CHARLESTON, S. C., November 6, 1863-8.30 a. m.

His Excellency JEFFERSON DAVIS,

President Confederate States:

(Care of Major-General Whiting, Wilmington, N. C.)

I visited Sumter last night. It is all right at present. Major Elliott and garrison are in fine spirits. No casualties in last forty-eight hours. Commanding officer of that important post should have more rank.

G. T. BEAUREGARD.

HDQRS. DEPT. SOUTH CAROLINA, GEORGIA, AND FLORIDA, Charleston, S. C., November 6, 1863.

Brigadier General R. S. RIPLEY,
Commanding First Military District, Mount Pleasant, S. C.:

GENERAL: The commanding general directs that in the event of an attempt on the part of the enemy at night to assail Fort Sumter, as on a former occasion, by a boat expedition, 200 men of your command shall be held in readiness nightly, to be thrown to the assistance of the garrison of that work, by row-boats. You will please make the necessary arrangements to secure celerity and certainly of movements.

It will be well to arrange with Major Elliott for some signal to be given by him. Another party, of equal strength, will be sent from Fort Johnson.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,

[THOMAS JORDAN,]

Chief of Staff.

(Copy to Major Stephen Elliott, jr., commanding Fort Sumter.)

HDQRS. DEPT. SOUTH CAROLINA, GEORGIA, AND FLORIDA, Charleston, S. C., November 6, 1863.

Brigadier General WM. B. TALIAFERRO,
Commanding Seventh Military District, James Island, S. C.:

GENERAL: The commanding general directs that you shall hold a forced of 200 infantry in readiness nightly at Fort Johnston, to be thrown into Fort Sumter in the event of an attempt on part of enemy to carry that work by assault from row-boats. The steamer Juno, in such an emergency, will, by arrangement, be at the wharf to receive and transport the detachment, and Major Elliott, if possible, will give a signal when he stands in need.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,

[THOMAS JORDAN,]

Chief of Staff.

(Copy to Major Elliott, throughout Colonel Rhett.)