Halleck, H. W. (Henry Wager) (1815-1872) to Edwin M. Stanton
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC04536 Author/Creator: Halleck, H. W. (Henry Wager) (1815-1872) Place Written: St. Louis, Missouri Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 25 March 1862 Pagination: 2 p. ; 21.9 x 13.3 cm. Order a Copy
Written by General Halleck as commander of the Department of the Mississippi to Stanton as Secretary of War. Has heard that the rebels are building one or more riverboats "clad in rail road iron like the Merrimac." Says if it is true they can wreak havoc on Union forces on the river. Wants any heavy guns at Pittsburgh sent down the Ohio River to Cairo or Columbus. Reports he has written to ask if Commander Foote can convert his ships to ironclads. Says authority to construct a river "Monitor" should be given. Expresses that delay could be fatal. Marked "in cipher."
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