He also directs that in the day-time our batteries only fire on Morris Island when they see the enemy actively at work, and at might they should fire only at irregular intervals. We must economize our ammunition and guns as much as possible for a long siege.

It is the wish of the commanding general that Fort Sumter be furnished with disinfectants, and that one company of the garrison be changed weekly.

He further directs that you send a detachment of Earle's battery, under Captain Early, with the larger Foote gun to Buckingham Ferry, for the purpose of annoying the enemy's communication between Fort Pulaski and Hilton Head.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JOHN F. O'BRIEN,

Major, and Assistant Adjutant-General.

CHARLESTON, S. C.,

September 24, 1863.

General S. COOPER,

Adjutant and Inspector General, Richmond, Va.:

Enemy working assiduously on his Morris Island batteries. In few days Fort Sumter will have four or five guns mounted. Preparations on Sullivan's Island progressing well.

G. T. BEAUREGARD.

HDQRS. DEPT. SOUTH CAROLINA, GEORGIA, AND FLORIDA,
Charleston, S. C., September 24, 1863.

Brigadier General R. S. RIPLEY,

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

GENERAL: I send you herewith a list of available guns in Sumter on the 23rd instant. Please communicate the same to Major Elliott and to Mr. Mathews, for their guidance. If still in time, that 8-inch gun from Moultrie need not be sent to Mount Pleasant, as one from Sumter is ordered there. Chasis and carriage may, however, be sent, if there be any to spare in Moultrie.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,

G. T. BEAUREGARD.

P. S.-The 8-inch in Moultrie I ordered to Mount Pleasant must, nevertheless, be removed to some other position, to make room for the traverses ordered.

[Inclosure.]

Available guns in Sumter, September 23, 1863.

No. Caliber Positions Remarks.

assigned

2 10-inch Sumter Without casemate

columbiads carriages and chassis.

2 8-inch One to Haskell Only one carriage,

columbiads and one to without elevating screw.

Mount Pleasant

1 42-pounder, Sumter Do.

rifled

1 42-pounder, City (for One with band burst, the

rifled Pinckney) other still in the

ruins.

1 8-inch shell Marshall With casemate carriage;

gun must be sent with

barbette carriages, &c.

2 32-pounder, Sumter and With one casemate

rifled Haskell carriage; one gun to

Haskell, with barbette

carriage, &c.

2 32-pounder, City With one casemate

smooth carriage (for rifling).

2 10-inch Near Moultrie Without beds

mortars (earriages).

P. S.-Another 42-pounder is at the arsenal, to be remanded.