I reiterate that my contention is the defensive areas needed more punch. This would have supposed more than one hit on a target at one time.

Regarding your question of time delay in torpedo detonation. Three types of system in use by the Confederacy were go/not go. Either they worked with alacrity or nothing happened. I still have not been able to track down referemce to the types and time of placement of the field in the Greater Ogheechee near Ft. McAllister.

I've found a letter penned by Capt. Drayton written shortly after he was informed of his new command, close to one month before the Oct. 9, 1862 launching of the U.S.S. Passaic. Drayton mentions concerns regarding seaworthiness and ability of the deck to withstand fire. This to Asst. Sec. Navy G.V. Fox.

New York, At C.H. Copelands, 122 Broadway
Sept 25 1862

Dear Sir

I have received a letter from Admiral DuPont in which he tells me that if I desire to make the two weeks three, he has no objection. Still I not am anxious to remain longer than is absolutely necessary, unless I am to be ordered to another vessel. If you determine to do this, it must of course be done now without waiting for the arrival of the Admiral. I am quite willing to take the Passaic and do what I can to reduce Charleston or any other place that it may be thought proper to attack. I doubt the fact of any of these vessels being very sea-worthy, but someone must decide the point, and I might as well do it as anyone else. As it seems that a good deal of ballast will be required to bring them down to a proper draft, I think it is a great pity that it should not be effected by means of water, which could be removed to lighten the draft in case of getting ashore, an important consideration when acting at the South, and I also think that the decks will be found to be very easily penetrated. This however can be left for the first action to decide. The former objection I should suppose might be remedied now, without difficulty.

I should be very sorry to be placed on Ordnance duty during the war or at least until I have had a chance of a little more active service.

They say that the Passaic will be sent to the Navy Yard in about a week, from her present appearance certainly not sooner.

I have gotten all the information that I can about Tugs, and written to Mr. Lenthall, and as there will be nothing more for me to do here after tommorrow, shall probably go to Philadelphia on Saturday afternoon, where if you do not answer this by the return mail, I will get you to direct to me, if here to care of Mr. Copeland 122 Broadway.

Tugs are very scarce. There is really only one at present afloat that would be quite suitable. The prices are of course in consequence rather high.

I am very Respy Your obt servt P. Drayton