blasting, musket, and rifle powder which you have given from the State stores can be very usefully combined for the service of the batteries for the defense of Charleston, as the experiments on the mixture of blasting and musket powder in the practice of 32-pounders may be regarded as successful. With a misture of five parts blasting and three of musket at an elevation of two degress the first graze of the ball was 1,200 yards with four ricochet. This is considered about as good as can be obtained with proof cannon powder. I learn from General Ripley that the batteries at Forts Moultrie and Sumter are in very good condition and properly armed. It is difficult as yet to discern the intentions of the enemy. On a visit which I recently made to Port Royal Sound his fleet stretched from Hilton Head to Bay Point, ad the vessels stood so thick that I was unable to coun them. Everything appeared perfectly quiet, ad there was neither a passing boat nor man to be seen. The same condition of things apprently existed to-day from more distant view I had of the fleet from Palmetto Point, on Broad River, though a number of his vessels are anchored inside the Savannah Bar. The defenses around Charleston are progressing, but not as fast as I could wish for want of laborers and engineer officers. I hope, however, that everything will be in readiness to resist the attack of the enemy at every point to which he may think proper to move. While so many avenues of approach are open to him it is difficult to say which one he will select. I think by concentating our force, both men and guns, at the strongest point on his line of advance he can be successfully resisted. I am very much obliged to you for the suggestions contained in your letter, and hope you will not hesitate to favor me with your views whenever it is convenient.

I am, with high esteem, your obedient servant,

R. E. LEE.

[6.]

HEADQUARTERS,
Coosawhatchie, December 8, 1861.

Colonel JAMES JONES,

Commanding Regiment South Carolina Vols., Garden's Corners:

COLONEL: I fear from what is reported to me that the guard duty at Port Royal Ferry is not performed in the most efficient manner. It ides not seem to be understood who is in command there. As I understand that a regiment of the enemy is now quartered at Beaufort, it is important that the guard at the ferry should be vigilant and efficient, else the safety of your whole regiment may be endasngered. I w ould recommend, therefore, that you place one of your own companies there under an efficient officer, unless you make satisfactory arrangements with the companies now on duty. It has also been reported to me that all the flats, boats, and canoes have not been collected, and that negroes are running away to the islands. Cunningham's Bluff has been stated to be a favorite rendezvous for the negroes, and I desire that you direct Captain Fripp's or some other company to break it up, secure the boats, negroes, &c., that may be found there, and to prevent its being further used by them.

Respectfully, rvant,

R. E. LEE,

General, Commanding.

P. S.-I wish you would make arrangements through your commissary to furnish rations to the persons employed on the obstructions near the ferry, for which Captain Maffitt will make requisitions.

R. E. L.

[6.]