Abstract from Monthly Return of the Department of South Carolina and Georgia, commanded by Major General J. C. Pemberton, for August, 1862.

Present for

duty.

Commanding Troops Off Men Aggreg Aggreg

officer ice ate ate

rs presen presen

t t and

absent

First Military 212 3,500 4,868 6,227

District

James Island 173 2,791 3,930 5,385

Brigadier Second Military 87 1,239 1,745 2,579

General J. District

Hagood

Colonel W. S. Third Military 117 1,866 2,459 3,154

Walker District

Brigadier Military 401 5,842 8,561 11,490

General H. W. District of

Mercer Georgia

Grant total 990 15,238 21,563 28,835

Abstract from Monthly Return of the Department of East and Middle Florida, Brigadier General Joseph Finegan commanding, for August, 1862.

Present for

duty.

Command Offic Men Aggregat Aggreat

ers e e

present present

and

absent

1st Special Battalion 19 251 354 473

Florida Infantry*

Three independent 10 161 201 245

companies of infantry

Eight companies of 19 439 522 625

cavalry+

Two batteries of 7 202 273 329

artillery

Total 55 1,053 1,350 1,672

*No report from Company F.

+No report from Chambers' company.

HDQRS. SIXTH BATTALION CAVALRY, SOUTH CAROLINA,
Chisolmsville, September 4, 1862.

Lieutenant E. H. BARNWELL,

Asst. Adjt. General, Third Military District, Pocotaligo, S. C.:

LIEUTENANT: I beg to report the enemy advanced in one gunboat up to Field Point about 2 o'clock yesterday. The pickets secreted themselves on margin of bluff and waited until the steamer came up, dropped anchor, and was swinging around with the tide-distant some 90 yards from them-when, upon collection of crew on deck, they deliberately fired into them with rifles, creating much confusion and sudden dispersion. They (the pickets) are perfectly confident some were struck. The steamer then opening with her guns so rapidly they were obliged to fall back amid a shower of balls, shells, &c., through an open field; all escaped unhurt. Subsequently three boat loads landed, but before two could reach the point, although I moved rapidly, the steamer had retired down river. Considerable firing occurred yesterday a.m. in vicinity of Hutchinson Island. I beg to inclose roster of battalion; also petition for Private Richardson to be forwarded.

I have the honor to be, respectfully, your obedient servant,

R. J. JEFFORDS,

Major Sixth Battalion Cavalry South Carolina, Commanding.