Page:Reminiscences of Sixty Years in Public Affairs (Volume One).djvu/328

Rh round Washington will be advantageous in the highest degree. I am, very truly, your obedient servant, .&emsp;

, April 26, 1861.&emsp;

Sir: I have obtained an order from General Wood to garrison the forts and arsenals, but it is of the utmost importance to obtain authority to purchase at least three steamers and equip them for coast defense. This can be done at a moderate cost and the merchants of Boston are anxious to secure so great a protection to commerce. They can be used effectively upon the Southern coast. I trust that you will transmit an order to Governor Andrew by the bearer of this, Mr. Augustus H. Bixby.

.&emsp;