TITLE: The war of the rebellion: a compilation of the official records of the Union and Confederate armies. / Series 1 - Volume 35 (Part II) AUTHOR: United States. War Dept., John Sheldon Moody, Calvin Duvall Cowles, Frederick Caryton Ainsworth, Robert N. Scott, Henry Martyn Lazelle, George Breckenridge Davis, Leslie J. Perry, Joseph William Kirkley PUBLISHER: Govt. Print. Off., Washington, 1891 Page A Production Note Cornell University Library produced this volume to preserve the informational content of the deteriorated original. The best available copy of the original has been used to create this digital copy. It was scanned bitonally at 600 dots per inch resolution and compressed prior to storage using ITU Group 4 compression. Conversion of this material to digital files was supported by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. Digital file copyright by Cornell University Library 1995. This volume has been scanned as part of The Making of America Project, a cooperative endeavor undertaken to preserve and enhance access to historical material from the nineteenth century. Page B Title Page Page 1 / THE WAR OF THE REBELLION. A COMPILATION OF THE OFFICIAL BECOIRDS OF THE UNION AND CONFEDERATE ARMIES. PREPARED BY The late Lieut. Col. ROBERT ~ SCOTT, Third U. S. Artillery. PUBLISHED UNDER THE DIRECTION OF The Hon. REDFIIILD PROCTOR, Secretary of War, BY MAJ. GEORGE B. DAVIS, U. S. A., MR. LESLIE J. PERRY, MR. JOSEPH W. KIRKLEY, Board of Publication. SERIES IVOLUME XXXVIN TWO PARTS. PART IlCOLRRESPONDENOE, ETC. WASHINGTON: GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. 1891 Page 2 3~?b7 CORNELL UNIVER~1TYi LIBRAR\ Page 3 PART 11.VOL. XXXV. CORRESPONDENCE, ORDERS, AND RETURNS RELATING TO OPERATIONS IN SOUTH CAROLINA AND FLORIDA AND ON THE GEORGIA COAST, FROM MARCH 1 TO NOVEMBER 13, 1864.* UNION CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. HDQRS. DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, DEPT. OF TIlE SOUTH, Jacksonville, Fla., Miarch 2, 1864. Brig. Gen. J. W. TURNER, Ghief of Staff and Artillery, Dept. of the South: GENERAL: A deserter came from Lake City yesterday, who left there on February 29, and who is apparently a man of very clear and sound judgment. He was employed at the railroad at Lake City, and -had ample means of observation. He states that immediately after the battle of Olustee (Saturday, February 20), twelve cars loaded exclusively with Confederate wounded came to Lake City. On Sunday, 8 a. in., seven more arrived, and at 4 p. in., eight ad- ditional. There was one passenger car, the rest box and platform. The passenger contained at least 60 wounded, and the remainder averaged 40 each, for all were crowded to their fullest extent. He estimated the wounded at the time at about 1,000. Our own wounded were taken to Tallahassee, so far as they could be moved safely; the remainder to Lake City, where the citizens generally showed them every kindness, cooking for them and paying them all the attention in their power. It is proper to add that an application was made to the general commanding Confederate forces to parole our wounded, which was refused. Copies of the communications accompany this. t Another deserter states that he was told at Lake City, by the medi- cal officer in charge of the hospitals there, that over 200 Confederate~ had been killed and died from their wounds, and a deserter this moment arrived states that he was on the field of Olustee after the action; that the belief and report among the burial parties (of whom he asked the information) was that 330 Confederates were left dead and that about 1,000 were killed and wounded. And every ~eport that is received goes to show that it has been for them one of the severest engagements of the war. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, T. SEYMOUR, Brigadier- General, Commanding. * For Correspondence, & c., from January 1 to February 29, 1864, see Part I. tSee Part I, pp. 329, 330. (3 Page 4 4 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. LCa& p. XLVIL HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF WEST FLORIDA, Brig. Gen. CHARLES P. STONE, Barrancas, March 4, 1864. Chief of Staff, Department of the Gulf: GENERAL: I have the honor to submit, in connection with my report of February 23, * No. 86, the following additional information in regard to affairs in my neighborhood, received from refugees and deserters: There are at present 12,000 to 15,000 rebel troops at Mobile, includ- ing those who fell back from Meridian, with about 1,000 cavalry. General Maury was urging non-combatants to leave the city at once. General Polks men decline to fight longer in Mississippi, and are deserting in large numbers. The trains on the Mobile and Ohio Railroad are only running 33 miles beyond the city to a place called Citronelle. The people of Mobile seem to be prepared to surrender as soon as the railroad communication with Montgomery is cut off. The rebel iron ram Tennessee succeeded in getting over the Dog River Bar in the Mobile Harbor, and as it becomes thus one of the possibilities in prospect that this formidable vessel, aided by others of similar power, may pass our blockading fleet and attempt an entrance into the Pensacola Harbor, I issued, at the ~suggestion of Admiral Farragut, the inclosed Special Orders, No. 46, directing the comujanders of Forts Pickens and Barrancas to prevent the entrance of any vessel at night until its character is satisfactorily ascertained, requesting at the same time Commodore Smith, commanding the navy-yard, and Captain Gibson, senior officer afloat here, to secure for the two ports a seasonable information of the approach of any vessel of suspicious appearance. In the rebel Camp Gonzales, 15 miles above Pensacola, there were on the 1st instant not more than 250 to 300 infantry (Tennessee troops) and 100 cavalry, but the garrison at Pollard was increased last Sunday to 3,000 in anticipation of a raid from here on the Mo- bile and Montgomery Railroad. The Tennessee troops stationed at the camp between Blackwater and Escambia Rivers have been relieved again by Mississippi troops, paroled at Vicksburg. Their officers say they are exchanged. Col. W. Miller, of the rebel conscript bnreau for the Southern District of Florida and Alabama, intends to make a raid on East Bay with 300 cavalry, for the purpose of gathering up all deserters and refugees secreted in the woods and abandoned farms, and I have no means to prevent it. Union sympathizers in Florida and Ala- bama are organizing in bodies to meet the rebel cavalry parties who infest the country. The Montgomery Daily Advertiser, of February 20, admits that 100 of those men (called tories) entered Pikeville, Ala., on the 11th of February, killing, wounding, and capturing several of the Cori~ federate garrison. Refugees and deserters are continually coming into our lines, although the facilities I can afford are very limited. The number of the Florida recruits has already reached 3Q0, but they have no horses, no arms, and no equipments, although proper requisitions were forwarded in time to department head~ua~e~s. Neither have I funds to pay the first installment of $25 of the regu-. lar bounty, and I would fespectfully refer to my application for such funds submitted on January 21, Sub-No. 38. *See Part I, p. 489 Page 5 Caip. XLVII.J CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. One of the small expeditions started from here on the schooner Buchanan up the Santa Rosa Sound and Choctawhatchee Bay to Point Washington, Washington County, Fla., to collect recruits, met, after some success, with a reverse, the 2 officers concerned having exceeded my distinct written orders. I beg to inclose copy of my instructions given to Captain Gallo- way, recruiting officer, authorizing him to receive those officers and men of the Confederate army who had expressed through delegates the desire to return to the old flag as friends; also copy of special order * to Lieutenant Ross, Seventh Vermont Volunteers, direct-ing him to proceed to and encamp at Washington Point, at the head of Choctawhatchee Bay, with his company and receive, protect, and bring down to Barrancas all refugees willing to join the Florida cavalry, distinctly enjoining him to use all precautions necessary in face of the enemy and be vigilant day and night. But the eager- ness of those officers to accomplish brilliant success by daring deeds induced them to penetrate, with the small force of 17 men of the Seventh Vermont and some refugees, about 15 miles into the enemys country to capture Floyds rebel company of infantry, encamped at Boydtons Bluff on the Choctawhatchee River. They succee.ded..in surprising and capturing, on the night of the 8th of February, the whole company, numbering 50 men and 3 commissioned officers, with all their arms and supplies. But on their return to Washington Point on the following morning they were overtaken by two com- panies of rebel cavalry under Captains Jeter and Milton, who retook the captured rebel company, with Lieutenant Ross and 11 men of the Seventh Vermont Infantry and Captain Galloway, with 5 of the refugees who accompanied the party. I The inclosed Montgqmery paper gives a fair statement of the affair. A full report with list of officers and m~n taken will be forwarded by the next steamer. At present I have a recruiting officer on the extreme end of the Santa Rosa Island, with facilities to bring refugees across East Pass and the sound, as well as down from Washington Point. In regard to movements of Federal troops it is reported from rebel sources that Sherman has destroyed the Mobile and Ohio Rail- road, with a large additional amount of rebel property, without much interference from Confederate troops; that Grant and John- ston have been engaged heavily at Dalton, and that a portion of Gillmores command, after successfully landing in East F orida, on the Saint Johns River, at Jacksonville has advanced toward Lake City, on the Florida, Atlantic and Gulf Central Railroad, which extends from Jacksonville through Tallahassee to Quincy. Thus, it seems that Union forces of four departments, the Gulf, Tennessee, Cumberland, and the South, are co-operating against Alabama and Florida in a lengthwise half circle, the center of which is Mobile, and it is quite hard for me to be left inactive, although the nearest to this center. I hope, therefore, that the commanding general will kindly forgive me when, repeating once niore my former request. I resp~ctfully ask a 6hance to participate, in behalf of the Department of the Gulf, in the conibined contest and contribute my humble part, at least within the limits of the District of West Flor- ida, which I have the honor to command, so much the more so as Barrancas offers undoubtedly the J~est and safest base of operations. * Omitted. t See also Peeks report, Part I, p. 356 Page 6 6 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. Two steamers, as already ordered by the commanding general, of not more than 4 feet draught, and~one regiment of cavalry and two of infantry would enable me, under the above combined movements, to enter and control the Perdido, Escambia, Blackwater, Yellow- water, and Choctawhatchee Rivers, to destroy the rebel force at Gonzales Camp, to cut off the railroad communication of Mobile with Montgomery, capture all the isolated rebel camps this side the Mobile Bay, thus deprive the garrison of Fort Morgan of land sup- port and of the possibility to escape Admiral Farraguts iron grasp; also prevent all further re-enforcements and supplies for Mobile from Johnstons army, send starvation to that city, and open the way for thousands of starving UPion sympathizers in West Florida to return to their old flag and join the tTnion army. At the p resent juncture the Mobile and Montgomery Railroad becomes the most valuable line of communication in the Confed- eracy, and its destruction appears not less important for us than the destruction of the Mobile and Ohio Railroad, just accomplished at Meridian, while it would require only a few regiments instead of as many army corps. In case the combined movements above alluded to should prove a mere stratagem, calculated to avert the enemys attention from an- other field of operation, and should thus Shermans army withdraw from Alabama and Gillmores forces from East Florida, then the necessity of the re-enforcements asked for would become only more urgent, as the rebel troops now concentrated at and around Mobile, relieved from the large opposing armies, would no doubt avail them- selves very soon of the good chance to make a diversion upon the Pensacola navy-yard (probably in concert with the iron ram Ten- nessee) and a desire to strike the long-aimed blow, upon my small command. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ASBOTH, Brigadier-General. [Inclosure No. 1.] SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ HDQRS. DISTRICT OF WEST FLORIDA, No. 46. Barrancas, Fla., March 2, 1864. * * * * * * * IV. It being one of the possibilities in prospect that the iron ram Tennessee, which the rebels have succeeded in getting over Dog River Bar, in Mobile Harbor, may pass, with aid of other smaller vessels, our blockading fleet off Mobile, and attempt an entrance into Pensacola Harbor, the commanding officers of Forts Pickens and Barrancas will stop all vessels approaching the harbor during the night until their character is fully ascertained. By order of Brigadier-General Asboth: E. T. SPRAGUE. First Lieutenant and Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. [Inclosure No. 2.] HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF WEST FLORIDA, Barrancas, Fla., January 28, 1864... Capt. J. L. GALLOWAY: CAPTAIN: It appears from your official report of yesterday that Lieutenant Talford and Private Carrol, from Floyds and Currys companies, of the Confederate army, deputed by their associates Page 7 Oa~p. XLVIII CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 7, have pledged their word of honor to avail themselves of the amnesty of the President of the United States, and to return with their whole battalion, including horses, arms, equipments, & c., on 6th February, at Point Washington, at the head of Choctawhatchee Bay, to tl~e old flag of the United States, in order to join the First Florida Cav- alry, under organization here, in support of the Union. This report, emanating from you, I feel bound to receive with full confidence. I have accordingly made proper arrangements to re- ceive Lieutenant Talford, with all the officers and men of his bat- talion, at the time and place given by himself, and I will welcome them all in the name of the Government, the people, and Army of the United States, as friends, ~nd give them all opportunity to unite once more their destinies with ours. I confidently hope that the example of Lieutenant Talford and his associates will be followed by many others, and that Western Florida will be in the Union very soon, not by conquest, but of her own free will and accord. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, ASBOTH, Brigadier-General. HDQRS. DEPT. OF S. CAROLINA, GEORGIA, AND FLORIDA, DIST. OF FLORIDA, HDQRS. FORCES IN THE FIELD, March 4, 1864. Brig. Gen. T. SEYMOUR, Gommanding U. S. Forces, Jacksonville, Fla.: GENERAL: In further reply to your communication of the 25th February, 1864,* I have the honor to forward through you, to The widow of the late Colonel Fribley, an ambrotype supposed to be the one referred to ill the memorandum accompanying your communi- cation. Traces have also been discovered of his watch, a letter from his wife to himself, and his diary, and steps have been taken to recover possession of them; if successful the two former articles will be forwarded. That I may not be misunderstood, it is due to myself to state that no sympathy with the fate of any officers com- manding negro troops, but compassion for a widow in grief, has induced these efforts to recover for her relics which she must naturally value. I have~ the honor to call your attention to the following report of an officer con~imanding an outpost of this army: That at about 4 p.m. on the 2d instant, some 15 of the enemy, mor~nted, approached his advanced vedettes with a flag of truce, apparently. When within about 600 yards they threw out skirmishers, advanced about 100 yards, withdrew their flag, a white one, and then dashed forward; his vedettes fired upon them and retired, when, his reserve coming up, they retired. This statement unexplained, involves an act of perfidy in prostituting to base purpose one of the humanizing features of all civilized warfare. I have the honor to ask a full and satisfactory explanation of this act, and whether the same was per- petrated by and with the consent and approbation of the command- ing general. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. M. GARDNER, Brigadier- General, Commanding. *See Part I, p. 493 Page 8 8. S. C., ElLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. fCiup. XLVII. HDQRS. DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Brig. Gen. ~. M. GARDNER, Jacksonville, Fla., March 4, 1864. Gommanding Confederate Forces, East Florida: GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of this day, with an ambrotype supposed to be that referred to in a memorandum previously forwarded, and for which, in behalf of Mrs. Fribley, you have my thanks. And certainly no kindness you can show in this connection can be construed otherwise than affecting those whom on both sides at all times we desire to shield from sorrow. With respect to the circumstances reported by you as having oc- curred on the afternoon of the 2d instant, that a party of some 15 men of my command advanced under cover of a flag of truce, which was withdrawn and from which party fire was then opened upon your vedettes, due inquiry will be made, and extreme punishment administered in the usual manner of military justice, if the report be confirmed by investigation. But I believe that there must be an error in the statement, arising, probably, from the guidon of the comparky having been indistinctly seen. That such an act as is re- ferred to could have been perpetrated by my consent alA approba- tion is a suspicion not justified by any conduct of mine, and is unworthy of reply. And I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, T. SEYMOUR, Brigadier- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS U.S. FORCES, FORT PULASKI AND TYBEE ISLAND, GA., Fort Pulaski, Ga., March 5, 1864. Col. J. B. HOWELL: SIR: I have the honor to report that a blockade-runner ran ashore during the night of the 3d instant, on the east side of Tybee Island, was discovered by the pickets yesterday morning at 6. She proved to be a schooner of about 35 tons. Her cargo consists of alcohol and coffee. I shall take out her cargo to-night, as she cannot be got off. I have placed a guard. on board, and await further orders. The crew consists of Capt. John Wicks, Supercargo C. W. Hawes, Mate Henry Caserdy, and 2 seamen, John Thomas ai~id William Sands. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAS. E. BAILEY, Major Third Rhode Island Heavy Artlliery, Comdg. Post. / [Indorsemeut.] HEADQUARTERS HILTON HEAD DISTRICT, Hilton head, S. C., March 6, 1864. Respectfully forwarded, for the information of the major-general commanding. I respectfully further state that the prisoners are here, and in th& custody of the provost-marshals guard. JOSHUA K HOWELL, Colonel, E1ommanding District Page 9 CRAP. XLVII.1 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 9 $ HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, Jacksonville, Eta., lluliarch 6, 1864. Brig. Gem J. W. TURNER, Chief of Artillery: GENERAL: I beg that the artillery that has been indicated as p roper for the works at this place, or that may be decided upon, may be sent here without delay. There is now an abundance of labor here to move these guns, and, what is of more moment still, the moral effect upon the country people derived from the presence of large guns, as an assurance of our permanent occupancy, will be of great value. Therefore please hasten them. Respectfully, your obedient servant, T. SEYMOUR, Brigadier-General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., March 7, 1864. Brig. Gen. A. H. TERRY, Comdg. N. Dist., Dept. of the South, Folly Island, & C.: GENERAL: The major-general commanding requests that you will send the detachment of the First North Carolina Colored Volun- teers to Jacksonville as soon as in your judgment it is safe to do so. