STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA, EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT,

Charleston, August 31, 1863.

General JORDAN, Chief of Staff:

GENERAL: In the absence of the Governor a letter has been received from Colonel Shannon as to negro labor, which I think it is proper to bring to your notice at once, so that you may revolve the matter in your mind.

Colonel Shannon says:

In a fortnight the labor is due from Division Numbers 1. It has furnished no labor under my call, and I am informed little or none before. They ought to be the first impressed, but you cannot impress and carry on this scheme at the same time. One must get out of the way; either instruct me to withdraw the call immediately, and let the impressing agents take hold, or exempt it from the presence of the impresser until they have answered this call. The other division have been called on twice, except Numbers 4. which, by volunteering, is at least on an equality with Nos. 2 and 3.

If you desire any instruction to be immediately given to Colonel Shannon, please inform me. The Governor will be back by Wednesday or Thursday morning.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

A. P. ALDRICH,

Aide-de-Camp.

OFFICER COMMISSARY CITY OF CHARLESTON,

August 31, 1863.

General JORDAN, Chief of Staff:

GENERAL: Some weeks since General Beauregard instructed me (verbally) not to furnish refugee tickets to male negroes for the purpose of leaving the city, which I have regarded.

The applications are now numerous, and I am informed many are leaving the city without these tickets.

I beg to be advised if the prohibition still continues against able bodied male negroes and mulattoes leaving the city.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

S. Y. TUPPER,

Agent.

GENERAL ORDERS,
HDQRS. DEPT. S. C., GA., AND FLA., Numbers 95.
Charleston, S. C., August 31, 1863.

Major General J. F. Gilmer, Provisional Army, C. S., having reported for duty in connection with the defense of Charleston, is announced to the forces as second in command to the commanding general. He will be obeyed and respected accordingly.

By command of General Beauregard:

THOMAS JORDAN,

Chief of Staff.

HDQRS. DEPT. SOUTH CAROLINA, GEORGIA, AND FLORIDA,
Charleston, S. C., August 31, 1863.

Lieutenant Colonel D. B. HARRIS,

Chief Engineer Department, Charleston, S. C.:

COLONEL: The commanding general directs that to-night you place a large number of torpedoes in front of the obstructions between