their way up the Santee with the intention of burning the Northeastern Railroad Bridge. They have been committing great depredations in this district of late; such as burning, stealing negroes and rice, &c.

Very respectfully, yours,

J. H. TUCKER,

Captain, Commanding First Military District.

JAMES ISLAND, July 2, 1862-6.15 p.m.

General PEMBERTON:

Scouts have penetrated to the hedge near Grimball's house. The enemy appears to have disappeared and their pickets gone from that vicinity. Extensive redoubts and intrenched lines are discovered in rear of the large Grimball woods in an unfinished state. There is no one to be seen this side of the marsh near Grimball's. Four boats at Grimball's; a good many at Battery Island. A regiment reported at or near Legare's house. A close reconnaissance has been ordered, and their position will be shelled from Secessionville. As most of them went off from Grimball's in steamers Evans may be able to cut off some who may be crossing from John's Island to-night.

Respectfully,

WM. DUNCAN SMITH,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

CHARLESTON, S. C., July 4, 1862.

Brigadier-General SMITH, James Island, S. C.:

I send to-night as near 100 cavalry as I can to carry out an operation against the enemy suggested by General Gist.

J. C. PEMBERTON,

Major-General, Commanding.

CHARLESTON, S. C., July 4, 1862.

General HARLLEE, Florence, S. C.:

Information is received from Captain J. H. Tucker of the enemy going up the Santee, with the supposed design of burning the Northeastern Railroad Bridge. I have no troops available. Call out the militia if necessary, and use the rifled Confederate guns in your possession for its defense.

J. C. PEMBERTON,

Major-General, Commanding.

RICHMOND, VA., July 4, 1862.

Major General GUSTAVUS W. SMITH,

White Sulphur Springs, Va.:

The President desires to know if you consider your health sufficiently good to take command of the Department of South Carolina and