* * * * * I have the honour to be, &c., &c.,

(Signed) R. Semmes.

Hon. G.E.  Mallory, Secretary of the Navy, Richmond, Virginia.

The following orders were also issued:—­

“Orders to be Observed on Board the C.S.  Steamer Sumter.”

“1.  The deck will never be left without a lieutenant, except that in port a midshipman may be assigned to keep the first lieutenant’s watch.”

“2.  The quarter-deck will at all times be regarded as a place of parade, and no sitting or lounging will be permitted thereon.  For the purposes of this order all the spar deck abaft the mainmast will be regarded as the quarter-deck.”

“3.  Officers will wear their uniforms at all times when on board ship, and when on shore on duty.”

“4.  No officer will remain out of the ship after ten P.M. without the special permission of the commander.”

“5.  Each division of guns will be exercised at least three times a week; and there will be an exercise at general quarters twice a week, viz., on Tuesdays and Fridays.”

“6.  The crew will be mustered at quarters for inspection every morning at nine o’clock (except Sundays), and every evening at sunset.”

“7.  On Sundays there will be a general muster for inspection at eleven A.M., when the officers will appear in undress with epaulettes.”

“8.  The chief engineer is to keep the commander informed at all times (through the first lieutenant) of the condition of his engines, boilers, &c.; and he is to see that his assistants, &c., are punctual and zealous in the performance of their duties, and report such as fail therein to the first lieutenant.”

“9.  There will be an engineer at all times on watch in the engine-room when the ship is under steam, and the engineer on watch will report every two hours to the officer of the deck how the engines are working, &c.”

“10.  The marine officer will drill his guard once every day when the weather is suitable, and the duty of the ship does not interfere therewith.”

“11.  The firemen will be exercised once a week, when the pumps, hose, &c., are to be adjusted, and used as in case of actual fire.”

On the morning of the 29th of June hopes were again excited by a report from the pilot that the Brooklyn had left her station; and steam being got up with all speed on board the Sumter, she again dropped down to Pass a l’Outre, but only to find that the report had been fallacious.  The Brooklyn was still at anchor, though a slight change of berth had placed her behind the shelter of a mass of trees.  Once more, therefore, the Sumter was brought to an anchor; but on the day following, her patient waiting was rewarded by the long-looked-for opportunity.  On the morning of the 30th of June the Brooklyn was again reported under way and in chase of a vessel to leeward; and no sooner was the fact of her departure fairly verified than steam was got up for the last time, and the little Sumter dashed boldly across the bar, and stood out to sea.