This work should be pushed forward night and day, as, indeed, at Shell Point and all other works under construction about the harbor, so soon as the force of negro labor may be sufficient.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,

THOMAS JORDAN,

Chief of Staff.

(Copy to Brigadier General R. S. Ripley.)

HDQRS. DEPT. SOUTH CAROLINA, GEORGIA, AND FLORIDA,
Charleston, S. C., July 16, 1863.

Brigadier General R. S. RIPLEY,

Commanding First Military District, Charleston, S. C.:

GENERAL: The commanding general wishes Colonel Rhett, or the commanding officer at Fort Sumter, instructed on the following points, to wit:

Several guns of that work shall always be kept loaded and carefully trained at night, on the creeks near Battery Wagner and Marsh and Shell Point Batteries.

Should events oblige us to abandon Fort Sumter, not one heavy gun must be left in serviceable condition, to be turned against our own works.

The commanders of Batteries Gregg and Wagner you will please instruct to the same effect, and every proper means calculated to that end must be provided, for an emergency.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,

THOMAS JORDAN,

Chief of Staff.

HEADQUARTERS ORDNANCE DEPARTMENT,
Charleston, July 16, 1863.

Commanding Officer Montgomery Arsenal:

Colonel Waddy, chief of ordnance of this department, directs me to request you to make, and send forward as soon as you can, shot and shell for 8 and 10-inch columbiads, also projectiles for 32 and 42 pounder rifled guns, as they are much needed.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

L. JAQUELIN SMITH,

Captain of Artillery, Assistant Chief of Ordnance.

SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. FIRST MILITARY DISTRICT, Numbers 249.
Charleston, July 16, 1863.

* * * * * * *

III. Brigadier General T. L. Clingman will assume command of the western division of James Island, reporting directly to these headquarters. He will hold his command in constant readiness to support any operations in the eastern division, Brigadier-General Hagood, commanding.

By command of Brigadier-General Ripley:

WM. F. NANCE,
Assistant Adjutant-General.