HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH,
In the Field, Folly Island, S. C., October 12, 1863.

Colonel E. W. SERRELL,

Commanding N. Y. Volunteer Engineers, Folly Island, S. C.:

SIR: The chief engineer desires you to construct a boom across Light-House Inlet above the mouth of the creek emptying into Light-House Inlet from the direction of Black Island. The position is to be selected by yourself; also that you examine the sheet of water to the north of Long Island, and report in writing the best position for an obstruct to prevent the passage of boats from it into Light-House Inlet.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

W. L. M. BURGER,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS U. S. FORCES,
North End Folly Island, S. C., October 12, 1863.

Brigadier-General TURNER,

Chief of Staff:

GENERAL: I have the honor to report that the officer in command of Long Island reports having observed the enemy moving toward the south end of James Island. He says:

About three regiments and four pieces of artillery have passed and more are passing. They are moving in small squads. My pickets are instructed to keep a good lookout, as I expect an attack to-night.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

S. L. McHENRY,

Captain, and Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS U. S. FORCES,
North End Folly Island, S. C., October 12, 1863.

Colonel S. M. ALFORD,

Commanding Brigade:

COLONEL: The brigadier-general commanding directs that you have the troops of your command ready to move at a moment's notice during the night, as an attack is anticipated.

By order of Brigadier General E. A. Wild:

S. L. McHENRY,

Captain, and Assistant Adjutant-General.

(Same to General Forster and Colonel Beecher and Captains Hamilton and Rockwell.)

GENERAL ORDERS,
HDQRS. DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Numbers 89. In the Field, Folly Island, S. C., Oct. 14, 1863.

I. All acting ordnance officers and ordnance officers of divisions and of posts, on duty inn this department, will report immediately by letter to the chief of ordnance of the department, stating where stationed, by whom and when appointed, and what may be the nature of their duty.