CHARLESTON, S. C., July 12, 1864.

Brigadier General JAMES CHESNUT,

Columbia, S. C.:

You need not send any more troops here now. The enemy are shifting position. Have abandoned John's Island, and seem to be quiet to-day.

CHAS. S. STRINGFELLOW,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

SPECIAL ORDERS,
ADJT. AND INSP. GENERAL'S OFFICE, Numbers 161.
Richmond, July 11, 1864.

* * * *

XVI. Major E. L. Holcombe, commissary of subsistence, is relieved form duty with Brigadier-General Taliaferro, and is assigned to duty with Brigadier General James Chesnut, commanding reserve forces of South Carolina, at Columbia, S. C.

* * * *

By command of the Secretary of War:

SAML. W. MELTON,
Assistant Adjutant-General.

HDQRS. DEPT. OF S. CAROLINA, GEORGIA, A AND FLORIDA, Charleston, S. C., July 12, 1864.

Brigadier General R. S. RIPLEY,

Commanding, &c.:

GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs me to suggest the propriety of sending 50 more men to Sumter. Since the land advance has ceased the enemy may make an assault on Sumter, and an addition of 50 men,besides the actual assistance in the event of an attack, would strengthen the garrison by the increased confidence it would give to Captain Mitchel and his men.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

CHAS. S. STRINGFELLOW,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

ROYALL'S HOUSE, July 12, 1864-10.30 a. m.

Major STRINGFELLOW,

Assistant Adjutant-General:

All quiet this morning. My vedettes occupied the peninsula up to Battery Island at 1 p.m. yesterday. I have had careful examinations made from the observatories of the encampments on Folly, Long, Morris, and Black Islands; and the reports are that no additional encampments are visible except a few more tents on Black Island; and there is no stir or excitement in their camps. It is reported that the enemy is traversing his battery on Long Island against the Secessionville guns; if so, our 42-pounders have done good work. I am directing my attention now chiefly to the eastern lines; moved re-enforcements ever there yesterday, and will make