MEIGS, MONTGOMERY C. Quartermaster General. Letter Signed ("M C Meigs") TO GENERAL GEORGE MCCLELLAN, Washington, D.C., 17 June 1861. 5 pages, 4to, small repair to top of center margin, naturally aged, otherwise fine. GUNBOATS ON THE MISSISSIPPI. Meigs discusses the use of steamboats to transport troops down the Mississippi in the coming autumn and winter. However, "These light steamers crowded with men would be helpless if attacked, and need therefore an armed flotilla to protect them...They should have a heavy fire from the bow, & not be destitute of the means of defence astern...plated with 4 inches of iron...With 3 rifled 42 pounders on the bow, 1 astern & 2 on each broadside they would be very formidable." -- MEIGS. Letter signed ("M C Meigs") to Senator Henry Wilson, Washington, D.C., 2 May 1864. Fine. Meigs forwards a request for the promotion of General Ingalls, Rucker and Allen citing that "The Secretary of War, Gen. Grant, Gen. Halleck, & Gen. Sherman will all unite in their appreciation of the importance and value of the services of these three officers." Montgomery C. Meigs, appointed Quartermaster General to the United States Army in May 1861, served with distinction in this difficult role throughout the war. (2)