The following letter is a true copy of telegraphic correspondence that was sent from Gov. James Youngs Smith to President Abraham Lincoln, and the response by Edwin M. Stanton, Secretary of War. It conveys the anxiety of citizens residing along the coastal regions of Narragansett Bay who felt vulnerable to attack by Rebel cruisers due to inadequate control of the West Passage into the Bay. During 1863 and 1864, temporary earthworks and an eight-gun battery were constructed on Dutch Island by the 14th Rhode Island Heavy Artillery (Colored), alongside earthworks and a garrison at Camp James Y. Smith near South Ferry (the Bonnet) on the Narragansett mainland to block naval approaches through the West Passage.

Though the messages to and from Washington D. C. are real, the handwritten letters and signatures themselves were no doubt written by unidentified clerks or telegraphic operators.

T R A N S C R I P T I O N

State of Rhode Island
Executive Department
Providence, [Rhode Island]
June 27th 1863

To his Excellency, Abraham Lincoln
President of the United States
Washington D. C.

Great anxiety is felt here on account of the unprotected condition of Narragansett Bay. There is nothing to prevent a rebel incursion through the “West Passage” excposing to destruction this city, Fall River, and other towns on the bay. I respectfully request immediate authority to construct, arm and man suitable earthworks at the expense of the Federal Government and that the plans understood to be in the War Department for such works be furnished without delay. Also authority to cause all vessels to be brought to and inspected before entering the bay.

(signed) — James Y. Smith, Gov. of Rhode Island

[Response written on reverse]

By telegraph (Copy)

Washington
June 27th, 1863

Providence, June 27th 1863

Gov. Smith,

I am instructed by the President to inform you that the authority asked for in your telegram of this date is granted to you. The chief of the Engineers Bureau is instructed to furnish you the plans & also an engineer officer to assist in laying out the work.

(signed) E. M. Stanton, Secy. of War