Harbor Defense

Major General John E. Wool

New York Chamber of Commerce and Industry Records collection

Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Columbia University

Box: 230 Folder: 30

RBML_NYCCC_100131046

1863-02-18

Head Quarters Dept. of the East
New York 18th February 1863

Sir:

The Chamber of Commerce has expressed a desire to cooperate with me in regard to the defences of this City, and to render any aid in their power to place the City in a defensive condition.

I have represented to the Secretary of War of the necessity of a ship of war, or several gunboats to be placed between the Narrows and Sandy Hook. The Alabama or any other armed vessel could enter the Bay and destroy many vessels without the fear of being molested or interfered with.

I ask your influence to hasten what I have required. The sooner it is done the better it will be for your City and would not fail to quiet the apprehensions of the citizens.

I have the honor to be very respectfully

P. Perrit Esqr.
President, Chamber of Commerce N.Y.

Your obt Servt.
John E. Wool
Maiden Lane