equal would on that account be agreeable to me. Colonel Henry Heth, now with General Floyd, will, I think, from what I learn, apply to you for further service, and I would be very glad to have him in any capacity. He is the only officer of any experience that I know could be spared without any detriment.

As regards the commanders of the forts in Charleston Harbor, I made during my late visit there the best arrangement I could. the battery of artillery that was divided between Moultrie and Sumter I placed in Sumter under Major Wagner, whihc required all the men. Colonel John Dunovant's regiment was ordered to garrison Moultrie. I know nothing of Major Wagner, but he was represented by General Trapier as an efficient officer. Having no confidence, however, in his experience, I placed Commander Ingraham in charge of the preparation, armament, &c., of all the batteries for the defense of Charleston, and directed him to assign to each of them the naval officers placed under him command as ordnance and artillery officers. I hoped in this way to give confidence and to insure better service of the batteries. Two of these young officers, Lieutenant George T. Sinclair and Lieutenant Minor, have been withdrawn by the Secretary of the Navy, and I have no one to replace them with. Captain F. Buchanan and A. Sinclair I myself returned to their appropriate stations, as I reported to you, from the reasons given. Captain T. S. Rhett, of the artillery, who has been ordered to report to me, I design to place in the field to instruct the field batteries. I will make inquiries as to the habits of Major Wagner.

I have the honor to be, your obedient servant,

R. E. LEE,

General, Commanding.

[6.]

HEADQUARTERS,
Coosawhatchie, November 24, 1861.

General R. S. RIPLEY,

Charleston, S. C.:

GENERAL: I have the honor to inform you that it is the desire of the commanding general that you should immediately institute measures to establish a strict surveillance over the movements of persone city of Charleston; that you should pay special attention to watching the approaches to the city by water, and give directions to the commanding officers of posts and camps to permit no boats to pass until they are acquianted witht the character and objects of hose on board; that you should station guards or guard-boats at such points and landings as may be now unwatched, and have pickets thrown out to prevent suspicious persons from passing along the avenues that lead to the town. It is also the wish of the general that you should confer with the city authorities and concert measures by which the assistance of the police may be rendered available for this service, and consult them as to the propriety of establishing a system of passes, so that no one can leave the city by railroad or otherwise without permission of the proper authorities. The general is also desirous that defenses should be constructed as soon as practicable upon Charleston Neck.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

T. A. WASHINGTON,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

[6.]