P.G.T. Beauregard to R. G. M. DUNOVANT, Sullivan's Island, 8. C, April 10, 1861

General R. G. M. DUNOVANT, Sullivan’s Island, 8. C.:

DEAR GENERAL: From all the information we can receive it is probable that the attempt to relieve and provision Sumter will be made tonight in barges, through, probably, the Swash Channel. I have sent verbal orders to Ripley a moment ago to endeavor to put forthwith that dismounted Dahlgren gun (now on the Sullivan Wharf) in position near the extreme end of said island, and then to construct a hasty parapet in front of it. Its main object is to enfilade the landing of the western face of Sumter, and the postern in that angle, for that is where the disembarkation is going to take place. Will you see at once to the exeeution of these instructions? Then I wish Captain Hamilton to mark out the best position for his battery, just outside of said western point of Sullivan’s Island, for the same purpose as that already indicated by me for the Dahlgren gun, and tolet me know when he will require a steamboat to report to him for that object. He must be careful to put his battery as near the point as practicable, so as to avoid the heavier fire of Sumter.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,