fense of Charleston to some safe place, and when this has been effected you will report the execution of the order to these headquarters.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

CLIFTON H. SMITH,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HDQRS. DEPT. SOUTH CAROLINA, GEORGIA, AND FLORIDA,
Charleston, S. C., March 31, 1863.

Brigadier General JOHNSON HAGOOD,

Commanding Second Military District:

GENERAL: It is the direction of the commanding general as follows:

All heavy baggage must be removed to some secure place of storage.

The troops must be held in light marching order, ready for any emergency and movements of the utmost celerity.

The planters must be warned of the inpendiency of invasion and advised to remove their negroes to some more secure locality.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,

THOMAS JORDAN,

Chief of Staff.

(Copy sent of W. S. Walker, commanding Third Military District.)

HDQRS. DEPT. SOUTH CAROLINA, GEORGIA, AND FLORIDA,
Charleston, S. C., March 31, 1863.

HUTSON LEE,

Major and Chief Quartermaster, &c., Charleston, S. C.:

MAJOR: All quartermaster's supplies, including clothing, not necessary for issue within the next thirty days, must be removed from the city without delay to some convenient and secure places of storage.

Report the execution of this order.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,

THOMAS JORDAN,

Chief of Staff.

HDQRS. DEPT. SOUTH CAROLINA, GEORGIA, AND FLORIDA,
Charleston, S. C., March 31, 1863.

Brigadier General H. W. MERCER,

Commanding District of Georgia, Savannah:

GENERAL: I am instructed to direct you to organize and hold ready in light marching order a command of at least 2,500 men, including three light batteries, to move on this place (via Augusta, if necessary) at a moment's notice.

The cars need not be held in depot at present, but the presidents of the railroads intrusted must be duly advised of the possible exigency.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,

THOMAS JORDAN,

Chief of Staff.