Annotation
[1] ALS, IHi; ADfS, DLC-RTL. Dix replied on January 15:
``I have just received your `private and confidential' letter, and hasten to reply to it by the special messenger who brought it.
``You do not ask my opinion in regard to the policy of employing colored troops; and I infer that this is a question, which has been decided. I therefore, answer only the special inquiry proposed to me. . . .
``I regard this Fortress . . . as second to no other in the Union. It is the key to the Chesapeake Bay. . . . In a political point of view . . . the tranquillity . . . of Maryland may depend on the possession of this Fortress. . . .
``Under these circumstances I think this post should be held by the best and most reliable troops the country can furnish. . . .
``The question of employing colored troops at Yorktown may be determined by a totally different class of considerations. The position is of little practical importance. . . .
``If it be decided to employ colored troops any where, I know no place where they could be used with less objection. The proper garrison is 4000 men. One half of that number at least should be white troops. . . .'' (DLC-RTL).