understanding should
exist between yourself and the naval commander. I suggest, therefore,
that you consult with Admiral Porter freely, and get from him the part
to be performed by each branch of the public service, so that there may
be unity of action. It would be well to have the whole programme laid
down in writing. I have served with Admiral Porter, and know that you
can rely on his judgment and his nerve to undertake what he proposes. I
would, therefore, defer to him as much as is consistent with your own
responsibilities. The first object to be attained is to get a firm
position on the spit of land on which Fort Fisher is built, from which
you can operate against that fort.
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