Hd. qrs. Coosawhatchie

29 Dec 1861

 

Capt J. N. Moffitt

 

Captain

                                    If a steamboat be necessary for the execution of the service, with which Capt Ives, Eng^r Dept, and yourself have been charged, you will proceed to Charleston, to acertain if a suitable vessel can be assigned to you, by Brig Gen'l Ripley comd'g in that Dist

 

            In making arrangments for conveying the steamer to her point of destination, you will exercise your judgment, asto the propriety or safety of doing so, and will take measures before hand, to acertain whether any of the enemys vessels occupy the waters, through which you will necessarily pass

You will also notify the commanders of our troops, on the route, of the time, at which you will pass their pickets, or commands, and arrange with them, if practicable, a signal of recognition.

 

In conveying the boat to her destination, should you find it necessary to abandon her, to save the crew from capture, you are authorized to do so, and in order to prevent the boat falling / into the hands of the enemy you must destroy her. A light draught boat suitable for bringing off your crew, in the latter contingency, must be prepared in Charleston

                                                                                   

Very Resply

Your Obt servant

R E Lee

Gen'l Comd'g

 

[overleaf]

 

Genl Lee

Special order

Dec^r 29/61

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