[Third indorsement.]

QUARTERMASTER'S OFFICE, Charleston, January 22, 1864.

Respectfully returned, through chief quartermaster. No requisitions made from Fort Sumter are unfilled nor have I any knowledge of the requisition alluded to within.

MOTTE A. PRINGLE,

Major and Quartermaster.

[Fourth indorsement.]

HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF SOUTH CAROLINA, &C., January 26, 1864.

Respectfully returned.

On the 6th ultimo, Lieutenant-Colonel Elliott made a request for oil lanterns, and on the 7th the following indorsement was made on his request by these headquarters: "The quartermaster's department will furnish with the least delay practicable." An explanation is desired as to why the lanterns were not supplied. Return this paper.

By command of General Beauregard:

JNO. M. OTEY,
Assistant Adjutant-General.

[Fifth indorsement.]

QUARTERMASTER'S OFFICE, Charleston, January 27, 1864.

Respectfully returned, through chief quartermaster, with the remark that on the 8th of December four oil landers were ordered from Messrs Adams and Damon, and taken down to Fort Sumter by Lieutenant Swinton, the receipt of which Lieutenant-Colonel Elliott acknowledges, and these lanterns I am informed are now at the fort. I have no record of any other requisitions for landers being made. I have, however, shipped this evening four additional quartermaster of Fifth Military District, upon whom all requisitions from Fort Sumter, I respectfully submit, should be made.

MOTTE A. PRINGLE,

Major and Quartermaster.

FORT SUMTER, January 23, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor to report that two steam tugs of the enemy were stationed off the fort during the whole night. Number of fleet as usual. Water-boat failed to come again last night. One shot fired, which missed.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

F. T. MILES,

Captain, Commanding Post.

Lieutenant S. C. BOYLSTON,

Acting Assistant Quartermaster-General.