THOMAS JORDAN, Chief of Staff.
HEADQUARTERS, DEPARTMENT S. C., GA., AND FLA.,
CHARLESTON, S. C.,July 25M, 1863. Brig.-Geul. E. S. EIPLEY, etc., etc.:
General, —The Commander of the forces is of opinion that it will be judicious to reduce the command in occupation of Morris Island to twelve hundred (1200) men, of which only the minimum garrison should be kept in Battery Wagner during the day. Should this accord with your views, you will please give the proper orders in the premises.
May it not be well to place several of the mortars now in Fort Sumter in the parade of that post, for the purpose of shelling Morris Island ?
The fire at Fort Sumter, and Batteries Gregg and Simkins (Shell Point), the Commanding General thinks, should be concentrated on the field included be tween Battery Wagner and the Graham House, day and night—that is, say one gun, from the batteries collectively, at least every ten minutes, or possibly every five minutes, during the night. Each battery should be informed from District Headquarters of the exact range from thence to Batteries Gregg and Wagner respectively, and must mark plainly the direction of each piece, so that, at night, there may be no difficulty in getting the range \vith accuracy and celerity.
A rifie-pit, if not already thrown up, should be made from Battery Gregg to high-water line on its right and left flank.
It is thought that some of the firing from Battery Gregg is not as accurate as could be secured with more deliberation. Please caution the zealous and active young officer in command there on this point.
The Commanding General particularly desires to know what guns have already been removed from Fort Sumter since the 10th iust., and to what points transferred.
He also desires hereafter a daily report as to the removal and disposition of Fort Sumter guns.
The batteries on Sullivan's Island ought to be armed and ready for action as soon as possible. Eespectfully, General, your obedient servant,
THOMAS JORDAN, Chief of Staff.
HEADQUARTERS, DEPARTMENT S. C., GA., AND FLA.,
CHARLESTON, S. C., July 27ih, 18G3. Brig.-Geul. E. S. EIPLEY, etc., etc.:
General, —Colonel Frederick states that he receives so many contradictory re ports as to the effect of the fire from the batteries under his direction, that he is unable to give proper instructions for the correction of inaccurate aim and inef-
fective fire. This may be remedied, in the opinion of the Commanding General, by making it the duty of some officer at Fort Sumter to observe all shots fired at the enemy on Morris Island from Batteries Sirnkius and Cheves (when ready), and from Fort Johnson, and to communicate the effect by signal direct to Colonel Frederick, at Fort Johnson.
The mortar fuses used at Battery Simkins appear to be too short. If not already corrected, please have them remedied as soon as possible.
It is regarded as essential that there should be constantly on Morris Island an efficient local staff, especially an ordnance officer and quartermaster and commissary of the most active and intelligent character. This may be best secured by detailing two of each department to alternate with each other every live days. Their habitual station will be Cummiugs's Point, but they will be expected to visit both batteries frequently, and to be responsible for the effi ciency of their respective departments at each post.
Respectfully, your obdt. servt., THOMAS JORDAN, Chief of Staff.
HEADQUARTERS, DEPARTMENT S. C., GA., AND FLA.,
CHARLESTON, S. C.,July 27th, 1863. Capt. JOHN R. TUCKER, C. S. N., etc., etc.:
Certain, —Will it not be possible for you to place your two ships—the iron clads—in a position immediately contiguous to Cummings's Point—that is, at a point within one and a half miles—your maximum range, as I understand—of the enemy's nearest line of land-batteries, whence, with your Brooke and other guns, you can take part in the operations against those batteries, and materially strengthen our means of defence and hold on Morris Island ?
Doubtless the ironclad vessels of the enemy would attempt to drive you away, and you might possibly have to retire, but not Avithout forcing them to be brought under the heavy guns of Battery Gregg and the batteries on Sullivan's Island, as also of Fort Sumter. An important diversion would be effected at least, and it is presumed you could always retire in time to avoid serious consequences from an unequal conflict.
The question for determination would appear to be, whether there is water enough at any point near enough to Cummings's Point to enable you to take up a position within 2600 yards of any battery of the enemy on Morris Isl and, and this can only be determined definitely, I apprehend, by soundings, which I hope you will have made without delay.
The time to take the position, if practicable at all, would be as soon as the enemy begins a serious bombardment again of Battery Wagner, which may be anticipated at any moment. Respectfully, your obedient servant,
G> T. BEAUREGARD, Gonl. Comdg.
HEADQUARTERS, DEPARTMENT S. C., GA., AND FLA.,
CHARLESTON, S. C., July 28tk, 1863. Lieut.-Col. D. B. HARRIS, Chief-Engineer, etc., etc.:
Colonel, —The Commanding General desires the empty gun chambers and passages at Battery Gregg to be converted into bomb-proofs.
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Filled sand-bags must likewise be held in readiness there, and in Batteries Wagner and Slink ins, for repairs.
The sand-slopes at Battery Simkius will be codded as soon as possible, as a preservation against the effects of the wind.
The channel at the west end of Sullivan's Island must be obstructed as far as practicable with the old boom and torpedoes, to prevent monitors from tak ing positions in that quarter, whence to take in reverse or enfilade Battery Bee.
Boats and flats should be collected in safest place in the creek in the rear of Sullivan's Island, to establish communication with Christ Church Parish, in case the bridge shall bo destroyed.
Lookouts or observatories should be erected in Batteries Chcvcs, Haskell, and Ryan, to watch effect of practice.
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
THOMAS JORDAN, Chief of Staff.
HEADQUARTERS, DEPARTMENT S. C., GA., AND FLA.,
CHARLESTON, S. C., July 28ih, 1863. Brig.-Geul. R. S. RIPLEY, etc., etc.:
Genera], —The Commanding General directs that the six (6) 8-iucli columbiads to be removed from Fort Surnter shall be distributed as follows: one in Battery Simkius; one in Battery Haskell; two in Battery Cheves; and two in the bat tery east of Moultrie.
The five (5) 8-inch naval shell-guns from Fort Moultrie he directs to be mounted in Battery Cheves.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JNO. F. O'BRIEN, Major, and A. A. G.
HEADQUARTERS, DEPARTMENT S. C., GA., AND FLA.,
CHARLESTON, S. C., August 1st, 18G3. Lieut.-Col. D. B. HARRIS, Chief-Engineer, etc., etc.:
Colonel, —The Commanding General instructs me to direct you to place in front and in the ditches of Battery Wagner trous dc loups, and also boards with nharp nails or spikes in the bottom of the ditches above referred to, as already verbally instructed by the General Commanding.
Very respectfully, Colonel, your obedient servant,
CLIFTON H. SMITH, Assist. Adjt.-Gcnl.
HEADQUARTERS, DEPARTMENT S. C., GA., AND FLA.,
CHARLESTON, S. C., August 2d, 1863. Capt. J. R. TUCKER, etc., etc.:
Captain, —In reply to your request for my opinion whether the private steam-vessels which have been seized by you "can render more important service by going abroad than by being retained for the defence of the harbor," I have to say that I am convinced the time for their effective employment for the defence of this harbor is now, in some effort to destroy at night the Ironsides and other ironclad vessels of the enemy, which arc being formidably used for the reduction
of our works on Morris Island. If they are not speedily applied to that end, or cannot with sufficient hope of success to warrant or induce the attempt, but are to be held in the inner harbor, only to be resorted to in the last extremity against ironclads that shall have overpowered our outworks and reduced or passed Forts Surnter and Moultrie, then I am clearly satisfied their further retention as a means of defence is useless, and that it will be far better to re lease them at once, as requested by the Quartermaster's department, to be sent abroad for military supplies. Respectfully, your obedient servant,
G. T. BEAUREGARD, Genl. Comdg.
HEADQUARTERS, DEPARTMENT S. C., GA., AND FLA.,
CHARLESTON, S. C., August 2d, 1863. Licut.-Col. D. B. HARRIS, Chief-Engineer, etc., etc.:
Colonel, —The Commanding General directs that a battery for two 24-pouud-ers be thrown up between Battery Beauregard and the new Middle Battery, in Sullivan's Island, and that another shall be erected between the latter battery and Battery Marshall for two 32-pouuders.
Two columbiad platforms in mortar batteries at Fort Johnson will be taken up and transferred to some point at which they may be needed, and their places supplied by platforms for barbette guns.
Have any of the star-torpedoes been sent afloat in the Stono ? If not, what is the obstacle to its being done?
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
THOMAS JORDAN, Chief of Staff.
HEADQUARTERS, DEPARTMENT S. C., GA., AND FLA.,
CHARLESTON, S. C., August 3d, 1863. Brig.-Genl. R. S. RIPLEY, etc., etc.:
General, —The Commanding General directs me to say that he wishes one banded and rifled 32-pounder sent to-night to Battery Wagner, to be mounted in place of the one which w r as bursted some time ago. Also one mortar to be sent from Fort Sumter to Battery Gregg.
He also desires that you should furnish Fort Sumter and Sullivan's Island at once with everything in the way of provisions, ammunitions, etc., that may be required for their prolonged defence; for should the north end of Morris Island fall into the hands of the enemy, little if any intercourse by water could be kept up with those posts. For the same reason he calls your attention spe cially to the immediate necessity of transporting to Sullivan's Island all the guns and ammunition which can be spared from Fort Sumter. These matters cannot be attended to with too much expedition.
The movement of troops to Morris Island the General wishes so conducted that for the present there shall not be less than two regiments of infantry so located at night on Sullivan's Island as to prevent any surprise. The habitual force on Morris Island he desires reduced to one thousand men.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
THOMAS JORDAN, Chief of Staff.
HEADQUARTERS, DEPARTMENT S. C., GA., AND FLA.,
CHARLESTON, S. C., August 3(7, 1863. Lieut.-Col. D. B. HARRIS, Chief-Engineer, etc., etc.:
Colonel, —The Commanding General \vishes six floating torpedoes to be car ried down. Light-house Inlet, at night, and let loose as near the enemy's vessels as practicable. Colonel L. M. Hatch is a gentleman who, if provided with boats aiid torpedoes, could attend to the execution of this order, and would probably undertake it. Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JNO. F. O'BRIEN, Major, and A. A. G.
HEADQUARTERS, DEPARTMENT S. C., GA., AND FLA.,
CHARLESTON, S. C., August 4M, 1863. Brig.-Genl. R. S. EIPLEY, etc., etc.:
General, —In a recent visit of the Commanding General to Morris Island and Fort Suiuter ho noticed the following matters, to which he directs me to call your attention, and desires that you carry out his views in regard thereto.
Battery Gregg is in want of many small tilings, such as fuse-gauges, etc., and more particularly of shells, for which things requisitions have been made, but never filled.
At Battery Wagner the system and order are not as they should be, espe cially in the ordnance department. Staff-officers relieving each other do not leave a return of property in their keeping, but start off without turning over anything. This should be remedied—all officers remaining at the post until they shall have turned over all property or instructions to their successors. The general officers there have heretofore kept no book of orders to transmit to their successors. The General wishes you to have one prepared and sent forth with to Morris Island of all back orders, which henceforth will be regularly kept up and turned over to the commanding officer who relieves. This book he wishes an inspector to examine weekly. The battery is often short of ammu nition and provisions. An ample supply of both should always bo kept on hand. The General wishes ten days' provisions for twelve hundred men kept constantly on hand at the post. He thinks it advisable that you should visit Morris Island at least once or twice each week, and directs that one of your staff-officers be sent there at least as often as every other night, to report on any irregularities he may observe.
The General advises the removal of the two 8-inch columbiads from the east face of Fort Sumter, to make room for traverses, and the placing there of the 7-inch Brooke gun from the northeast salient angle—the latter gun to be re placed by the 10-inch columbiad now next to it. A 42-pounder on the north-cast face, near another 10-inch columbiad, should bo removed to the Bee bat teries, so as to allow room for the protection from Morris Island fire by trav erses in rear of the two 10-inch columbiads already referred to. The 10-inch columbiad at the northwest salient should also be protected from the same direction by a traverse.
The two rifled 32-pounders now in casemates should be mounted at once on
the south face in place of two 24-pounders, which should be sent to the city for banding and rifling.
The mortars on the gorge should be lowered to the parades, the arches being too weak to withstand the shock of heavy charges; three only should be kept at Sumter, and the others not already disposed of (if any) should be sent to Battery Simkius or Sullivan's Island. The 8-iuch colurabiad removed from the northeast face he wishes sent to Batteries Bee or Fort Moultrie.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Jxo. F. O'BRIEN, Major, and A. A. G.
HEADQUARTERS, DEPARTMENT S. C., GA., AND FLA.,
CHARLESTON, S. C., August 4th, 1863. Brig.-Genl. E. S. EIPLEY, etc., etc.:
General, —The enemy have a picket, it appears, at night in the Marsh Battery Creek, at or near the battery, for the purpose of observing and reporting when our steamers are at Cummiugs's Point. The Commanding General desires to prevent this if possible, and thinks it may be best done by the navy—to which end he wishes you to see and, if possible, arrange with Captain Tucker for this service.
The mouths of all the creeks debouching in the cove between Morris Island and Shell Point (Battery Simkius) should be watchfully picketed at night, and, if practicable, the enemy's pickets just alluded to should be surprised and captured.
A boat picket thrown out from Legarc's Point, in the creek, might also bo effective. Respectfully, your obedient servant,
THOMAS JORDAN, Chief of Staff.
HEADQUARTERS, DEPARTMENT S. C., GA., AND FLA.,
CHARLESTON, S. C., August 6th, 1863. Brig.-Geul. R. S. RIPLEY, etc., etc.:
General, —After reading your letter of this date, touching the number of troops, etc., on Morris Island, the Commanding General is induced to say that he regards a force of one thousand men as quite sufficient. However, it will be but a proper precaution to be ready to throw there a larger force, in event of danger of assault.
Colonel Keith, in his report, regrets that he was unable to fire at the monitor
on the night of the instant, which had come within some one thousand or
twelve hundred yards of Battery Wagner. It is not the wish of the Command ing General that the 10-inch guns in that work should be hastily unmasked, at a range as distant as a thousand yards; it were best to reserve thorn for use against ironclads which may come as close as was done by the Ironsides recently. Please give the orders to insure rigid adherence to these views of the Com manding General. Respectfully, your obedient servant,
THOMAS JORDAN, Chief of Staff.
HEADQUARTERS, DEPARTMENT S. C., GA., AND FLA.,
CHARLESTON, S. C., August 8th, 1863. Brig.-Genl. K. S. EIPLEY, etc., etc.:
General, —The Commanding- General wishes you at once to organize day and night working-parties at Fort Suruter, to put up the sand-bag chemise of the gorge-wall, the interior traverses, merlons, and embrasures he has ordered; he desires that not an hour should be lost in executing those improvements, on which depends the safety of Sumter.
Lieutenant-Colonel Harris, Engineer, has been directed to construct a covered way between Batteries Gregg and Wagner, and the Commanding General wishes you to furnish him any facility in your power for its speedy completion. Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JNO. F. O'BRIEX, Major, and A. A. G.
HEADQUARTERS, DEPARTMENT S. C., GA., AND FLA.,
CHARLESTON, S. C., August 9th, 1863. Lieut.-Col. D. B. HARRIS, Chief-Engineer, etc., etc.:
Colonel, —I am instructed to communicate the following views and wishes of the Commanding General for your guidance.
The existing defensive lines on James Island, with a trace of seven miles, reaching from Fort Pembcrton to Seccssionvillc, as I always feared, are so de fective that it has become clearly injudicious to expend much more labor on them. You will, therefore, now that we can command labor, lay out and erect n shorter line, beginning at Secessionville and resting on the Stono at Dill's house—that is, about two miles and a half in extent—and which may at first be made up of four (4) redans, which should be converted into redoubts, or lunettes with closed gorges, disposed from one-half (i) to three-quarters of a mile apart, and connected with cremaiUcrc lines.
