Thomas Jordan to D. B. Harris, June 24, 1863

Lieut. Col. D. B. Harris,

Chief Engineer, Dept. S. C., Ga., and Fla. :

CoLoNnEL: The commanding general directs me to call your attention to the state of certain of the Savannah River batteries, as set forth in the following extracts from an inspection report made by Major Bryan, and to request that as soon and as far as practicable the evils referred to may be remedied :

The magazine and bomb-proof of Hutchinson’s Island Battery being unserviceable from the water which oozes up into them (say 6 inches), the powder, fuses, friction-primers, &c., are kept at the Bay Battery. The dam which surrounds this battery will soon require some repair.

The guns of Bay Battery are not well placed to sweep the river (being too much retired). One is almost entirely covered by a mill, without any apparent compensation.

I would respectfully suggest that wooden or canvas covers be provided for the loaded shells kept there. The mortar battery becomes very wet and muddy after a rain. The shell-rooms are very poor, and some loaded shells are kept in a wretched wooden shanty. Two chests of cartridges were found unlocked in a bomb-proof without any lock. The implements were too much exposed to the weather, and there were no baskets, and the covers do not keep the wet out of the bores.

I would recommend that a wagon road be made, as soon as practicable, to the highlands, three-quarters of a mile from the battery, and the sand and sods required to strengthen it be hauled in tumbril carts. ;

The magazine is in fair order, but requires sodding to preserve it, It is con- siderably to the rear of the guns, and two service magazines would be an advantage, or, better, a new magazine on piling, nearer the guns. A bomb-proof is also desirable.

_ The magazine of the Cheves Battery was originally faulty in construction, being sunk so low as to make it liable to the percolation of water from the tide, and most of the water from the roof ran toward the magazine door instead of from it; at least water came in twice and ruined about 1,600 pounds of powder, and then the tanks (some of which had been defective) containing cartridges were moved into a new magazine partly covered with sand at the opposite end. This requires immediate work, but is still too small for the whole battery, and the old magazine should be raised and remodeled without delay.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,