SUMTER, May 20, 1864 - 3 a. m.

Attempt to cut the telegraph wire, I think of six of enemy's barges. I fired on them boat howitzer and they retreated, replying 1 shot.

J. C. MITCHEL,

Captain, Commanding.

Lieutenant S. C. BOYLSTON,

Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

SUMTER, May 20, 1864.

SIR: Six shots fired at fort since last report; 2 missed. The firing ceased at 10 a. m. The fleet quiet; five monitors in sight.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. C. MITCHEL,

Captain, Commanding Post.

Lieutenant S. C. BOYLSTON,

Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

FORTS SUMTER, May 20, 1864 - 10 a. m.

SIR; I have the honor to report that six of enemy's boats came between this fort and James Island, as far as the line of telegraph posts, about 1.30 a. m. When they turned to go out, I fired 4 shells at them from boat howitzer, but without hurting them. The enemy replied with 3 shots from Gregg, none of which struck. A shot was also fired from a howitzer in one of the boats, which passed over. Lieutenant Cannon, Company F, Twentieth Regiment, was wounded in the heel by a gun accidentally fired by one of his own men. The monitor on picket has removed her torpedo guard.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. C. MITCHEL,

Captain, Commanding.

Lieutenant S. C. BOYLSTON,

Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

SUMTER, May 21, 1864 - 7 o'clock.

The enemy have just brought a 30-pounder Parrott down to Gregg, to replace, I suppose, the one removed a few days ago.

J. C. MITCHEL,

Captain, Commanding.

Lieutenant S. C. BOYLSTON,

Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

FORT SUMTER, May 21, 1864.

SIR: Everything quiet here this morning. I am still 6 officers short; none has arrived in Lieutenant Whitridge's place. Four shots from Gregg fired, 2 at the fort (1 hit) and 2 at boats near wharf (both missed).

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. C. MITCHEL,

Captain, Commanding Post.

Lieutenant S. C. BOYLSTON.