The first (1st) of these redans, from Secessionville, should be armed with three (3) guns; the second (2d) with four (4); the third (3d), on the Stono, with six (6) ; and the fourth (4th), also on the Stono, with four (4) guns—all of which will be transferred from the present lines, and from Fort Sumter or other forts, as they may bo best spared.
The two works on the Stono must be heavily armed, while the river should be obstructed to the utmost extent practicable with torpedoes, extending below the work, if practicable, a mile and a half.
The scarp-wall at Fort Sumter over the new gate-way will be supported in the way verbally indicated by the Commander of the forces.
Respectfully, your obdt. servt., THOMAS JORDAN, Chief of Staff.
HEADQUARTERS, DEPARTMENT S. C., GA., AND FLA.,
CHARLESTON, S. C., August 12th, 18G2. Brig.-Genl. R. S. RIPLEY, etc., etc.:
General, — The Commanding General desires that the expedition for the seizure of Black Island shall take place on the same night (Friday), when an effort will be made to put torpedoes afloat in Light-house Inlet. Colonel
Simontoii should confer with Major Elliott, who has charge of the torpedo operations.
As soon as possible it will be prudent to fill in the parade at Fort Sumter with sand, as precaution against the effect of shell on the ground as now standing.
A fire-engine and proper amount of hose, etc., should be procured from the city authorities to be kept in Fort Sumter.
It has been suggested that it were judicious to paint our guns and carriages on Morris Island and elsewhere a sand or neutral-tint color. This the Com manding General approves. Respectfully, your obedient servant,
THOMAS JORDAN, Chief of Staff.
HEADQUARTERS, DEPARTMENT S. C., GA., AND FLA.,
CHARLESTON, S. C., August Uth, 1863. Brig.-Genl. R. S. RIPLEY, etc., etc.:
General, —I am instructed to say that the two 32-pounder rifled pieces sent to Fort Johnson from Fort Sumter will be required for the new works on the new defensive line from Secessionville to the Stono. The 32-pounder (not rifled) now in Redoubt No. 1 will likewise be transferred to the same works.
The 10-inch columbiad directed yesterday to bo put in battery on Sullivan's Island, east or west of Fort Sumter, the Commanding General authorizes to be sent to the battery near the old tower on James Island, unless it shall have been transported as previously indicated.
The Engineers will be directed to prepare positions for two additional guns'at or near Fort Johnson, to bear on the harbor—that is, for a 10-inch columbiad and the 8-inch rifled piece which you report as nearly finished.
Lieutenant Vanzandt, naval ordnance officer, upon direct application to him, will, by Commodore Ingraham's instructions, afford assistance, with skilful hands, in putting down the circle for the treble-banded gun.
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
THOMAS JORDAN, Chief of Staff.
HEADQUARTERS, DEPARTMENT S. C., GA., AND FLA.,
CHARLESTON, S. C., August 15tlt, 18G3. His Excellency M. L. BONIIAM, Governor, etc., etc.:
Sir, —I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 12th inst. on yesterday, bringing again to my notice that the Sovereign Con vention of the State of South Carolina had, on the 8th of January, 1862, declared it to bo " the sense of the people of South Carolina, assembled in Convention, that Charleston should be defended at any cost of life or property ; and that, in their deliberate judgment, they would prefer a repulse of the enemy, with the entire city in ruins, to an evacuation or surrender on any terms whatever;'' and further, that you were informed that, the attention of my predecessors in com mand having been called to this subject by the Governor and Council, General Lee had directed "that Charleston should be defended to the last extremity,
and, if necessary, the figlit should be made from street to street and from house to house."
You arc entirely right in your belief that I propose to defend the city to the last extremity, in accordance with the patriotic wishes of the people of South Carolina and the instructions of my superiors.
I agree that non-combatants, as far as practicable, should be removed in time to avoid the possibility of any serious obstruction to or injurious effect on the defence by their presence, and trust that the proper authorities will be able to effect that desirable object j but I am unable to set any day after which sum mary measures, in my judgment, may be proper to secure the removal of all not useful in the defence.
At my instance, early in July the Mayor of the city, by proclamation, called on non-combatants to quit the city during the operations of the enemy for its reduction. Many left, but in a very few days began to return. I then took measures to prevent this by issuing an order to the railroads to refuse a return passage. The operation or effect was to overwhelm my office and engross pre cious time with the consideration of urgent applications for permission to re turn, until I was forced to withdraw virtually the interdict; and such have been the results of every previous effort to induce non-combatants to leave and re main out of the city, that I fear no effort to that end will be successful until it may be too late.
I will, however, bo happy to do what I can to assist the Commission, or other State or city authorities, in removing all who, by reason of age, sex, or infirmity, may be incapable of taking part in the defence of the city.
Respectfully, your obdt. servt., G. T. BEAUREGARD, Genl. Corndg.
HEADQUARTERS, DEPARTMENT S. C., GA., AND FLA.,
CHARLESTON, S. C., August IGth, 1803. Lieut.-Col. D. B. HARRIS, Chief-Engineer, etc., etc.:
Colonel, —I am instructed to direct the following work to be done by your department of the Staff:
To arrange the batteries at Fort Johnson, with platforms, etc., for two ad ditional 10-inch columbiads, in lieu of the 32-pounder rifled and two 32-pouudcr smooth-bores now there, but which will be transferred to the new advanced lines.
Prepare positions for platforms at once for three (3) 10-inch columbiads near the Martello Tower, James Island.
Place two platforms for 10-inch columbiads in Battery Glover.
Add a small redan for one or two guns in each interval between the large redan or lunettes of the newly ordered line to the Stono, and which subse quently will all be connected together by crcmalllcre lines, with openings properly arranged for the free passage of troops.
At the earliest day practicable the Commanding General desires his orders to be executed for the construction of covered ways between Batteries Gregg and Wagner, and from Fort Johnson to Battery Simkins.
It was observed by the Commanding General that the laborers appeared to
be too much crowded in the works inspected by him. This should be avoided as far as possible, and it may be -well to impose tasks.
Respectfully, your obdt. servt., THOMAS JORDAN, Chief of Staff.
HEADQUARTERS, DEPARTMENT S. C., GA., AND FLA.,
CHARLESTON, S. C., August IGth, 1863. Brig.-Geul. R. S. RIPLEY, Comdg. First Mil. Dist., Charleston, S. C.:
General, —As you were informed yesterday, it is the wish of the Commanding General that one of the mortars at Fort Sumter should be transferred with the utmost despatch to Battery Gregg; the other two he wishes, as soon as they cannot be used advantageously in Fort Suniter, to bo removed to Battery Haskell.
It, Avill be prudent to see that every gun not actually required for the defence of Fort Sumter, and the new relations of that work to the general defence of the harbor, shall be removed without loss of time ; some of them (heavy guns) should go to Castle Pinckney as soon as that work shall be properly strength ened by sand-bags. The other heavy and light pieces should be distributed, as already indicated, between the works ou Sullivan's and James islands ; some of the light guns to be transferred to the city.
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
THOMAS JORDAN, Chief of Staff.
HEADQUARTERS, DEPARTMENT S. C., GA., AND FLA.,
CHARLESTON, S. C., August 17th, 1883. Brig.-Geul. R. S. RIPLEY, Comdg. First Mil. Dist., S. C., Charleston, S. C.:
General, —Order the long-range guns in Battery Haskell to open at once on enemy's works on Morris Island, especially his battery of heavy guns used against Fort Sumter. Respectfully, your obedient servant,
THOMAS JORDAN, Chief of Staff.
HEADQUARTERS, DEPARTMENT S. C., GA., AND FLA.,
CHARLESTON, S. C., August 17th, 1863. Brig.-Genl. R. S. RIPLEY, Comdg. First Mil. Dist., S. C., Charleston, S. C.:
General, —All the heavy guns that have been disabled in Fort Sumter to-day, by being dismounted, the Commanding General wishes you to have removed without delay to other works—that is, to Sullivan's Island and to Fort Johnson.
Respectfully-, your obedient servant,
THOMAS JORDAN, Chief of Staff.
HEADQUARTERS, DEPARTMENT S. C., GA., AND FLA.,
CHARLESTON, S. C., August 18th, 1863. Brig.-Genl. R. S. RIPLEY, Comdg. First Mil. Dist., S. C., Charleston, S. C.:
General, —Lieutenant-Colonel Kemper, it appears, is confined to the command of the light artillery under General Hagood. The Commanding General pre fers that he should, as an assistant to the Chief of Artillery, have the command
of all the light artillery on James Island, and be responsible for its discipline and efficiency. Please give the necessary orders to that end.
Major Elliott "will also be ordered to report to Brigadier-General Taliaferro for assignment to command of sneli heavy artillery as may be without proper commander.
The south end of the quarters at Fort Monltrie next to the guns should be torn array and removed without delay, otherwise the battery may be made un tenable.
The Chief-Engineer will be instructed to examine Fort Monltrie, to determine what additional traverses shall be constructed in that work. The Commanding General is convinced one well-protected gun is worth ten exposed to a Hank fire, and is keenly solicitous that all should be done to guard against such an event. Therefore it will be necessary to remove some guns, probably, to make room for the traverses which the Chief-Engineer may wish to throw up. In that event no time must be lost in taking the guns down when the Engineers are ready to do the work. Colonel Butler should be instructed to confer with Colonel Harris touching the guns to be displaced.
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
THOMAS JORDAN, Chief of Staff.
HEADQUARTERS, DEPARTMENT S. C., GA., AND FLA.,
CHARLESTON, S. C., August 18th, 1863. Lient.-Col. D. B. HARRIS, Chf.-Eug. Dept. S. C., Ga., and Fla., Charleston, S. C.:
Colonel,— The Commanding General directs that you will repair to Fort Sum-ter as soon as practicable, to examine the damage done that work, and to rec ommend such repairs as are deemed advisable. You will also determine with Colonel Rhett what heavy guns should be transferred from Fort Sumter to the batteries at Fort Johnson and near the Martello Tower. These guns are to be removed to-night, if possible.
The General further directs that you will select a competent officer of your corps to inspect Captain Gray's torpedoes which are already made and ready for use.
You will also cause additional torpedoes to be placed in the Ashley River, and the mouths of Dill's Creek and Wappoo Cut, if the steamers to be used for this purpose are not indispensable for the supply of the troops on James Island.
Further, the General directs that you will close the opening through the rope obstructions near Fort Sumter, if practicable, and have a new opening made near Moultrie. The houses near the batteries on James Island must be torn down.
In conclusion, the General directs that you will construct two more sunken positions for heavy guns, near the Martello Tower (making five there in all), and also a work at the old mortar battery near Mount Pleasant, to cover Hog Island Channel, the inner harbor, and the bridge to Sullivan's Island.
Lieutenant G. Young will be ordered to report to you to take charge of the harbor torpedoes, in addition to his other duties.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
CLIFTON II. SMITH, A. A. G.
HEADQUARTERS, DEPARTMENT S. C., GA., AND FLA.,
CHARLESTON, S. C., August Wtli, 1863. Lieut.-Col. D. B. HARRIS, Chf.-Eng., Dept. S. C., Ga., and Fla., Charleston, S. C.:
Colonel, —Castle Pinckney must now be put in a condition, as soon as prac ticable, to become an effective part of tbe interior lines; to which end all labor and filled sand-bags and otber material should be diverted from Fort Sumter that cannot be applied there (evidently to prolong its defence to any material extent), aud used for traverses aud a protection to the scarp-wall of the former work.
Fort Moultrie should bo supplied amply with empty sand-bags, for the building of traverses, now and hereafter.
The covered \vay between Fort Moultrie and Battery Beauregard must be put in effective condition as soon as practicable.
Construct a battery for two 10-inch columbiads near the new wharf oil James Island.
Three platforms for columbiads will be sufficient for the present in the bat tery near the Martello Tower, aud the same number at the battery ordered near the wharf at Fort Johnson.
Have as many torpedoes prepared as possible to be set afloat, should the enemy force his way iuto the harbor.
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
THOMAS JORDAN, Chief of Staff.
HEADQUARTERS, DEPARTMENT S. C., GA., AND FLA.,
CHARLESTON, S. C. August 20th, 1883. Brig.-Genl. R. S. RIPLEY, Comdg. First Mil. Disk, etc., etc.:
General, —Please bo particular to see that as many shot-guns, with buck-shot ammunition, shall be sent to Battery Wagner without fail, to be held in readi ness for an attempt to storm the place.
The Commanding General wishes every effort made to keep the batteries on Morris Island supplied with proper ammunition.
Has a new columbiad carriage been sent to Batter} 7 Gregg? Order Colonel Butler, by telegraph, to confer with Colonel Gilmer, Chief-Engineer, C. S. A., and Lieutenant-Colonel Harris, Chief-Engineer Department, now on Sullivan's Island, in order to determine what 8 or 10-inch colnmbiads can best be removed from any Sullivan's Island work to the new battery to be established at Mount Pleasant.
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
THOMAS JORDAN, Chief of Staff.
HEADQUARTERS, DEPARTMENT S. C., GA., AND FLA.,
CHARLESTON, S. C., August 21st, 18G3. Brig.-Gcnl. R. S. RIPLEY, Comdg. First Mil. Disk, etc., etc.:
General, —The Commanding General desires you to order, by telegraph, Colonel Rhett, at once, to protect, by all possible means (and thoroughly), the extreme gun on the right of the east and northeast faces; also to remove the
next gun in each case, and place instead a heavy sand-traverse, and so on, suc cessively, to the left, so as to have au effective traverse alternating with the guns. Respectfully, your obedient servant,
THOMAS JORDAN, Chief of Staff.
HEADQUARTERS, DEPARTMENT S. C., GA., AND FLA.,
CHARLESTON, S. C., August 21st, 1863. Brig.-Genl. R. S. RIPLEY, Comdg. First Mil. Dist., etc., etc.:
General, —Henceforth the Commanding General directs that only the best troops be sent to Morris Island, twelve hours' notice being given them, iu order that they may prepare provisions, etc. The General directs me to communi cate the following for your information.
The Engineers have been instructed to protect Battery Beauregard, by effi cient traverses, from a reverse lire from Cummings's Point, in case the latter place should fall into the hands of the enemy. They have also been directed to prepare new batteries near Fort Johnson for the guns and mortars of Battery Simkins, if rendered untenable, and to at once close up the opening in rope obstructions near Fort Sumtcr, reopening one near Moultrie.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JNO. F. O'BRIEN, Major, and A. A. G.
SUMTER, August IGth : 8 r. M.
Extracts from Colonel RhetCs Journal of the Defence of Fort Sumtcr. Forty-eight shot fired this afternoon ; four passed over, ten struck inside, and ten struck outside; two shot struck parapet above tcrrc-plcin; one passed through—the other a bulging shot. The pintle of one 24-pounder has been loosened by a shot on outside below terre-plein.
ALFRED EIIETT, Col. Corndg.
SUMTER, August 17th : 7.30 A. M.
The enemy opened with a 200-pouuder from this side of Graham's House, and another gun, I suppose a 100-pounder. From two 200-pounders under the hill also. They have hammered the fort a good deal, and the trunnion of a rifled 32-poundcr has been knocked off. The Ironsides and two monitors are backing in. ALFRED RIIETT, Col. Comdg.
SUMTER, August 17th: 12.50 p. M.
Do send "Wragg down. Doctor Moore is sick. We have stopped firing. The Ironsides and monitors have drawn off. The upper batteries have slackened fire. Six hundred and tw r elve shot and shell have struck and passed over us. One man—Company F—slightly wounded since last report. All the guns, except one 8-inch and one 10-inch gun on northwest front, disabled.
ALFRED RIIETT, Col. Comdg.
SUMTER, August 18th.
* * * From 5 A. M., August 17th, to 5 A. M., August 18th, 948 shot and shell were fired, 445 of which struck outside, 223 inside, and 270 passed over. The
western magazine lias been traversed to a thickness of ten feet, and in height equal to first story. The second floor of eastern magazine has been covered with four feet of sand, and the same floor of the western with eighteen inches. One 32-pounder had trunnions shot away on northwest face, two 10-inch colum-biads, one 9-inch Dalilgren, one 8-iuch columbiad, and two 42-pounders were disabled; the two latter guns were taken to the parade to be shipped. The casualties for the day were one killed and seventeen wounded.
