Should such landing be effected while the enemy still holds Fort Fisher and the batteries guarding the entrance to the river, then the troops should intrench themselves, and, by co-operating with the navy, effect the reduction and capture of those places.

These in our hands, the navy could enter the harbor, and the port of Wilmington would be sealed.

Should Fort Fisher and the point of land on which it is built fall into the hands of our troops immediately on landing, then it will be worth the attempt to capture Wilmington by a forced march and surprise.

If time is consumed in gaining the first object of the expedition, the second will become a matter of after consideration.
"The details for execution are intrusted to you and the officer immediately in command of the troops.
"Should the troops under General Weitzel fail to effect a landing at or near Fort Fisher, they will be returned to the armies operating against Richmond without delay.
"U.

S.GRANT, Lieutenant-General.
"MAJOR-GENERAL B.F.