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ED. W. SMITH, Lieutenant- Colonel and Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., March 7, 1864. Brig. Gen. T. SEYMOUR, ~Jomdg. Dist. of Florida, Jacksonville, Fla.; GENERAL: The major-general commanding is of the opinion that the state of affairs in Florida will not warrant an advance of your command for the present; that therefore you will only look to the security of your position at Jacksonville. And lie again calls your attention to your communication on the Saint Johns River and sug- gests, lest guerrilla parties or ambuscades may annoy your transports, that you land a regiment from time to time at points below Jackson- ville, and scout the country a short distance into the interior. He has no doubt that the commanding officer of the naval forces in Saint Johns will, on your application, co-operate with you with a gun-boat. Should your information of the force and position of the enemy leal you to the opinion that an advance would be advisable, you will immediately communicate with the commanding general, but under no consideration will you make an advance without instruc- tions. You will carry out your instructions in regard to garrisoning and fortifying Palatka, heretofore given, as soon as you can con- veniently. In view of the limited number of horses at our disposal to replace losses, and the great exertion and fatigue of your cavalry force, and in order to save as many of Colonel Henrys horses as possible, it is recommended to you to call in his comman of cavalry Page 10 10 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [Ca~p. XLVII. replacing your pickets by infantry, using cavalry vedettes and patrols, and allow Colonel Henrys command to recruit. The artil- lery you called for is being forwarded. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN W. TURNER Brigadier-General, Chief of Staff. HDQRS. NORTHERN DISTRICT, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Capt. ~. A. BURNS, Folly Island, S. C., March 8, 1864. Acting Assistant Quartermaster, Morris Island, S. C.: The brigadier-general commandiiig directs that all the boats in your possession, including those that you have built, be fully equipped with oars, & c., and sent to Pawnee Landing this day. I have the honor to be, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ADRIAN TERRY, Assistant Adjutant-General. HDQRS. NORTHERN DISTRIcT, DEPT. OF THE SOUTh, Folly Island, S. C., March 8, 1864. Capt. JOHN L. SUESS, New York Voltsvtteer Engineers: The brigadier-general commanding directs that you immediately prepare material for repairing bridge from Coles Island to James Island and have it loaded into lighters this day. Capt. J. A. Burns, acting assistant quartermaster, will supply the lumber requisite. I have the honor to be, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ADRIAN TERRY, Assistant Adjutant- General. HDQRS. NORTHERN DISTRICT, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Folly lsland, s: C., March 8, 1864. Brig. Gen. A. SCHIMMELFENNIG, Commanding U. S. Forces, Folly Island, S. C.: GENERAL: I am directed by the brigadier-general commanding to request that you will get ready 1,000 men, in light marching order, with three days cooked rations, to be in readiness to move at 4 p. m. this day. I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ADRIAN TERRY, Assistant Adjutant-General. (Similar copy sent to Colonel Davis.) MORRIS ISLAND, S. C., March 8, 1864. Captain TERRY, Assistant A6~jutant- General, Folly Island, S. C.: This will nearly clean me out of available force and leave nothing here to guard the island. To take this force frouf Morris Islan Page 11 CHAP. XLVIII CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.1JNION. 11 will endanger our defenses here. I will have the men ready, but while they are absent will not be responsible for what may happen. The First Brigade has not a man on this island that can be detailed for any purpose; the Second has present 2,000. Of these over 300 are without arms and 400 have just received arms; 450 are on special duty in boat infantry, and other purposes; 150 are the garrison of Shaw and cant be disturbed; then take out the cooks, musicians, & c., and there will be nobody left to call upon. I respectfully pro- test against troops being taken from this island for any purpose. W. W. H. DAVIS, Colonel. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, Jacksonville, llliarch 8, 1864. Brig. Gen. J. W. TURNER, Chief of Artillery: GENERAL: I have again to urge that guns may be provided here, without delay, of such a natnre as will indicate that we may not evacuate this place in a hurry. If they are not to be expected, I beg that I may be so informed; if they are, that I be advised of the probable time of their arrival here: Rather than experience delay, I shall be glad to have any siege guns, 24-pounder James rifles, 8- inch siege howitzers, carronades, 24-pounders, anything of a toler- ably heavy caliber and size. Two or three such might be spared from Fort Pulaski, perhaps. Respectfully, your obedient servant, T. SEYMOUR, Brigadier- General, Commanding. [Inclorsement.] HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, ]Jliarch 12, 1864. More guns than General Seymour asked for have already been sent him. Q. A. GILLMORE, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, Jacksonville, Fla., March 8, 1864. Brig. Gen. J. W. TURNER, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: I have to inform you that there is nothing further to report, except that a force of infantry has been moved by the rebels to the Kings road, and there are indications of defensive measures being taken by them on the Six-Mile or Cedar Creek. Deserters come in constantly and report that if they knew that they would be kindly treated, and not sent North, many more would ~come to us. One recently from Dalton, Ga., gives a firm conviction that when the time of service is out (May ~), many of the rebel regiments will stack their arms and refuse to fight longer. If guns were here so that I could place strong confidence in the resistive power of these Page 12 12 ~. C., FLA.; AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. works, an expedition would be sent at once to occupy Palatka, but I do not like to weaken this command unless the works are per- fected, armament and all. The hastening of cannon is therefore urged. Respectfully, your obedient servant, T. SEYMOUR, Brigadier-General, Commanding. (Indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., ]Jliarch 12, 1864. It is not understood that General Seymour is asking for guns in addition to those for which he has already made requisition and which have been sent to him. Q. A. GJLLMORE, lllajor-General, Commandin~i. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF WEST FLORIDA, Brig. Gen. CHARLES ~. STONE, Barrancas, March 8, 1864. Chief of Staff, Dept. of the Gulf: GENERAL: I have the honor to report, in connection with my report of March 4. No. 122, the following additional information received from a refugee, Thomas E. Cramner, just from Mobile, by way of Pollard: Colonel Holland, Thirty-seventh Mississippi Infantry, sta- tioned at Pollard, is making preparation for a raid with 400 to 500 cavalry on the Pensacola navy-yard, in connection with the raid of Colonel Miller on East Bay. We are prepared with our small force to receive them properly. Mr. Cramner has taken an active part in the rebellion as engineer, but, availing himself of the Presidents am- nesty, leaves to-morrow for New Orleans, and I thought it proper to give him an introduction to you in order that you may question him yourself. His statements are somewhat confused, and I do not feel inclined to give them much credit. Three other deserters, arriving also this day from Morgan and Dalton, have given me the inclosed statements, which I consider more reliable. There are over 200 refugees and deserters in the neighborhood of Saint Marks, Fla., the terminus of the Tallahassee railroad, in open war with the Conf~deracy, and I would respectfully request for the use of a transport steamer to bring in those men for the Florida cavalry. They have about 60 horses with them. Gillmores forces have withdrawn from Lake City to Jacksonville; in my humble opinion, a combined movement toward Tallahassee from the Atlan- tic via Jacksonville and Lake City, and from the Gulf via Saint ~ Marks, would have p roved more disastrous for the rebels, and I would most respectfully request to be enabled to establish a perma- nent post at Saint Marks; it would afford another safe base of oper- ations toward the interior of Florida, protected, as it is, by blockad- ing vessels of Admiral Farragut, anchored near the light-house, 7~ miles seaward from Saint Marks. I am, very respectfully~, general, your obedient servant, ASBOTH, Brigadier-General Page 13 CIIA!. XLVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.--UNION. 13 [Inclosure No. 1.] Statement of Lient. John L. West, First Florida Infantry, C. S. Army. Left his regiment on the 15th of February at Dalton, Ga. John- stons army numbers 30,000 to 35,000 men. Veteran troops, forming two army corps under Hayman rllindmani and Hardee. The men have no shoes; their rations consist of Florida beef and corn. The beef is so poor that the men cannot eat it. General Johnston does not intend to give battle at Dalton, but will withdraw toward Atlanta if pressed by Grant. The spirit of the army is in favor of peace. The men re-enlist only to get furloughs and never return. Horses are generally in very bad condition and sent to the rear to recruit. [Inclosure No. 2.] Statement of A. S. Kitchen and B. B. Royals, First Battalion Ala barna Artillery. Brig. Gen. Edward Higgins is at present commanding at Fort Morgan, Fort Gaines, Fort Powell (Grants Pass), and Cedar Point. The Tennessee is not yet over the Dog River Bar, but is sticking in the niud of Sponge River; the deepest channel 9 feet 10 inches. Six steamers were unable to move her back. They are ~t a~ loss what to do with her. Not one of the iron-clad boats is this side of the bar. There are four inside. r1~he Tennessee, plated with 4-inch iromi, mounts eight guns; ram Baltic plated with 2-inch iron, the wheel-house protected with cotton; Huntsville and Nashville with four guns each. Besides those iron-dads, there are three wooden gun-boats, Selma, Gaines, and Morgan. Selma was built for a lake boat at New York and is unseaworthy; the Gaines and Morgan were built at Mobile during the war and are good boats, but not much strength in them. They are building at present two floating bat- teries with one gun each. At- Grants Pass, boats with 10 feet draught can pass. They are trying to put obstructions in the chan- nel, but they do not amount to much. The battery guarding Grants Pass is considered bomb-proof, being covered with 10 to 15 feet of oyster shells. HDQRS. DISTRICT OF KEY WEST AND TORTUGAS, Key West, March 8, 1864. Brig. Gen. CHARLES P. STONE, Chief of Staff, Dept. of the Gulf, New Orleans: GENERAL: I inclose herewith the copy of a letter from Lieut. Commander D. B. Harmony, commanding the U. S. gun-boat Tahorna, stationed at Saint Marks Bay. The men alluded to have already had several skirmishes with rebel cavalry and are fully committed. I shall go up in a few days to enlist them, if practi- cable. If they decline I respectfully ask permission to furnish for their use arms and ammunition in moderate quantities, also pro- visions and shoes. These men will be useful to us, whether enlisted or riot. They are, I understand, at the present time, under the ad- vice of Commander Harmony, on an expedition to burn the bridge over the Suwannee River on the Jacksonville and Tallahassee Rail- road, about 30 miles west of Lake City. Respectfully, -. D. ~. WOODBURY, Brigadier- General Page 14 14 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [Cmu?. XLVIL [Inclosure.] U. S. S. TAHOMA, Saint Marks Bay, February 29, 1864. Brig. Gen. D. P. WOODBURY, Key West, Fla.: GENERAL: Your note of 26th instant has been received, and also the ammunition, coffee, and sugar ; the latter will be useful to the loyal people here, the former not, as they only have the Mississippi rifle and shotguns. I will give it to them, however, and they may be enabled to put it to some use. If possible, I would suggest the ad- visability of sending them good muskets. I feel certain they would do good service with them. Already have I employed them to assist me on an expedition about 45 miles east of this point to destroy the largest salt-works in the Confederacy395 kettles and 52 boilers, having capacity to make about 1,600 bushels daily. Some few days since, I had them all called together and regularly organized, under regulations or laws which I prepared. They were formed into two companies, each numbering about 80 men, elected a captain and 3 lieutenants for each. After they had organized I planned a raid on the Atlantic and Gulf Railroad, to strike the bridge ovev the Suwannee River. Its destruction will give a good deal of trouble in moving their supplies from Tallahassee to their forces confronting General Gillmores army, between Lake City and Baldwin. I regret to say that I do not think any of them would be willing to enlist in the U. S. Army. They prefer to act independently. Their only objection to enlisting regularly is that they do not want to leave their homes, and they fear that they might b~ ordered away. Besides, almost every one is married, and that would be a decided objection. Every day they are increasing their numbers; 300 men from General Joe Johnstons army are en route to join them, and I have taken every meahs to let it be known whenever I have had opportunity that this organization exists here. I have directed some of the most intelligent among them to go out among the people in the different counties and canvass for recruits. Since it is known by the authorities that I am assisting them, they have increased their force in this neighborhood quite largely, which takes so many men from their army that are fighting General Gillmore. If I had arms, bread, and shoes to give them, I am satisfied I could get 500 men together in three weeks, and could employ them destroying railroads, bridges, and manufactories of shot, shell, & c., all of which would do the rebels great injury. They (the refugees) are deter- mined to hang together until they have driven every rebel soldier out of Florida. There is another company down on the Suwannee River whose captain I have seen. I have advised that company to come up here. They number 50 men. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. B. HARMONY, ~ Lieutenant- Commander, V. S. Navy. HDQRS. DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Jacksonville, Fla., March 9, 1864. Brig. Gen. J. W. TURNER, Chief of Staff and Chief of Artillery, Dept. of the South: GENERAL: I have the honor to request that the Harriet A. Weed may be sent here for duty in this river, or that some vessel of ligh Page 15 CHAP. XLVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. draught, well armed, may be supplied for this purpose. And if a small, very light draught steamer (4 feet) can be supplied for running into the small streams that empty into the Saint Johns and into the shallow waters at the head of the river, it will be of the greatest possible value. I trust such may be captured here, but it is too doubtful tc~ be relied upon. Very respectfully, your obedient ~ervant, T. SEYMOUR, Brigadier- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF FLORmA, Jacksonville, Fla., March 9, 1864. Brigadier-General TURNER, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: I have this morning decided to occupy Palatka without longer delay, and have accordingly ordered Colonel Barton to pro- ceed to that place to-night; his command is strengthened by five companies of the Fifty-fifth Massachusetts (Colonel Hartwell) and two sections of James battery. Lieutenant Michie accompanies Colonel Barton, with instructions to throw up such defensive works as may be necessary, and to be held by a minimum garrison of about 500. Colonel Barton is instructed to send a force to Orange Springs, if on his arrival he shall ascertain that a steamer is there, and that there is no body of the enemy to oppose materially, and with a view to obtaining possession of a light-draught vessel. As no cavalry can be spared from here, Captain James will mount, for this purpose, as many of his drivers as can be spared. The Columbine, to be fol- lowed immediately by the Ottawa, will convoy the transports. It is believed that there are many would-be loyal persons who will re- sort to us for protection when Palatka is known to be permanently occupied. Respectfully, general, your obedient servant, T. SEYMOUR, Brigadier- General, C~ornmanding. [Inclorsement.J HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, March 12, 1864. Palatka should be fortified so that the position can be held against great odds. A field-work, inclosed with a formidable obstacle on all sides, will perhaps suffice, and no offensive operations involving the possibility of a defeat should be undertaken until these defenses are in an efficient condition. Q. A. GILLMORE, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., March 10, 1864. 15 9 Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief. U. S. Army, Washington, D. C. SIR: I have to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 26th ultimo,* in reply to mine of the 13th and 16th. I certainly failed to make myself understood, if I conveyed the idea that I con *See Part I, p. 493 Page 16 16 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. ~idered matters of a private and personal character of sufficient im- portance to take me from my duties. With regard to Florida, my letter of February 13, from Jacksonville, stated briefly the approxi- ~nate strength and disposition of the forces that I intended to keep there. General Seymours discomfiture at Olustee has. somewhat disarranged my plans and delayed their execution, and has rendered it necessary to place for the p resent in Florida nearly three times as many troops as I intend to keep there after the defensive arrange- ments ordered at certain points are completed, and especially after the enemy withdraws a portion of the forces from the State, as he assuredly will when our armies at other points resume active opera- tions, he va ue of Florida to the enemy has been overlooked by us to a great extent. I am convinced that they have drawn from the counties along the line of the Fernandina and Cedar Keys Rail- road an average of 2,000 head of cattle per week during the past year. As regards prospective operations against Charleston, I had a long conference with Rear-Admiral Dahlgreif some days since, on the evening before he started for Washington. The admiral desires to resume active operations in that quarter as soon as he receives the expected re-enforcements to his fleet, and it is of course my wish to co-operate with him. I informed the Department in my coinmuni- cation of December 17, 1863, that with 10,000 or 12,000 good infantry I could operate by way of James Island or Bulls~Bay. I understood from Admiral Dahlgren that either of these operations, or the cap- ture of Sullivans Island instead, would meet his views of the re- quirements of the case. When my veterans return I am prepared to undertake one or the other of these operations. The new colored regiments add materially to my strength for such work. I have directed General Turner, my chief of staff, to deliver this letter. He is prepared to enter more fully upon the merits of the question than I can in writing. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, Q. A. GILLMORE, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, Jacksonville, March 10, 1864. Brig. Gen. J. W. TURNER, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: I have the honor to report that at daylight this morn- ing Colonel Barton occupied Palatka without opposition. It had not been possible to ascertain the localities of the steamers on the Ockla- waha up to the time the transports left Palatka (3 p. in.). The en- emy~s cavalry pickets were 9 miles from Palatka, a small force at Gainesville, 1,000 cavalry at Starke. More cavalry is badlj~ needed here, and I would urge that as soon as a few companies of t e Thir~ New Hampshire can be mounted they be sent here, where they will be rapidly instructed. Captain Elder desires that he may be furnished with the 12-pounder howitzers left at Kiawah, the 3-inch rifles being of exceedinghy little use in a wooded country like this. I suppose that Captain L angdon would also be provided with them instead of the 12-pounder, which is too heavy. The subject merits consideta- tion. Respectfully, your c~bedient servant, T. SEYMOUR, Brigadier-Ge~iwral, Commanding Page 17 CHAP. XLVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UINION. 