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Admiral Dahlgren on June 20 received a letter from the Navy Department, informing him that the enemy was preparing to attack his fleet, inside and outside, to facilitate the shipment of a large amount of cotton from
Charleston.
He conferred with
General Foster, and it was arranged to engage the enemy in maintaining his own lines by simultaneously attacking several points.
It was hoped that the Charleston and Savannah Railroad might be cut, and a nearer and better position gained in front of the city.
Brig.-Gen. Wm. Birney, ordered to
Port Royal from
Florida with a brigade of colored troops, was to ascend the
North Edisto and destroy the railroad at
Adam's Run.
General Hatch with two brigades was to land at
Seabrook Island, cross to
John's Island, and be at the ferry near Rantowle's Bridge the succeeding night, to demonstrate against the city and
Fort Pemberton from across the
Stono.
General Schimmelfennig's force, landing on
James Island, was to front
Secessionville; and he was also to send troops to
John's Island to open communication with
General Hatch.
The navy was to assist at all these points, but more strongly in the
Stono.
Our batteries at
Cumming's Point and on
Lighthouse Inlet were to engage the enemy's attention.
July 1, at 6 P. M., the Fifty-fourth moved to the landing, crossed to
Folly Island on pontoon-boats and scows, and
