Today in History:

279 Series I Volume XXVIII-II Serial 47 - Ft. Sumter - Ft. Wagner Part II

Page 279 Chapter XL. CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.-CONFEDERATE.

CHARLESTON, S. C.,

August 13, 1863-7 a. m.

General S. COOPER,

Adjutant and Inspector-General, Richmond, Va.:

Heavy firing yesterday evening and night on Morris Island, with few casualties.

G. T. BEAUREGARD.

CHARLESTON, S. C., August 13, 1863.

Colonel J. F. GILMER,

Chief of Engineers, Richmond, Va.:

Plan suggested already tried, but enemy's Parrott guns on sand hills soon drove away workmen; also the difficulty of transporting materials in insuperable, even for Sumter.

G. T. BEAUREGARD.


HDQRS. DEPT. SOUTH CAROLINA, GEORGIA, AND FLORIDA,
Charleston, S. C., August 13, 1863.

Brigadier General HOWELL COBB,

Commanding District of Middle Florida, Quincy, Fla.:

GENERAL: The attention of the general commanding has been called to the importance of erecting works for the defense of Columbus, Ga. He has, therefore, directed Captain Moreno, of the Engineers, to repair there and construct such works for its efficient deniers, to as far as may be practicable and necessary.

He desires that you give Captain Moreno every facility and all the aid in your power to enable him to prosecute the work before him.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

CLIFTON H. SMITH,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

OFFICE OF CHIEF ENGINEER,

Charleston, S. C., August 13, 1863.

Brigadier General THOMAS JORDAN,

Chief of Staff:

GENERAL: I have the honor to report Major Echols informs this office, in a communication of this date, that-

Some of the owners of negroes at work on the fortifications are again threatening to take them away. Some have already succeeded, as several negroes have disappeared within a few days. The engineers were directed to ask for guards to prevent straggling and absentees, but it will not accomplish the object when the owners determined to carry them off. I have requested the provost-marshal to grant no passes to slaves on any application not from this office, unless on statement that they have not been employed on Government service.

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

G. THOS. COX,

Assistant to Chief Engineer.


Page 279 Chapter XL. CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.-CONFEDERATE.