OFF MORRIS ISLAND, September 2, 1863-8.40 a.m.

General GILLMORE:

I think your fire on Sumter may be omitted to-day. Have just returned from above, and am trying to get a little rest. I do not know what damage our fire did Sumter. My chief of staff wounded; his leg broken.

DAHLGREN,

Admiral.

MORRIS ISLAND, September 2, 1863-11.35 a.m.

W. ADAMS,

Signal Officer, Flag-Ship:

I wish to know if Sumter fired at the monitors last night while they were in action. Do not disturb the admiral if he is sleep, but please get me the information, as it will determine whether I continue firing on Sumter to-day.

GILLMORE,

General.

OFF MORRIS ISLAND, September 2, 1863-11.45 a.m.

General GILLMORE:

Not to my knowledge.

222.

FLAG-STEAMER PHILADELPHIA, Off Morris Island, September 3, 1863.

Brigadier General Q. A. GILLMORE, U. S. Army,

Commanding Department of the South:

DEAR SIR: I understood you to say yesterday that your trenches were within 70 yards of Wagner, which intervening space had been filled with torpedoes to destroy your storming column. When you are ready to move on the work, I propose to bring in the iron-clads and maintain a steady fire until you ask me to cease. Any other facility I can offer is heartily at your service.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. A. DAHLGREN,

Rear-Admiral, Commanding South Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Morris Island, S. C., September 3, 1863.

Rear-Admiral JOHN A. DAHLGREN,
Commanding South Atlantic Blockading Squadron:

DEAR SIR: In reply to your letter of this date, offering the service of the iron-clads to maintain a steady fire on Fort Wagner when I should be ready to move, I would say I should be very thankful for this co-operation, and hope to be ready to avail myself of it very shortly.

Colonel Turner, my chief of staff, has gone on board your flag-