"The change in the mode of warfare has rendered a number of our forts almost useless. I would call your attention to those near this city--Fortress Monroe and Fort Wool (formerly Fort Calhoun). The former is said to be the largest for defence in the world, and the latter on an artificial island, one mile distant, not yet completed; both designed to protect Hampton Roads, James River, Norfolk, and the U. S. Navy-Yard here. As they are only one mile apart, I presume it was about the range of guns at the time they were designed. Modern ordnance renders this structure of _no value_, and it is likely it never will be completed, and I write to suggest the importance of its removal to another location, which will, I think, make it a defence for the capital as well as Baltimore, Norfolk, Richmond, and other cities. By reference to the map of Chesapeake Bay, you will observe there is a shoal between Cape Henry and Cape Charles called the _Middle Ground_ on which a modern fort could be erected from the material now useless at Fort Wool. This fort is built on an artificial island having a base of fourteen acres, in water from twelve to fifty feet deep, entirely of rough granite. This could be removed at little cost, and a modern structure of iron or steel erected on it, with necessary fixtures for torpedo service. "Just inside Cape Henry is Lynn Haven Bay and river. The river would make an admirable station for torpedo-boats, as it is a safe harbor, completely landlocked, and may be connected by a few short and inexpensive canals with Back Bay, Currituck, Albemarle, and Pamlico sounds which may extend the inland route to Florida at little cost. "Several years ago I made the voyage from New Berne, North Carolina, to Oswego, New York, _in the same steamer, going inland the entire way_! I have spent many years on this inland project. By the construction of two short canals (only fourteen miles) we have opened up to commerce 1800 miles of navigable waters. I am now about to open a canal from Neuse River to Beaufort Harbor, North Carolina, which will be a continuation of the inland navigation. It would cost but little to make an inland water route to Florida, as a few short canals would unite the natural waterways existing, and the inland route would then be complete from the Great Lakes to Florida, passing by all our great seaboard cities. "As we have now no defence to our national capital, I have thought a line from you at this time would bring it to the favorable consideration of Congress. "If you have not the charts convenient, I would be pleased to furnish them and any further information desired. "Very resp'y, y'r obt. st., "MARSHALL PARKS." DANIEL MANNING TO S. J. TILDEN "WASHINGTON, D. C., _Dec. 16, 1885_.