7 3/4 x 9 3/4, in ink.

Office Chief of Artillery, Morris Island, S.C., Aug. 21, 1864. Captain D.B. Churchill, Comdg. Col.[umbiad] & Mortar Batteries. Captain: The Colonel Commanding directs that you send to this office daily at 7 P.M., a written report of the number of shots fired from the Batteries under your command during the previous twenty four hours, the calibre of the guns used, and the objects at which they were fired. You will also report whatever of interest takes place in your Batteries, such as bursting guns, mounting or dismounting them, whether your requisitions for Ordnance Stores are promptly filled, and the quality of the stores, and whether the Engineers do the work required of them. Whenever there is no firing and nothing of importance takes place you will report to that effect. Very Respectfully, Your Obedient Servant, George Metcalf, Major 3d R.[hode] I.[sland] Artillery, Chief of Artillery, Morris Island. Light age toning. Excellent content.

George Metcalf, was a resident of Providence, R.I., when he enlisted on Oct. 9, 1861, as a 2nd lieutenant, and was commissioned into the 3rd Rhode Island Artillery. He was promoted to 1st lieutenant, May 20, 1862; captain, July 8, 1862; major, Nov. 2, 1863; and was mustered out of service, Oct. 5, 1864. During his 3 year Civil War service he held various important positions including aide-de-camp of General Alfred H. Terry; Inspector General at Hilton Head, S.C.; and Chief of Artillery, Morris Island, S.C.