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Headquarters, Department S. C. and Ga., Charleston, S. C., Oct. 3d, 1862.The Commanding General instructs me to direct as follows: You will examine Hobcaw Bluffs, on Cooper River, in vicinity of Mount Pleasant, to determine whether or not it will afford a good position for a battery of five or six guns, to command the channel of the river. It must be also ascertained whether that channel can be effectively obstructed with the means and appliances at our disposition. You will likewise make a thorough examination of both sides of Stono River, from Church Flats to Wappoo Cut, to ascertain whether the enemy can effect a passage of the Stono between those two points to turn the works in that vicinity. Respectfully, your obedient servant,
Capt. W. H. Echols, Chief-Engineer:Thomas Jordan, Chief of Staff.
I am hard-pressed on the St. John's River; 3000 men reported by the commanding officer at St. John's Bluff as having landed at Mayport Mills. The enemy engaged our batteries, and were repulsed. Please send me one regiment of infantry as soon as possible. I asked for a regiment some ten days since, but have not heard from you on the subject.
Headquarters Prov. Forces, Dept. East and Middle Fla., Jacksonville, Fla., Oct. 3d, 1862.On my arrival on the river last night I found that the post at St. John's Bluff had been evacuated. The enemy had made a landing some five miles in the rear of the battery, but in what force I am unable to say. As at present advised, I think we had sufficient force to hold the place, and that its abandonment by Lieutenant-Colonel Hopkins, the commanding officer, was a gross military blunder that may require investigation.
Genl. S. Cooper :
Dear Sir,—To be properly prepared for any emergency it is my opinion that there should be timely, that is, immediate, preparations made at one or more places outside the limits of this city, of buildings and sheds, and of provision depots, for the reception of the women and children in the event of a bombardment. As I understand, it is the wish of the people and Government that the city shall be defended to the last extremity; hence I desire to be, in all respects, ready to make its defence equal to that of Saragossa. To that end I ask your co-operation in providing proper and ample places of refuge for all nontants,