17 [Indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. 0., March 12, 1864. Langdons and Elders batteries will have to remain as now orgam~ ized, which organization was approved and desired by them before they went to Florida. There is more artillery now in Florida than it is the intention to leave there. Palatka should be fortified at once. The Third New Hampshire Mounted Infantry will be sent to Gen- eral Seymour in a few days. Q. A. GJLLMORE, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS BARTONS BRIGADE, Palaika, Fla., March 10, 1864. Capt. P. R. CHADWICK, Assistant Adjutant- General, District of Florida CAPTAIN: I have the honor to advise you that, in accordance with the instructions from the brigadier-general commanding the district, I occupied this place without opposition at early daylight thi morn- ing. I learn that the enemys pickets are at Nine-Mile Hammock, on the Orange Springs road, and at a point 4 miles distant from Pa- latka on the Rice Creek road; a force of over 1,000 cavalry, under General Patton Anderson, are at Starke. There is considerable uncertainty as to the present whereabouts of the small steamers which formerly plied on the Saint Johns River, but one of them is supposed to be at Fort Brooke. As I have reason to believe that the enemy is ere this apprised of our arrival, I have not deemed it pru- dent to make an attempt to secure this boat, as any movement in that direction would undoubtedly call down the whole of Andersons force (it being as near Fort Brooke as we are), and would result in the capture or destruction of the inferior force I might send. I have, however, sent Captain James out in the direction of Nine-Mile Ham- mock and on the Rice Creek road, for the purpose of capturing a noted rebel or two in that quarter. There seems to be none of the enemys troops on the Saint Augustine side of the river. I send you a deserter to whose statements I respectfully direct your attention, especially as regards the force in your front. The Delaware and Houghton are sent. The Maple Leaf is hard aground, and the Hunter is employed in unloading her. The de- fensive works are well under way. W. B. BARTON, Colonel 48th New York Volunteers, Commanding Brigade. FLAG-SHIP NEW IRONSIDES, Off Morris Island, S. C., March 14, 1864. Maj. Gen. Q. A. GILLMORE, 6omdg. Department of the South, Hilton Head: SIR: If the services of the U. S. ship McDonough can be spared in Light-House Inlet, I can use her elsewhere. I do not wish to take her from her station, however, if she is useful to you. I should be glad to have your views on the s~ibject. S. C. ROWAN, Comdg. South Atlantic Blocicadiny Squadron, pro ten~ 2 R RVQL xxxv, PT I Page 18 18 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. (ChAP. XLVIT. l3rig. Gen. J. W. TURNER, JACKSONVILLE, March 14, 1864. Chief of Staff: GENERAL: I have to report that I returned from a visit to Palatka last night. The defGnsive works tluiere are already in a Condition for use, and although more extensive necessarily than was anticipated, on account of the topographic features of the locality, are very favorable for defense by a garrison of from 500 to 800 men. * The redoubt in the center will require two or three siege guns, and I shall probably send there two 24-pounder smooth and one of the old carronades; the two 6-pounders captured here to be so arranged as to be placed wherever circumstances may direct, and to be har- nessed by the post teams and left habitually in reserve. As Saint. Augustine cannot now be approached by any force except small squads of cavalry, a few of the unimportant guns there might prop- erly be taken either to this point, Jacksonville, or to Palatka. I would recommend that Picolata be occupied soon, or a point imme- diately opposite it would be better, if a favorable place can be found for holding by a small force. There are many refugees in the vicinity of Palatka, and partic-~. ularly on the east side of the river, and as soon as it is evident that Palatka is permanently occupied I doubt not but that many deserters will cross to the east side of the river, and that some organization may be effected for their protection. There is no news from the immediate vicinity. I would suggest to the major-general commanding the propriety of bringing to this point, when the veterans shall have returned, every available man in the department, for the purpose of attacking the eneniys force near here. Probably an overpowering attack might have the happiest result. Respectfully, your obedient servant, T. SEYMOUR, Brigadier-General, Commanding. [Indorsement.] MARCH 16, 1864. The intrenchments at Palatka should be made very strong, as regards their power of passive resistance. The establishment of a post at Picolata is not deemed advisable just now I desire that especial attention be directed to the safety and per- fect security of our water communication as far up as Jacksonville. The enemy ought not to be allowed to get on the bank of the stream below that place. Frequent scouts from the river under cover of a gun-boat are recommended. Q. A. GILLMORE, Major-General. .~ HDQRS. DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Jacksonville, Fla., March IS, 1864. Brig. Gen. J. W. TURNER, Chief of Staff and of Artillery, Dept. of the South: GENERAL: I have to report that there are now here three 30- pounder and two 20-pounder Parrott rifles, one 24-pounder James * Small diagram omitted Page 19 cRAP. xLVU.1 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.IJNION. 19 rifle, two 8-inch siege howitzers, four 24-pounder howitzers (brass), one 42-pounder carronade, one 32-pounder carronade, two 18-pounder siege guns (smooth-bores), two 8-inch siege mortars, and that two 8-inch sea-coast howitzers and one 8-inch naval gun are expected soon. The following disposition will be made of the above guns, unless good reasons should be found for modifying the plan on account of the arrival of cannon not expected at present :* First. Redoubt Sammon, one 8-inch sea-coast howitzer, one 8-inch siege howitzer, one 24-pounder James, one 8-inch mortar. Second. Battery Myrick, to be occupied by field guns, as occasion may require. Third. Redoubt Fribley, one 8-inch naval gun. one 8-inch siege howitzer, two 30-pounder Parrotts, one 8-inch mortar. Fourth. Battery McCrea now h~ two 6-pounder field (brass), to be vacated soon. Fifth. Redoubt Reed, one 8-inch sea-coast howitzer, one 42-pounder carronade, one 30-pounder Parrott, and one mortar, if it comes. Sixth. Redoubt Moore Seventh. Battery Hamilton by field guns, as No. 2 and No. 4. The four 24-pounder howitzers and two 20-pounder Parrotts, with the three 3-inch captured rifles, to be parked as a reserve. Redoubt Moore has not yet been commenced, and upon examina- tion to-day, after the ground has been well cleared of trees, it seems unnecessary to place one there (at the cemetery). The ground across the creek (Hogans) i~ perfectly commanded by the fire from Redoubt Reed. Until the major-general commanding can inspect and decide upon this I have decided that the ground be not dis- turbed~ The cutting of timber proceeds as rapidly as the want of axes will allow, and the country across the creek is now well opened. At Palatka has been constructed a central redoubt (No. 2), and air Nos. 1 and 3 are positions for one or two field guns. * The only artillery now there is two 3-inch rifles and two 12- pounder howitzers of Captain James battery. It is probable that the redoubt will be armed with the two 18- pounders and one 32-pounder carronade now here, and probably (if an arrangement to be suggested should fail) that the two cap- tured 6-pounders now here will be sent there, and such means sup- plied as will compel no portion of a mounted battery to be kept there. The works are probably nearly ready for these guns. The arrangement referred to is that there be sent here any old iron guns (field) that may be useless elsewhere. I believe that there are several such at Hilton Head. If I am not mistaken there are several at Saint Augustine, quite useless there, that may well be brought here, and that are good for canister to any extefit. I pro- pose to go to Saint Augustine soon to procure such guns. One or two are much~ wanted at Yellow Bluff, one or two at Palatka, others here. They are as good for these purposes as brass guns of later date. The work at Yellow Bluff is complete. A signal tower there is nearly finished, and is already occupied by a party (to-day), and a station is established at the mouth of the Saint Johns. It will be necessary to construct a tower here. These communications will be of great service. * Small diagrams omitted. Page 20 20 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [cii~i. XLVII. When the three 8-inch shell guns and another 8-inch siege mor- tar shall have arrived, no more guns will be required, except as above referred to, and thes2, perhaps, can be procured at Saint Augustine, as indicated. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, T. SEYMOUR Brigadier- General, Comman~ling. WASHINGTON, March 16, 186412.30 p. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT, Nashville, Teun.: The furloughs of veteran regiments from the Department of the South (Hilton Head) are about to expire. If it is proposed to bring any troops North from that department for the coming campaign, should not these regiments be retained, in order to avoid double transportation? H. W. HALLECK Major-General and Chief of Staff. NASHVILLE, TENN., March 16, 18647 p. m. Major-General HALLECK, (Received 10.40 p. in.) Chief of Staff: To avoid double transportation I desire the veteran re~ments from the Department of the South rendezvoused at some point from whence they can be moved with facility, either to the Army of the Potomac or to Hilton Head, as may be required. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. WASHINGTON, D. C., March 16, 1864. Maj. Gen. Q. A. GILLMORE, Department of the South: GENERAL: Your dispatches of the 10th; transmitting your state- ment of the Olustee affair in Florida, * is just received. The state- ment wjll be immediately copied and submitted to the Secretary of War, to accompany the papers called for by the Committee on the Conduct of the War. Until Lieutenant-General Grant returns from the West I presume no additional instructions will be given by the War Department in ~C regard to military operations in your department. In regard to your suggestion that General Turner, of your staff, bearer of dispatches, will enter more fully into the merits of your plans, I beg leave to remark that the War Department disapproves the sending of staff officers to Washington to discuss or explain plans of generals in the field. In the first place, verbal explanations by subordinates are liable to be misunderstood, and subsequently to give rise to questions of facts and conflicts of memories. A ver ~ Part I, p.276. Page 21 4 C~. XLVII.1 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 21. hal message or statement transmitted through three or four different persons is very likely, with the best motives of all concerned, to have a very different aspect when it reaches the Secretary of War or the President than it had when first uttered. In the second place, plans of operations should [not], as a general rule, be divulged to subordinates. I do not mean that opinions of subordinates should not be consulted, but the final determination of the general should be known to as few persons as possible. Moreover, the Secretary of War very strongly disapproves of the practice of sending staff officers to Washington for the purpose of delivering dispatches which could be as well sent by mail. He re- gards it as an abuse of authority on the p art of generals, and as entailing an unnecessary expense on the G overnment.~ In several instances he has ordered back the officers and charged the expense of their transportation to the generals who sent them here. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. W. HALLECK, Major- General and Chief of Staff. e HDQRS. DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Jacksonville, Fla., March 16, 1864. Capt. G. B. RALCH, U. S. Navy, Commanding Naval Forces~ Saint Johns River: CAPTAIN: I am happy to announce to you that the Columbine captured, on the 13th instant, in Lake George, the steamer Sumter with all her officers and crew; that the Sumter has been manned and sent after the Hattie Brock, which it is believed will also be cap- tured, with about 160 bales of cotton. This information is received this morning from Colonel Barton, and will give you no greater pleasure thaii it has given myself. The difficulties that have been overcome by the Columbine are repre- sented as having been great, and its commander deserves much credit for the exercise of great intelligence and energy in having overcome them. I trust these qualities will be rewarded to a still greater extent by still greater success. Those small steamers will be of the greatest value to us in navi- gating the river, and for scouting in regions where vessels of heav- ier draught could not penetrate. If possible, I shall therefore be glad to have them for these purposes. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, T. SEYMOUR, Brigadier- General, Commanding. HDQRS. DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Jack& onville, Fla., March 16, 1864. Col. W. B. BARTON, Forty-eighth New York, Gomdg., Palatica, Fla.: COLONEL: The quattermaster..is directed to send you 60 horses, saddles, and bridles, without delay. You will select and mount an infantry company temporarily, being careful to select a good ca~ tam, who will see that the best use possible is made of these animals Page 22 22 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. than which no better are now at my disposal. You will appoint an officer to receipt for the ordnance that is sent to you. Lieutenant Michie, U. S. Engineers, will inform you as to the destination of the cannon. Two 18-pounders, two 6-pounders (brass), and two 3-inch rifles are forwarded. Captain James guns will be left in reserve, and as 2 horses can draw these small guns a short distance, Cap- tain James may be charged with the conduct of the two rifles (3- inch) as a part of the reserve artillery. The rifle-pits running through the oak wood will be enlarged so that the ditch will be a decided obstacle, which stockade will be placed at Mr. Michies direction. A line of abatis from the river to the cleared ground, through this wood, will be constructed, say 200 yards in advance of the ditch, and this abatis will be made as strong as possible. Some of the trees near the works (and in rear) will be arranged so that sharpshooters can occupy them; a plank with slats nailed to it so as to ascend the tree. The wood will be spared the ax at present. The palmettoes can be burned; if so, put a regi- ment out to effect it. Place a the obstacles in front of your works that you can, particularly on the left. The Ottawa goes up to-day; as she cannot get over the flats with- out assistaice, you will send the Hunter to assist her at the earliest moment. Send the Hunter back the night following her arrival. I am doubtful about your sending to Silver Springs; it is some distance beyond Orange Springs, on the road to Gainesville. Any cavalry that you send there will probably be lost, and you will under- take nothing that does not give every prospect of success. As your information is much better than mine, the matter is left to your own discretion. Endeavor to get reliable persons to penetrate (to be gone several days) to Gainesville, & c. A good negro guide, with a good white soldier, seems the best method. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, T. SEYMOUR, Brigadier-General, Commanding. HDQRS. DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Jacksonville, Fla., March 17, 1864. Brigadier-General TURNER, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: I have the honor to submit to~the major-general com- manding the suggestion that during April and May operations can go on in Florida with perfect comfort to the command, after which extreme hot weather will probably preclude all offensive move- ments. CharlestQn, the Confederates now well understand, cannot be seri- ously approached with any force in this department; the same is doubtless true of Savannah. At both those points neither offensive nor defensive operations will be of much moment. In Florida the enemy has concentrated all troops that can be s~red from the above points. Attention can be distracted to other places, and by the use, for a week or so, of all the troops that can be spared elsewhere, the oppoing forces here should be overcome. If such a result can be obtained, its importance cannot be overrated. To vanquish such troops as are in the field is the final military ai Page 23 CHAP. XLVII.] 23 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNIO~. of our cause, and there have previously been no such opportunities for the armed force of the Department of the South to be well em- ployed as in Florida. And now that the State is to be considered an object worth holding or attaining, these opportunities may well be improved. These considerations have doubtless already occurred to the major-general commanding, but there can be no impropriety in stating them in this manner. Respectfully, your obedient servant, T. SEYMOUR, Brigadier-General, Commanding. HDQRS. DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Jacksonville, B2la., March 17, 1864. Brigadier-General TURNER, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: It is reported to me this morning by Major Stevens, commanding mounted force, that a sergeant and 1 private of the Fourth Massachusetts Cavalry, and a negro (Jerome), not an enlisted man, who were sent out on the 14th as scouts, have been captured by the enemy, whose very largely preponderating force of cavalry makes any such mode of obtaining information very uncertain. Respectfully, general, your obedient servant, T. SEYMOUR, Brigadier-General, Commanding~ SPECIAL ORDERS, WAR DEPT., ADJT. GENERALS OFFICE, No. 121. Washington, March 18, 1864, * * * * * * 16. Veteran regiments and companies from the Department of the South now in or to arrive in their respective States on furlough will, on the expiration thereof, be ordered by the superintendents of the volunteer recruiting service for the States concerned to Washing- ton, D. C., reporting to Major~General Casey, U. S. Volunteers, who will command them. * * * * * * * By order of the Secretary of War: E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant- Generals HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., March 19, 1864. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief, U. S. Army, Washington, D. C.: GENERAL: In response to your letter of the 26th ultimo,* to which I partially replied in mine of the 10th instant, I have to say that from 7,000 to 11,000 effective fighting men may be spared from this department and still leave it inj~ condition of safe quiescent defense. *See Part I, p. 493 Page 24 S. C., PtA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. 24 ACHAP. XLVII. This force corresponds pretty nearly with the present available strength of the thirteen regiments of infantry, one regiment of heavy artillery, one battalion of cavalry, one regiment of volun- teer engineers, and the four batteries which comprise the Tenth Army Corps. There seems no special objection to a division of the engineers and artillery force of the corps should circumstances render it necessary or advisable to do so. I therefore request, in case it be decided to leave the force on this coast in a purely defensive at- titude, that I may be ordered out of this department with my own corps to some command where it can serve together as a unit, with authority to leav~ behind me temporarily such portions of the artil- lery and engineer force of the corps as I may deem proper. I desire very mu ch to joinsome large army in the field where the operations will be purely military and not dependent for success upon two dis- tinct branches of the public service. If I cannot take the Tenth Corps to some point where it can serve as a unit of an army con- ducting offensive operations I have no desire to take it out of this department. There are, however, sanitary reasons why the troops comprising this corps should leave the coast. I inclose a note from my medical director covering this point. I desire in this connection to express my opinion that all the troops now serving in this depart- ment can be used here to advantage. I have the honor to be, very respectfull~, servant, Major- General, Comman~ling. [Inclosure.] HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH March 19, 1864. Maj. Gen. Q. A. GJLLMORE, (Jomdg. Dept. of the South, Hilton Head, S. C.: GENERAL: In reply to your inquiry of this date in regard to the class of troops, with reference to their date of service in this department, which should, if the exigencies of the service demand it, be transferred to a more northern climate, I would respectfully say, in my opinion of the sanitary condition of the soldiers, you should select the regiments which have passed two summers here. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, EBEN. SWIFT, Surgeon, U. S. Army, Medical Director. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. 6., March 21, 1864. Commodore. ROWAN, Comdg. South Atlantic Blockading Squadron, off (Jharle8ton: SIR: I have now in use in this department five armed steam trans- ports, their service being chiefly picket duty; they are also used for transportation or convoys along those of our inland routes of com- munication where there is danger of meeting the enemy, also fo~ scouting. These operations are not deemed important enough to call for the co-operation of your branch of the ~ervice. I have ex- perienced, as you well know must be the case, the inconvenience o Page 25 CHAP. XLVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 25 having no officer possessing sufficient experience to properly outfit and command such vessels. My steam-boat masters are citizens and know nothing of artillery. My artillery officers are not sailors and are not acquainted with naval gunnery. It would be of advantage to this army if I could avail myself of the services of one of the young officers of your squadron for the duty above indicated. I take the liberty of suggesting Acting Ensign William C. Hanford, now executive officer of the U. S. brig Perry, on the Fernandina Station, as a most suitable officer for this duty, from his large experience in similar service to that above designated in our Western rivers under Admiral Porter. If you will order him to report to me for temporary duty I will esteem it a favor. I congratulate you heartily, commodore, on your being confirmed in your present rank, and assure you that the event affords pleasure to my whole command. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, Q. A. GILLMORE, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, Jacksonville, Fla., March 21, 1864. Brigadier-General TURNER, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: I am informed authentically that the rebels are taking up the railroad from here to Baldwin, and for the purpose of con- structing one between the Georgia and Florida Railroad. Also, that about 5,000 of their best infantry have gone back to Charleston and that about 10,000 remain here, of which a very large proportion is cavalry. Respectfully, your obedient servant, T. SEYMOUR, Brigadier-General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, Jacksonville, Fla., March 21, 1864. Brigadier-General TURNER, Chief of Staff and of Artillery: GENERAL: I am in receipt of my returned communication of March 15, on the subject of the artillery defenses of Jacksonville and Palatka. The major-general commanding has indorsed on the letter that there are twenty-six pieces of artillery for position on the west bank of the Saint Johns. This is more than is necessary, or than I ever intended. The major-general commanding adds that it is not his intention to have any guns moved from Saint Augustine at the present time. The twenty-six guns referred to by me are doubt- less more than are necessary, unless an attack should be made. As such an attack was anticipated, it is not believed that undue prep- aration has been made, and I desire to call attention to the facts here indicated: -. First. That at Palatka the permanent artillery consists of two 18-pounders and one 32-pounder carronade; total, 3. Page 26 26 S. C., FLA., AND ON THI~ GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. Second. At Jacksonville: Fort Sammon, one 8-inch sea-coast howitzer, one 8-inch siege howitzer, one 24 James, one 8-inch mor- tar; -total, four. Fort Fribley, one 8-inch naval howitzer, two 30-pounders, one 8-inch siege howitzer, one 8-inch mortar; total, five. Fort Reed, one 8-inch sea-coast howitzer; one 30-pounder; two 42-pounder carronades; one mortar; total, five. Total, four- teen. March 21, grand total of permanent garrison artillery on north bank of Saint Johns, seventeen. This excludes four 24-pounder howitzers and two 20-pounder Parrotts indicated as a reserve force, and not to be put in position unless in case of attack; also all the field batteries in the command. It will be seen that except the three 8-inch guns, all these cannon are siege, and can be promptly moved wherever the major-general commanding may direct and whenever he may desire. But I would not recommend that any of these seventeen guns should be removed unless necessary, as I con- sider them a minimum armament. Yet the 8-inch siege howitzers and the 30-pounder Parrotts might be supplied by field guns at the option of the major-general commanding. Of these seventeen guns it may be observed that the two 18- pounders, tho two 42-pounder carronades. and one 32-pounder car- ronade, total five guns, have not been, I believe, employed else- where, so that only twelve of what may be considered as the perma- nent artillery armament have been really withdrawn from the parks elsewhere. I take it for granted that the reserve force, six guns, can be taken from here at any moment. As to bringing guns from Saint Augustine, I would state that there is a very heavy, and in some respects useless, armament at Fort Marion, that it cannot be attacked while we hold Palatka and Jacksonville, that several iron field guns on Gribeauval carriages can be spared from there with the most perfect propriety, and that Yellow Bluff requires two such g mis, while two more could be so placed here as to liberate two field pieces of more importance. I understood that these works were to be armA in the most economical manner possible. I believe that they will be so armed, but ask that the Saint Augustine guns be put to this suggested use in order that the best possible security be given to the works on the west bank of the Saint Johns, which security is absolutely essential. And I would add that all except the seventeen guns and mortars herein designated, and the old field guns asked from Saint Augus- tine, may be removed thereafter at the discretion of the major-gen- eral commanding, and without causing the least anxiety on my part as to want of efficiency of armament. At present I hardly think the removal of any of the captured guns, which will do for reserve, is desirable. Respectfully, your obedient servant, T. SEYMOUR, Brigadier- General, 6Yorninandiug. OFFICE OF MEDICAL DIRECTOR, DIsT. OF FLORIDA, Jacksonville, Fla., March 21, 1864. Brig. Gen. T. SEYMOUR, U. S. Army: GENERAL: Since I have been at this post I have had conversation with various medical officers in regard to the late action at Olustee Page 27 CORRESPONDENCE, EC.IYNION. and am fully convinced that the number of men actually rendered unserviceable has been greatly exaggerated. The wounds were gen- erally very slight and many men left the field who should have remained. Only two capital operations were required, and it is probable that not four more cases were proper subjects for opera- tion. About 100 men were returned to duty within ten days from the general hospital at this post, and one-third of the number of wounded should be able to join their regiments within thirty days, and the majority of the remainder within sixty days. The arrangements in regard to the wounded were good; over 200 were at once transferred to the Cosmopolitan, and the remainder were comfortably cared for in buildings in Jacksonville and sent as rapidly as possible to Hilton Head and Beaufort and to their regi- ments as they recovered. This communication is made to you unofficially, as I thought you would be interested in these facts. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. W. GROSS, Surg., U. S. Vols., and Medical Director Dist. of Fla. SPECIAL ORDERS, )~ No. 122. HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., March 24, 1864. * * * * * * II. Brig. Gen. J. P. Hatch, U. S. Volunteers, is hereby assigned to temporary duty in command of the District of Florida, and will relieve Brig. Gen. Truman Seymour, U. S. Volunteers. Brigadier-General Seymour will turn over the command to Briga- dier-General Hatch, with all the records, maps, and correspondence relating thereto, and will report in person at these headquarters. * * * * * * * By command of Maj. Gen. Q. A. Gillmore: ED. W. SMITH, Lieutenant-Colonel and Assistant Adjutant-General. HDQRS. DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Jacksonville, Fla., March 24, 1864. Brig. Gen. J. W. TURNER, Chief of Staff and of Artillery, Dept. of the South: GENERAL: I have to report as follows: First. That on the afternoon of the 21st, some cavalry attacked the outposts at Palatka and drove them in. Colonel Barton sent out in- fantry, before which the cavalry disappeared. A few guns were fired by the Ottawa on this occasion. Nobody hurt. Second. A portion of a large and dilapidated building at Palatka that I ordered removed has been brought to this place to construct a bakery. Third. Colonel Barton reports that old settlers here are of opinion that the greater part of the cattle in Florida are east of the Saint Johns River. - Fourth. The small steamers Hattie Brock and Sumter, captured by the navy, are now here. The Sumter would be exceedingly use Page 28 28 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHM. XLV1L ful as a ferry-boat, & c., and the Brock as a river conveyance instead of the Hunter. I have applied to Captain Baich for them, and trust they may be turned over for our use. Fifth. As there is now no small armed vessel in the Saint Johns (the Columbine, navy tug, having been ordered away), the Harriet A. Weed seems essential to our use, and I trust she may be allowed to remain here. Sixth. The works at this point, Palatka, and Yellow Bluff may now be considered effective. No attack is apprehended. Seventh. No attempt to interfere with our river communication above or below has been made, and the precautions taken are suffi- cient, I believe, to save us from that annoyance. Eighth. The enemy is under the impression that these forces will be soon withdrawn; that our occupation is only temporary. This opinion is referred to or confirmed by the letter from General An- derson, in his last communication, copies of which have been for- warded. And deserters state that if we remain here their forces (now 10,000 to 12,000 infantry and 1,800 or more cavalry) will suffer exceedingly during the summer. They say, aho, that corn and beef are very scarce, and that their horses are breaking down rapidly. General Beauregard was at Baldwin a few days since, and I be- lieve remains here constantly. Upon the occupation of Palatka, some force was moved to Baldwin with a view to operating there. Generally, matters go well here. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, T. SEYMOUR, Brigadier-General, Commanding. HDQRS~ DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Maj. A. H. STEVENS, Jacksomtville, Fla., March 24, 1864. Gommanding Light Brigade: MAJOR: It is reported to the brigadier-general commanding that, during the skirmish of the 1st instant, a sergeant and certain n~en of the Massachusetts cavalry, construing their orders too literally, resisted the advance of largely superior numbers, and were finally captured, but not before every shot had been expended with such courage and skill as to have commanded the admiration of the enemy. It will please the brigadier-general commanding to mention such circumstances in general orders, and you are requested to give what- ever information you may have, and the names of the party in question. * Very respectfully, your obedient servant, R. M. HALL, First Lient., First U. S. Artillery, Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen. HILTON HEAD, S. C., March 25, 1864. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Chief of Staff of the Army, Washington, D. C.: GENERAL: Special Orders, No. 121, War Department, directing veteran regiments and companies from this department on furlough, *See General Orders, No. 16, Part I, p. 365 Page 29 CHAP. XLVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.IJNION. 29 or to be on furlough, to proceed to Washington, leaves no doubt in my mind that it is not the present intention of the Government to resume offensive operations on this coast. I therefore, in the firm belief that I am acting as the interests of the service imperatively demand, recommend that the Tenth Army Corps be ordered into the field where it can serve together as a unit, and that two or three (or even more) regiments of newly raised colored troops be sent here for garrison duty. It might be well to leave here, at least tem~orari1y, the Third Rhode Island Heavy Ar- tillery and the battalion of Massachusetts cavalry. I should prefer to have discretionary power, to act as is deemed best on these points. By adopting these views an effective force of 10,000 men, first-rate men, t6o, could take the field I mand. . , of course, desire to go in corn- It has been reported to me that the veterans of the Twenty-fourth Massachusetts, who are North as individuals and not as a veteran regiment, have been stopped with a view of their being ordered else- where. If such be the case the effect on the regiment will be very bad indeed. Special Orders, No. 121, does not apply to this case, and should not. TIie point is to take the Tenth Corps intact out of this department. Most of it can go even if no colored troops are sent here. But these new troops will do very well to garrison points on this coast, while the old troops would doubtless be much superior to new ones for active campaign duty. Very respe~tfuJly, your obedient servaiit, Q. A. GJLLMORE, Major- General. Major-General GILLMORE, WASHINGTON, D. 0., March 26, 1864. Department of the South: GENERAL: Your letter of the 19th is received. General Grant directs that all of the available force in your department not re- quired to hold your p resent positions be assembled and prepared for orders to another field. The portions of your command now on fur- lough at the North have been ordered to rendezvous here to joill their commands, wherever they may be sent. All available land trans- portation will be sent with the ti~ops into the field, Your own des- tination has not yet beeii decided upon. Very respectfully, your obedient s& rvant H. W. HALLECK, Major-General, Chief of Staff. GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, - No. 44. Hilton Head, S. Ci., March 26, 1864. I. In accordance with orders from the War Department, the First and Second Regiments South Carolina and the First Regiment North Carolina Volunteers (colored) will hereafter be known and desig- nated, respectively, as the Thirty-third, Thirty-fourth, and Thirty- fifth Regiments U. S. Colored Troops. * * * * * * * By command of Maj. Gen. Q. A. Gilimore: ED. W. SMITH, Assistant Adjutant-General Page 30 30 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. (CHAP. XLVII. HDQRS. DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Jacksonville, Ella., March 26, 1864. Brig. Gen. J. W. TURNER, Chief of Stcqf and of Artillery, Department of the South: GENERAL: Some of the most intelligent and best disposed of the citizens of this place are much exercised lest it may by some possi- bility be abandoned, as has thrice been the case already. They have sought assurances from me to the contrary. I shall be glad to give theni the highest possible authority that no such abandonment is contemplated or probable, and if you will favor me with definite promises on this point it will be a great service. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, T. SEYMOUR, Brigadier- General, Commanding. HDQRS. DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Jacksonville, Ella., March 27, 1864. Col. W. B. BARTON, Commdnding, Palatka, Ella.: COLONEL: A refugee just in states that on Wednesday last three regiments and some cavalry, comprising Finegan,s and Colquitts command, left for Palatka. Whether this be so or not, you will probably have learned definitely before this will have reached you. With the means at your disposal you are probably quite strong enough to resist any assault upon your works, which, however, you should not fail to strengthen in every manner possible. The ditch of the intrenchments through the oak grove should be dug wide and deep enough (beginning af the waters edge) to be a positive obstacle. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, T. SEYMOUR, Brigadier-General, Commanding. GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, No. 46. Hilton Head, S. C., March 27, 1864. During the absence of Brig. Gen. J. W. Turner, Lieut. Col. C. R. Brayton, Third Rhode Island Artillery, is temporarily appointed chief of artillery of this department, and will establish his office at these headquarters. By command of Maj. Gen. Q. A. Gillmore: ED. W. SMITH, Assistant Adjutant-General. .~- ENGINEER OFFICE, HDQRS. DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S.~ C., March 29, 1864. Maj. Gen. Q. A. GILLMORE, Comdg. Dept. of the South, Jacksonville, Ella.: GENERAL: I have the honor to report to you that one of the officers of the Engineer Regiment New York Volunteers, who had charge of the important engineer depot aA~ Jacksonville, has been abruptl Page 31 CHAP. XLVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 31 taken from his duties there and detailed on other than engineer duties with Brigadier-General Hatch. No notice of the fact was ever communicated to me, and when I went yesterday to attend to an important requisition of this officer I was suddenly apprised of his removal. I have endeavored for some time past to introduce system and order in regard to the collecting, storing, and issuing of engineer materials. It is quite a labor to get matters arranged properly. Great care has to be observed in selecting the proper officers who will attend to the issuing of the tools and materials economically and hold those who receive them to strict accountability. But until this is done waste, confusion, and inferior work will be the result. It is perfectly impossible for me to maintain depots, keep them properly provided, and keep myself informed of their contents, if I am to be t ins interfered with and engineer officers removed from their stations without either any notice or time given to supply their places. The importance of facilitating work at Jacksonville just at this time renders the affair the more embarrassing. I would therefore, general, respectfully request that Lieutenant Talcott be ordered to resume his duties at the engineer depot at Jacksonville, and if I must lose one of my officers I could better spare Lieutenant Van Winkle, One hundred and third New York. Volunteers, from this office, where I have everything under my own eye. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant JAMES W ABERT, Major, U. S. Engineers, Assistant Engineer. [Indorsement.] HEADQUARTEItS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Iii iton Head, March 31, 1864. Respectfully referred to General Hatch~ Lieutenant Van Winkle, One hundred aixd third New York Vol.. unteer Infantry, will be ordered to report to Brigadier-General Hatch for duty as aide-de.camp, and General Hatch will, as soon as practicable, return Lieutenant Talcott to his duties in charge of engineer depot at Jacksonville. Q. A. GILLMORE, Major- General. WASHINGTON, D. 0., April 1, 1864. Major-General GILLMORE, Department of the South: GENERAL: Your dispatch of the 25th is received. The object in directing the regiments and portions of regiments on furlough from your department to rendezvous here is not to separate them from their commands, but simply to retain them here till General Grant determines where their commands are to go. If they remain in the Department of the South, or go to the Gulf, their men will be sent to them there; if they come north, these men will meet them on the way or join them at their point of debarkation. General Urant has gone to Norfolk, and will probably decide these que Page 32 32 s. o., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. tions on his return. I showed him yesterday your private note in regard to taking the field with the Tenth Corps. He has not yet decided that question. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. W. HALLECK Mqjor- General and Chief of Staff. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH. No. 136. ~ Hilton Head, S. C., April 1, 1864. I. The Third Regiment New Hampshire Volunteers (mounted infantry) will proceed at once to Jacksonville, Fla., and report to Brig. Gen. J. P. Hatch, commanding the District of Florida. They will take with them their camp and garrison equipage. The quar- termasters department will furnish transportation. II. Company A, Third Rhode Island Heavy Artillery, is hereby ordered to be mounted as a light battery, the armament to be four 12-pounder howitzers. By command of Maj. Gen. Q. A. Gillmore: ED. W. SMITH, Lieutenant-Colonel and Assistant Adjutant- General. HDQRS. DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Jacksonville, Fla., April 2, 1864. Brig. Gen. J. W. TURNER, Chief of Staff, Dept. of the South, Hilton Head, S. C.: GENERAL: On examining a young maii who has come to-day through the enemys lines I -got the following information, which I am inclined to put some faith in: The enemys number in our front is about 10,000, 1,000 of whom are at Baldwin throwing 4 intrenchments, the remainder encamped at McGirts Creek. An outpost of two regiments of cavalry and one of infantry is established at Cedar Creek, a few pickets east of the creek. General Anderson is in command, assisted by Generals Finegan and Colquitt. Generals Taliaferro and Gardner are at Baldwin, but have no commands and are to return to Charleston. Baldwin is being strongly fortified. The works were laid out by General Beauregard, and are still incomplete. General Colquitts troops have been under marching orders for two weeks. The force opposite Palatka is small; our force there much exaggerated, it being believed that our main force is there. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. P. HATCH, Brigadier-Geri~eral, C~ommanding. 7 HDQRS. NORTHERN DISTRICT, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Folly Island, S. C., April 3, 1864. Brig. Gen. A. SCHIMMELFENNIG, Commanding U. S. Forces, Folly Island, S. C.: GENERAL: I am directed~ by the brigadier-general commanding to request that you will forward to these headquarters as soon as practicable a report of the events of principal importance in thi Page 33 CEAP. XLVII.] CORRESPONDENcE, ETC.UNION. 33 vicinity during the past month, including such information as you have been able to collect in regard to the movements of the enemy in our front and the force opposed to us, the position of their camps, & c. To this ybu will please add such further information as you may possess in regard to the works thrown up for the defense of Charles- ton, whether within the city limits or within its neighborhood, their usual garrison, the guns mounted in them, and in general such other items as you may deem of any military importance, the description of the localities to be, so far as possible, illustrated by maps. You will also please include in this report all changes in your own troops, and a list of the earth-works and fortifications within your com- niand, with a brief sketch of the work performed upon them during the month of March. I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ADRIAN TERRY, Assistant Adjutant- General. SEABROOK, HILTON HEAD, S. C., April 3, 1864. Maj. T. B. BRooKs, Aide-de-Camp: MAJOR: I have the honor most respectfully to submit the follow- ing statement as to a verbal order received by me from Maj. John W. Hicks in relation to the arrest of a naval officer belonging to the ship Vermont: On or about the 5th day of February, 1864, Maj. John W. Hicks ordered me to put on my sword and proceed with my horse to Elliotts plantation (which is about 1~ miles from this place) and order a naval officer to report to his (the majors) headquarters, and if he refused to come to bring him. I immediately proceeded and found the officer seated near the beach. I told the officer that Major Hicks ordered me to order him (the naval officer) to report to his (the majors) headquarters. He asked, Where is the majors headquarters ? I replied, At Seabrook, when he, with one of his men, came with me, I walking my horse, conversing with him, until within about 300 yards of Seabrook, when I galloped into camp. By the time I put up my horse the officer had arrived and was conversing with the major in my office. I did not pay any attention to the conversation, but from what I did hear the major treated him very courteously. * I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WILLIAM S. MOORHEAD, Second Lieutenant, Seventy-Sixth Pennsylvania Vols. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, Jacksonville, Fla., April 3, 1864. Brig. Gen. J. W. TURNER Chief of Staff and of Artillery, Dept. of the South: GENERAL: A dispatch received this day from Colonel Barton, commanding at Palatka, reports that all is quiet at that place. A detachment of the One hundred and fifteenth New York Volunteers, * For other correspondence upon this subject see Part I. 3 R RvoL Xxxv, PT I Page 34 34 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [Cix~p. XLVII. under command of Capt. S. P. Smith, was sent up the river 34 miles. They surprised and captured a picket of 1 sergeant and 9 men, with arms and equipments complete, and 13 horse~,s. The affair was admirably conducted, and Captain Smith is deserving a com- mendation for the energy and good judgment displayed. Unfortu- nately the enemy have captu;ed a picket of 1 sergeant and 3 pri- vates of the Fourth Massachusetts Cavalry, immediately in front of Palatka. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. P. HATCH Brigadier-General, Commanding. WASHINGTON, D. C., April 4, 1864. Maj. Gen. Q. A. GILLMORE, Department of the South: GENERAL: Lieutenant-General Grant directs that you move, with all possible dispatch, so much of your forces as in your judgment can be safely spared from the Department of the South to Fort Monroe, XTa., and report to Maj. Gen. B. F. Butler, who will have orders in regard to your future operations. You will turn over the Department of the South, and the troops which you may deem necessary to leave there, to Brig. Gen. J. P. Hatch. You will be joined at Fort Monroe by the regiments and fractions of regi- ments belonging to the Department of the South which have been on furlough at the North and are now rendezvousing here prepara- tory to their return to your command. The troops which you bring with you and those which join you at Fort Monroe will constitute the Tenth Army Corps. You will bring with you their arms, baggage, and transportation. Fractional portions, now North, of such regiments as you may leave in the Department of the South, will be sent by you from Fort Mon- roe to their proper commands in the South. Of course the arms, baggage, & c., of such parts of organizations will not be brought north. The selection of the troops to be brought north for active operations in the field is left entirely to your own judgment. The lieutenant-general, however, expects, from your own reports, that your effective command, on its arrival at Fort Monroe, will be from 7,000 to 11,000 men. This corps, increased by such forces as we may be able to give it, will be commanded by you in the field. General Grant hopes that your command will reach Fort Monroe by the 18th instant; if not by that time, as soon thereafter as possi- ble. The troops should arrive ready in every respect for the field. Apply to Major-General Butler for such supplies as you may re- quire. Should he not be able to meet your requisitions, telegrapti~ immediatc~ly, on ascertaining that fact, to the proper departments i#i Washington. The Twenty-sixth U. S. Colored and the Twenty-ninth Con- necticut Colored Regiments will be immediately sent to the Depart- ment of the South; they number about 900 each. Possibly another colored regiment will be sent to that department, but do not rely pn it. General Meigs is collecting vessels to assist in bringing up your forces and their transportation. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. W. HALLECK, Major-General, Chief of Staff Page 35 CHAP. XLVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 35 [Indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, 5. C., April 17, 1864. Brig. Gen. A. H. Terry, on assUming temporary command of the Tenth Army Corps, will proceed to organize the corps into brigades and divisions, agreeably to the programme arranged at these head- quarters, and will see that the wants of the troops are promptly sup- plied, agreeably to the within instructions. Q. A. GJLLMORE, Major-General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. (2,April 4, 1864. Lieut. Col. M. R. MORGAN, Chief Corn. of Subsistence, Hilton Head, S. (2: COLONEL: I am instructed by the major-general comm~ndb1g to acknowledge the receipt of your commuAication of this date, sug- gesting that the troops at Fernandina and Saint Augustine furnish themselves with fresh meat, & c., and to inform you that the follow- ing indorsement has been placed thereon: HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SouTH, Hilton Head, S. 0., April 4, 1864. Lieutenant-Colonel Morgans recommendation is approved, and~is referred to the commanding officer of the District of Florida for his information. It is presumed that the supply of fresh beef must all come from the country east of Saint Johns River; for the present it had better be x~ollected by one party, under the immediate control of the district commander, the supply for Saint Augustine and Fernan- dma to be sent to the latter place in transports. There are plenty of opportunities to send from Fernandina to Saint Augustine. Q. A. GILLMORE, Major-General. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ISRAEL R. SEALY, Capt., Forty-seventh New York Vols., Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen. HDQRS. DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Jacksonville, Fla., April 4, 1864. Col. W. B. BARTON, Commanding at Palatha: COLONEL: The general commanding directs me to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 3d instant. Please convey to Cap- tain Smith and his command his thanks for the skill shown by them in their late expedition, which will be acknowledged in general orders. .fC The general is not of opinion that any large force of infantry or artillery is in front of your pos4ion. From the most reliable infor- mation obtained, he is induced to believe that the force consists of the Fifth Georgia Cavalry, one company of Florida cavalry, one *See General Orders, No. 19, Part I, p. 382 Page 36 36 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVIL regiment of infantry, aiid some light guns, the number not known. The gun-boats are constantly patrolling the river, and a tattalion of infantry in boats watching its west bank. There are no shells here for the 18-pounders. A requisition has been forwarded for them. Major Stevens will probably arrive op- posite your post with his cavalry to-morrow. Let the Weed convoy the steamers on their return trips to the gun-boat lying below the flats. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, R. M. HALL, First Lieut., First U. A~. Arty., Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, No. 140. Hilton Heazl, S. C., April 4, 1864. I. The Second Battalion of the Fourth Massachusetts Cavalry will proceed immediately to Hilton Head and report to Col. J. B. Howell, commanding district. The quartermasters department will furnish transportation. * * * ~jc * * - * By command of Maj. Gen. Q. A. Gillmore: ED. W. SMITH, Lieutenant-Colonel and Assistant Adjutant-General. WASHINGTON, D. C., April 5, 1864. Major-General GILLMORE: GENERAL: I send you the list of veteran regiments which have up to this date rendezvoused here, viz: Aggre- Character of arms. Command. gate. 39th Illinois (ten companies) 530 Springfield rifles. 25th Ohio (nine companies) 400 Do. 624 Ohio (detachiftent) 425 Springfield and Austrian rifles. 67th Ohio (ten companies) 485 Springfield rifles. 46th Pennsylvania Infantry (recruits) 46 No arms. 24th Massachusetts (detachment) 350 Do. In addition, there are recruits for nearly all the regiments in the Department of the South, numbering about 1,500, now arriving here. Please give Captain Smith a list of the regiments you propose leav- ing in the Department of the South; it is possible the detachments and recruits for them may be forwarded to Hilton Head while the Tenth Corps is coming north. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. C. KELTON, Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY, [April 6, 1864]. Confidential memorandum for General Meigs: General Grant has directed General Gillniore, with about 10,000 men, to report at Fort Monroe. I understand that General Gilimor Page 37 Ca& ~. XLVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 37 has water transportation for about 5,000; consequently he must make two trips, unless vessels can be sent to him from the North. There are two colored regiments (1,800 men) at Annapolis to be sent to South Carolina, and a third will probably be ready in about a week. Can vessels be sent with these and bring back Gillmores command? Can any vessels be sent for troops to Department of the South? Please give memorandum to Captain Scott, or see me before 2 oclock. H. W. HALLECK, Major-General, Chief of Staff. QUARTERMASTER-GENERALS OFFICE, Major VAN VLIET, April 5, 18642.30 p. m. Quartermaster, New York: SIR: It is reported that the Cahawba, Fulton, United States, El Cid, Weybosset, are in New York. Send one of them to Annapolis to transport colored troops thence to Port Royal. Prepare the rest to sail for Port Royal, fully coaled and watered, as soon as the storm is over. They will receive orders from General Gillmore on arrival. Report any other steamers at New York, or arriving, with their capacity, and report capacity of vessels sailing under this order, and time of sailing. M. C. MEIGS, Quartermaster- General. QUARTERMASTER-GENERALS OFFICE, Lient. Col. H. BIGGS, Washington, April 5, 18643 p. m. Chief Quartermaster, Fort Monroe: SIR: Send the Spaulding to Annapolis immediately to take a col- ored regiment thence to Hilton Head. Have you any other steamer fit for this purpose to go with her? The steamer should not leave the Chesapeake until the storm is over, and should have coal and water to go farther, after reaching Hilton Head, where they will report to General Gillmore for further orders. M. C. MEIGS, Quartermaster-General. p FORT MONROE, VA., April 5, 18646.30 p. m. Brig. Gen. M. C. MEIGS, (Received 12 in., 6th.) Q uartermaster~General: Your telegram received. Spaulding is at New Berne. Storm renders it impossible for any vessel to go to Annapolis. I have the Montauk andtwo other simiJ~r propellers, that have come in for shelter. They can go to sea and carry 800 men. General Butler would like to know when he can count on return of his transporta- tion. I will telegraph you as soon as storm will admit of any vesse Page 38 38 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. leaving for Annapolis. What we have in harbor not capable of going to sea. Please inform me how many troops there are in the regiment at Annapolis, and whether I shall send the propellers as soon as storm subsides. No indications of its subsiding. HERMAN BJGGS, Lieutenant- Colonel, Quartermaster. HDQRS. SEVENTY-SIXTH PENNSYLVANIA VOLS., Maj. T. B. BROOKS, Seabrook, S. C., April 5, 1864. Aide-de-tilamp: SIR: From the limited evidence I have been able to get in rela- tion to statements of Major Hicks and Lieutenant Moorhead, I am inclined to think that Lieutenant Moorhead is correct, but believe the actions of naval officer were reported to Major Hicks as being an aggravated case. I have the honor to be, respectfully, your obedient servant, 5. C. CAMPBELL, Colonel Seventy-sixth Pennsylvaiiia Volunteers. HDQRS. DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Jacksonville, lila., April 5, 1864. Brig. Gen. 5. W. TURNER, Chief of Staff and Artillery, Headquarters Department of the South, Hilton Head, S. C.: GENERAL: I. inclose witfr this a circular, issued by my order, which will, I think, have the effect of bringing in deserters from the enemy. All the ponies brought in will be needed as pack animals when our cavalry commence moving. I hope the promise to purchase the animals will be approved by the general commanding, and the quar- termaster here will be furnished with the funds necessary to pay for them. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. P. HATCH, Brigadier- General, Commanding. [Inclosure.] CIRCULAR.] OFFICE OF THE PROVOST-MARSHAL, DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Jacksonville, lila., April 4, 1864. All refugees from the rebel lines and deserters from the rebel armies, and all persons desiring to become such, are hereby informed that they will not under any circumstances be compelled to serve in the U. S. Army against the rebels. This assurance is fully given in General Orders, No. 64, of date February 18, 1864, from the War. Department. All such refugees and de~brters who are honest in their inten- tions of forever deserting the rebel cause will be allowed every opportunity of engaging in their usual avocations; or, if they desir Page 39 CHAP. XLVU.~ 39 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. employment from the United States, will, as far as expedient, be employed on the Government works, receiving proper compensa tion for their services. AlP refugees or deserters who may bring horses or mules into the Union lines will be paid their full value. T. A. HENDERSON, Lieut. Got. and Provost-Marshal, Dist. of Florida. HEADQUARTERS U. S. FoRcEs, Falatica, Fla., April 5, 1864. Lieut. R. M. HALL, First Lieut., First U. S. Arty., Acty. Asst. Adjt. Gen.. LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of this date, and to state that I have conveyed to Captain Smith the very complimentary message of the brigadier~ general commanding the district. Everything here since my last has been quiet with the exception of occasional demQnstrations against the pickets, which have resulted in no harm to us. I sent the Weed this morning up the Saint Johns for the purpose of destroying several flats and other boats, which she succeeded in doing without any difficulty. The wharf on the east bank of the Saint Johns is progressing rapidly, and I hope to have it completed this week; meanwhile I have arranged to cross Major Stevens command over at a point farther up where the steamer can approach very near the shore. I have directed the Houghton and Mary Benton to be sent to Jacksonville at daylight, in order that they may be available for any purpose required to-morrow p. m. The Weed conveys them to the flats. I would respectfully call the attention of the commanding general to the inclosed communication from Lieutenant Avery, acting coin- missary of subsistence, showing our status as to supplies. We are also greatly in need of clothing, of which we have none, many of the men being ragged in the extreme. Requisitions for both sup- plies and clothing are already in. I send to the district provost-marshal 2 prisoners of war, recently captured by Captain Smith, one of them a scout belonging to Dick- isons company; also Captains Cabell and Tnmblin, in regard to whose crossing the lines I recently spoke to the commanding gen- eral. I think that they (the~ latter) should be sent to Hilton Head, and detained there until the information of which they have undoubtedly become possessed shall have grown old. I have the honor to be, lieutenant, very respectfully, your obe dient servant, W. B. BARTON, Colonel Forty-eighth New York Volunteers, Gorndg. HEADQUARTERS U. S. FORCES, Morris Island, 5. 0., April 6, 1864. Capt. ADRIAN TERRY, Asst. Ad.jt. Gen., North~~n Dist., Dept. of the South: CAPTAIN: In answer to your communication of the 3d instant, re- questing me to forward to your headquarters a report of the event Page 40 40 5. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. ~[Ca& 1?. XLVII. of principal military interest in this vicinity during the past month, including such information as I have been able to collect in regard to the movements of the enemy in our front, the force opposed to us, the position of their camps, & c., I have the honor to submit the fob lowing: During the past month I have learned but little in addition to the information I already possessed and have communicated to you coii- cerning the situation and strength of the enemys forces in my im- mediate front. Colquitts brigade, which was formerly encamped on James Island, near Secessionville, went to Florida with Beaure- gard in January, and has not yet returned. The troops at present on the island are Hagoods brigade, not over 3,000 strong, and a regiment or two besides. On Sullivans Island there is less than a brigade (some 2,000 men), under command of Colonel Keitt. Not more than a regiment is seen drilling at any time on the beach. There is one battalion in the city of Charleston. Sumter, James Island, Mount Pleasant, and Charleston are all connected by sub- marine cables. There are b.ut few pickets on the water front of the city. The only points at which sentries are stationed, as far as I can learn, are at the foot of Tradd Street, at Chisolms Mills, and at two small batteries and one wharf on Cooper River. They have three iron-dads afloat, four guns in each. One of them is the Chicora, whose machinery is out of order and is in dry-dock being repaired. The garrison in Sumter consists of from 250 to 300 men, artillery and infantry, and is changed every fifteen days. The enemy is strengthening Castle Pinckney, which now mounts three 10-inch columbiads and one rifle, and Ripley mounts two gnus. They talk of mounting a gun at Sumter for the purpose of firing at our calcium light at Gregg. Tim big gun in Charleston is mounted on Frazers wharf, and not long ago a solid shot was fired from it as far as Castle Pinckney ~ shell a good deal farther. I learn from deserters that after the destruction of the blockade- runiier Presto on the 2d of February the troops on Sullivans Island got hold of the liquor on board of her and had a grand drunk, and it is alleged that 300 men at that time could have taken the island, but unfortunately it was not known until the opportunity had passed. During the month of March I find the following work to have been done and alterations made on rebel batteries in and around Charleston Harbor: The northeast front of Battery Marshall, on the east end of Sulli- vans Island, has been strengthened with sand and sod and the maga- zines repaired. There is now being built a parapet on the sea front and they have one pivot gun in position on that face. They seem to be changing somewhat this battery so as to give it more command over Long Island. There has been no visible change in the three two-gun batteries between Marshall and Beauregard. A new traverse has been built at the west end of Fort Beauregard, behind which, I think, a gun has been mounted. A new gun (a columbiad, I think) has been mounted near the center of the fort. There has been considerable work done just to the rear of the spot where the Moultrie House stood, but it has not assumed sufficient shape to determine what they intend building, but I presume a mor- tar battery. Near this place two platforms have been built on which are two pieces of light artillery Page 41 CHAP. XLVII] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 41 A little to their right there is a small work built wholly of sand and thought to mount two mortars. Still further to the right is an- other small work on which there have been built three traverses and in which one columbiad has been dismounted and a gun, sup- posed to be a rifle, mounted in its place. At Fort Moultrie the parapet has been strengthened, the ditch deepened, two columbiads dismounted on the east end of the fort, and two rifles mounted in their places. The traverses in the two batteries west of the Moultrie, which were built of sand bags, were torn down and rebuilt with sand and sod, and the three-gun battery some distance to the west of these has been rebuilt in the same manner. On the northeast corner of Sumter a traverse has been built with sand bags, either to protect guns mount4d on the lower tier of case- mates or to cover mortars mounted behind it. Quite a considerable amount of railroad iron has been stuck up around the same cor- ner, close down to the water. The southeast corner of the fort has beeii strengthened with sand bags and palmetto, and the bomb-proof at the southwest corner with sand and sand bags. On the south face, about midway between the top of the fort and the water, a hue of posts has been planted, about 10 feet apart, extending the full length of the wall, and we discovered to-day that these posts are the supports of a wire fence. The enemy is building a new battery in the swamp, some distance to the west and front of the Mount Pleasant House. It is con- structed of logs and turf to the height of about 6 feet, and they are completing it with sand which they haul from the beach. No guns are yet in position, but I believe it is intended for a three-gun bat- tery. A great amount of work has been done at Castle Pinckney in the past month, but it is not yet possible to tell the object of it. There has been a large amount of sand and turf carried inside the fort, and from present appearances they have commenced a wall of sand and turf within the original wall of the fort. At Fort Ripley there has also been considerable work done. The magazines and traverses which were made of sand bags have been covered with sand and turfed over. Lately there have been seven schooner loads of sand used in this work. The battery on the northeast wharf of Charleston has been turfed and one gun mounted on it. Fort Johnson has been turfed and the large bomb-proof west of the fort is now being so repaired. A garrison has lately taken up quarters inside the fort. One new gun has been mounted on Battery Simkins, but no other~ work has been done on it, except repairing the damage done by our shells. At the battery next on the right of it barracks have been built for a garrison. A little beyond a new battery has been lately commenced, which is progressing rapidly. Between this point and Secessionville there has been no work done on the batteries except a little repairing and dressing of slopes. One gun has been mounted in a battery just at the edge, of Seces- sionville and a garrison placed on it. The bificer in charge of the engineers reports the following amount of engineer work done on the forts and batteries on Morris Island, during the month of March: At Fort Putnam about 30 yards of palisading, washed away by the high tides, have been reset and th Page 42 42 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. (Oiiii. XLVII. damage done by the enemys fire to the slopes and magazines re- paired. At Battery Chatfield the inclosure of palisading has been completed and the gates put up; revetment around magazine to the 300-pounder and mortar batteries has been repaired; sand ridge in front of gur~ No. 2 has been graded and a flag-staff has been put up. The embrasure of gun No. 2 has been enlarged so as to allow it to fire on Moultrie; a platform for inorter shells has been laid; the platform to 100-pounder has been raised and leveled; the embrasure of the 300-pounder has been enlarged so as to enable it to fire on Sumter an d timbers have been put under them. At Fort Shaw the slopes have been graded and dressed with ma- nure; two gates have been put up and the sand ridge north of the fort has been graded. The work on Fort Putnam and Battery Chatfield is now completed. A number of stockades are still to be set at Fort Shaw and the grad- ing of the sand ridge north of it completed. The stockades are cut at Kiawah Island and await transportation. On Morris Island, including the little work on Black Island, there are ten forts and batteries, namely: No. 1. Fort Strong, mounting twenty-one guns ~nd mortars, rang- ing from 12-pounder field pieces to the 200-pounder Parrott, with a garrison of 4 officers and 132 men. No.2. Fort Putnam, mounting ten guns, ranging from a 12-pounder howitzer to a 200-pounder Parrott, with a garrison of 5 officers and 100 men. No. 3. Battery Chatfield and 10. inch columbiad battery, the former mounting two 100-pounder and one 300-pounder Parrotts and the latter four 10-inch sea-coast mortars and two 10-inch columbiads. No. 4. Battery Seymour, Battery Barton, and 13-inch mortar bat- tery, the former mounting four 10-inch sea-coast mortars, the second the same as the first, and the third two 13-inch mortars. The garri- son is composed of 2 officers and 39 men. No. 5. Fort Shaw, mounting two 10-inch siege mortars and two 8- inch sea-coast howitzers, with a garrison of 3 officers and 159 men. No. 6. Battery Purviance, mounting two 42-pounders smooth-bore and two 30-pounder Parrotts, with a garrison of 1 officer and 49 men. No. 7. On Black Island there are mounted on the little work one 12-pounder Wiard gun and one 12-pounder howitzer, with 1 officer and a detachment of 10 men to take charge of the guns. During the month of March the only change which occurred in the troops at this post was the removal of Company B, Third Rhode Island Heavy Artillery, to Hilton Head. Their place has been sup- plied by a detail of. men accustomed to the use of heavy guns from the Eleventh Maine Volunteers. I am now about changing the location of camps in pursuance of orders received from your heady quarters. A cl6se watch is kept on the movements of the enemy on the neighboring islands and in Charleston, and I receive a report at night of what has taken place during the day. Five hundred men, with the proper number of commissioned and non-commissioned officers, are sent to the front every evening at sundown and rem4in on duty for the night underthe direction of a general officem~ of the day and a field officer of the trenches. They are posted at Strong, the batteries above (both sides of the island being picketed between Strong and Putnam), and at the left batteries. I have also place Page 43 cHAP. XLVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNTON. 43 sentries on the eastern beach as low down as the Beacon House, where a constant guard is maintained day and night. In addition to this the boat infantry, in thirteen picket-boats, sentinel the har- bor of Charleston every night. With this precaution it seems im- possible for an enemy to approach without our getting notice in time to prepare to repel him. I believe the night duty, both on land and water, to be performed with commendable vigilance. The picket-boats are also stationed between Black Island and Seces- sionville, and there is one on duty every night in the creek 500 yards in advance of the Swamp Angel, toward Battery Simkins, on James Island. Besides the ordinary camp and provost-marshals guards, I main- tain a post guard of sufficient strength to guard public property and maintain order outside of the camps. I have instituted the prac- tice of compelling the quartermaster to turn out all his public trans- portation, including carts, wagons, horses, and mules, on Sunday morning for inspection, which I think has a beneficial effect, and will insure greater care of this description of public property. I should have mentioned at the proper place that the Swamp Angel was dismantled during the mouth of March and the two 10-inch mortars in position there were removed. The ordnan~e offi- cer is now engaged removing the pieces of the 200-pounder Parrott which burst in that battery during the bombardment last summer. We had but one gun to burst in March, the 30-pounder Parrott at Putnam, which was used to fire upon Charleston. It gave up the ghost~ at the 4,615th round, a remarkable number of shots to be fired from a single piece of ordnance In obedience to orders from your headquarters, I have caused ra- tions to be stored in the bomb-proofs at Strong and Putnam and under cover in Fort Shaw. A part of the small ammunition has been delivered at each place and the balance shall be put in as soon as it shall have arrived from Hilton Head. I have not been able to procure casks for water at these forts, but have caused wells to be dug which probably can be made to answer the purpose. For a considerable time there has been great irregu- larity in the delivery of wood from Small Island and sometimes the troops have had none to cook with, and I was compelled to draw from the quantity I had stored away in Fort Strong. I would sug- gest that the steamboat Philadelphia be detailed, if practicable, to transport wood, as it is the best adapted to that purpose. From some deserters who reached the fleet two weeks ago, and whom the commodore was kind enough to send to me for examina- tion, I learn some information about Mount Pleasant which is not unimportant. Mount Pleasant is a long, narrow peninsula, with the WandoRiver on the one side and the narrow water-courses which run around behind Moultrie on th~ other, and is several miles in length. The only troops on it are two light batteries, stationed at the lower point, near the village, close to timber. About 7 miles up the peninsula is a low breast-work thrown up across from water to water, with a small battery on the right, but there are no guns mounted nor is any force stationed there except a small picket in the battery. From that point all the way down to Mount Pleasant village there is a good road, but no pickets or guards on it. These parties took a boat a few humidred yards above this bat- tery, and, following the water-courses, came out through the inlet to the east of Dewees without being challenged by either pickets on th Page 44 44 S. 0., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. water -or on shore. They report that it is practicable for a boat ex- pedition to make a landing above the battery referred to without opposition, and by a quick movement capture the batteries at Mount Pleasant. I neglected to mention that Mount Pleasant is connected with Sullivans Island by a bridge a mile long, and that once burned or even a portion of it destroyed there is no connection between the two, as the swamps are impassable. I am not at present [prepared] to send any maps descriptive of the localities mentioned, but will forward them hereafter if I can have them drawn. Hoping this report may be satisfactory to the brigadier-general commanding the district, I have the honor to remain, very respect- fully, your obedient servant. W. W. H. DAVIS, Colonel 104th Pennsylvania Vols., Comdg. Post. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., April 6, 1864. Brig. Gen. J. P. HATCH, Commanding District of Florida, Jacksonville, Fla.: GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your com- munication of the 3d instant, addressed to the chief of staff, report- ing the success of the scouting party under Capt. S. P. Smith, One hundred and fifteenth New York Volunteers. I am instructed by the major-general commanding to direct that you express his thanks to Captain Smith for the zeal and ability displayed by him on that occasion. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ED. W. SMITH, Lieutenant-Colonel and Assistant Adjutant- General. HDQRS. DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, DEPT.. OF THE SOUTH, Brig. Gen. ~ ~. TURNER, Jacksonville, Fla., April 6, 1864. Chi ef of Staff and Arty., Dept. of the South, Hilton Head, S. C.: GENERAL: I have nothing of importance to communicate. A rumor having been circulated within the enemys lines that an at- tempt will be made to sink torpedoes in the channel near Saint Johns Bluff, I have determined to build a block-house at that point and establish a small force in it. JNO. P. HATCH, Brigadier- General, Commanding. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, ~ No. 144. ~ Hilton Head, S. C., April 6, 1864. * * * * * * * III. The Ninth Regiment U. S. Colored Troops, now at Beaufort, S. C., will proceed without delay to Hilton Head and report to the post commander. The quartermasters department will furnish transportation. * * *-~ * * * * By command of Maj. Gen. Q. A. Gillmore: ED. W. SMITH, Lieutenant-Colonel and Assistant Adjutant-General Page 45 CHAP. XLVII] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 45 HEADQUARTERSU. S. FORCES, Palatka, Fla., April 7, 1864. Lieut. R. M. HALL, First Lieut., First U. S. Arty., A. A. A. G.: SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your com- munication of this date. Major Stevens, with the remainder of his command, arrived opposite this place yesterday, and was brought across the river without difficulty before night. The wharf on the east side of the river will be available to-mor- row, although it will not be entirely completed for two or three days. I have myself heard to-day the rumor you mentioned in re- gard to Finegan s command. I expect to know its destination in time to advise you by next opportunity. Rumors are very current outside our lines of a battery now being erected between this place and Jacksonville. I am endeavoring to become better informed on this subject also. The persons spoken of in my last go down in the morning. I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. B. BARTON,. Colonel 48th New York Vols., Commanding. HDQRS. DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Jacksonville, Fla., April 7, 1864. Col. W. B. BARTON, Commanding at Palatica, Fla.: COLONEL: The brigadier-general commandiug directs me to ac- knowledge receipt of your communication of the 5th instant. All the clothing that could be spared has been sent to you; more is expected daily, and will be forwarded without delay. The briga- dier-general will endeavor to keep you well supplied rwith] subsist- ence stores and will send you a supply of forage as soon as possible. He cannot be positive whether General Finegans command has gone up to Palatka or not; some say he has, and that he left three days ago, but the general is inclined to doubt it. The 2 prisoners of war referred to in your letter have not arrived. A list of the wounded, & c., in the hands of the enemy since the battle of Olustee, will be sent to you by the next opportunity. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, R. M. HALL, First Lieut., 1st U. S. Arty., Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen. 1~ HD QRS. DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Jacksonville, Fla., April 8, 1864. Maj. Gen. Q. A. GILLMORE, Commanding Department of the South: GENERAL: There is great uncertainty felt by the citizens of Flor- ida about the troops remaining in the State. I did not ask the ques- tion of you when I was at Hilton Head, as I did not think at the time there could be any doubt of it. From General Seymour, when I arrived here, I learned that he had not been sufficiently certain o Page 46 46 ~. c., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [cHAP. XLVII. the subject to enable him to assure the people that they would not again be abandoned. I feel that a decided policy should be adopted, and that immediately. If it is the intention to hold the positions we now have and endeavor to bring the people back to be loyal citizens I must ~be authorized to tell them they will be protected. Without protection we cannot expect loyalty. They are tired of the war, and, assured of protection, would, I believe, soon become loyal. I judge by what I know of the people living between the Saint Johns and the coast. They feel comparatively safe from the incursions of the enemy, and are nearly all interested in supporting the Government. Their young men in the army take every opportunity to desert, and all declare they will not again be found in arms against the Govern- ment. I believe they most of them intend faithfully to keep their oath of allegiance. Assure those west of this river that this time they are not to be deserted and we will soon have all Southern Florida returned to its allegiance. The inhabitants of Marion County, South Carolinians by birth, may give us some trouble, but they will be so outnumbered that they will be forced to submit or leave the State. The raising of Florida troops, not to leave the State, will assist us much in bringing back a good state of feeling, and the organizing a State government at as early a day as possible should not be lost sight of. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. P. HATCH, Brigadier-General, Commanding. CULPEPER COURT-HOUSE, VA., April 9, 186410 p. m. (Received 3 p. in., 10th.) Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Chief of Staff: Will you please ascertaiii if General F. P. Blair is to be sent to General Sherman? If not, an army corps commander will have to be named for the Fifteenth Corps. I would much sooner have Gen- eral Hunter or Buell at Mein p his than Hurlbut, and General Sher- man is not willing to try Hurlbut in the field again. U.S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. HDQRS. DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Jacksonville, Fla., April 9, lS64.