fire of the first musketry the enemy were in possession of our pits. From two officers and a number of men who escaped from the rifle-pits, I ascertained that the enemy's attacking party were at least 1,500 men, while our picket consisted of 86 men from the Sixty-first North Carolina Troops, under command of First Lieutenant William Ramsey, who was among those who made their escape.

Our pickets were so soon overwhelmed that I can say but little of their resistance, but think they did their duty well.

Owing to strength of enemy, I refrained from attacking him with infantry, but am keeping up an artillery fire on him both from here and Gregg.

Casualties during the day, 4 killed, 26 wounded, and 79 missing. The report of the surgeon in inclosed herewith.*

I remain, sir, very respectfully,

GEO. P. HARRISON, Jr.,

Colonel, Commanding.

Captain W. F. NANCE,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

[P. S.]-The enemy exploded three torpedoes to-night.

HEADQUARTERS MORRIS ISLAND,
Battery Wagner, August 27, 1863-10 p.m.

CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the following report of the effective force of this command and of the operations during the past twenty-four hours:

Infantry:

54th Georgia, Lieutenant-Colonel Rawls................. 265

23rd Georgia, Major Ballenger........................... 327

20th South Carolina, Lieutenant-Colonel Dantzler....... 310

61st North Carolina, Lieutenant-Colonel Devane......... 184

8th North Carolina, Lieutenant-Colonel Whitson......... 295

Artillery:

Detachment Chatham (Georgia) Artillery, Lieutenant

Askew................................................. 31

Detachment Company F, Second South Carolina Artillery,

Captain Legare........................................ 71

Mathewes' artillery.................................... 23

Gist Guard............................................. 17

Cavalry: Detachment 5th South Carolina, Sergeant

Huger................................................. 10

Sharpshooters, detachment 8th North Carolina,

Lieutenant Dugger..................................... 13

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Total.................................................. 1,546

During last night I kept up a fire from one 8-inch sea-coast howitzer and two 12-pounder brass howitzers at irregular intervals upon the working parties of the enemy.

At early dawn I discovered that they had advanced their line to within about 350 yards of the fort. During the greater part of the day I have fired upon their advance from one 8-inch sea-coast howitzer, but an accurate and concentrated fire form their Parrott guns rendered the chambers almost untenable, and I was compelled to cease.

Since morning they have advanced about 50 yards nearer by means of their sappers, and at dark this evening a sharp fire of musketry from the epaulements ran in their working parties. I opened at

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*Not found.

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