Alfred Roman, The military operations of General Beauregard in the war between the states, 1861 to 1865

[464] hand you herewith. This interesting report is based chiefly upon information furnished by Assistant-Engineer J. W. McAlpin, to whose admirable conduct on this and previous attacks upon Fort McAllister I respectfully invite the attention of the General Commanding.

I have visited the battery since the engagement, and found it in good condition in every respect. It would appear that the ironclads are not such formidable monsters after all, particularly against sand-batteries. Where crushing effect is desired, as against vessels and brick and other walls, the 15-inch shell and solid shot could be used to advantage; but for the reduction of sandbat-teries the same amount of metal thrown from 8 or 10 inch guns in the same time would, I think, have treble the effect. The firing of the ironclads was not as accurate as it should have been under the circumstances. The firing of our battery having been directed against one of them alone, the others ought to have fired with all the deliberation and care requisite to insure accuracy. I am, therefore, at a loss to account for their wild firing. The mortars were fired at a distance of at least two and a half miles, without, as usual, any damaging effect upon the battery. I am fully persuaded the turret No. 1 (Montauk) was injured during the engagement. The result of this engagement ought to make us feel quite comfortable. When the grand affair with which the Abolitionists have been so long threatening us shall come off (if it ever does) I am sure our sand-batteries will give a good account of themselves. Mr. McAlpin thinks the ironclads did not pass over the torpedoes in the river. I directed an examination to be made, to ascertain if they are in the position in which they were anchored in the stream.

I have the honor to be, General, yours, very respectfully,

D. B. Harris, Major, and Chief-Engineer.

Headquarters, Department S. C., Ga., and Fla., Charleston, S. C., March 18th, 1863.
Brig.-Genl. R. S. Ripley, Comdg. First Mil. Dist., Charleston, S. C.:

General,—In view of the possible contingency of a night reconnoissance by the enemy on Morris or even Sullivan's Island, it is the wish of the General Commanding that you should so dispose your cavalry, for a time at least, that you may be able to place more cavalry to watch the beach, at night especially, of the former island.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,

Thomas Jordan, Chief of Staff.

Headquarters, Department S. C., Ga., and Fla., Charleston, S. C., March 22d, 1863.
Col. Joseph Yates, Comdg., etc., etc., Georgetown:

Colonel,—Events have induced the Commanding General to change his views, and to direct you to remain in your present command until further orders, and to arrange and carry out the meditated operations against the hostile steamers in Winyaw Bay with Lee's torpedo device.

Respectfully, your obdt. servt.,

Thomas Jordan, Chief of Staff.