ALFRED RIIETT, Col. Comdg.
SUMTER, August 18th : 9 P. M.
The enemy again opened fire heavily at daylight. All the guns on the gorge have been disabled, except two 32-pouuders, rifled, and one 24-poumler. Both guns on west face have been disabled. All the guns on northwest face un serviceable. Two 10-inch guns, Captain Harleston's battery, disabled. Brooke gun, southwest angle, carriage disabled. The enemy ceased fire at about 7 P. M.; 785 shells have been fired: 317 inside, 189 over. Casualties: Stewart, coxswain, seriously; Corporal Bennett, Company B, slightly. The wall of northwest face I think more seriously damaged, perhaps, than gorge-wall. The gorge-wall seriously damaged; will probably be breached to-morrow.
ALFRED RIIETT, Col. Comdg.
SUMTER, August 19th: 12.10 p. M.
The width of twenty feet of the gorge-wall has fallen, and two-thirds will probably be down to-morrow, and light is showing through three or four of the casemates of gorge-wall. One mortar dismounted, and bed torn and broken. Seven casemates on west face are shattered, three pieces [piers] shot away, and three more shattered on second tier; the same for first tier. A good part of terre-pldn has fallen in. One killed and four wounded; 762 shots to-day : 398 struck outside, 236 inside, and 128 over.
ALFRED RIIETT, Col. Comdg.
ER, August Wth: 9.50. We need all the garrison we have to hold the fort, and are short of officers. The firing this morning is the heaviest, and the walls are seriously damaged. One killed and four wounded this morning. All gorge guns useless. Middleton went to town last night.
ALFRED RIIETT, Col. Comdg.
SUMTER, August 20/A. Extract from Journal Kept at Post.
The enemy kept np to-day on Fort Sumter a heavy and continuous fire, in creasing perceptibly towards the afternoon; 879 projectiles were thrown: 408 struck outside, 296 inside, and 175 over. The greater portion of the gorge-wall has fallen, the debris from the upper revetting, in a manner, the lower rooms. The northwest terre-plein has also in a great degree fallen in, and the wall has been breached in several places. Some large holes have been made in the northwest scarp-wall by reverse firing to-day; six upper and three lower
APPENDIX TO CHAPTER XXXII.
embrasures shattered. East scarp-wall damaged very slightly. Southeast pan-coupe battered under traverse, ami one-half of the parapet in its front has fallen. East magazine reinforce stone-work slightly damaged, and now covered by rubbish from upper part, which is half gone.
The worst effect to-day is, that some seven feet of arch, and rampart for length of thirty feet along east half of gorge, have been demolished. The following engineer work was done at Sumter, viz., hospital traverse completed, strength ened re vet emeu t to west magazine, threw over traverse from gorge-wall, started traverse in rear of three-gun battery, and packed four rooms east of gorge with sand.
One heavy 10-inch columbiad on east face, and one rifled 42-pouuder north east face, were disabled. The flagstaff is also disabled, and flag twice shot away during the day: 9000 pounds of powder and quantities of shot and shell, implements, etc., 120 barrels pork, and 75 barrels flour were shipped from the fort.
One negro died from disease of the heart. Captain Gaillard and Private Donnelly, Company K, slightly wounded.
ALFRED EIIETT, Col. Comdg.
SUMTER, August 2Ist, 18G3: 8.45 P. M.
The firing ceased at 7 P. M. It has been very heavy all day. Since 5 A. M.
923 shots Averc fired: 445 struck outside, 259 inside, 219 passed over. The
eastern face has been pretty well battered. One 10-inch columbiad, and
— 8-inch columbiads, east face, and two rifled 42-pounders, northeast face,
were disabled; seven serviceable guns are now on parapet.
Private Thomas Powers, Company B, wounded severely ; leg amputated above knee. Privates II. Robinson and William Dumphrics, Company H, slightly; Corporal O'Xeill and Private Goggins, Company R, slightly. Two negroes—Daniel, slave of Mr. Purvis, and Isaac, slave of Marmins—danger ously wounded. Flagstaff shot down four times.
ALFRED RIIETT, Col. Comdg.
SUMTER, August 23. Record of Shots Fired at Fort Sumter, from August 16th to 23rf, 1863.
ALFRED RIIETT, Col. Comdg.
HEADQUARTERS, DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, MORRIS ISLAND, S. C.,
August 22d, 1663: 9 r. M. Geul. G. T. BEAUREGARD, Comdg. Confederate Forces, Charleston, S. C.:
Sir,— I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of this date, complaining that one of my Latteries has opened upon the City of Charleston, and thrown "a number of heavy rifled shells into the city, the inhabitants of which, of course, were asleep and unwarned.'''
My letter to you demanding the surrender of Fort Sumter and Morris Island, and threatening, in default thereof, to open fire upon Charleston, was delivered near Fort Wagner at 11.15 o'clock A. M. on the 21st instant, and should have arrived, at your headquarters in time to have permitted your answer to reach mo within the limit assigned—viz., four hours. The fact that you were absent from your headquarters at the time of its arrival may be regarded as an un fortunate circumstance for the City of Charleston, but is one for which I clearly am not responsible. This letter bore date at my headquarters, and was officially delivered by an officer of my staff.
The inadvertent omission of my signature doubtless affords ground for special pleading, but it is not the argument of a commander solicitous only for the safety of sleeping women and children and unarmed men. Your threats of retaliation for acts of mine, which you do not allege to be in violation of the usages of civilized warfare, except as regards the length of time allowed as notice of my intentions, are passed by without comment. I will, however, call your attention to the well-established principle, that the commander of a place attacked, but not invested, having its avenues of escape open and practicable, has no right to expect any notice of an intended bombardment other than that which is given by the threatening attitude of his adversary. Even had this letter not been written, the City of Charleston has had, according to your own computation, forty days' notice of her danger.
During that time my attack on her defences has steadily progressed; the ultimate object of that attack has at no time been doubtful. If, under the cir cumstances, the life of a single non-combatant is exposed to peril by the bom bardment of the city, the responsibility rests with those who have first failed to remove the non-combatants or secure the safety of the city, after having held control of all its approaches for a period of nearly two years and a half, in the presence of a threatening force, and who afterwards refused, to accept terms upon which the bombardment might have been postponed.
From various sources, official and otherwise, I am led to believe that most of the women and children of Charleston w r ere long since removed from the city ; but, upon your assurance that the city is still "full" of them, I shall suspend the bombardment until 11 o'clock r. M. to-morrow, thus giving you two days from the time you acknowledge to have received my communication of the
21st instant.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Q. A. GILLMORE, Brig.-Genl. Comdg.
APPENDIX TO CHAPTER XXXIII.
HEADQUARTERS, DEPARTMENT S. C., GA., AND FLA.,
CHARLESTON, S. C., August 24///, 1863. Commander J. R. TUCKER, Flag-officer, etc., Charleston, S. C.:
Sir, —The condition of Fort Sumter—its inability to offer further substantial reply with heavy ordnance to the enemy's fleet—makes it in. place for me to acquaint you formally with the fact, and to ask you to take up a position with the three ironclad vessels under your command between Batteries Bee and other works on Sullivan's Island and Fort Sumter, for the purpose of assisting in protecting the latter, and in preventing the United States ironclads from passing into the harbor. It is believed you can take such a position under Fort Sumter as would shelter you from a Hank lire from enemy's land batteries. Respectfully, your obdt. servt., G. T. BEAURECARD, Geiil. Comdg.
General Bcaiiregard's Indorsement on Colonels Gilmcr and Harris's Report of the Condition of Sumter on the 24th of August, 1863.
HEADQUARTERS, DEPARTMENT S. C., GA., AND FLA.,
CHARLESTON, S. C., August 26//>, 1863.
The opinion of Colonel Gilmer and Lieutenant-Colonel Harris, of the Engi neers, is approved. Fort Sumter must be held to the last extremity—?'. c., not surrendered until it becomes impossible to hold it longer without an unneces sary sacrifice of human life. Evacuation of the fort must not be contemplated an instant without positive orders from these Headquarters.
G. T. BEAUREGARD, Genl. Comdg.
SUMTER, August 24//<, 1863. Extract from Journal Kept at Post.
During the day our batteries more or less engaged those of the enemy. At 9 A. M. there \vere seventeen vessels off bar, including Ironsides and four monitors; 150 shot and shell fired at fort to-day: 112 struck outside, 14 inside, and 24 missed. One 11-inch Dahlgrcn, east face, the only gun serviceable. Fire of enemy to-day principally on southeast pan-coupe and east scarp. The former had its lower casemates and embrasures breached, the latter a large displace ment along its entire length, with one or two penetrations in lower case mates. During the night working-parties were employed filling with sand bags four penetrations at lower embrasures on southeast pan-coupe and east scarp, also strengthening west magazines and repairing traverses on east barbette. Eleven thousand pounds of powder removed from east to west mag azine. No casualties to-day in the fort. ALFRED RIIETT, Col. Comdg.
SUMTER, August 26th, 1863. Extract from Journal Kept at Post.
No great increase of damage outside or inside the fort to-day. One hundred and thirty shots fired. No casualties. ALFRED RIIETT, Col. Comdg.
SUMTER, August 25M, 1883. Extract from Journal Kept at Post.
August 25M.—One liundrcd and seventy-five shot and shell fired at fort to day: 62 struck outside, 36 inside, 77 missed. Fire to-day more destructive inside than out. Northeast casemates more or less damaged by reverse fire. East magazines uninjured. The shock of the 10-inch Parrott shell is very great. Engineer work in interior rapidly proceeded ; 12,000 pounds of powder, 5 boxes of port-fire, 7200 priming-tubes, 1 box paper-fuses, assorted, 50 Brooke bolts, 50 10-inch solid shot, 50 10-inch shell, 20 rifle shell, about 50 damaged muskets, sponges, rammers, and iron hand-spikes shipped on steamer Spaulding. Companies C and F left fort last night for duty with Lieutenant-Colonel Yates, at Fort Johnson. They were replaced by 150 men, of two reserved regiments, of Colquitt's brigades, under command of Captain G. "W. Whartheu. No cas ualties. Land-batteries commenced firing at 6 A. M., firing slowly.
A. RIIETT, Col. Couulg.
SUMTER, August 27tit, 1803. Extract from Journal Kepi at Post.
August 26th. —The entire day 130 shot and shell were fired at fort: 45 struck outside, 45 inside, and 40 missed. Fire to-day slack and inaccurate; damage not very perceptible. Most of the holes stopped on the outside are undis turbed, and but one or two new ones made on east scarp, southeast pan-coupe, and east magazine. * * * A large quantity of 10-inch mortar shells was shipped during night. Garrison at work all night. No casualties to-day. Em brasures to casemates being bricked up.
A. RIIETT, Col. Comdg.
HEADQUARTERS, DEPARTMENT S. C., GA., AND FLA.,
CHARLESTON, S. C., August 27//t, 1863. Brig.-Genl. R. S. RIPLKY, Comdg. First Mil. Dist., etc., etc.:
General, —The Commanding General directs me to say that the commanding officer at Fort Sumter must be instructed that the position shall be held and defended to the last extremity, and not surrendered until it cannot be longer held without an unnecessary sacrifice of life. It will onl\- be evacuated under explicit orders from these Headquarters.
Remove all powder except two hundred (200) rounds for each of, say, three guns, which it is hoped may be mounted and kept serviceable. No efforts should be spared to remove as many projectiles as possible of the most valu able sort.
As previously directed, the number of negroes must likewise be reduced as much as may be compatible with the labor to be done, to insure our holding the position.
A four weeks' supply of provisions, for the garrison and employe's, should bo placed in store in the fort.
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
THOMAS JORDAN, Chief of Staff. IL—32
SUMTER, August 28/A. Extract from Journal Kept at Post.
August 21 7/i.— * Working parties finished heavy traverse ovcr42-pounder rifle gun, east barbette battery ; repaired others on same. Discharged steamer Etiwan, bringing five hundred bags of sand from Sullivan's Island.
About four hundred 10-inch shot and shell, one parapet gin, one lot sabots, tin straps, brass fuses, blocks, one box bridge-sights, six boxes 9-iuch Dahlgren shell, one 9-inch Dahlgren gun, one lot axles, v. heels, etc., for columbiad car riage, one lot of elevating-screws, -were shipped at 4.30 A.M. by steamer Etiwan.
The 9-inch Dahlgren mentioned above and 10-inch columbiad on northwest pan-coupe thrown over the parapet during the night by Mr. Fraser Mathews. Completed bricking up of casemates, embrasures, lower tier. Garrison at work all day and night. Xo casualties.
ALFRED RIIETT, Col. Comdg.
SUMTER, August 29th, 1863.
L.itraci from Journal Kept at Post.
August 23th. —The entire day six shots were fired: three struck outside, and three missed.
Xo increase of damage to works.
Working parties during night completed traverse on parade at entrance to magazine and hospital, southwest angle: also repairs and improvements to east barbette battery.
By steamer Etiwan were shipped the following ordnance stores: four hun dred 10-inch mortar shell, fifteen hundred paper fuses, one box of taps of brass fuse-plugs, three damaged muskets, two elevating-screws, six boxes mortar-fuses, eighteen 8-inch columbiad incendiary shells, three 9-inch Dahlgren shells, prepared, three hundred pounds lead, one 10-inch columbiad, one sponge, eight boxes canister, one box implements, fuse extractors, etc., fragments of gin-legs, one box of fuse-pings.
Mr. Fraser Mathews threw the 9-inch Dahlgrcu on southwest face over the parapet. Disabled in fall. Garrison worked day and night. No casualties.
ALFRED KIIETT, Col. Comdg.
HEADQUARTERS, DEPARTMENT S. C., GA., AND FLA.,
CHARLESTON, S. C., August 29llt, 18G3. J/ieut-.-Col. J. II. WADDY, Chf. Ord, Dept. S. C., Ga,, and Fla., Charleston, S. C.:
Colonel, — The Commanding General directs that the 10-inch columbiad brought np last night from Fort Sumter, and now on Commercial Wharf, bo sent to Battery Warnpler (between Martello Tower and Battery Glover). He also wishes you to see Commodore Ingraham, and offer him the 9-inch Dahlgren, brought np at the same time, for the use of the new gunboat, informing him of the accident which befell the piece in removing it from the fort.
Your attention is respectfully called to the fact that there are no howitzer shells at Battery Wagner. That these should be supplied as speedily as possible
is a matter of inucli moment, and the Commanding General directs that you make every possible effort to procure them forthwith.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JNO. F. O'BRIEN, Miljor, and A. A. G.
P. S.—Captain F. D. Lee has been directed to turn over to you the iron you requested. J. F. O'B.
SUMTER, August 30/fr, 1833. Extract from Journal Kept at Post.
Two 10-inch guns on east face have been disabled by fire to-day. I will throw them off as soon as it is dark. The only gun now left is the 11-inch gun.
ALFRED RHETT, Col. Comdg.
SUMTER, August 30tft. Extract from Journal Kept at Post.
The enemy opened fire to-day at 6.15 A. M. Damage to fort very great. One 10-inch columbiad muzzle shot off, and two disabled, leaving one gun in bar bette serviceable; 11-inch Dahlgreu gun on parapet badly shattered ; traverse badly cut up; three breaches on cast face, exposing sand fully. Three arches of rampart, on southeast face, fallen in on casemate containing commissary stores; one shot penetrated through the gorge-wall. Sergeant Shaffer and three men wounded. A. KIIETT, Col. Comdg.
SUMTER, August 30/A, 1863. Extract from Journal Kept at Post.
August 29///.—There was no firing to-day. Company D left for Charleston, and a detachment of 27th Georgia Volunteers, fifty men, under Captain Bussy, arrived here. There are ready for shipment four hundred 10-inch mortar shell, ammunition chests, wheels, etc. One Brooke gun and one 42-pounder, rilled, were thrown over rampart. Former shipped last night. Garrison worked all day.
