HDQRS. DEPT. SOUTH CAROLINA, GEORGIA, AND FLORIDA,
Charleston, S. C., July 9, 1863.

Colonel A. J. GONZALES,

Chief of Artillery, &c.:

COLONEL: The commanding general directs that you hold the siege train in readiness to move at a moment's notice.

I have the honor to be, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

CLIFTON H. SMITH,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HDQRS. DEPT. SOUTH CAROLINA, GEORGIA, AND FLORIDA,
Charleston, S. C., July 10, 1863.

Major HUSTON LEE,

Chief Quartermaster, &c.:

MAJOR: A brigade (Clingman's) is to be sent here from Wilmington. Make every possible exertion to province for its rapid transportation. Leave nothing undone in your power to accelerate the movement, both from Wilmington to Florence, and thence here. Time is incalculably precious.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,

THOMAS JORDAN,

Chief of Staff.

HDQRS. DEPT. SOUTH CAROLINA, GEORGIA, AND FLORIDA,
Charleston, S. C., July 10, 1863.

Colonel A. J. GONZALES,

Chief of Artillery, &c.:

COLONEL: You will repair forthwith to inspect the heavy batteries on James Island, commending with Fort Pemberton, to determine, on consultation with their commanding officers, what are their most pressing wants; and, if they can be supplied, you will inform these headquarters by courier.

You will determine also, whether, in any conflict of the enemy's gunboats with the works on James Island, the siege train, or any part thereof, can be used to advantage.

Meanwhile, the siege train should be sent to the most available position on James Island.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,

THOMAS JORDAN,

Chief of Staff.

SECESSIONVILLE, July 10, 1864.

(Received 2.48 a. m.)

Captain W. F. NANCE,

Assistant Adjutant-General:

No further demonstrations. My pickets have fallen back from Battery Island to the lower (Legar's) house, nearest Battery Island. The enemy are advancing their pickets cautiously.

C. H. SIMONTON,

Colonel, Commanding.