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[494] vicinity. It is possible that there may be accessions to the number of troops at present here, and it is his wish that you shall take steps to procure such a further supply of provisions as may be necessary to meet the emergency.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,

Thomas Jordan, Chief of Staff.

Headquarters, Department S. C., Ga., and Fla., Charleston, S. C., July 22d, 1863.
Brig.-Genl. R. S. Ripley, Comdg. First Mil. Dist., Charleston, S. C.:
General,—I consider it advisable not to open fire with the works about Shell Point until entirely completed; otherwise the return fire of the enemy will compel us to work upon them only at night, thereby delaying them.

A vigorous and constant fire with guns and mortars should be kept up on the enemy's works (especially at and about Vinegar Hill) from Wagner, Gregg, and Sumter. No way of annoying them should be omitted; even sorties at night to fill up their rifle-pits, spike their guns, etc., should be resorted to whenever the night will favor such operations.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,


Headquarters, Department S. C., Ga., and Fla., Charleston, S. C., July 24th, 1863.
Lieut.-Col. D. B. Harris, Chief-Engineer, etc., etc.:
Colonel,—It is the wish of the Commanding General that the work on the Sullivan's Island Batteries, Simkins (Shell Point), Cheves, and Haskell (Legare's), shall be pushed forward, night and day.

To do the work on hand the negroes must be divided in two parties, and these again subdivided into reliefs, as also the Engineers.

Should there be a scarcity of laborers, the batteries below Battery Haskell may be delayed for the present.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,

Thomas Jordan, Chief of Staff.

Headquarters, Department S. C., Ga., and Fla., Charleston, S. C., July 24th, 1863.
Brig.-Genl. R. S. Ripley, etc., etc.:
General,—Your notes of this date, communicating the fact of the damage inflicted on the work and armament of Battery Wagner, have been laid before the Commanding General, who wishes General Taliaferro informed that that work must be held and fought to the last extremity consonant with legitimate warfare.

Meantime, the garrison may be assured that every proper preparation will be made to withdraw them when their longer maintenance of the position shall be fruitless; and, to secure that end, you will make all necessary arrangements.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,

Thomas Jordan, Chief of Staff.

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