August 30th. —Firing began at 5 A.M., very rapidly. Casualties: Sergeant Shaffer, Company II, Private Lagnire, Company B, 1st South Carolina Artillery; Private Van, Company A, 27th Georgia, slightly. Working parties engaged on second tier passage, traverse at west magazine, filling mess-room, and pro tecting from reverse fire of monitors; also filling hole on gorge, and aiding to dismount guns. An hour was lost by separating and sending away 61 hands; present force, 110. A. RIIETT, Col. Comdg.
HEADQUARTERS, DEPARTMENT S. C., GA., AXD FLA.,
CHARLESTON, S. C., August 30//<, 1863. Brig.-Genl. R. S. RIPLEV, Comdg. First Mil. Dist., Charleston, S. C.:
General, —In consequence of the revelations of the United States gunboat Ottawa's mail-bag it behooves us to be on the alert, and to be prepared for an other such attempt as that which was made by Admiral Dahlgreu on the 26th inst. (Wednesday night) to "pass the obstructions" and force his way into this harbor. The Commanding General has addressed Flag-officer Tucker on tho subject, and he also desires you to see and arrange with that officer for a guard-boat (Juno, if possible), which shall be so placed at night as to secure timely
information of an advance of the enemy. He thinks that vessels prepared with light wood or resin should likewise bo moored ut proper points at night, to bo set on tire and light up the harbor.
All the batteries on either side of the channel should be placed in condition, and held ready for immediate service. He further wishes those guns (10-inch and the Brooke piece) for Battery Wampler placed in condition for service with the utmost despatch, and supplied with the requisite ammunition. Opportunely forewarned, we must be forearmed and prepared at all points.
Respectfully, your obdt. servt., THOMAS JORDAN, Chief of Staff.
SUMTEit, August '31st. Extract from Journal Kept at Post.
August 30//J.—The entire day C34 shot and shell were fired at this post: 322 struck outside, 168 inside, 144 missed. Shipped by steamer Etiwan large amount of ordnance stores. Garrison worked part of night. Casualties: Private A. E. Woolright, Company C, 23th Georgia Volunteers, and F. "Ward, Company C, 28th Georgia Volunteers. Damage to fort most apparent inside. On east barbette battery two 10-inch Columbians, serviceable up to-day, had car riages broken ; one 10-inch columbiad muzzle shot off and dismounted. Parapet all shaky, and partially demolished; traverse badly cut up: three arches, with ramparts on northeast front, cut away and tumbled in, burying some commis sary stores; east scarp, near southeast pan-coupe, has large blocks knocked away from face of second tier of casemate arches, exposing segment of arch. One hundred men at work last night; repaired traverse on cither side 11-inch gun ; two 10-inch columbiads thrown over rampart.
August 31st: 2.30 A. M. —Fort Monltrie fired on steamer Sumtcr by mistake; sent out barges forthwith from fort and gunboats, and saved COO officers and men, 20th South Carolina Volunteers and 23d Georgia Volunteers.
A. RIIETT, Col. Comtlg.
HEADQUARTERS, DEPARTMENT S. C., GA., AND FLA.,
CHARLESTON, S. C., August 31*f, 1863. Lieutenant-Colonel 1). B. HARRIS, Chief-Engineer, Department S. C.. Ga,, and
Fla,, Charleston, S. C.:
Colonel, —The Commanding General directs that to-night you place a large number of torpedoes in front of the obstructions between Forts Sumter and Moultric, principally from first works to half way across. You Avill also, as soon as practicable, place additional torpedoes in Hog Island Channel, towards Sulli van's Island Point; in Folly Island Channel, and in the Middle Channel east of Pinckney. Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JOHN F. O'BRIEN, Major, and A. A. G.
HEADQUARTERS, DEPARTMENT S. C., GA., AND FLA.,
CHARLESTON, S. C., August Slut, 1863. Brig.-Gcnl. R. S. RIPLEY, Comdg. First Mil. Dist., Charleston, S. C.:
General, —The Commanding General directs me to communicate his wishes as follows:
1st. A list of (he guns removed from Fort Suniter to other works since tlie 7th of April to date, and one of all guns that have burst, or been otherwise permanently disabled.
2d. That Castle Pinckney and Fort Ripley be well provisioned and supplied with ammunition, and that the orders heretofore issued relative to the provi sioning and ammunitioning of Morris, James, and Sullivan's islands, and Christ Church Parish, if not already complied with, shall be at once executed.
3d. That you direct Colonel Rhett to use his sharp-shooters freel3 T , in case of a night attempt on part of the enemy to destroy our rope obstructions; to this end he should have some of the best rifles and riflemen.
4th. As soon as the new harbor batteries on James Island west of Fort Johnson are furnished with guns they are to be supplied with ammunition, and manned.
5th. All harbor batteries must bo kept prepared to open lire any night, at a moment's notice, nutil further orders.
Gth. That as soon as the remaining guns of Sumtcr are dismounted or ren dered unserviceable the artillery company now there must be relieved by a company of infantry.
7th. That the carriages and chassis for heavy guns be removed from Sumter as soon and rapidly as practicable.
8th. That while active operations are going on you furnish a weekly report of operations in your district to these Headquarters.
I have the honor to be, General, very respectfully, your obdt. servt.,
JNO. F. O'BRIEN, Major, and A. A. G.
HEADQUARTERS, DEPARTMENT S. C., GA., AND FLA.,
CHARLESTON, S. C., August 31st, 18G3. Flag-officer J. R. TUCKER, Commanding Confederate States Naval Forces afloat,
Charleston Harbor, S. C.:
Sir, —Your two letters of this date have been received, and I hasten to say that it is my wish to turn over to you the torpedo-ram steamer, for any purpose or service for which you may regard it as suitable or available at this juncture, and until it may be found convenient and judicious to mail and arrange her as originally designed.
General Ripley will be directed to make all practicable arrangements in ac cordance with your views conveyed in your letter relative to your inability to furnish further aid in keeping up communications with Morris Island.
Respectfully, your obdt. servt., G. T. BEAUREGARD, Genl. Comdg.
HEADQUARTERS, DEPARTMENT S. C., GA., AND FLA.,
CHARLESTON, S. C., August '31st, 18G3. Brig.-Genl. R. S. RIPLEY, Comdg. First Mil. Dist., Charleston, S. C.:
General, —The Commanding General directs that the mortar at Battery Gregg bo taken to-night to Battery Wagner, and there put in position.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JNO. F. O'BRIEN, Major, and A. A. G.
SUMTER, Sept. 1st, 1863. Extract from Journal Kept at Post.
August 3I.s'f.—-The entire day 56 shot and shell were fired at the fort: 34 struck outside, 5 inside, and 17 missed. Night force engaged in securing upper west magazine passage and casemate arches over hospital.
20th South Carolina Volunteers, 23d Georgia Volunteers, and Captain Math-ews's company of artillery left for Sullivan's Island by Chesterfield at 8 p. M. No casualitics. A. RIIETT, Col. Comdg.
SUMTER, Sent. 1st: 12.40 A. M. I have got the men under cover all night.
A. RIIETT, Col. Comdg.
SUMTER, Sept. 1st: 2 r. M.
The entire terrc-pkln on the northeast face, except the two casemates having commissary stores, have fallen in ; two shots have gone into the commissary stores. ALFRED RHETT, Col. Comdg.
SUMTER, Sept. Int.
The effect of fire to-day very heavy. Three hundred and sixty-one shot fired : 1GG outside, 75 inside, 120 over. Two shells struck in commissary stores, on the southeast face of the outside wall. Pan-coupe and next two arches have fallen. The rest of the wall is badly scaled, and in all probability will come down to morrow as low as the first tier of casemates. We have not a gun en barbette that can be fired. Only one gun in casemate. A. RIIETT, Col. Comdg.
HEADQUARTERS, DEPARTMENT S. C., GA., AND FLA.,
CHARLESTON, S. C., Sept. 1st, 1863. Jxo. S. MCDANIEL, Kingstrcc, S. C.:
Sir, —I regret that you have found planters so ready with excuses for not furnishing labor to defend Charleston. May God grant that, in seeking to avoid furnishing a fourth of their labor at this momentous juncture, they do not materially contribute to the loss of the whole.
If unable to find road commissioners who will loyally assist yon in your duties, call on the planters to give you, in good faith, a list of their able-bodied male negroes between ages of eighteen and forty-live, and also a statement of what amount of labor they have severally furnished on the works in South Carolina. Every man in the district must be required to send one-fourth, in cluding that already furnished. Should you find, after trial, that this does not work, take one-fourth, irrespective of former contributions, except from those who voluntarily furnished labor at my call last February and March.
Working on railroads cannot be taken as ground of exemption.
Negroes found in your district—refugees—of course must faro the same with others. Send back all negroes who have run away from the works.
I repeat as far as practicable impress the slaves of those who hitherto havo not furnished labor. Respectfully, your obedient servant,
THOMAS JORDAN, Chief of Staff.
SUMTER, Sept. 2cl Extract from Journal Kept at Post.
September 1st. —The entire day 382 shot and shell fired at fort: 1GG struck outside, 95 inside, 121 missed.
At 11.40 P. M. six monitors and the Ironsides moved tip and commenced shell ing the fort. One hundred and eighty-five shot were fired, until 5 o'clock A. M. : 110 struck outside, 35 inside, 34 over. * * * Ordnance stores shipped by Ethcan. * * * Damage very great by day and night fire. On northeast face entire terre-pk'iii has fallen in, except next northeast pan-coupe. Two shells burst in com missary stores. * * * Since monitor fire last night every casemate, upper and lower, has been more or less breached, in most of them exposing sand-bags. Three shells exploded in immediate proximity to Avestern magazine, two so near to outer door of lower magazine passage, that, had the door been open, most serious consequences would have ensued. The third struck and brought up in sand-bag traverse at passage into hospital magazine; would otherwise have gone into hospital passage used for guard-room. Slightly wounded: Privates Foshu, Colonel Khett's orderly; Brown, Company C; and Alexander, Company II, 27th Georgia Volunteers. A. RIIETT, Col. Comdg.
HEADQUARTERS, DEPARTMENT S. C., GA., AND FLA.,
CHARLESTON, S. C., Sept. 2d, 1803. Brig.-Gcnl. R, S. EIPLEY, Comdg. First Mil. Dist., Charleston, S. C.:
General, —It has been brought to the knowledge of the Commanding General, as a positive fact, that the supply of powder and the means of making powder have been diminished to a degree which makes it necessary to use the utmost economy in the expenditure of powder. I am therefore instructed to acquaint you.with the state of the case, and to request you to give such instructions as will effectually prevent any waste. The batteries on Sullivan's Island last night, it is believed, threw away almost every pound of powder and iron discharged.
The fire of the enemy, mainly directed at Fort Sumtcr, was on their side an evident waste of ammunition and a useless expenditure of strength of the ord nance employed—that is, just such an employment of his formidable means of offence as we should desire. The batteries on Sullivan's Island will therefore be placed under such restrictions as shall effectually prevent them hereafter from firing at the ironclads at a range beyond that at which the Kcokuk was perforated, on the 7th of April, 1863.
It is the wish of the Commanding General that battery commanders shall be made to understand distinctly what is expected in this matter.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
THOMAS JOIIDAX, Chief of Staff.
SUMTER, Sept. 3d. Extract from Journal Kept at Post.
Sept-eniber %d. —Thirty-eight shots fired at fort this day: 12 struck outside, 9 in side, and 17 missed. * * * No material damage. One shot penetrated scarp-wall,
opening daylight into magazine in southeast pan-coupe. Negroes worked all day repairing previous damage, and strengthening west magazine. :!: * * Garri son worked all day. Casemates on east face filled with sand-bags. Lieutenant John Johnson, Engineer officer, was relieved from duty at this post on account of aggravated condition of wound, and Lieutenant Hall, Engineer officer, re ported for duty in his stead. Mr. William Mathews was also sent down to assist the latter. Mr. Eraser Mathews came last night for the purpose of taking off guns from berme, but in consequence of roughness of water was unable to do any work. ALFRED RIIKTT, Col. Couidg.
HEADQUARTERS, DEPARTMENT S. C., GA., AND FLA.,
CHARLESTON, S. C., Sept. 3f7, 1863. Brig.-Genl. R. S. RIPLEY, Comdg. First Mil. Dist., S. C., Charleston, S. C.:
General, —The 32-pounder riile-gun, brought from Fort Sumtcr several days ago, the Commanding General wishes transferred to the new battery under construction at Chisolni's Mill.
Two of the three 42-pounder rifle and banded guns to be taken out of Fort Sumter may be sent at once to Fort Johnson, and the third will be brought to the city for disposition.
The 11-inch Brooke gun, referred to in your letter of the 2d instant, will be dismounted and sent to the city for examination by Mr. Cameron and future orders. Respectfully, your obedient servant,
THOMAS JORDAN, Chief of Staff.
HEADQUARTERS, DEPARTMENT S. C., GA., AND FLA.,
CHARLESTON, S. C., Aiif/unt 28//t, 1863. Brig.-Genl. R. S. RIPLEY, Comdg. First Mil. Dist., etc., etc.:
General, —I am informed, to my utter surprise, that the Hon. Secretary of War is of the following opinion relative to the attack of the enemy 011 Morris Island on the 10th nit. * * *
You will please make to these Headquarters, at your earliest convenience, a full and detailed report on the subject, referring especially to the following points:
1st. Was not the presence of the enemy in force on Folly and Little Folly islands known ? And to what extent was his movements ascertained ?
2d. What measures had been adopted, ordered, or contemplated for the pro tection of the south end of Morris Island, including flanking batteries on Black Island, commanding crossing of Light-house Inlet, and at Marsh Point, to Hank Morris Island in front of Wagner?
3d. Why were not all those works constructed ? And, if constructed, could they have been armed ?
4th. Even with works on the south end of Morris Island, and the small force then available for its defence, could not the enemy have landed, with the assist ance of their gunboats and ironclad fleet, a strong force on the beach north of Craig's Hill, during the night, cut off the retreat of the troops south of it, and, then crossed, almost unmolested, Little Folly Inlet?
5th. What works did the enemy construct on Little Folly Island up to July 10th ? What calibre and number of pieces did he put in position ?
Cth. Ho\v long- did it take him from the time he broke ground until he opened lire ?
7th. What was about his force then on Little Folly and Folly islands, and on board of transports ?
8th. What were your forces of infantry in the district, and how distributed? (See note A.)
9th. Could a better disposition have "been made of them ?
10th. What should have been the full force at each point for the proper defence of Morris, James, and Sullivan's islands ? (See note B.)
llth. Do our means of transportation, and other circumstances of tide and locality, admit a rapid concentration of force from one point to the other?
12th. Which of those three lines of approach was most vital to Charleston ?
13th. Might not the enemy have intended a feint on Morris Island, and then a rapid concentration on James Island ?
14th. How long would it have then required him to take possession ot it? And what would have been the result as to the safety of Charleston and its harbor, by establishing his batteries from Fort Johnson to Battery Glover?
15th. HOAV could we have then maintained our communications with Snmter and Morris Island, his ironclads having command, meanwhile, of the outer harbor ?
16th. Was it not a fortunate circumstance the enemy attacked Morris in stead of James Island ?
17th. From the apparent number of troops and vessels in North Edisto, about the 10th July last, was it not possible for 'the enemy to have concentrated his forces rapidly on James Island, and attempt to cross the Upper Stono, to march into St. Andrew's Parish?
18th. Was it not, then, necessary to guard also that line of approach ?
19th. From the small force of infantry in the Second, Third, and Fourth Mil itary Districts (see Note B), the difficulties and insufficiency of our means of transportation, could much assistance have been expected or derived from them ?
20th. Were not the forces in the Second and Third Districts absolutely re quired where they were, to the last moment, to guard our important commu nication with Savannah?
21st. When did they get here, and how many ?
22d. How much infantry force was in Georgia? (See Note A.)
