MORRIS ISLAND, April 9, 1863-2.30 p. m.

General R. S. RIPLEY:

I am ordered back to Wilmington, on which the Navy Department seems to apprehend an attack; but I will leave the detachment under the command of Lieutenant Kerr and will not recall it one moment sooner then I can avoid.

W. F. LYNCH.

FORT SUMTER, April 9, 1863.

Captain NANCE, Assistant Adjutant-General:

The following dispatch from the fleet has just been received: "Be there an attack this p. m.?" Question from the Powhatan to the Ironsides. Answer: "No attack to-day."

JOSEPH A. YATES,

Lieutenant-Colonel.

FORT SUMTER, April 9, 1863.

Captain NANCE:

The torpedo raft is to be sent in to-night. She is anchored midway between the 2,500-yard buoy and the first iron-clad. She is to cast loose by small boats.

JOSEPH A. YATES,

Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding.

[Indorsement.]

HDQRS. FIRST MIL. DIST., DEPT. OF S. C., GA., AND FLA.,
Charleston, April 9, 1863.

Respectfully forwarded. All necessary precautions have been taken. Captain Tucker and all the harbor forts have been notified.

R. S. RIPLEY,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

FORT SUMTER, April 9, 1863.

Captain NANCE:

The following dispatches have been received from the Ironsides: 1st. "To Captain G.: A good steamer had better watch Bull's Bay, as it is now the principal approach to Charleston." 2nd. "Send raft."

JOSEPH A. YATES,

Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding.

A tug has brought in the raft to the nearest iron-clad. No other changes.

JOSEPH A. YATES.

The strange raft referred to in this morning's dispatch turns out to be supposed torpedo raft. She is now alongside of one of the monitors in tow of the tug.

JOSEPH A. YATES,

Lieutenant-Colonel.