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

‘ [504] and, if necessary, the fight should be made from street to street and from house to house.’

You are entirely right in your belief that I propose to defend the city to the last extremity, in accordance with the patriotic wishes of the people of South Carolina and the instructions of my superiors.

I agree that non-combatants, as far as practicable, should be removed in time to avoid the possibility of any serious obstruction to or injurious effect on the defence by their presence, and trust that the proper authorities will be able to effect that desirable object; but I am unable to set any day after which summary measures, in my judgment, may be proper to secure the removal of all not useful in the defence.

At my instance, early in July the Mayor of the city, by proclamation, called on non-combatants to quit the city during the operations of the enemy for its reduction. Many left, but in a very few days began to return. I then took measures to prevent this by issuing an order to the railroads to refuse a return passage. The operation or effect was to overwhelm my office and engross precious time with the consideration of urgent applications for permission to return, until I was forced to withdraw virtually the interdict; and such have been the results of every previous effort to induce non-combatants to leave and remain out of the city, that I fear no effort to that end will be successful until it may be too late.

I will, however, be happy to do what I can to assist the Commission, or other State or city authorities, in removing all who, by reason of age, sex, or infirmity, may be incapable of taking part in the defence of the city.

Respectfully, your obdt. servt.,

G. T. Beauregard, Genl. Comdg.

Headquarters, Department S. C., Ga., and Fla., Charleston, S. C., August 16th, 1863.
Lieut.-Col. D. B. Harris, Chief-Engineer, etc., etc.:

Colonel,—I am instructed to direct the following work to be done by your department of the Staff:

To arrange the batteries at Fort Johnson, with platforms, etc., for two additional 10-inch columbiads, in lieu of the 32-pounder rifled and two 32-pounder smooth-bores now there, but which will be transferred to the new advanced lines.

Prepare positions for platforms at once for three (3) 10-inch columbiads near the Martello Tower, James Island.

Place two platforms for 10-inch columbiads in Battery Glover.

Add a small redan for one or two guns in each interval between the large redan or lunettes of the newly ordered line to the Stono, and which subsequently will all be connected together by cremaillere lines, with openings properly arranged for the free passage of troops.

At the earliest day practicable the Commanding General desires his orders to be executed for the construction of covered ways between Batteries Gregg and Wagner, and from Fort Johnson to Battery Simkins.

It was observed by the Commanding General that the laborers appeared to