23d. How many came from there?
24th. When did they arrive ?
25th. Did not, in your judgment, these Headquarters do all that our restricted means permitted to be done to afford yon all the aid possible from other dis tricts? And, so far as you are aware, even from North Carolina, and from the Government itself, at Eichmond ? (See my telegrams on the subject, if you desire.)
20th. Did not these Headquarters object most strenuously to the last in
sending troops, in April and May, to the State of Mississippi, stating the en emy's force was still too great in this Department, and snch a depletion would endanger Charleston or Savannah, or their communications with each other?
27th. Did not the War Department insist, on the contrary, that the enemy's forces had been greatly reduced, if not mostly withdrawn, to attack Mobile, or reinforce Banks on the Mississippi River ?
28th. Was not the truth of this information doubted, if not denied, at these Headquarters ?
29th. Were not ample calls made during the last six months for negro labor to construct all the works required for the complete defence of Charleston?
30th. Were those calls answered satisfactorily?
31st. With those works completed and armed, and the troops we had then in this district, would not Charleston have beeu safe until reinforcements could have been sent from other points for its prolonged defence ?
32d. Shon]d it fall, will it not be due entirely, first, to the want of troops on the 10th J.uly last, and then of labor?
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
G. T. BEAUREGARD, Genl. Comdg.
N.B.—Battery Wagner was located by General Pemberton, and nearly fin ished when I arrived here, in September, 1862. I strengthened it greatly by adding three heavy guns to its sea-face, where it had none; also, by traverses between its land guns, bomb-proofs, and closing its gorge, etc., etc. I then located and built Battery Gregg, at Cimmiings's Point, where I always in tended, whenever practicable, to put a strong work, well armed, if the guns could be had. A good work southeast of Morris Island was also contemplated, with advanced rifle-pits, and a battery for a few field-gnns, in embrasures, and well traversed. G. T. B.
HEADQUARTERS, FIRST MIL. DIST., DEPARTMENT S. C., GA., AND FLA.,
CHARLESTON, August 29/ft, 18G3. Brig.-Genl. THOMAS JORDAN, Chief of Staff, etc., etc., etc.:
General,— In answer to the letter of General Beaurcgard of yesterday, I beg to say that I fear it will take more time than General Beauregard might desire for me to make a report which might be considered a full and detailed report of the circumstances which took place during the several months preceding the attack on Morris Island. I will, however, proceed to answer his interrogations as fully as possible, and make up any deficiencies when time is allowed.
To the \xt Question I would answer, that the presence of the enemy on Folly and Little Folly islands was known from the time that ho landed, just before the attack of the 7th of April. His movements were ascertained by means of observations from Long, Battery, Black, and Morris islands, and reported upon almost daily. They consisted for some weeks in throwing up defensive works on Folly. The force was variously estimated at from three to six regiments; and as his defensive operations progressed his works across the neck of Folly were plainly observed and reported upon. They were about 3000 yards from Liirht-house Inlet.
To the 2d Question. —In tlie early part of March last the Commanding General, with me, visited Morris Island, and then determined and ordered the location of live guns— four shell-guns and one rifled 24-pounder—in detached batteries, to sweep the beach and crossing to Morris Island, from Little Folly. Some timo afterwards it was determined to locate a battery in the marsh at the mouth of Vincent's Creek, to flank Morris Island in front of Wagner. It was also in tended to place a battery on Black Island, to flank the crossing of Light-house Inlet.
The battery at Vincent's Creek was to have two or three gnus of long range. A communication from James to Morris Island was also ordered.
To the '3d Question I would state, that these operations being under the Engi neer Department, and in no way under my charge, I can only give my opinions. Some reasons why they were not completed were alluded to in my correspond ence with the Headquarters of the Department of the 24th of May, 6th and 14th of June, and subsequently; but the prominent difficulties, as declared, was the want of labor and transportation.
After the failure of the attack by ironclads on the 7th of April, and they had retired, the works could have been armed with a certain class of guns taken from the closed casemates of Fort Sumter. Difficulties would have occurred with the carriages and ordnance stores. These guns, however, would not have answered for what was required for the armament at the south end of Morris Island or Black Island. Some guns reported to be of the class wished for hav ing, as I understood, arrived from Europe at Wilmington, were asked for, and refused. As the enemy persisted in his occupation, although the works were not completed at the south end of Morris Island, the armament was increased by a captured 30-pounder Parrott, a light Whitworth, and three 10-inch sea-coast mortars. It was, I have understood, intended to have constructed bomb proof and hospital arrangements at the south end of Morris Island; but they had hardly been commenced.
To the 4lh Question. —In my opinion it would have been possible, had the works at the south end of the island been completed, and with the small force at our disposal, for the enemy by a bold dash from their ironclads and gunboats to have cut oil" the retreat of the troops south of Craig's Hill. Nevertheless, as it was intended that the whole beach should be swept with grape, and the landing is quite difficult, it is, in my opinion, doubtful w T hether he would have undertaken so hazardous an enterprise. Ho would probably have attempted to shell out the work at the south end directly ; or, still more, so changed his point of attack ; or, what is still more probable, had we been fully prepared, he never would have made it.
To the 5//i Question. —Up to the 8th or 9th of July the enemy, as far as could be ascertained, had constructed no works on Little Folly except to shelter his pickets from our shells. An expedition had been organized to cross the inlet, drive in his pickets, and ascertain his works, as early as the 6th ; but had been delayed by the weather and the character of our boats. His works, such as they were, were discovered on the 9th, and a scouting expedition, under Cap tain Haskell, on the night of the 8th reported a fleet of boats moored as if in
readiness to attempt a crossing. There is no doubt, from the character of the guns which he used—of which there were about thirty, of different calibres, from 30-pounder Parrotts down—that they had been placed on temporary platforms, behind the sand-hills for the most part. Any shot heavier than a 30-pounder Parrott fired on the 10th came from the gunboats, or from the works on Big Folly.
To the (ith Question. —The enemy was reported at \vork on the night of the 8th, and opened fire at about 5 o'clock on the morning of the 10th.
To the 7th Question. —From the best sources of information the enemy's force consisted of four brigades, one of which lauded on James Island, besides the fleet—probably in all, say, 10,000 men.
To the 8th Question.-—-My force of infantry was in all '2402 effective: 1184 on James Island, G12 on Morris Island, and '204 on Sullivan's; and 462 in Charleston.
To the 9th Question. —I do not know that a better disposition could have been made ; for, had we concentrated on Morris Island, the enemy would at once have turned to James Island. He might have gone to Sullivan's Island by way of Long Island, but having a foothold on James, and that being the most vital ap proach to Charleston, could he have taken our extended lines by a coup dc main lie would have selected that route. The opportunity would have been given him, had we reduced the small force of infantry on that island. Had I had the troops I should have thrown 2500 men on Morris Island to meet this attack. These would have been about as many as could have been advantageously used, and is about the fullest strength the garrison has been increased to at any one time since the 10th of July. James Island, under the circumstances, ought— the enemy having a position upon it—to have been watched by from 3000 to 5000 infantry, besides the cavalry and artillery. An estimate for defence must, of course, be made as against certain attacks, and while the enemy has trans portation in abundance, with a powerful steam navy, both offensive and trans port, while ours is deficient in both respects; and not sufficient for current ser vice, he having the option which route to choose, we arc compelled to guard all at once to such an extent as will prevent a complete surprise of some one of them. These remarks will, I think, answer the 10th, lltli, 12th, and 13th interrogatories. In answer to the 14th, 15th, and IGth, I think had we decreased our force on James Island by any number sufficient to have given positive strength to any other point, and the enemy had chosen and acted with as much eclat as he did at the south end of Morris Island, or at either of the two assaults on Battery Wagner, he could have penetrated our long, unguarded lines in a day, and obtained possession of the approaches to Charleston, which, if he chose to make use of them, would have at once cut off our communications with Mor ris Island and Fort Sumter. I consider it fortunate, under all circumstances, that, situated as we Avere, the enemy chose the Morris Island route.
To the 17th, 18th, 19th, and 20th Questions I would answer, that there has been no time since the 15th of April that the enemy could not have thrown a force by the Edisto into St. Andrew's Parish, cutting our communications with Sa vannah, and threatening our city in that direction, rendering it necessary to
guard that approach, and also necessitating the retention of certain troops in that locality until the last moment, or until the enemy's attack had been fully developed. The forces in the Second, Third, and Fourth Military Districts have always heen small; but, small as they were, they fully employed our means of transport when they had to be removed with rapidity.
To Hie 21s* Question. — From the Second District, Nelson's battalion of 2GO effectives arrived on the morning of the 10th July, and proceeded to Morris Island in time to reinforce the garrison after it had retreated to Battery Wag ner. The Marion Artillery, 4 guns and 39 effectives, arrived on the 12v.h, and was placed on James Island. From the Third Military District a battalion of the llth South Carolina Regiment, 400 effectives, arrived on the 12th of July, but soon had to return, to guard our communications with Savannah.
The 22d, 2'3d, and 24M Questions cannot be answered. According to my infor mation there were 1795 effective infantry in Georgia. Of these, 1430 effectives arrived in detachments on the 10th, 12th, and 13th of July. Colonel Olmstead's command, composed of detachmsnts of the 1st, 12th, 18th, and 63d Georgia regi ments, 534 effectives, arrived on the 10th, and proceeded at once to Morris Isl and, and assisted in the repulse of the attack on the morning of the llth.
To the 2oth Question. —As soon as it was positively ascertained that the attack was imminent I believe that every available man was ordered to this point, and that requisitions were made for troops from North Carolina and other sources.
I reported the matter and the necessities personally to the Headquarters of the Department, and took the orders for the quartermasters to provide trans portation. The troops reported to me as they came in, and were stationed without one moment's delay. Up to the 9th of July there had bsen no other appearances to indicate the enemy's positive intentions than previously. Nay, from intelligence received from Richmond, coupled with the incorrect accounts of the battle of Gettysburg, the cause of the arrival of transports in the Stouo was questionable; and we knew not whether they brought troops or came to take those on Folly Island away. I know that strenuous objections were urged against sending the troops in April or May last from this Department, while the enemy was in force in our front, and while it was contemplated to dislodge him from his position; and it is also within my knowledge that the War Depart ment had the opinion that the enemy's force had been greatly reduced. The truth of this opinion was questioned, and continued observations were made, resulting in the information that the enemy was still in our front in force— what, we had not the means of ascertaining, which could only be learned by the assistance of naval means. The naval officers had been applied to, but could not co-operate, on account of the defective character of their ironclads, and they had no other vessels. The above will answer the 2otk, 27lh, and 28th interrogatories.
Calls were made through the State authorities for labor for mouths previous to the attack ; but, this subject not being under my charge or control, I can only state that I have always understood that they were not responded to satisfac torily. I know that the supply of labor was limited in the extreme, and the
weak garrisons \vcrc called on to supply certain deficiencies. My observations on this point can Lest be learned by a reference to my correspondence concern ing the preparation of Morris Island for defence, alluded to heretofore, com mencing May 24th, and continued. This is already at Department Head quarters.
To the 3lst Question. —I believe, had the works for the defence of Morris Island been completed and armed, that with the troops of my command, with small reinforcements, we could have held the southern extremity of Morris Island until larger had arrived from other points; and if no other method of attack had been attempted, the chances in my mind were that his whole attempt would have been repulsed. As for the prolonged defence, I think it may bo considered that the defence of our advanced Avorks, Batteries Wagner and Gregg, and Fort Suniter, against two powerful assaults and open trenches of attack, armed with the most powerful modern artillery, for nearly fifty days, has been tolerably good already. I hope it will bo prolonged still fnrther,and successfully. Should Charleston fall, it certainly will be due to want of labor and troops; but the ultimate cause of an abridgment to the defence of Charles ton is, in my mind, clearly attributable to the abandonment of Cole's Island. This situation, far stronger by nature than Lattery Wagner, and well fortified by art, with a far heavier armament, approachable only by water by the enemy, and then by his light-draught vessels, with two approaches by water and two by land in our hands, which could be garrisoned by two thousand men, nearly all of whom were provided with bomb-proof shelters, without an attack, or the slightest demonstration of one, was abandoned. By this abandonment, against which I urged and advised in vain, the enemy obtained his point d'appui, and a convenient post, with the choice of two routes of attack—ono by James and the other by Morris Island. The first led directly to the city, the other to its outer defences. The first was attempted, and was defeated by the gallantry of our troops at Secessionville, and the circumstance, somewhat fortuitous, and in nowise attributable to the commander who ordered the evar-uation of Cole's Island, that the place was fortified, although some miles from that position. The second attack has been attempted, and has progressed thus far with a fearful loss of life to the enemy, and a considerable loss of mate rial and fortifications to us. The loss of the whole garrison at Cole's Island, and the position, would have advanced the enemy no further than ho was at any time during the last fifteen months; and, as I have said, the chances of its defence were good. Indeed, I believe it was stronger by itself than all tho lines and works which have ever been projected for the defence of Charleston, and, if held, would have forced the enemy to make either a purely land or n purely naval attack, and these separated from each other by considerable dis tances. We were tolerably well prepared for either. Few men answered to repel the naval attack. Our advanced positions and tho nature of the coun try would have compelled the enemy to give us time for the concentration of troops to repel the other.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
E. S. EIPLEY, Brig.-Gcul. Comdg.
APPENDIX TO CHAPTER XXXIV.
527
HEADQUARTERS, DEPARTMENT S. C., GA., AND FLA.,
CHARLESTON, S. C., Nov. 4M, 1863. Flag-officer J. R. TUCKER, Comdg. C. S. N. Forces afloat, Charleston, S. C. :
Sir, —The Commanding General, having to visit James Island \vith the Pres ident this morning, requested me to enclose for your information Major Morris's telegram, which is believed to be reliable in Richmond.
He directed me also to say that he hoped, in. view of the possible contin gency, it would suit your views to place one or two of your ironclads, at night, in position to lire between Fort Johnson and Cummings's Point, and between Fort Johnson and Battery Simkins, in case the latter work should be, unfort unately, carried. Respectfully, your obedient servant,
THOMAS JORDAN, Chief of Staff.
APPENDIX TO CHAPTER XXXIV.
of Troops and Guns in the Military Department of South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida, January 1st, A. D. 1SG4.
* Of these about 1754 men belong to the five (5) regiments of South Carolina six months State troops.
1st Mil. Dist., S. C. : Sumtcr, Sullivan's and Long Islands, Parishes of Christ Church
and St. Thomas. 5lh " City of Charleston, to include lines on the Neck, Fort Ripley,
and Castle Pinckney. Cth " " St. Andrew's, South of Ashley, and all the country to the cast
bank of North Edisto, from mouth to Graham's Ferry. 7th " " James Island.
2d " " Between western limits of Sixth District and the Combahec
and Little Salkehatchee rivers, and the southern boundary of
Barnwell District to the Edisto River.
3d " " Between western limits of Second District and Savannah River.
4th " " Bounded on southwest by Sautee River, and northwest by boun
dary-line of North and South Carolina. District of Georgia: State of Georgia, excluding defences of Appalachicola and main
affluents. " Mid. Florida : Bounded by Suwanee and Choctawhrichcc rivers, and defences
of Appalachieola and affluents. " East " Portion of Florida cast of Suwanee River.
NOTK.— 1st, 5th, 6th, nnd 7th Mil. Dists., S. C., comprise the "defences of Charleston," S. C., and formed the 1st Mil. Dist., S. C., until the 22d day of October, 1SG3.
Telegram.
CHARLESTON, S. C., Feb. llth, 1864: 8.30 A. M. Genl. SAMUEL COOPER, Adjt. and Insp.-Genl., Richmond, Va.:
Governor Milton telegraphs following: "Enemy's force at least five thousand strong; not force enough in State to prevent his passing through it. Colonel McLellan, West Florida, telegraphs for reinforcements. Immense loss of sub sistence for armies and of property seems inevitable. Wo need at least five thousand additional troops." Have sent Governor Milton all I can spare with out risking loss of Charleston or Savannah. Cannot two brigades be ordered from Northwestern Georgia or North Carolina temporarily?
