then
_garrisoned_ by one ordnance sergeant, and at the mercy of a corporal's
guard in a rowboat. Fort Sumter, in Charleston harbor, was in a similar
condition before Anderson retired to it with his company. The early
seizure of these two fortresses would have spared the Confederates many
serious embarrassments; but such small details were neglected at that
time.

My visit to Pensacola was brought to a close by information from the
Governor of Louisiana of my appointment to the colonelcy of the 9th
Louisiana infantry, a regiment just formed at camp on the railway some
miles north of New Orleans, and under orders for Richmond. Accepting the
appointment, I hastened to the camp, inspected the command, ordered the
Lieutenant Colonel--Randolph, a well-instructed officer for the time--to
move by rail to Richmond as rapidly as transportation was furnished, and
went on to New Orleans, as well to procure equipment, in which the
regiment was deficient, as to give some hours to private affairs. It was
known that there was a scarcity of small-arm ammunition in Virginia,
owing to the rapid concentration of troops; and I was fortunate in
obtaining from the Louisiana authorities a hundred thousand rounds, with
which, together with some field equipment, I proceeded by express to
Richmond, where I found my command, about a thousand strong, just
arrived and preparing to go into camp. The town was filled with rumor of
battle away north at Manassas, where Beauregard commanded the
Confederate forces. A multitude of wild reports, all equally inflamed,
reached my ears while looking after the transportation of my ammunition,
of which I did not wish to lose sight. Reaching camp, I paraded the
regiment, and stated the necessity for prompt action, and my purpose to
make application to be sent to the front immediately. Officers and men
were delighted with the prospect of active service, and largely supplied
want of experience by zeal. Ammunition was served out, three days'
rations were ordered for haversacks, and all camp equipage not
absolutely essential was stored.

These details attended to, at 5 P.M. I visited the war office, presided
over by General Pope Walker of Alabama. When the object of my visit was
stated, the Secretary expressed much pleasure, as he was anxious to send
troops forward, but had few in readiness to move, owing to the lack of
ammunition, etc. As I had been in Richmond but a few hours, my desire to
move and adequate state