Quincy A. Gillmore to Rear-Admiral DAHLGREN, August 3, 1863

Rear-Admiral DAHLGREN, Commanding South Atlantic Blockading Squadron:

ADMIRAL: I am more and more convinced that we can practically invest this island, or at least keep all steamers away from Cumming’s ming’s Point until 11 o’clock, and then moved in a northerly direction, and remained within about 1,000 yards of Fort Sumter (due west) until 3 o’clock this morning.

Nothing visited Cumming’s Point during the night excepting three row-boats. A large steamer anchored abreast of Fort Sumter just after dark, and remained there until just before daybreak, and then moved toward the city.

I have made the same arrangements for to-night that were in force last night. I have no howitzer-boats. Could you not prevent the small boats reaching Cumming’s Point with your boat howitzers ?

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,