During the 26th, platforms for four additional mortars were constructed, and that number of mortars was placed in battery, which increased the number of mortars in battery to fourteen. The troops remained inactive during this day, the weather being too tempestuous even to repair the damage made by the high wind.

On the 27th, the men were employed in removing the sand from the trenches, which had been nearly filled up by the moving of it by the wind.

The engineers constructed this day three more platforms for mortars, and the mortars were being moved out in the afternoon, when they were ordered back to the ordnance depot, as being then unnecessary.

This day, the 28th, the artillerists are still in position at the batteries, and everything in perfect readiness for any service that can be required there.

I estimate the number of shot and shells discharged from the batteries at about two thousand five hundred; but have not yet received an official report from the chief of ordnance of the exact number used.

Having had the honor to be intrusted with the command, and having been almost continually in the trenches, from the 22d instant, when the batteries were opened upon the city, to a late hour yesterday afternoon, when hostilities ceased, and having had arduous duties to perform, I have to acknowledge the able support I have received from the officers of every department of the service; from the artillery officers, for their cheerful and skilful management of the guns in the batteries; from the active chief of ordnance, Captain Huger, and other officers of ordnance, for their most efficient aid; from the officers of the quartermaster's department (particularly Captain Cross and Captain Irwin), for their promptness in forwarding the ordnance and supplies to the bat