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

[486] course of which were employed ‘the tomahawk and the scalping-knife of the savage’ by some British commanders.

In conclusion it is my duty to inquire whether the acts which resulted in the burning of the defenceless villages of Darien and Bluffton, and the ravages on the Combahee, are regarded by you as legitimate measures of war, which you will feel authorized to resort to hereafter.

I enclose two newspaper accounts, copied from the journals of the United States, giving relations of the transactions in question.

Respectfully, General, your obedient servant,

G. T. Beauregard, Genl. Comdg.

Fort Sumter, Sept. 10th, 1863.

Extract from Major S. D. Elliott's Journal, as Kept at Post.

* * * Everything very quiet yesterday and last night.

A flag of truce from the enemy's fleet received at about 9 o'clock A. M. in reference to the prisoners.

Another flag was received at 4 o'clock P. M., bringing baggage belonging to the captured officers and conveniences for the wounded.

A flag was sent from this post to the fleet at about six o'clock, bearing despatches from General Jordan, and the bodies of their dead.

The prisoners, except the wounded, were sent to the city last night. The ironclads, four monitors, and twenty-two other vessels inside the bar.

Headquarters, Department S. C., Ga., and Fla., Charleston, S. C., July 13th, 1863.
Lieut.-Col. D. B. Harris, Chf.-Eng., Dept. S. C., Ga., and Fla., Charleston, S. C.:

Colonel,—In view of the operations of the enemy on Morris Island, and our inability to dislodge him by a coup de main with infantry—with our limited means, and from other obstacles—it has become necessary to throw up a work on Shell Point with the utmost celerity which shall sweep the front of Battery Wagner with at least the fire of one 10-inch columbiad and a Brooke rifled piece. This work, therefore, you will place under construction, in charge of an energetic officer, with orders to push it forward with all possible despatch. There must be also provided shelter for an infantry support of two companies, and positions for three 10-inch mortars.

The columbiad and Brooke gun will be arranged on traversing-carriages, and the work must be carefully protected from enfilade from Morris and Black islands. Further, the 10-inch columbiad at Fort Johnson must be so arranged as also to command the front face of Battery Wagner.

Respectfully, your obdt. servt.,

Thomas Jordan, Chief of Staff.

Headquarters, Department S. C., Ga., and Fla., Charleston, S. C., July 13th, 1863.
Brig.-Genl. R. S. Ripley, Comdg. First Mil. Dist., S. C., Charleston, S. C.:

General,—As was determined, in the conference with you this afternoon, in