Ro Ss: Ripples to Thomas Jordan, June 21, 1863

Brig. Gen. THoMAS JORDAN, Chief of Staff, &c.:

GENERAL: Yesterday the enemy commenced moving their troops from Folly to Cole’s Island, and this morning Colonel Simonton reports that their transports have been running all night, but that no move has been made beyond Cole’s. I have directed Colonel Simonton to make as large a display of his force as possible from time to time, and the infantry troops in the city and on Sullivan’s Island have orders to be in readiness to move at once, should necessity require.

My opinion of the move is, that the enemy, finding the batteries on the south end of Morris Island tolerably strong, and increasing, and being subject to annoyance in his camp at the eastern extremity of Big Folly, and confined to unhealthy localities in that vicinity, has sent a portion of his command to Cole’s Island to get rid of the annoyance of the fire from Morris Island, and for sanitary reasons. Meantime, Colonel Simonton will be instructed to keep a close watch on the enemy, and report.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,