G. T. BEAUREGARD.
Telegram.
CHARLESTON, S. C., Feb. llili, 18(54 : 2 r. M. Genl. SAMUEL COOPER, Adjt. and Insp.-Genl., Richmond, Va.:
General Finegan reports enemy about to attack him near Lake City. Rapid ity of movement indicates Tallahassee as the objective point—probably to form junction with forces from the Gulf. I have ordered two and a half additional regiments and one light battery to Florida to prevent loss of that State, but have much weakened thereby Savannah and railroad to that city. If one brigade could be sent here and another to Savannah, I would send immediately balance of Colqnitt's troops to General Finegan. A prompt answer is desira ble, as well as for two general officers I applied for few days since.
G. T. BEAUREGARD.
Telegram.
CHARLESTON, S. C., Feb. 12th, 18G4: 11
Geul. SAMUEL COOPER, Adjt. and Insp.-Genl., Richmond, Va.:
General Finegan's success yesterday was very creditable, enemy's force being much superior to his own; his reinforcements had not yet reached him, owing to delays on roads. Losses not yet reported.
G. T. BEAUREGARD.
CHARLESTON, S. C., May 18///, 1876. Mr. E. WILLIS :
Dear Sir, —In answer to your request, and also that it will be a pleasure to do anything in 1113' power for General Beauregard, to give my old general the par ticulars of the iish torpedo-boat that struck the Ifousalonic. After the evacua tion I took the contract of removing all the Confederate wrecks and obstruc tions. I claimed that the fish torpedo-boat was in my contract. Professor Mallefeil claimed that it was in his contract, and that he had the contract of lifting all the United States wrecks that were in Charleston Harbor. And I went to work to save the torpedo-boat, and I got on the top of her, and found out the cause of her sinking. The boat is outside or alongside of the Jfousatonic. She can be lifted any time our people wish. Mallefeil is bursted and out of the way. I have no more to say than that she can bo saved, and my opinion is she is as good as the day she was sunk. Yours, truly,
ANGUS SMITH, Sullivan's Island.
CHARLESTON, S. C., May 18th, 1876.
Hie fish-torpedo was brought by rail from Mobile. The main feature in her construction was, she could bo submerged and raised at pleasure, and had sufficient air pumped in to last her crew some hours. After several trial-trips she was turned over to the navy, and a crew was placed on board. While lying at the wharf at Fort Johnson, with the man-holes off, a steamer passed, and the waves from her wheel filled the boat. The officer who was standing in the hatchway escaped, but the crew were unable to get out, and were all drowned. She was raised, and a volunteer crew went on board and went down under the United States naval receiving-ship Mackinaw to experiment in placing a torpedo; by some derangement of her lifting power she did not come up, and was not recovered for eight or ten hours. It is supposed some eight or nine men were drowned in her. The officer who planned and had her built then came on from Mobile, and obtained a volunteer crew to go with him to blow up one of the United States vessels off the bar; he was success ful in destroying the Housatonic, but again she remained submerged. Whether she was sunk by one of the propeller blades, or the machinery again became deranged, no one knows. I think the latter was the cause. I have heard she has been found lying near the Housatonic, but cannot believe this, or she would have been raised, if only to rescue the bodies of the gallant fellows who went down in her. From Comr. D. N. INGRAIIAM.
Telegram.
CHARLESTON, S. C., Feb. 19th, 1864: 7.30 p. M. Genl. SAMUEL COOPER, Adjfc. and Insp.-Geul., Richmond, Va.:
General Fiuegan reports ten regiments—at least one mounted—of enemj 7 in his front. Am reinforcing Finegau to utmost practicable extent. It is essen tial to have them in immediate command of officer accustomed to handle troops in battle. General Hill has not arrived or been heard from. I propose to send General Taliaferro at once; he should be promoted—has earned it. I will go thither in due season. Resources of that section too large and vital to be lost. General Gilmer has been directed, as instructed, to repair at once to Mobile.
G. T. BEAUREGARD.
CHARLESTON, S. C., Feb. 26th, 1864. Genl. SAMUEL COOPER, Adjt. and Insp.-Genl., Richmond, Va.:
Telegram from General Anderson just received from Tallahassee. He is en route for East Florida. I will probably go there, nevertheless, if the enemy be still in force. G. T. BEAUREGARD, Genl. Comdg.
CHARLESTON, S. C., Feb. 26th t 1864. Major-Genl. J. PATTON ANDERSON, Lake City, Fla.:
Assume command of the forces in Florida. Troops now en route will form another brigade, which, with Finegan's, will give a division to General Gard ner, if he feels able to take the field. I expect to be with you soon.
G. T. BEAUREGARD, Genl. Comdg.
II.—33
CHARLESTON, S. C., Feb. 26tfi, 1884. Brig.-Genl. W. M. GARDNER, Lake City, Fla.:
Announce that War Department has sent to command the troops in Florida Major-General J. P. Anderson, and transfer the command to him. He will assign yon to a division. G. T. BEAUREGARD, Geul. Comdg.
CHARLESTON, S. C., April 27tk, 18G4. Geul. S. COOPER, Acljt. and Insp.-Genl., Richmond, Va.:
Prisoners report that it was the United States ship-of-war llousatonic, 12 guns, which was sunk in night of 17th instant by the submarine torpedo-boat, Lieu tenant Dixon, of Alabama, commanding. There is little hope of safety for that brave man and his associates, however, as they were not captured.
G. T. BEAUREGARD, Geul. Comdg.
Report of General Joseph Finer/an. HEADQUARTERS, DISTRICT EAST FLORIDA. IN THE FIELD,
TWELVE MILES FROM JACKSONVILLE, Feb. 2Gth, 18G4. Brig.-Gcnl. THOMAS JORDAN, Chief of Staff, Charleston, S. C.:
General, — For the information of the Commanding General I have the honor to report that on the evening of the 7th February the enemy landed at Jackson ville, from eighteen transports and gunboats, a large force of cavalry, artillery, and infantry, which was largely augmented by arrivals on the 8th instant.
On the receipt of this intelligence I immediately notified Lieutenant-Colonel McCormick, commanding an effective force of near 350 men of all arms at Camp Finegan, to guard against a surprise, advising him that I would join the com mand as soon as I had issued the necessary orders for collecting my widely scattered troops, and despatched telegrams and letters for reinforcements. On the 8th instant the enemy advanced from Jacksonville with great rapidity, in three heavy columns — cavalry in the advance. Artillery and infantry followed, under command of Brigadier-General Seymour. They approached Camp Fine gan as the command there was in the act of retiring.
Their largely superior numbers deterred Lieutenant-Colonel McCormick, commanding, from attacking them, and in the darkness of the night he with drew his command with caution and address, and joined me, at Camp Beaure-gard, near Ocean Pond, on the Olustce, on the 13th instant. The enemy, with celerity pressed on to Baldwin, capturing on their way five guns of company A and B, Light Artillery, which had been ordered to Baldwin; reached Bald win at daylight on the 9th instant. Remaining a short time they continued on to Barber's the same night. At this point they were met, on the 10th instant, by two companies of cavalry under Major Robert Harrison, 2d Flor ida Cavalry, whom I had ordered to join me, and who with much gallantry checked their progress for several hours at St. Mary's Crossing, with but small loss to us and a considerable loss to the enemy.
On the 9th instant I removed all the Government stores from Sanderson, ex cept fifteen hundred bushels corn, which was burned under n\y orders. On the 10th the enemy reached Sanderson ; on the llth instant they Avero within three
miles of Lake City. Here I bad hastily collected, principally from the District of Middle Florida, a small force of 450 infantry, 110 cavalry, and two pieces of artillery. On the night of the 10th I placed this force in a favorable position, two and a half ruilse from Lake City, in the direction of the enemy. At half-past nine the enemy advanced upon us with a force estimated to be 1400 mounted infantry and five pieces of artillery. Here they opened upon us, fight ing as infantry, and skirmished heavily with my advanced line. Discovering my position and its strength, and probably presuming my force larger than it was, they retreated to Sanderson, thence to Barber's, on the east bank of the St. Mary's, where they constructed field-works, and concentrated their whole force for a final movement on Lake City.
In the mean time I used every possible effort to gather reinforcements, and on the 13tli moved to Ocean Pond, on Olustee, thirteen miles from Lake City, and occupied the only strong position between Lake City and Barber's. Here I had field-works thrown up, and for several days, with a force less than 2000 strong, awaited the enemy's advance.
In this time my command was increased by the arrivals of reinforcements, and I organized the command as follows: the 6th, 19th, 23d, 27th, and 28th Georgia regiments, infantry, and 6th Florida battalion, infantry, as the first brigade, under the command of Brigadier-General Colquitt, with the Chatham Artillery (four guns) attached. The 32d Georgia Volunteers, 1st Georgia Regu lars, 64th Georgia Volunteers, 1st Florida battalion, and Bonaud's battalion, as the second brigade, under command of Colonel George P. Harrison, 32d Georgia Volunteers, with Guerard's light battery attached.
The Florida Light Artillery being held in reserve, I assigned Colonel R. B. Thomas, Confederate States Army, to duty as Chief of Artillery, and organized the cavalry into a brigade, under the command of Colonel C. Smith, 2d Florida Cavalry, my whole effective force being as follows: infantry, 4600; cavalry, less than 600; artillery, three batteries, twelve gnns.
On the 20th instant the enemy advanced in three columns, since ascertained to have been twelve regiments of infantry (nine of white troops and three of black), estimated at 8000, and some artillery (number of guns unknown), and 1400 cavalry. At 12 M. the enemy were within three miles of my position. I ordered the cavalry, under Colonel C. Smith, 2d Florida Cavalry, sup ported by the 64th Georgia, Colonel Evaus commanding, and two companies of 32d Georgia, to advance and skirmish with the enemy and draw them to our works. The remaining force was placed under arms and prepared for action. Apprehending that the enemy were too cautious to approach out works, I ordered General Colquitt, commanding first brigade, to advance with three of his regiments and a section of Gamble's artillery and assume command of the entire force, then ordered to the front, and feel the enemy by skirmishing, and, if he was not in too heavy force, to press him heavily. I had personally instructed Colonel Smith, commanding cavalry, to fall back as soon as infantry advanced, and protect their Hanks. This movement was predicated on the information that the enemy had only three regiments of infantry, with some cavalry and artillery.
Perceiving that in this movement the force under Brigadier-General Col-qnitt's command might become too heavily engaged to withdraw without a large supporting force, and intending that if the enemy should prove to be in not too great strength to engage them, I ordered in quick succession, within the space of an hour, the whole command to advance to the front as a support ing force, and myself w r ent upon the field. These reinforcements were pushed rapidly forward, and, as I anticipated, reached the field at the moment when the line was most heavily pressed, and at a time when their presence gave con fidence to our men and discouragement to the enemy. I directed Lieutenant-Colonel Hopkins, commanding 1st Florida battalion, and Major Bonaud, com manding Bonaud's battalion, to fall into line on the left in the direction of the enemy's heaviest firing. After I had ordered these reinforcements and they were some distance on the way to the front, and while I was myself on the way to the front, I received from Brigadier-General Colquitt, commanding in the front, a request for the reinforcements Avhich had already been ordered. The engagement became general very soon after its commencement. The enemy were found in heavy force, their infantry drawn up in three supporting lines, their artillery in position, cavalry on their flanks and rear. I ordered Briga dier-General Colqnitt to press them with vigor, which he did Avith much judg ment and gallantry. They contested the ground stubbornly, and the battle lasted for four and a half hours. At the eml of this time, the enemy's lines hav ing been broken and re-formed several times, and two fine Napoleons and three 10-pouuder Parrott gnns, and one set of colors captured from them, they gave way entirely, and Avere closely pressed for three miles until nightfall. I di rected Brigadier-General Colquitt to continue the pursuit, intending to occupy Sanderson that night; but, in deference to his suggestion of the fatigue of the troops, the absence of rations, and the disadvantages of the pursuit in the dark, and in consequence of a report from an advance cavalry picket that the enemy had halted for the night and taken a position (which was subsequently ascer tained to be incorrect), I withdrew the order. During the continuance of the battle, also, after the enemy had given Avay, I scut repeated orders to Colonel Smith, commanding cavalry, to press the enemy on his flank, and to continue in the pursuit; but, through some misapprehension, these orders failed to bo executed by him, and only two small companies on the left, and these but for a short distance, followed the enemy.
The enemy retreated that night, hastily and in some confusion, to Sanderson, leaving a large number of their killed and wounded in our possession on tho field. Their loss in killed, both officers and men, was large; 418 of their wounded were removed by us from tho field, and 400, or near that number, of their killed were buried bj r us ; also nearly 200 prisoners were captured ; several officers of high rank Avere killed, and others severely wounded. Their loss can not be less than 2000 or 2500 men, five superior guns, one set of colors captured, and 1(500 stand of arms; also 130,000 rounds cartridges (damaged by having been thrown into water), as appears by the report of tho ordnance officer herewith enclosed. The victory was complete, and the enemy retired in rapid retreat, evacuating in quick succession Barber's and Baldwin, and falling back on Jack-
sonville. The enemy's forces were under command of Brigadier-General S. Seymour, who was present oil the field. The conduct of Brigadier-General Colquitt entitles him to high commendation. He exhibited ability in the for mation of his line, and gallantry in his advance ou the enemy. I have also to speak most favorably of Colonel George P. Harrison, commanding the second brigade, who exhibited in the engagement all the qualities of a capable and efficient officer. Colonel R. B. Thomas, as Chief of Artillery, likewise rendered efficient service on the field. Colonel Evans, commanding the C4th Georgia Vol unteers, and Colonel Duncan L. Clinch, commanding the 4th Georgia Cavalry, were wounded while bravely performing their duty. Lieutenant-Colonel Barron, of the 64th Georgia Volunteers, and Captain Camrou, commanding, and Lieu tenant Daucy, of the 1st Georgia Regulars; also Lieutenant Holland, command ing detachment from conscript camp—all officers of high promise—were killed. Among the killed and wounded were many other officers and men who had dis tinguished themselves on other fields, for a detailed statement of whom, and for instances of individual merit, I refer to the reports of the brigade com manders.
Our loss in the engagement was 93 killed, and 841 wounded—a large propor tion very slightly. In the opening of the engagement the cavalry, under com mand of Colonel Smith, skirmished with the enemy with spirit, and retired to the flanks, in obedience to their orders.
On the 22d instant, having repaired the railroad, so as to secure my supplies, I advanced the command to Sanderson, pushing the cavalry rapidly in the direc tion of the enemy, and from Sanderson to Barber's, and thence to Baldwin and to this place, twelve miles from Jacksonville, where my farther progress was arrested by orders from Brigadier-General Gardner, who had been directed to assume command, by whom I was here, for the first time, officially notified that the command had been transferred.
My efforts and those of my officers for the organization and concentration of a force adequate to meet the enemy's superior numbers, and to check them in their rapid advance, were incessant and arduous. I have the gratification of reporting to the Commanding General that while I continued in command they were successful. I transfer the army to my successor well supplied with forage and subsistence, well organized' and armed, and deficient only in ord nance stores, for which timel} r requisitions were made, and which are now ou their way. Very respectfully,
JOSEPH FINEGAX, Brig.-Genl. Coindg.
Report of General Colquitt.
BALDWIN, FLA., Feb. 26th, 1864. Capt. CALL, Asst. Adjt.-Genl.:
Captain, —I have the honor to submit the following account of the engage ment of the 20th instant, near Ocean Pond : e
Intelligence having been received of the approach of the enemy, I was in structed to take three regiments of my own brigade, with a section of Gamble's artillery, and proceed to the front, and assume command of all the forces which
had preceded me, consisting of two regiments of cavalry, under command of Colonel Smith, the G4th Georgia regiment, and two companies of the 32d Georgia regiment. Subsequently other troops were sent forward, and I was directed to call for such reinforcements as might bo needed.
