I am happy to hear, though, that the Yankees have given up al hope of taking Charleston, for I am tired of this useless burning of powder, which might be saved to a better purpose. My batteries, however, fire very little-as little as possible.

Sumter is stronger as a defensive work than it ever was before the late accident to one of the small magazines. Those damages will soon be repaired, and I am going to add two 10-inch columbiads to its present armament.

Hoping you will be equally successful in case of an attack on Willmington,

I remain, yours, very truly,

G. T. BEAUREGARD.

P. S.-Troops are still reported passing here from the north, going to Hilton Head. General Walker reports about 6,000 men encamped on that island alone.

SPECIAL ORDERS,
HDQRS. DEPT. S. C., GA., AND FLA., Numbers 284.
Charleston, S. C., December 25, 1863.

I. Colonel J. W. Robertson, Provisional Army, S. C., will be relieved from engineer duty on James Island, and is assigned to the command of the post of Columbus, Ga. On assuming command at that point, he will push forward with all possible celerity the works ordered by Major-General Gilmer, and of which Captain Moreno is the engineer in charge.

* * * * * *

By command of General Beauregard:

JNO. M. OTEY,
Assistant Adjutant-General.

CHARLESTON, December 26, 1863-11.30 a. m.

General S. COOPER,

Adjutant and Inspector General:

Six houses burned by fire of yesterday and 7 persons wounded by it and enemy's firing on city. He threw 150 shells, of which 19 fell short.

G. T. BEAUREGARD.

CHARLESTON, S. C., December 26, 1863.

General JOSEPH E. JOHNSTON,

Near Dalton, Ga.:

Savannah being reported threatened by enemy, I have to request one brigade of State troops should be sent there at once, as promised by General Bragg, in place of Anderson's brigade, sent from here to Longstreet.

G. T. BEAUREGARD.