Dabney H. Maury to Samuel Cooper, August 13, 1863

General S. CooPER, Adjutant and Inspector General, Richmond, Va. :

GENERAL: In reply to the letter of the Secretary of War of the 7th [1st] instant, I have the honor to transmit the accompanying reports, puoNng the supplies on hand here up to this date, and the available orces.

Isent Major [E H.] Cummins, of the Adjutant and Inspector General’s Department, in order that the Department might learn fully from him the condition of affairs here. If he has reached you, there will be no necessity, probably, for any other communications on the subject under consideration, for he is very accurately informed as to all of my resources and wants.

There are indications reported to me to-day which seem to point to preparations for attack of Mobile.

During several days past there has been unusual activity about Ship Island. Twelve vessels have been there instead of five, the usual number, and at the same time rumors come from New Orleans of an early attack.

In view of these, this garrison should be increased as soon as other exigencies of the service will admit, and very great activity should be used in supplying me with the ordnance stores I have called for.

I again urge the importance of aiding the admiral of the station to procure men for his fleet. His crews are weak, and he has not been able to procure transfers from the army, not because of want of men desiring transfer, bat from the reluctance of their officers to part with them.

very respectfully, your obedient servant,