About two miles from Olustee Station I found the enemy advancing rapidly, and our cavalry retiring before them. I then sent forward a party of skirmish ers, and hastily formed line of battle, under a brisk fire from the enemy's ad vance. The 19th Georgia was placed on the right, and the 28th Georgia on the left, with a section of Captain Gamble's artillery in the centre. The 64th Georgia and the two companies of the 32d Georgia were formed on the left of the 28th, and the Gth Georgia regiment was sent still farther to the left, to prevent a flank movement of the enemy in that direction.
Instructions were sent to Colonel Smith, commanding cavalry, to place his regiments on the extreme flank, and to guard against any movement of the enemy from either side.
The line of infantry was then ordered to advance, which was gallantly done, the enemy contesting the ground, and giving way slowly. Perceiving that the enemy were in strong force, I sent back for reinforcements and a fresh supply of ammunition. The Gth Florida battalion and 23d Georgia regiment soon ar rived for my support. The Gth Florida battalion was formed on the right of the 19th Georgia, and in such position as to come in on the left flank of the enemy. The 23d Georgia was put on the left of the 64th Georgia. Colonel Harrison, coming up with the 32d and 1st Georgia Regulars, took position on the left, between the 23d and Gth Georgia regiments, and was instructed to assume the general direction of the left of the line.
The section of Gamble's artillery in the centre having been disabled by the loss of horses and limber, Captain Whcaton, who had early arrived npoi\ the field with the Chatham Artillery, and had taken position on the right, was or dered to the centre to relieve Captain Gamble. This battery moved forward and took position under a heavy fire, and continued to advance with the line of infantry until the close of the action. Towards night, when Captain Wheaton's ammunition was almost expended, a section of Ginrood's battery, of Harrison's brigade, under Lieutenant Gignilleat, moved up and opened fire on the enemy, furnishing Captain Wheaton with part of his ammunition.
After our line had advanced about one-quarter of a mile the engagement be came general, and the ground was stubbornly contested. With two batteries of artillery immediately in our front, and a long line of infantry, strongly sup ported, the enemy stood their ground for some time, until the Gth Florida bat talion, on the right flank, and all the troops in front, pressing steadily forward, compelled them to fall back and leave five pieces of artillery in our possession. At this time, our ammunition beginning to fail, I ordered the commanding offi cers to halt their regiments and hold their respective positions until a fresh supply could bo brought from the ordnauce-wagoiis, which, after much delay, had arrived upon the field.
Major Boiiaud's battalion came upon the field, followed soon after by the 27th Georgia regiment and the 1st Florida battalion. Theso troops were put in
position near the centre of the line, and a little in advance, to hold the enemy in check until the other command could be supplied with cartridges. As soon as this was accomplished I ordered a general advance, at the same time sending instructions to Colonel Harrison to move the 6th and 32d Georgia regiments (arrived) on the right flank of the enemy. The 27th Georgia regiment, under Colonel Zackry, pushing forward with great vigor upon the centre, and the whole line moving as directed, the enemy gave way in confusion. We contin ued the pursuit for several miles, when night put an end to the conflict. In structions were given to the cavalry to follow close upon the enemy, and seize every opportunity to strike a favorable blow.
The results of the engagement in the killed, wounded, and prisoners of the enemy, and our own loss, will be found in the reports rendered directly to you.
The gallantry and steady courage of officers and men during this engagement are beyond all praise. For more than four hours they struggled with unflinch ing firmness against superior numbers, until they drove them ill confusion and panic to seek safety in flight.
Colonel George P. Harrison, who commanded on the left, displayed skill, cool ness, and gallantry. The commanding officers of the various regiments did their duty nobly. Colonel Evans, commanding the C4th Georgia, and Captain Craw ford, commanding the 28th Georgia, both gallant officers, were wounded. Lieu tenant-Colonel Barrow, of the 64th Georgia, a brave and gallant officer, received a fatal shot while gallantly attempting to rally his men. Captain Wheaton, and the officers and men of his battery, are entitled to special commendation for their courage, coolness, and efficiency.
Captain Grattan, Assistant Adjutant-General; Lieutenant Colquitt, Assistant Department Commander; Major Ely, and Lieutenant Estill, of my staff, were active and conspicuous in every part of the field. My thanks are due to Lieu tenant Thompson, 2d Florida regiment, and Mr. Sterling Turner, volunteer aids, for their gallant service. The names of those in the ranks entitled to be par ticularly mentioned may be furnished in a subsequent report.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
A. II. COLQUITT, Brig.-Genl.
CHARLESTON, S. C., March 1st, 1864. General SAMUEL COOPER, A. and Iiis.-Genl., Richmond, Va.:
General Beauregard left 28th ultimo for Florida. General Gardner, in com mand there, reports that General Gillmore is now in chief command; that he is being reinforced; has retired to Jacksonville, which he is fortifying; but appearances all indicate another attempt to advance in heavier force soon. Large number of transports reported at St. John's Bar with troops. "We oc cupy Baldwin. THOMAS JORDAN, Chief of Staff.
Telegram.
CHARLESTON, S. C., March 19th, 1864. General G. T. BEAUREGARD, Baldwin, Fla.:
I telegraphed you last night of orders received from Richmond of sweeping
away four regiments and eight companies of cavalry from your Department. It will be needless to apply then for delay of Miller's battalions. Some promi nent Carolinians will interpose; but I doubt their success.
THOMAS JORDAN, Chief of Staff.
BATTLE OF OCEAN POND, FLORIDA.
Report of General Beauregard.
HEADQUARTERS, DEPARTMENT S. C., GA., AND FLA..
CHARLESTON, S. C., March 25M, 1864. To General SAMUEL COOPER, Adjt. and Insp.-Geul., C. S. A., Richmond, Va.:
General, —In transmitting detailed reports of recent operations in East Flor ida I have to accompany them, for the information of the War Department, with the following.
The officer in observation at Foot Point of the enemy's fleet in the waters of Port Royal and Broad River having reported, on the afternoon of the 14th of January, that some thirty-five vessels, including an ironclad from Hilton Head, had gone to sea in the fog the day before, and probably with troops, as it was observed to be more quiet on the adjacent islands (less drumming and firing of small-arms) than usual, I gave Major-General Gilmer, at Savannah, immediate notification of the fact, with instructions to keep strict watch in the direction of Warsaw Sound and the Ossabaw. At the same time orders were given to the proper staff-officers to hold means of transportation by rail in readiness on the Charleston and Savannah Railroad. An increase of the tents of the enemy on Tybee Island was also reported. On the 16th of January I repaired in per son to Savannah, in which quarter I apprehended some operations might be looked for. I remained in the District of Georgia, inspecting the troops and works, until the 3d of February, when, there being no indication of any movement of the enemy in that direction, I returned to Charleston, leaving with Major-General Gilmer orders to hold the C4th Georgia Volunteers, the 1st Florida bat talion, and a light battery in readiness to be sent to Florida at short notice. * * *
General D. H. Hill having arrived at these Headquarters on the 28th ultimo, I left for Florida the same evening, although that officer was unwilling, for per sonal reasons, to assume the duty at once I had desired to intrust to him—the immediate command of the troops in the State of South Carolina; but he prom ised to repair to any point threatened or attacked by the enemy, and give the officer there in command the benefit of his experience and assistance.
On the 2d instant I reached Camp Milton, General Gardner's headquarters, in rear of McGirt's Creek, twelve or thirteen miles distant from Jacksonville, where I found our troops in position. The day preceding our advanced pickets had been thrown forward to Cedar Creek, within six or seven miles of Jackson ville. On the 3d Major-Gener.il J. Pat ton Anderson also arrived at Camp Mil ton, and assumed command on the 6th instant of the forces, now about eight thousand effectives of all arms.
In the mean time it had been ascertained from reliable sources that the enemy occupied Jacksonville with at least twelve thousand men ; that the posi-
tion, naturally strong, had been much strengthened since the battle of the 20th ultimo, and that four or five gunboats in the St. John's effectually commanded the approaches to the place. Under these circumstances it was determined not to attempt to carry the position by assault, as, in effect, instructed by your tele gram of the 4th instant. Everything indicates that the rout of the enemy at Ocean Pond or Olustee was complete; nevertheless, the fruits of the victory were comparatively insignificant, and mainly because of the inefficiency of the officer commanding the cavalry at the time, in consequence of whose lack of energy and capacity for the service no serious attempt was made to pursue with his command; while the exhaustion of the infantry, so gallantly and efficiently handled and engaged, and our want of subsistence, supplies, and ammunition, made an immediate pursuit by them impracticable.
Unless our present forces should be considerably increased, and amply sup plied with means for .1 regular siege of Jacksonville, our operations in that quarter must be confined to the defensive; that is, to preventing the penetra tion of the enemy into the interior, either on the line towards Lake City or into the lower part of the State; to which end a position has been selected on the St. John's a few miles above Jacksonville for a battery of one rifled 32-pouuder, three rilled 30, and one 20 and one 10 pounder Parrott, and two 8-inch siege howitzers, by which, with torpedoes in the river, it is expected transports at least can bo obstructed from passing with troops beyond Jacksonville.
Cavalry pickets have been also established for the protection of the railroad to Cedar Keys from injury by raiding parties set on foot from the west bank of the St. John's.
I have for the present organized the force under General Anderson into three brigades, commanded, respectively, by Brigadier-Generals Finegan andColquitt and Colonel George P. Harrison — three meritorious officers, the last two of whom have won promotion by their active participation in the combat of the 20th ultimo, at which, it is proper to say, Brigadier-General Colquitt com manded on the immediate field of battle. He has seen much service likewise in the Army of Northern Virginia.
The cavalry has also been organized into a brigade, under Colonel Robert H. Anderson ; the four light batteries, of four pieces each, were placed under com mand of Lieut.-Colonel C. C. Jones, and two batteries of siege-guns (six pieces), present on the field, under Major J. L. Buist. It is hoped this arrangement will enhance the efficiency of the troops, who are in fine spirits and good condition.
Too much praise cannot be awarded to the brave officers and men who en countered and defeated twice their numbers at Ocean Pond, and I commend them to the notice of the Government; they are in all respects worthy com rades of those who, on other fields, have done honor to Southern manhood.
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
G. T. BEAUREGARD, Genl. Comdg.
Telegram.
CHARLESTON, S. C., March 28M, 1864 : 11 h. A. M.
Major-Gcnl. J. F. GILMER, Comdg., etc., Savannah, Ga.:
Cavalry order must be obeyed, regardless of consequences. I have at present
no other cavalry to send you. Make Lest disposition of that you have left. Your telegram will bo referred to War Department.
G. T. BEAUREGARD.
Telegram.
CHARLESTON, S. C., April 2d, 1864 : 12 h. M.
Genl. SAML. COOPER, Adjt. and Insp.-Genl., Richmond, Va.:
All quiet here. Enemy's forces reported gradually leaving Florida. Appear to be increasing in our front—probably returning to their former position pre paratory to future operations. G. T. BEAUREGARD.
Telegram.
CHARLESTON, S. C., April 2cl, 1864.
Genl. SAML. COOPER, Adjt. and Insp.-GenL, Richmond, Va.:
Major-General Anderson reports yesterday a large double-stack, side-wheel steamer is sunk in St. John's River, opposite mouth Doctois Lake, fifteen miles above Jacksonville (Florida), supposed to be Maple Leaf, which exploded a tor pedo at four (4) h. A. M. Torpedoes were laid by Captain E. Pliny Bryan, sent for that purpose from here. G. T. BEAUREGARD.
Telegram.
CHARLESTON, S. C., April 9th, 1864: 11 h. A. M. Genl. SAML. COOPER, Adjt. and Insp.-GenL, Richmond, Va.:
I must ask immediate attention of Department to my telegram of the 23d ultimo.
My health requires I should apply for a leave, dependent, however, on opera tions of enemy; but I cannot make application without a competent major-general to replace me here. G. T. BEAUREGARD.
Telegram.
CHARLESTON, S. C., April Uth, 1864. Genl. BRAXTON BRAGG, Commander-in-chief, Richmond, Va.:
Am ready to obey any order for the good of the service. I believe Burnside's expedition is intended to cut off supplies from the South to Richmond and Lee's army. He will no doubt move in force. G. T. BEAUREGARD.
Telegram.
CHARLESTON, S. C., April IGth, 1864. Genl. SAML. COOPER, Adjt. and Insp.-GenL, Richmond, Va.:
General Anderson reports another steam transport of enemy destroyed on St. John's River by a torpedo. Our scouts report Pilatka evacuated.
G. T. BEAUREGARD.
Telegram.
CHARLESTON, S. C., April 19th, 1864. Genl. SAML. COOPER, Adjt. and Insp.-GenL, Richmond, Va.:
Enemy still strong in our front. Should he withdraw large force to concen trate in North Carolina your suggestion can be carried out to extent of two brigades; but northwest portion of this State should be watched closely from expedition through North Carolina. G. T. BEAUREGARD.
APPENDIX TO CHAPTER XXXV.
Telegram.
RICHMOND, April 15th, 1864.
Repair with least delay practicable to Weldon, N, C., where instructions will be sent to you. S. COOPER, A. and I.-Genl.
To Genl. G. T. BEAUREGARD, Charleston, S. C.
Telegram,
WELDON, N. C., April 22d, 1664. Geul. BRAXTON BRAGG, Comruander-in-chicf, Richmond, Va.:
Arrived this morning at 5.30. No instructions here. Please send them. In the mean time will give general direction to everything. Have not yet assumed command. Please send me a pocket-map of North Carolina. I have large ones. With Governor Vance's consent, will send slaves captured at Plymouth to Wil mington, to work on fortifications. G. T. BEAUREGARD.
Telegram.
RICHMOND, April 22d, 1864. To Genl. G. T. BEAUREGARD :
A staff-officer left here this morning to see and confer with yon. Will send maps, if they can be procured. I suggest that all of Ransom's brigade re maining at Weldon join him immediately, and that part of Martin's be sent to hold Plymouth during Hoke's operations. Our movements should be rapid, so as to strike before the enemy can reinforce. The gunboat at Kinston is proba bly ready, and must get out soon, or will be caught by low-water and become useless for the whole season. BRAXTON BRAGG, Geul.
Telegram.
RICHMOND, 2'3d. To Geul. G. T. BEAUREGARD :
Orders were sent several days since assigning you to command of Department of North Carolina and Cape Fear. They include Virginia south of James and Appomattox rivers, and all of North Carolina east of the mountains. Will keep you posted in current reliable news. BRAXTON BRAGG.
Memoranda for General Bragg.
WELDON, N. C., April 23d, 1864.
Supposing this Department was to form a part of my former Department, I brought with me, or ordered to report to me here (before leaving Charleston), without further reference to the \Var Department, the following officers, who, I hope, will be allowed to remain with me :
Officers brought icith me. Captains John M. Otey and Alb. Ferry, Assistant Adjutant-Generals.
Officers ordered here.
Colonel D. B. Harris, Engineer; Majors Henry Biyau and Giles B. Cook, Assistant Adjutant-Generals, as inspectors.
Officers Required to Complete my General Staff.
1. CHIEF OF STAFF.
Brigadier-General Thomas Jordan, if his services can be obtained ; otherwise, Colonel G. W. Brent, or Major S. W. Melton, or Colonel George Williamson, who was assistant adjutant-general to General Polk at Corinth.
2. CHIEF OF ARTILLERY. Lieutenant-Colonel C. C. Jones, now Chief of Artillery to General Mercer for
the District of Georgia.
3. CHIEF OF ORDNANCE.
Lieutenant-Colonel J. R. Waddy, now Chief of Ordnance, Department South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida, as soon as he can be spared; if he cannot, then Captain James Harding, in charge of a cap-factory near Savannah, or any good ordnance officer (of General Bragg's choice) who is intelligent, energetic, and prompt, and has system and order.
Lieutenant Edmund Mazyck, as assistant ordnance officer, now Chief of Ordnance to Brigadier-General Hagood, on James Island, Department South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida.
