SUMTER, January 18, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor to report that Captain Johnston, 6 officers, and 100 men, from Nineteenth, Twenty-third, and Twenty-eighth Georgia, relieved Captain Groves with the same force. Foggy this morning; no observations.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

S. ELLIOTT, JR.,

Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding.

Lieutenant S. C. BOYLSTON,

Acing Assistant Adjutant-General.

SUMTER, January 22, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor to report that Captain Burgess, 5 officers, and 101 men, from Twenty-fifth South Carolina Volunteers, relieved Captain Allston, 6 offices, and 100 men, from Twenty-seventh South Carolina Volunteers. There is 1 officer wanting to make up the regular detail. A steam tug was seen unusually near Fort Moultrie last night, retiring only at daylight. One shot fired yesterday, which missed. The water-boat was not down. We stand in much need of the lanterns for which requisitions has already been made.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

F. T. MILES,

Captain, Commanding Post.

Lieutenant S. C. BOYLSTON,

Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

[First indorsement.]

HDQRS. DEPT. OF S. CAROLINA, GEORGIA, AND FLORIDA, Charleston, S. C., January 22, 1864.

Respectfully referred to the chief quartermaster, who will please furnish the lanterns immediately if they can be found in the city.

An explanation is desired of the reasons which have prevented the execution of a previous order to this effect from these headquarters.

By command of General Beauregard:

JNO. M. OTEY,
Assistant Adjutant-General.

[Second indorsement.]

OFFICE CHIEF Q. M., DEPT. S. CAROLINA, &C., Charleston, January 22, 1864.

Respectfully referred to Major Pringle, quartermaster, for his remarks.

HUTSON LEE,

Chief Quartermaster.