[166]Headquarters, Department S. C., Ga., and Fla., Charleston, S. C., Oct. 30th, 1863.General,—As a boat attack may be anticipated on Fort Sumter, after the heavy bombardment which that work has been undergoing for some days, the Commanding General directs that all the batteries bearing on it shall be held ready at night to sweep its exterior faces, at a concerted signal from Major Elliott, or whensoever the approach of hostile boats shall be evident. Concert of action, however, is most desirable.1 Respectfully, your obedient servant,
Brig.-Genl. R. S. Ripley, Comdg. First Mil. Dist., etc., etc.:Thomas Jordan, Chief of Staff.
Headquarters, Department S. C., Ga., and Fla., Charleston, S. C., Nov. 1st, 1863.Governor,—Your letter of the 24th inst. enclosing one from Colonel Waddy Thompson, and another from Messrs. Pullian and Patten, has been received. I have ordered a light battery to report at once to Colonel Williams, at Greenville, S. C. I regret as much as you do my inability to send mounted troops for the defence of that part of the State. It is not prudent to withdraw, at this critical moment, from my already too small forces a regiment of old troops from the defence of Charleston. So soon as it can be done with safety I will gladly send all the assistance in my power to Governor Vance. I remain, very respectfully, your obdt. servt.,
His Excellency M. L. Bonham, Governor of South Carolina, etc., etc.:
Headquarters, Department S. C., Ga., and Fla., Charleston, S. C., Nov. 4th, 1863.General,—Enclosed is a telegram 2 received from Major Norris, Chief of Signal Corps, Richmond. The Commanding General wishes you to make all necessary arrangements for the contingency, and with a view to the rapid reinforcement of the command on Sullivan's Island from the troops in Christ Church, which portion of your district, however, should not be left uncovered until the decisive moment. He suggests, also, that the 20th Regiment S. C. V. (Keitt's), alternating with some other good regiment, should take post for the present on Sullivan's Island at night, returning to their encampments just before daylight, to escape observation. Very respectfully, your obdt. servt.,
Brig.-Genl. R. S. Ripley, Comdg. First Mil. Dist., etc., etc.:Thomas Jordan, Chief of Staff.
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1 This order was also sent to Brigadier-General Hagood.
2 This telegram, like many others from the same source, proved to be erroneous.
1883. Harper. New York.
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