4. INSPECTOR-GENERAL. Lieutenant-Colonel Alfred Roman, now Inspector-General, Department South
Carolina, Georgia, and Florida, as soon as he can be spared.
5. MEDICAL DIRECTOR.
Dr. R. L. Brodie, now Medical Director of Department South Carolina, Geor gia, and Florida, as soon as he can be spared.
Remarks.
I consider Colonel Roman and Dr. Brodie as indispensable. I should like to have them ordered to report to me as soon as they can be spared from their present duties.
Lieutenant-Colonel Roman is fully deserving of promotion to the rank of colonel; he commanded with distinction the 18th Louisiana regiment at Shiloh, and has done excellent service in the Department of South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida, since he reported there in October, 1862.
Major Henry Bryan is also a most meritorious officer—zealous, intelligent, and brave, he is one of the most vigilant and searching inspectors I have yet seen; nothing escapes his notice. He was wounded in Virginia, while assist ant adjutant-general to Major-General Magruder.
Captain Otey is one of the best assistant adjutant-generals in the service— prompt, energetic, intelligent, zealous, methodic, and indefatigable in the dis charge of his arduous duties. Pie has been one of my assistant adjutant-gen erals since Manassas, and should be made at least lieutenant-colonel. He is in charge of my office as assistant adjutant-general. G. T. BEAUREGARD.
Memoranda of Orders.
WELDON, N. C., April 23d, 18G4. By order of the War Department (or his Excellency the President) I assume
command this day of the Departments of North Carolina and Cape Fear, to include all of North Carolina east of the mountains, and that part of Virginia south of James and Appomattox livers.
This Department shall be known hereafter as that of North Carlina and Southern Virginia. My headquarters will be located at Weldoii until further orders. District Commanders will report directly to these Headquarters.
The prompt execution of orders, a mutual good understanding among all officers, and a cordial support of each other, are enjoined on all commanding officers as indispensable for success. Any violation of military discipline or disobedience of orders must bo punished as soon as practicable; the names of all officers and soldiers who distinguish themselves in battle or otherwise must be sent at once to these Headquarters for transmission to the War Department.
The following officers compose at present the general and personal staff of the General Commanding. All orders transmitted through them must be obeyed accordingly:
1. Major Henry Bryan, A. A. G., Acting Inspector-General.
2. Major Cooke, A. A. G., Assistant Inspector-General.
3. Captain Otey, A. A. G., in charge of Adjt.-General's Department.
4. Captain Albert Ferry, A. A. G.
5. Colonel D. B. Harris, Chief-Engineer of Department.
6. Surgeon S. Choppin, Medical Inspector.
7. Major Willis, Chief Quartermaster.
8. Major Molloy, Chief Commissary.
PERSONAL STAFF.
1. Lieutenant A. R. Chisolm, A. D. C.
2. Lieutenant A. J. Toutant, Acting A. D. C.
G. T. B., Geul. Comdg.
Telegram.
WELDOX, N. C., April 24th, 1864: 9 r. M. Genl. BRAXTOX BRAGG, Cornmander-iu-chief, Richmond, Va.:
I have examined line of works around Weldon. They are too extensive for object in view. A few detached redoubts would have answered better. Too late now to modify the system. G. T. BEAUREGARD.
Telegram.
WELDOX, N. C., April 25M, 1864: 4.25 P. M. Genl. BRAXTOX BRAGG, Commander-in-chief, Richmond, Va.:
If enemy reduces his forces in front of Charleston, Wise's brigade can also be recalled after Hagood's. Could I not strike Burnside in rear from Petersburg, if he advances on Richmond from Yorktowu ? G. T. BEAUREGARD.
Telegram. WELDOX, N. C., April 25M, 1864.
Officer Comdg., Goldsboro', N. C.:
Colonel Harris will arrive in Goldsboro' to-morrow night or the night after. Please order him to proceed to Petersburg, Va., instead of Kinston, N. C., stop ping one day at this place. G. T. BEAUREGARD.
HEADQUARTERS, DEPARTMENT N. C. AXD So. VA., WELDON, N. C., April 25M, 1864.
General, —lu view of the great uncertainty still prevailing as to the point in this Department to -which Burnside's expedition may be suddenly directed, I consider it my duty to call your attention to the present scattered condition of the only available troops at my command to oppose such an attack.
The temporary displacement of troops from their defensive positions for the support of General Hoke's expedition against Washington and Newbern was ordered by you, under the supposition that, with the assistance of the ironclad gunboat in the Roanoke and the one in the Neuse rivers, those two fortified positions would be taken by a rapid movement and a sudden attack; but already several days have elapsed since the fall of Plymouth, and, through various insurmountable obstacles, neither Washington nor Newbern have been attacked; moreover, General Corse from Kiuston reports that the ironclad gun boat in the Nense is hard aground, with the water falling rapidly. It is, then, probable that the contemplated expedition will require at least one week to be brought to a conclusion. Meanwhile, Bnrnside's movement on Petersburg or this place (Weldon), if made suddenly, would meet with but little resistance; and the communications of the forces in Virginia with the States of South Car olina and Georgia, whence they draw their principal supplies, could be effect ually cut off at almost any moment.
Mnjor-General Pickett has now at his command in his military district, for the protection of Petersburg, only about two thousand men of all arms. At this important point (Weldon) there is only one regiment (three hundred and fifty men) of State troops, under Colonel Hinton. At Goldsboro' there are only two hundred men of all arms; and in Wilmington, for its defence and to guard its approaches, only two regiments of Martin's and Evans's brigades.
The other movable troops of the Department are about as follows: sixteen regiments of infantry, one regiment of cavalry, and twenty-live pieces of artil lery, amounting, in all, to about six thousand men, under Brigadier-General Hoke, now on the march from Plymouth to attack Washington.
Three regiments of Martin's brigade are at Plymouth and llarrellsville.
Two regiments of Evans's brigade and a section of light artillery, to guard prisoners taken at Plymouth, are at Tarboro'.
Five regiments of Corse's brigade, two regiments of Evans's brigade, seven companies of cavalry, twenty-five pieces of artillery are at Kinston, under Brig adier-General W T alker, to support Hoke's attack on Newbern. By the enclosed " table of distances between the principal points in this Department" it will bo seen the utter impossibility of concentrating in time these troops for the defence of Petersburg, Weldon, or Wilmington, if suddenly attacked by a determined enemy.
I submit the above facts to your consideration in order that I may receive, as soon as practicable, the definite views of the Department on this important subject.
Having only just arrived in this Department, and not having yet received returns of the forces in it, I may have committed some errors in the number of
available troops, which cannot be, however, sufficiently great to affect the gen eral conclusions arrived at.
From an experience of over eighteen months in the Department of South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida I beg to submit the following general views for the proper organization of this Department. To insure its successful defence with the smallest available force it should be divided into three military dis tricts (instead of two), each one under a competent major-general.
The first district, under Major-General Pickett, to extend from the James River to the Roanoke, with his headquarters at Petersburg, or wherever his presence may be most required in his district.
The second district to extend from the Roauoko to the Keuse River, with its
headquarters at Tarboro', Greenville, or Kiuston, as circumstances shall dictate.
The third district, from the Neuse to Cape Fear, under Major-General W. H.
C. Whiting, with his headquarters at Wilmington, or such other point of the
district as circumstances may require.
Each of these districts should be divided by their commanders (subject to my approval) into stibdistricts, according to the topographical defensive feat ures of each district. These snbdistricts should be divided (when necessary) by the district commanders into military sections, subject also to my approval. These subdistricts and sections must be commanded by the ranking officers of the troops therein located.
By this system it is apparent that each commanding officer of a district, sub-district, or section would be enabled to make himself thoroughly acquainted with all the roads, rivers, fords, and general defensive features of the portion of country placed under his immediate charge, and would be prepared to make the best disposition of his troops to hold the enemy in check until reinforce ments could be received, which, from his thorough knowledge of the country, could be used immediately to the best advantage.
Moreover, the adoption of this system would enable me to transfer suddenly my headquarters from one district to another, according to the emergency of the case, without interfering with the working of the system. It was the one I proposed introducing in my late Department, each State representing a district, under a major-general, but I was unable to carry it fully into effect, through the want of a proper commanding officer to each district.
Should the Department have no disposable major-general competent to com mand the second military district recommended in this communication, I would be pleased to have promoted and ordered to report to me for that duty Brigadier-General Taliaferro, who so highly distinguished himself in the defence of Morris Island, especially of Battery Wagner, on the 18th of July, 18(53. He has, more over, during the whole siege of Charleston, commanded the District of James Island, where he has displayed great zeal, energy, and intelligence. Ho is, be sides, thoroughly acquainted with the system of district commands as organized in the Department of South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida.
I may be permitted here to call to your attention that none of the officers recommended for promotion for gallantry and meritorious services, during the memorable siege of Charleston, have yet been promoted, except Lieutenant-
Colonel Elliott, P. A. C. S. Arty., Colonel D. B. Harris and Captain John John son, of the Engineers — three officers who are fully entitled, by their zeal, bravery, and intrepidity, to further promotion.
In conclusion, I must be permitted to give, although just entering on my duties, what I consider the smallest movable force of all arms required (until reinforcements could bo obtained) to protect this Department against the attack of an enterprising and determined enemy, to wit:
In the First Military District, infantry, cavalry, and light artillery, about 10,000 " Second " " " " " " " 8,000
" Third " " " " " " " 5,000
Total of all arms 23,000
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
G. T. BEATJREGARD, Gcnl. Comdg. Genl. BKAXTON BRAGG, Commander-in-Chief, Richmond, Va.
P.S.— Since the above Avas written I am informed that Brigadier-General Iloko has been promoted to the rank of major-general for his gallant attack on Plymouth. He would, no doubt, be a good commander for the proposed Second Military District of this Department. G. T. B.
Telegram.
WELDOX, N. C., April 29M, 1864 : 3.45 p. M. Genl. PICKETT, Petersburg, Va.:
Order General Clingman to make a reconnoissance, with one strong regiment of infantry, three or four companies of cavalry, and a battery, in the direction of Suffolk and Portsmouth, with a view of obtaining positive information of the enemy's movements and intentions. He must be absent few days, for his ser vices may be required soon. G. T. BEAUREGARD.
Telegram.
KIXSTOX, X. C., Mai/ 1st, 1364. Genl. BRAXTOX BRAGG, Commanding Richmond, Va.:
Gunboat in Neuse hopelessly aground or useless until river rises. Albcmarle still at Plymouth. With its assistance I consider capture of Newbern easy. Without it sacrifice of life must be very great, unless regular approaches are resorted to. I will leave General Hoke, however, to carry out his instructions, and will afford him all the aid and advice in my power.
G. T. BEAUREGARD.
HEADQUARTERS, DEPARTMENT N. C. AND So. VA.,
KIXSTOX, N. C., May 1st, 1864.
General, —Having no authority to interfere in your proposed movement on Xewbern, your instructions having been received direct from General Bragg, I avail myself of your desire that I should command the expedition to offer you the following suggestions, resulting from information received or collected since my arrival here.
It appears that the enemy's forces (reported to be about six thousand men of all arms) in and around Newborn are distributed nearly as follows :
1st. One regiment of infantry and one of cavalry occupy the outer line of works about seven miles from Newbern, and guard the direct approaches to that town.
2d. Three regiments of infantry and several companies of heavy artillery occupy the forts and lines defending the town.
3d. Three regiments defend the works on the south side of the Trent.
4tli. Two regiments occupy those on the north side of the Neuse.
There are three methods of attacking Ncwberu : first, by surprise and assault ; second, by assault without surprise ; third, by regular approaches.
The first and last methods are impracticable at present; for the enemy must be aware of your intentions, and we have not sufficient time to execute the last. The second plan is, therefore, the only one which can now be carried into effect; it can, however, be made to partake more or less of a surprise, and, with the assistance of the ironclad gunboat Albemarle, from Plymouth, should meet with complete success. I regret to say that no hope need be entertained of the co operation of the ironclad gunboat now aground in the Neuse, near this place; for it is not probable it can be got afloat again, or be made to pass over the bars and sand-banks below its present position, without a considerable rise in the river, an event which is not likely to take place until the next rainy season.
The attack on Newbern should be so made as to capture or destroy the sepa rate forces of the enemy before they can be concentrated ; for that purpose the Albemarle, immediately after having sunken the two or three wooden gunboats aiding in the defence of the town, should destroy the long bridge across the Trent, so as to isolate the troops now stationed on its south side; the Albemarle should then take such a position in the Neuse as to cut off from Newbern the communications of the forces on the north side of that river, and it should also co-operate with General Hoke's attack, by taking in Hank and rear the works and lines extending from the Neuse to the Trent, defending the direct ap proaches to the city.
The land operations should be conducted as follows, subject to such modifica tions as future information may develop:
1st. One regiment of cavalry, supported by two regiments of infantry and one light battery, should be sent, by the best and safest route, to cut otF, about Croatan, the railroad from Newbern to Morohead City, and prevent reinforce ments being thrown from the latter to the former, or the retreat of the garrison from Newbern to Morehead City.
2d. A strong demonstration should be made in front of the enemy's advanced lines on Batchelor Creek, about seven miles from Newbern, to hold in position the forces there stationed until the main body of General Hoke's troops shall have got to their rear, about half-way between that creek and the town of New T bern.
The best route to bo followed by General Hoke's main column seems to be the Trenton road (south of Trenton River) as far as the nearest cross-road to Tar Landing, or Rock Landing, on the Trent, where this river must be crossed on a pontoon-bridge, hastily constructed; from this point the Trent road must be reached by the shortest route and followed until coming to the Savannah II.—34:
road, near James Branch or Creek. The column will then move along the Sa vannah road until reaching the Xeuse road from Kinston to Xewbern, \vhere it will take up its position, throwing forward some cavalry and light troops to threaten Xewberu and guard the roads leading out of that town.
A proper force should be left to guard the crossings of James Branch, by the Trent and Savannah roads, in order to prevent a part of the enemy's troops oc cupying the advanced lines from retreating into Newborn.
A small force of cavalry, with a section of artillery, should be thrown towards Clcrmont bridge, on the Trent, to prevent the troops from the south side of the Trent from getting into Ncwbern after the destruction of the long bridge by the Albemarlc.
3d. General Iloko will then, throw forward a sufficient force from his main body to attack in rear the enemy's advanced lines, already referred to, along Batchelor Creek, and from thence to the Trent. General Iloke's troops left on the west side of Batchelor Creek should attack also with vigor as soon as they shall have heard the firing in their front.
4th. A rapid rcconnoissance should determine, meanwhile, where and how to attack the line of works constructed near the town from the Xeuse to the Trent. It is probable that the portion of the line nearest to the former stream will be found the least difficult to take, especially with the co-operation of the Albemarlc operating in the Xeuse.
Circumstances may be such, however, as to render it advisable to attack the works on the south side of the Trent, and afterwards (or perhaps at the samo time) the forts on the north side of the Neuse, so as to isolate more completely the garrison of the town, which, reduced and demoralized by these repeated losses, might gladly surrender without prolonging further a useless struggle which might terminate so fatally to them, especially if made fully to under stand the dangers of further resistance.
Should the forces on the south side of the Trent endeavor to retreat to More-head City, they should be pursued vigorously until checked by the troops already thrown towards Croat an, near Otter Creek, to intercept their retreat in that direction. Respectfully, your obedient servant,
G. T. BEAUREGARD, Genl. Comdg.
Major.-Gcnl. R. F. HOKE, Comdg. expedition against Newborn.
P.S. —It is important to diminish as far as practicable the artillery fire of the enemy's work; hence the faces of all the forts and batteries bearing in the direction of the points of attack should be prolonged, and field rilled pieces put in position to enfilade them at long range just as the attack shall have com menced. Two pieces to each face would probably be sufficient.
G. T. BEAUHKGARD, Genl. Comdg.
Telegram.
KIXSTOX, X. C., May 1st, 18G4: 9 A. M.