SUMTER, May 4, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor to report that 61 mortar shells were fired yesterday, of which 24 struck; and 31 last night, of which 11 struck. A portion of the shelling last night was evidently done to prevent work on the boom in front of the fort. The telegraph cable was reunited last night.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

S. ELLIOTT, JR.,

Lieutenant-General, Commanding.

Lieutenant S. C. BOYLSTON,

Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

FORT SUMTER, May 5, 1864 - 12.59 p. m.

SIR: I have the honor to report everything quiet this morning. The sentinels on Gregg are negroes. Besides the Ironsides and 6 monitors, there are only 2 war vessels inside the bar and 2 blockaders outside. Thirteen shells fired at the fort yesterday, 3 of which struck.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. C. MITCHEL,

Captain, Commanding.

Lieutenant S. C. BOYLSTON,

Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

FORT SUMTER, May 6, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor to report nothing unusual this morning. Negro sentinels in the enemy's batteries. A small working party engaged in hauling sods to middle battery.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. C. MITCHEL,

Captain, Commanding.

Lieutenant S. C. BOYLSTON.

FORT SUMTER, May 7, 1864 - 12.15 p. m.

SIR: I have the honor to report nothing unusual this morning. A small working party hauling sods to middle battery. Fifteen shells from mortars fired at the fort last night, of which 12 struck.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. C. MITCHEL,

Captain, Commanding.

Lieutenant S. C. BOYLSTON,

Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

FORT SUMTER, May 8, 1864 - 11.30 a. m.

SIR: I have the honor to report everything quiet here this morning. Five Parrott shells fired at the fort about 9 o'clock to-day; all struck. A detachment from First Artillery reported here last night.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. C. MITCHEL,

Captain, Commanding.

Lieutenant S. C. BOYLSTON,

Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.