MOULTRIE, VIA CHARLESTON, July 10, 1863.

General RIPLEY:

In a close fight, the barracks in Fort Moultrie will probably be set on fire. In this event the guns can scarcely be worked. We recommend that the wood-works be removed.

LOWRENCE M. KEITT.

SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPT. S. C., GA., AND FLA., Numbers 138.
Charleston, S. C., July 10, 1863.

I. Brigadier General Johnson Hagood having reported at these headquarters is assigned to the command of the First Sub-Division of the First Military District.

By command of Brigadier-General Ripley:

WM. F. NANCE,
Assistance Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF MIDDLE FLORIDA,

Quincy, July 10, 1863.

General THOMAS JORDAN,

Chief of Staff, Charleston, S. C.:

GENERAL: I have just returned from a tour of inspection in West Florida and on the Apalachicola River. In West Florida everything is quiet and the condition of troops good. I regret to state that the health of the troops on the river is very bad, particularly so at the batteries at the obstructions in the Narrows; so much so that I few it will be impracticable to keep up the force at that point during the summer and fall seasons. For this and other reasons, I have determined to occupy Fort Gadsden, a point below the obstructions, and about 25 miles above Apalachicola. I have accordingly stationed at that point four field pieces and a detachment of infantry and cavalry. It is my intention to occupy permanently that place. I have directed such fortifications to be erected by the troops as will enable us to hold the place against any probably raid of the enemy.

For the present, I shall continue to occupy three points on the river. Fort Gadsden, the Narrows, and Hammock Landing, about