Quincy A. Gillmore to P.G.T. Beauregard, August 27, 1868

General G. T. BEAUREGARD, Commanding Confederate Forces, Charleston, S. C.:

Sir: On the 26th instant a steamer, having a flag of truce, came out of Charleston Harbor, and, disregarding the notice to stop, which was repeatedly given in the usual manner—by the firing of a gun from my batteries—continued on her course to a point far within my lines. It is, I presume, unnecessary to assert that such conduct is in flagrant violation of the usages of war, and forfeit the protection to which the flag would be otherwise entitled.

I have the honor to request that in future vessels bearing flags of truce from you be instructed not to pass south of a line drawn east and west through Cumming’s Point.

I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient