commencement of the war; have been at Battery Marion since last August, where they have been frequently engaged, and especially for the last few days, during three out of four in which there have been active engagements between the monitors and our batteries, besides with the enemy's batteries on Moris Island. The withdrawal of this force is so near, rendering an important position in close proximity to the enemy's land and sea forces useless, that I have felt it my duty to retain the battalion until it is relieved by other and competent troops.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

R. S. RIPLEY,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

CHARLESTON, S. C., May 18, 1864./

Major General PATTON ANDERSON,

Camp Milton, Fla.:

Report at once aggregate and effective total of troops you will send to Virginia.

By order:

H. W. FEILDEN,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

SPECIAL ORDERS,
ADJT. AND INSP. GENERAL'S OFFICE, Numbers 115. Richmond, May 18, 1864.

* * * * *

XIV. Major George Robertson, jr., commissary of subsistence, will report to Major J. L. Locke, chief commissary of subsistence State of Georgia, at Savannah, for assignment to duty.

* * * * *

XXIII. Major General L. McLaws, Provisional Army, C. S., will proceed to Charleston, S. C., and report to Major General Samuel Jones, commanding, &c., for assignment to the command of the defenses of Savannah, Ga.

By command of the Secretary of War:

JNO. WITHERS,
Assistant Adjutant-General.

GENERAL ORDERS,
HDQRS. MILITARY DISTRICT OF GEORGIA, Numbers 10.
Savannah, May 18, 1864.

I. In accordance with paragraph I, Special Orders, Numbers 100, headquarters of Major-General Gilmer, I take command of the Military District of Georgia.

All existing orders from former district commanders will continue in force until further orders.

II. Lieutenant M. H. Hopkins, First Volunteer Regiment of Georgia, is hereby detailed as acting assistant adjutant-general, and will be obeyed and respected accordingly.

CHAS. H. OLMSTEAD,

Colonel, Commanding District.