I have to request you will inform me of the number of men on the coast, along the line of the Charleston and Savannah Railroad, and in the vicinity of Georgetown.

I am, general, your obedient servant,

THOS. LINING,

Surgeon and Medical Purveyor.

CHARLESTON, S. C., March 16, 1864.

General SAMUEL COOPER,

Adjutant and Inspector General:

Yesterday the enemy reopened on Fort Sumter, firing 143 shots from two 100-pounder and one 200-pounder Parrotts, wounding 5 soldiers, not dangerously, and 1 negro, dangerously. Resumed fire to-day for short time. General Beauregard reports arrival of additional troops of enemy yesterday at Jacksonville.

THOMAS JORDAN,

Chief of Staff.

CAMP MILTON,

Near Jacksonville, Fla., March 16, 1864-12.30 p.m.

Major General D. H. HILL,

Charleston, S. C.:

I regret to hear of your ill success. What do you propose doing now? I cannot return as soon as I expected, and must have an officer in command in South Carolina.

G. T. BEAUREGARD.

HDQRS. DEPT. OF S. CAROLINA, GEORGIA, AND FLORIDA,
Charleston, S. C., March 16, 1864.

THOMAS LINING,

Medical Purveyor, Charleston:

SIR: In reply to your communication of the 15th instant, I have the honor to inform you that the number of troops present and absent serving in the State of South Carolina is 22,750, and am instructed to say that your estimate for the medical and hospital supplies should be made out for that number.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. M. OTEY,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

CAMP MILTON,

Near Jacksonville, Fla., March 16, 1864-11 a.m.

Major General J. F. GILMER,

Commanding District of Georgia, Savannah, Ga.:

Resume command in Georgia and Third Military District of South Carolina. Keep me advised of enemy's movements. All quiet here. One brigade of enemy is at Palatka. Some additional troops arrived yesterday at Jacksonville.

G. T. BEAUREGARD.