~ Brig. Gen. JOHN W. TURNER, Chief of Staff, Hdqrs. Department of the South: GENERAL: When General Gillmore was here it was thought proper that a steamer should be constantly at Palatka. The Hunter was detailed for that purpose. I am now about sending to that vicinity Henrys Light Brigade, and the Hunter will be needed to transport forage and pro.visions. A boat will be more than ever needed at Palatka. To enable the cavalry to act witk. effect it will be necessary to be able at any time to transfer them with rapidity from one side of the river to the other. For this purpose I need Page 47 CHAP. XLVII.1 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 47 ferry-boat, of which I am told there are two at Port Royal. I con- sider one absolutely necessary for the service and trust that the gen- eral commanding will agree with me and direct the chief quarter- master to transfer one early in the coming week. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. P. HATCH, Brigadier- General, Commanding. HDQRS. DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Jacksonville, Eta., April 9, 1864. Brig. Gen. JOHN W. TURNER, Chief of Staff, Hdqrs. Department of the South: GENERAL: Since my last nothing of interest has occurred. A steamer yesterday from Palatka reports everything quiet in that vicinity. The force of the enemy there has not been increased, and their position has been ascertained. I have sent up by land all re- mainder of the Fourth Massachusetts Cavalry, four companies of the Third New Hampshire Mounted Infantry, and propose sending the whole of Henrys Light Brigade to operate above Palatka in the direction of Gainesville and south of it in Marion County. I think that in the latter county we will find quite a number of blacks, although I am informed that many have been sent into Georgia. I sent yesterday a flag to the enemys lines with two women, wives of soldiers in the rebel army. I sent by the flag some newspapers to General Anderson. One of the officers said to Major Eddy that he would give him one of their papers; went to the rear and procured the paper, but Major Davant prevented his giving it to him. The major thought from his manner that it contained news that umight be of interest to us. I yesterday sent a faithful scout to the west of Baldwin to watch the railroad and bring in word of any movement of troops on that route. Their ickets have been strengthened, it may be to prevent desertions, whicNi have been so numerous lately. If there is any reduction of their force in my front it cannot be long concealed from me. The gun-boat Una- dilla has been added to the squadron in the river; the Pawnee will remain at least two weeks longer. A few of the circulars, a copy of which was forwarded you, have been got through the lines of the enemy. A steamer goes up to-day to the wreck of the Maple Leaf. An effort will be made to recover some of her equipment, anchors, & c. To-morrow I purpose going to Saint Augustine; will return on Monday. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. P. HATCH, Brigadier-General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF WEST FLORIDA, Barrancas, April 10, 1864. Commodore W. SMITH, Commanding, Navy- Yard, Pensci~cola: COMMODORE: I just received information that the rebel force of about 10,000 eon~emmtrated at Pollard started down toward us, an Page 48 48 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [cHAk. XLVIL that a Considerable force is already near Pensacola and this side that place. It is also reported that the rebels are provided with pontoons for crossing the Bayou Grand. Very respectfully, commodore, your obedient servant, ASIJ3OTH, Brigadier- General. WASHINGTON, April 11, 18642.30 p. m. Lieutenant-General GRANT, Culpeper, Va.: The Secretary of War has no information in regard to General Blairs case. General Hurlbut has not sufficient military experience for so important a command as the Department of the South. I will write to you in regard to this matter, and also in regard to Generals Buell and Hunter. The Thirty-sixth Ohio ordered as directed. H. W. HALLECK ]I/Iajor-General, Chief of Staff. WASHINGTON, April 11, 1864. Lieutenant-General GRANT, Culpeper, Va: GENERAL: I regard our establishments at Morris Island, Hilton Head, and on the sea islands of immense importance. As soon as Gillmore leaves the rebels will probably attack one or more of these places. To defend them properly we want a general there of experi- ence and military education. My own opinion of General Huribut has been favorable, but I do not deem him equal to the command of the Department of the South with its diminished forces. General Hatch is hardly the man for the place, but probably he is the best that can now be spared from the field. I would like very much to see Buell restored to a command and have several times proposed him to the War Department, but there has been such a pressure against him from the West that I do not think the Secretary will give him any at present. I think General Hunter would not accept any command under McPherson, or if he did, trouble would follow. He is even worse than McClernaud in creating difficulties. If you had him in the field under your immediate command perhaps things would go smoothly. Before acting on General Hunters case it wourd be well for you to see his correspondence while in cOmmand of a department. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. W. HALLECK Major-General, Chief of Staff. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, No. 150. .. Hilton Head, S. Q., April 11, 1864. I. Colonel Hawley, Seventh Connecticut Volunteers, will proceed with his regiment and the Seventh New Hampshire Volunteers t Page 49 CHAP. XLVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 49 Hilton Head and report to Col. J. B. Howell, Eighty-fifth Pennsyl- vania Volunteers, commanding district. The quartermasters d e- partment will furnish transportation. * * * * * By command of Maj. Gen. Q. A. Gillmore: ED. W. SMITH, Lieu tenant- Colonel and Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTER8 DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., Aprd 12, 1864. Brig. Gen. A. SCHIMMELFENNIG. ~iiYomdg. Northern Dist., Dept. of the South, Folly Island, S. C.: GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs that you hold the following-named regiments and companies of your command in readiness to embark at short notice. All officers and men on de- tached duty, if within your command, will be relieved and sent at once to their regiments. The troops will take with them their camp and garrison equipage and the least possible amount of bag- gage, viZ: Third N~ew York Volunteers, Eighty-ninth New York Volunteers, One hundred and seventeenth New York Volunteers, One hundred and forty-second New York Volunteers, Eleventh Maine Volunteers, Ninth Maine Volunteers, One hundredth New York Volunteers. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ED. W. SMITH, Lieutenant-Colonel and Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., April 12, 1864. Brig. Gen. R. SAXTON, Comdg. U. S. Forces, Port Royal Island, S. C.: GENERAL: Hold the Eighth Maine, Fourth New Hampshire, and Fifty-fifth Pennsylvania in readiness to embark to-morrow morning with camp and garrison equipage. By order of Major-General Gilimore: ED. W. SMITH, Lieutenant- Colonel and Assistant Adjutant- General. - HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., April 12, 1864. Brig. Gen. WILLIAM BIRNEY, Commanding U. S. Forces, Beaufort, S. C.: GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs that you hold the followipg-named regiments and companies of your command in readiness to embark at short notice. All officers and men on de- tached duty, if within your command, will be relieved and sent at once to their regiments. The troops will take with them their camp 4 R RvoL XXXV, PT I Page 50 50 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [Ca& p. XLVLI. and garrison equipage and the least possible amount of baggage, viz: Fourth New Hampshire Volunteers, Eighth Maine Volunteers, Fifty-fifth Pennsylvania Volunteers, Battery D, First U. S. Artil- lery. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servaut, ED. W. SMITH, Lieutenant- Colonel and Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., April 12, 1864. Col. J. B. HOWELL, Corndg. Hilton Head District, hilton Head, S. C.: COLONEL: The major-general commanding directs that you hold the following-named regiments and companies of your command in readiness to embark at short notice. All officers and men on de- tached duty, if within your command, will be relieved and sent at once to their regiments. The troops will take with. them their camp and garrison equipage and the least possible amount of baggage, viz: Sixth Connecticut Volunteers, Seventy-sixth Pennsylvania Vol- unteers, Eighty-fifth Pennsylvania Volunteers, Thirty-ninth Illinois Volunteers, Sixty-second Ohio Volunteers, Sixty-seventh Ohio Vol- unteers. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ED. W. SMITH, Lieutenant- Colonel and Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH,. Hilton Head, S. C., April 12, 1864. Brig. Gen. J. P. HATCH, Commandtng District of Florida, Jacksonville, Fla.: GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs that you hold the following-named regiments and companies of your command in readiness to embark at short notice. All officers and men on de- tached duty, if within your command, will be at once relieved and sent to their regiments. The troops will take with them their camp and garrison equipage and the least possible amount of baggage, viz: Thirteenth Indiana Volunteers, Ninety-seventh Pennsylvania Volunteers, Fortieth Massachusetts Mounted Infantry, Third New Hampshire Mounted Infantry, Twenty-fourth Massachusetts Vol- unteers, Tenth Connecticut Volunteers. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ED. W. SMITH, Lieutenant-Colonel and Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., April 13, 1864. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Chief of Staff of the Army, Washington, D. C.: GENERAL: I have to acknowledge the receipt of your dispatches of the 4th and 5th instant,, by the hands of Captain Smith, of your staff. They arrived on the 11th. Your letters of April 1 and March 26 were also duly received Page 51 CHAP. XLVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.IJNION. 51 The Tenth Army Corps will commence leaving for Fortress Mon- roe this evening. I hope to have from 7,000 to 10,000 men there by the 20th. It is impossible to do better. I inclose a list of the regi- ments that are to remain in this department. The furloughed vet- erans should not be detained North. The Twenty-fifth Ohio should be sent here without delay. The fragment of it that did not go on furlough is serving with a regiment that is to remain. When the veterans return there will be 16,086 effective men in this depart- ment, which I deem sufficient for a safe defense of the positions we now hold on this coast. Another colored regiment and, if possi- ble, two of them ought to be sent here. I estimate that 5,000 men on Morris and Folly Islands, 5,000 in the vicinity of Port Royal Harbor and Fort Pulaski, and 5,000 in Florida are ample for defen- sive purposes, but if one or two more colored regiments can be spared for this command they should be sent. The principal cause of delay in moving the command north arises from its scattered con- dition and the uncertainty of crossing the bars with our steamers. If a northeaster should set in, it would stop our movements in con- centrating troops. Very respectfully, your obedient ser~ant, Q. A. GILLMORB, Jiifajor- General, Commanding. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, No. 154. Hilton Head, S. 0., April 13, 1864. I. The following-named regiments and companies will proceed immediately to Hilton Head and report at these headquarters. They will bring their camp and garrison ~quipage and 100 rounds of ammunition for the infantry (40 rounds with the men and 60 in boxes) One hundredth New York Volunteers, One hundred and forty-second New York Volunteers, Ninth Maine Volunteers, Eleventh Maine Volunteers, Third New York Volunteers, Eighty- ninth New York Volunteers, One hnndred and seventeenth New York Volunteers, and First Connecticut Light Battery. II. Col. W. W. H. Davis, One hundred and fourth Pennsylvania Volunteers, will proceed with the following-named regiments to Hilton Head, without delay: One hundred and fourth Pennsyl- vania Volunteers, Fifty-second Pennsylvania Volunteers. III. The following-named regiments will proceed to Folly Island and report to the officer commanding the Northern District: Twenty-first U. S. Colored Troops, Thirty-fourth U. S. Colored Troops, Fifty-fourth Massachusetts Colored Volunteers, Fifty-fifth Massachusetts Colored Volunteers. IV. The following-named regiments and companies will proceed immediately to Hilton Head and report at these headquarters. They will bring their camp and garrison equipage and 100 rounds of am- munition for the infantry (40 rounds with the men and 60 in boxes): Thirteenth Indiana Volunteers, One hundred and twelfth New York Volunteers, One hundred and sixty-ninth New York Volunteers, Ninety-seventh Pennsylvania Volunteers, Tenth Connecticut Volun- teers~ Twenty-fourth Massachu~.etts Volunteers, Fortieth Massa- chusetts Volunteers, Third New Hampshire Volunteers, Fourt Page 52 52 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. Massachusetts Cavalry, Light Company B, First U. S. Artillery, Light Company M, First U. S. Artillery, Light Company E, Third U. S. Artillery, Light Company C, Third Rhode Island Artillery. V. The following-named regiments, having reported for duty in this department, will proceed to Beanfort, S. C., and report to the post commander: Twenty-sixth U. S. Colored Troops, Twenty-ninth Connecticut Colored Volunteers. * * .* * * * * XIV. The following-named regiments of the Tenth Army Corps will proceed to Fortress Monroe by the steamer Fulton, and the seiiior officer will report in person to Maj. Gen. B. F. Butler, Z~oin- manding Department of Virginia and North Carolina: Eighth Maine Volunteers. Fourth New Hampshire Volunteers. XV. Pending the action of the Secretary of War upon the ap- plication of Brig. Gen. T. Seymour to. be relieved from duty in this department, he will proceed to New York and there await action upon his application. * * * * * * * By command of Maj. Gen. Q. A. Gillmore: ED. W. SMITH, Lieui5enant- Colonel and Assistant Adjutant- General. HILTON HEAD, S. C., April 13, 1864. Brigadier-General TURNER, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: I have the honor to request that I may be relieved from duty in the Department of the South, with as little delay as possible, and that I may be ordered to proceed to New York, to report thence to the General-in-Chief for further orders. Respectfully, your obedient servant, T. SEYMOUR, Brigadier-General. HDQRS. NORTHERN DISTRICT, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Folly Island, S. C., April 13, 1864. Lieut. Col. E. W. SMITH, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Department of the South: COLONEL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of com- munication of the 12th instant, in regard to holding certain regi- ments of this command in readiness to embark at short notice, an4 to report that I have issued the orders required. As the remaining troops of this command will be utterly insuffi- cient to maintain our present extended lines, I have the honor to re- quest instructions as early as practicable in regard to the position that I am to hold after the departure of these regiments. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. SCHIMMELFENNIG,. Brigadier-General, Commanding District Page 53 CHAP. XLVII.] 53 ~ CORRESPONDENCE, ETG.UNTON. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., April 13, 1864. Brig. Gen. J. P. HATCH, Coindg. District of Florida, Jacksonville, Fla.: GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs that you send a force, to be taken from General Ames original brigade, to relieve the garrison at ~ernandina and Saint Augustine as soon as pos- sible. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ED. W. SMITH, Lieutenant- Colonel and Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF WEST FLORIDA, Barrancas, April 13, 1864. Commodore W. SMITH, Commanding, Navy- Yard: SIR: Two colored boys came in this morning with the following information: They were cooks in the Fifteenth Confederate Cavalry and de- serted last night at 10 ocloQk at the Seven-Mile Station. Colonel Maury is there with 160 mounted men, and said that he would take breakfast in the navy-yard to-morrow morning. I am sure you will have hot pills ready for them. They are repairing and build- ing bridges on the several roads leading to us. Six hundred cav- alry and 200 to 300 infantry are at Fifteen-Mile Station. They know of no more troops moving down from Pollard. Very respectfully, yourThbedient servant, ASBQTH, Brigadier-General. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF WEST FLORIDA, Barrancas, April 13, 1864. Commodore W. SMITH, Commanding Navy- Yard: SIR: Lieutenant Breckinridge, U. S. Army, just reports the in- formation received. He thinks from a reliable source that there is a cavalry force of ten full companies 3 miles from the head of the Bayou Grand. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, -ASBOTH, Brigadier-General. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, No. 156. Hilton Head, S. C., April 14, 1864. * * * ..* * * * II. The following-named regiment of the Tenth Army Corps will proceed to Fortress Monroe, by the steamer North Star, and th Page 54 54 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE (IA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. senior officer will report in person to Maj. Gen. B. F. Butler, com- manding the Department of Virginia and North Carolina: Fifty- fifth Pennsylvania Volunteers. III. The following-named regiment of the Tenth Army Corps will proceed to Fortress Monroe, by the steamer S. R. Spaulding, and the senior officer will report in person to Maj. Gen. B. F. Butler, commanding the Department of Virginia and North Carolina: Sev- enth Connecticut Volunteers. IV. Lieut. J. S. Gibbs, First U. S. Artillery, will proceed with Battery D, First U. S. Artillery, to Fortress Monroe, and report in person to Maj. Gen. B. F. Butler, commanding the Department of Virginia and North Carolina. * * * * * * * By command of Maj. Gen. Q. A. Gillmore: ED. W. SMITH, Lieutenant- Colonel and Assistant Adjutant- General. HDQRS. DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Jacksonville, Fla., April 14, 1864. Col. Gu~ V. HENRY, Commanding Light Brigade COLONEL: With your command, which is to consist of the battal- ion Fourth Massachusetts Cavalry, Fortieth Massachusetts Mounted Infantry, six companies of the Third New Ham p shire Mounted In- fantry, and a section of James artillery, you will scout the country lying between the Saint Johns River and the coast, from Volusia to opposite Jacksonville. Yoa will establish in the vicinity of Saint Augustin~ a camp, ~t which you will keep your dismounted men and broken-down horses. Forage and provisions will be drawn from the post at Saint Augustine on requisitions and returns. Small parties finding it most convenient to go to Picolata for provisions and forage will find a supply there for issue to them. You will use every endeavor to assure the citizens within the dis- trict assigned for your duties of the protection and good will of the U. S. Government, and will arrest and send to Jacksonville a].l per- sons you may find endeavoring to intimidate loyal men or furnish- ing information to the enemy. Bushwhacking is so far unknown in this State, but should it be attempted you will punish in the most summary manner any person detected ~i the act. Neglect no opportunity of ascertaining the feelings of the prominent citizens in the country toward the Gov- ernment. Memoranda on this subject will be made and forwarded to these headquarters as confidential communications. You will appoint a discreet person to act as provost-marshal, who will examine suspected persons, administer the oath of allegiance to loyal citizens, & c. He will keep records of his examinations and of the persons to whom the oath is administered, giving place of resi- dence, and will report from time to time to the provost-marshal of the district. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. P. HATCH, Brigadier- General, Commanding Page 55 CHAP. XLVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNYON. 55 SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, No. 160. f Hilton Head, S. 0., April Th, 1864. * * * * * * * V. The following-named general officers are hereby relieved from duty in the District of Florida, and will report in person at these headquarters: Brig. Gen. R. S. Foster, U. S. Volunteers; Brig. Gen. A. Ames, U. S. Volunteers. VI. Brig. Gen. William Birney is hereby relieved from duty at Beaufort, S. C., and will proceed to Jacksonville and report to Brigadier-General Hatch, commanding District of Florida. VII. The following-named regiment of the Tenth Army Corps will proceed by the steamer Arago to Fortress Monroe, and the senior officer will report in person to Maj. Gen. B. F. Butler, com- manding Department of Virginia and North Carolina: One hun- dredth New York Volunteers. VIII. The following-named regiment of the Tenth Army Corps will proceed by the steamers Arago and General Meigs to Fortress Monroe, and the commanding officer will report in person to Maj. Gen. B. F. Butler, commanding Department of Virginia and North Carolina: One hundred and forty-second New York Volunte~ers. * * * * * * * By command of Maj. Gen. Q. A. Gilimore: ED. W. SMITH, Lieutenant- Colonel and Assistant Adjutant- General. BEAUFORT, S. C., April 15, 1864. Maj. Gen. Q. A. GILLMORE, Commanding Department of the South: GENERAL: I have the honor to report that the troops recently sent here are perfectly raw recruits, uninstructed in any of their duties. In consequence the fortifications here are entirely without artillerists to manage the guns. I therefore request that a full company at least of the Third Rhode Island I~Ieavy Artillery may be sent here as soon as possible to assist in the care of the works and the manage- ment of the guns. I would also call your attention to the great necessity of my having a light battery for the defense of the island. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, R. SAXTON, Brigadier- General, Commanding. [Indorsement.] HILTON HEAD, S. C., April 16, 1864. In the proposed arrangement of the troops to remain in this de- partment, a light battery has been assigned to the Beaufort com- mand. Q. A. GILLMORE, lIJiajor- General. FLAG-SHIP NEW IRONSIDES, Off Morris Island, S. C., April 16, 1864. Maj. Gen. Q. A. GILLMORE, Comdg. Dept. of the SouTh, Headquarters, Hilton Head: GENERAL: I am in receipt of your communication of 14th of April, requesting that a strong naval force be kept in the Stono, an Page 56 56 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [cHAP. XLVII suggesting that three gun-boats (steamers) would be sufficient; also that the Commodore MeDonough be replaced by another light- draught gun-boat inside Light-House Inlet. In reply I would state that necessary repairs to. the McDonough rendered her withdrawal from the inlet essential, nor can I at present detail another vessel for that station. I regret also to add that I have at this time no steamers available for the service required of them in the Stono but will use my best endeavors to second your suggestion and seLd a force to that point at the earliest opportunity. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. C. ROWAN, Commodore, Comdg. South Atlantic Blockading Squadron. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF PENSACOLA, Barrancas, Fla., April 16, 1864. Brig. Gen. CHARLES P. STONE, Chief of SIcif, Hdqrs. Dept. of the Gulf: GENERAL: I have the honor to submit, in connection with my re- port of April 4, No. 187, the following additional information in regard to affairs in my neighborhood, received from refugees, de- serters, and my own scouts: There is still a force concentrated at Pollard, about 10,000 strong, under command of General Cantey, organizing, collecting transpor- tation, and preparing pontoon bridges. The troops which left Pol- lard in a southeasterly direction on the 8th of March, under General Clanton, comprising infantry, artillery, and cavalry, and numbering over 2,000, are operating in Santa Rosa and Walton Counties, up to Choctawhatchee River, with headquarters at McDades Pond, be- tween Yellow and Pea Rivers. Smaller parties, under command of Colonel Miller, are controlling the country between Escambh and Blackwater. Rivers (Escambia County), scouting dowii to Gashorns Point, where a schooner of ours, while collecting logs, was fired upon and driven back on the 10th instant. A third force is systemat- ically co-operating between the Escambia and Perdido Rivers, and have already placed 7 miles of the Pensacola Railroad from Pollard in running order. In addition to the former force at the Fifteen-Mile Station the Fif- teenth Confederate Cavalry, a full regiment, well mounted and well armed, has arrived, under Colonel Maury and Lieutenant-Colonel Myers. They are posted at the Seven-Mile Station (on the railroad, 7 miles above Pensacola) and at Turners Mill, 4 miles west of Pen- sacola and 5 miles north of the Bayou Grand, with an advance post at Jacksons Bridge, over the Bayou Chico Creek, ii miles from the mouth of the Bayou Grand. They are day and night repairing~ bridges and opening several parallel roads leading to the bayou and around its head to our position. Scouting parties from 75 to 100 strong are daily approaching our lines. Five hundred additional infantry were expected yesterday by Colonel Maury. Beyond the Perdido rebel cavalry is also on the alert at Camps Withers and Powell. Thus it becomes evident that the heavy force at Pollard, the com- biiied distribution of troops in half circle from the head of the Choc- tawhatchee Bay to the camps at McDades Pond, Pollard, Fifteen Page 57 CHAP. XLVII.1 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.IJNION. Mile Station, on the Pensacola railroad, and the mouth of Perdido, in connection with the activity all around, is calculated for an attack, not only on this place and the navy-yard, but also for a night attack upon Fort Pickens from the Santa Rosa Island. I have made arrangements with the navy for proper co-operation, agreeing upon signals as given in inclosed Special Orders, Nos. 81 and 82, and hold my small command ready by day and night for any emergency, continually strengthening my position. But my hand- ful of men is entirely inadequate to secure a long resistance to a ten- fold superior force. During the last three months I made several applications for re- enforcements and steamers with the view of advancing into the interior of West Florida and destroying the Mobile and Montgomery Railroad; now I am compelled to request, most respectfully and urgently, to be re-enforced with two regiments of infantry and one regiment of cavalry, to meet successfully the impending attack and prevent a calamity which would, especially at the present juncture, prove a hard blow for us and an immense success for the rebels. Commodore W. Smith has already removed the hospital from the navy-yard to the boats. I will remove nothing, but limit my prepa- rations to a vigorous defense. I am, very respectfully, general, your obedient servant, ASBOTH, Brigadier- General. SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ No. 162. ~ HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., April 16, 1864. II. Brig. Gen. I. Vogdes, U. S. Volunteers, is hereby ordered to assume command on board the U. S. transport Arago and proceed with her to Fortress Monroe. He will report to Maj. Gen. B. F. Butler, commanding the De- partment of Virginia and North Carolina, for the purpose of organ- izing the troops belonging to the Tenth Army Corps, as they arrive, in accordance with instructions received from these headquarters. By command of Maj. Gem Q. A. Gillmore: ED. W. SMITH, Lieutenant-Colonel and Assistant Adjutant-General. * * * * * * * .4 CULPEPER, April 17, 18646 p. m. (Received 7.40 p. in.) Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Washington, D. C.: Send detachments belonging to regiments to remain in the De- p artment of the South back to their regiments. All other troops belonging to Gillmores forces send to him as soon as notice is re- ceived of his arrival at Fort Monroe. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General Page 58 S. C., 1?LA., AND ON THE OA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. FLAG-SHIP NEW IRONSIDES, Off llforris Island, S. 0., April 17, 1864. Maj. Gen. Q. A. GILLMORE, U. S. Army, LYomdg. Department of the South, Hilton Head, S. C.: GENERAL: I am in receipt of a communication from Brig. Gen. R. Saxton, addressed to you, with indorsement by yourself asking for the detail of a small gun-boat to be stationed at or near Beau- fort, with orders to cruise in these (those) waters. I regret to say that I have few vessels suitable for such duty, in good repair, but will instruct the commanding officer at Port Royal to avail himself of the first that may be completed that can be spared for that service. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. C. ROWAN, Oommodore, Comdg. South Atlantic Blockading Squadron. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, No. 163. ~ Hilton Head, 5. C., April 17, 1864. I. The following-named regiments of the Tenth Army Corps will proceed by the steamer Northern Light to Fortress Monroe, and the senior officer will report in person to Maj. Gen. B. F. Butler, com- manding Department of Virginia and North Carolina: Seventh New Hampshire Volunteers, Forty-seventh New York Volunteers, and One hundred and fifteenth New York Volunteers II. The following-named regiment of the Tenth Army Corps will proceed by the steamer Ranger to Fortress Monroe, and the com- manding officer will report in person to Maj. Gen. B. F. Butler, commanding Department of Virginia and North Carolina: Eighty- ninth New York Volunteers. III. Brig. Gen. A. H. Terry, U. S. Volunteers, is hereby relieved from command of the Northern District and will proceed to Fortress Monroe and report to Maj. Gen. B. F. Butler, commanding the De- partment of Virginia and North Carolina, for the purpose of organ- izing the troops belonging to the Tenth Army Corps. He will as- certain the wants of the troops and make such requisitions as may be necessary to supply them. By ,command of Maj. Gen. Q. A. Gillmore: ED. W. SMITH, Lieutenant-Colonel and Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, 5. C., April 17, 1864. Brig. Gen, J. P. HATCH, Oomdg. District of Florida, Jacksonville, Eta.: GENERAL: In reply to your letter of the 14th instant, asking authority to assure the people of Florida that they will not be deserted by the Union forces, and that a sufficient force will be retained there to hold all the country we may occupy, I am in- structed by the major-general commanding to say that it has never been his intention to evac)iiate the position now held by our troops. The withdrawal from Palatka was indispensable in order to effect the combinations necessary in moving troops according to instru Page 59 CHAP. XLVIII CORRESPO~DIThCE, ETO.IYNIO~. tions from the War Department. As the prospective commander of the department, he suggests that you can give such assurances as you may deem proper. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ED. W. SMITH, Lieutenant-Colonel and Assistant Adjutant-General. SPECIAl4 ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, No. 165. Hilton Head, S. C., April 18, 1864; * * * * * * III. The detachments of the following-named regiments of the Tenth Army Corps will proceed to Fortress Monroe, and the senior officer will report in person to Maj. Gen. B. F. Butler, commanding Department of Virginia and North Carolina: Thirty-ninth Illinois Volunteers, Sixty-second Ohio Volunteers, Sixty-seventh Ohio Vol- unteers. IV. The headquarters of the Third Rhode Island Artillery are hereby ordered to be established at Hilton Head. V. Col. W. W. H. Davis, One hundred and fourth Penny~lv~nia Volunteers, is hereby relieved from duty in the Northern istrict and will proceed to Hilton Head and relieve Col. J. B. Howell, Eighty-fifth Pennsylvania Volunteers, in command of Hilton Head, Fort Pulaski, Saint Helena, and Tybee Island. VI. Capt. S. C. Day, Third New York Light Artillery, will pro- ceed immediately with his battery to Beaufort, S. C., and report to Brigadier-General Saxton, commanding post. The quartermasters department will furnish transportation. By command of Maj. Gen. Q. A. Gillmore: ED. W. SMITH, Lieutenant- Colonel and Assistant Adjutant- General. HDQRS. NORTHERN DIsTRIcT, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Folly Island, S. C., April 18, 1864. Lient. Col. E. W. SMITH, A. A. G., Dept. of the South: COLONEL: The various forts, magazines, & c., in this district which are constantly requiring repairs render it imperatively neces- sary that a company of engineers should be stationed within the command. I would respectfully, therefore, make application for the same, and should be much gratified if Captain Suess, New York Engineers, now here, could be allowed to remain or return, as he is thoroughly acquainted with the ground and the duties required of him. I have the honor to be, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, / A. SCHIMMELFENNIG, Brigadier-General, Commanding. HDQRS. NORTHERN DISTRICT, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Folly Island, S. C., April 18, 1864. Col. W. W. H. DAVIS, -. Comdg. U. S. Forces, Morris Island, S. C.: SIR: The Fifty-fourth Massachusetts (colored) Volunteers arrived this a. m. and has been ordered to report to you. General Schim 59 Page 60 60 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. melfennig directs that you send the Ninth Maine and as many com- panies of the Eleventh Maine Volunteers as may be required to make 900 men, by the steamer Cosmopolitan, to Hilton Head as soon as practicable. Special Orders, No. 154, headquarters Department of the South, is herewith transmitted. * I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. B. DEAN, Lieutenant and Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. HDQRS. NORTHERN DISTRICT, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Col. ~. ~. H. DAVIS, Folly Island, S. 0., April 18, 1864. Oorndg. U. S. Forces, Morris Island, S. 0.: COLONEL: The Cosmopolitan will carry about 900 men. Send the Ninth and Eleventh Maine Volunteers, if together they do not ex- ceed that number. Get a steamer at Light-House Inlet of Captain Burns to take the baggage to Pawnee Lauding. The Fifty-fourth Massachusetts landed at Pawnee this noon and have probably reported to you by this time. By order of Brigadier-General Schiinmelfennig: W. B. DEAN, Lieutenant and Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS NORTHERN DISTRICT, Folly Island, 5. 0., April 18, 1864. Lient. Col. E. W. SMITH, Assistant Adjutant-General, Dept. of the South: COLONEL: I have the honor to report the following arrivals and departures of troops from this command: Arrived this day, the Fifty-fourth and five companies of the Fifty- fifth Massachusetts Volunteers (colored). Departed, April 14, the One hundredth and One hundred and forty-second Regiments New York Volunteers for Hilton Head. April 16, the Eighty-ninth New York Volunteers for Hilton Head. The First Connecticut Light Battery has embarked and is about to sail direct for Fortress Mon- roe; verbal instru~tions were given to Captain Rockwell by Gen- eral Terry before he left here. Ready to leave are the Ninth and Eleventh Regiments Maine Volunteers, on the Cosmopolitan, and the Third Regiment New York Volunteers about to embark on the steamer Neptune. I have the honor to be, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. SCHIMMELFENNIG, Brigadier- General, Gommanding. .~ HEADQUARTERS NORTHERN DISTRICT, Lient. Col. E. ~. SMITH, Folly Island, 5. 0., April 18, 1864. Assistant Adjutant-General, Dept. of the South: COLONEL: I have the hoii~or to report that I have tried Hales war rockets in regard to their correctness of flight, power of penetra * See p. 51 Page 61 CHAP. XLVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. UNION. 61 tioii, and the best methods of handling and discharging them. I have tried them against targets and against the enemy and have found them, very serviceable. I have armed all the outer forts in which I did not wish to expose artillery with these rockets. I have organized a common rocket battery (the men are instructed and drilled), and am n~w organizing a boat rocket battery to accompany expeditions, & c. I regret to say that there are but 700 rockets on hand, and that they are of the large size (31-inch, nearly 32 pounds weight), which are less serviceable than the smaller oues. I beg that the major-general commanding will instruct his ordnance officer to obtain without delay for this district: First. Three thousand 21-inch Hales rockets, old construction, with rotation holes in the rear end and a 4-second fuse. With these I require no stands. Second. One thonsand 31-inch rockets, with 10 stands. A. SCHIMMELFENNIG, Brigadier- General, Commanding District. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH. Hilton Head, S. C., April 19, 1864. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Chief of Staff of the Army, Washington, D. C.: GENERAL: In taking the field with the Tenth Army Corps, I have deemed it proper to assign Brig. Gen. J. W. Turner, my chief of staff and of artillery, to the conlmand of troops, presuming that there might be objections raised to my keeping an officer of that rank on my staff. I prefer assigning my chief commissary, Lieut. Col. M. R. Mor- gan, to tile position of chief of staff in addition to his other duties. Colonel Morgan, however, fears that the Commissary-General will object to this arrangement and will prefer that he occupy the posi- tion of chief commissary of some geographical department. His rank as commissary would make him chief commissary in General Butlers department but Colonel Morgan prefers to remain on duty with the Tenth Corps in the double position that I have indicated above. What I desire is that instructions may be given to the Com- missary-General to allow Colonel Morgan to remain on duty with his corps unless Major-General Butler prefers some other arrange- ment. I await a reply to this communication before I make the as signment. Q. A. GILLMORE, Major- General, Commanding. SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, No. 169. Hilton Head, S. C., April 19, 1864. I. The following-named regiment of the Tenth Army Corps will proceed by the steamer Victor to Fortress Monroe, and the senior officer will report in person to Maj. Gen. B. F. Butler, commanding De~artment of Virginia and North Carolina: Thirteenth Indiana * * * * * * * By command of Maj. Gen. Q...A. Gilimore: ED. W. SMITH; Lieutenant- Colonel and Assistant Adjutant- General Page 62 62 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. WASHINGTON, D. C., April 20, 186412.05 a. m. Brig. Gen. T. SEYMOUR, New York: You will report to General Dix for temporary duty, inspecting and forwarding troops to the field. H. W. HALLECK, Major-General, Chief of Staff. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, No. 171. Hilton Head, S. C., April 20, 1864. I. The following-named reginients of the Tenth Army Corps will proceed to Fortress Monroe, and the senior officer will report in per- son to Maj. Gen. B. F. Butler, commanding Department of Virginia and North Carolina: Third New York Volunteers, Forty-eighth New York Volunteers, Ninth Maine Volunteers, Eleventh Maine Volunteers. II. The following-named regiments of the Tenth Army Corps will proceed to Fortress Monroe, and the senior officer will report in per- son to Maj. Gen. B. F. Butler, commanding Department of Virginia and North Carolina: Tenth Connecticut Volunteers, One hundred and seventeenth New York Volunteers. * * * * * * * IV. Col. S. M. Alford, Third New York Volunteers, will proceed by the steanier Ben De Ford to Fortress Monroe and report to Maj. Gen. B. F. Butler, commanding Department of Virginia and North Carolina, for the purpose of organizing, under direction of Brigadier- General Terry, U. S. Volunteers, the Second Division of the Tenth Army Corps as it arrives. - * * * * * * * By command of Maj. Gen. Q. A. Gillmore: ED. W. SMITH, Lieutenant-Colonel and Assistant Adjutant General, HDQRS. NORTHERN DISTRICT, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Folly island, S. C., April 20, 11864. Col. W. W. H. DAvIS, Commanding U. S. Forces, Morris Island, S. C.: SIR: I am instructed by Ge~ieral Schiinmelfennig to transmit Spe- cial Orders, No. 165, headquarters Department of the South, reliev- ing you from duty in this district, & c. * The general Commanding directs that you turn over the command to Colonel Hallowell, Fifty-i fourth Massachusetts Volunteers, as the Fifty-second and One liun dred and fourth Pennsylvania Volunteers will leave for Hilton Head as soon as transportation for them arrives. At present there is but one steamer here (the Sentinel), and that is now loading Battery F, Third New York Artillery, at Pawnee Landing. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. B. DEAN, Lieut. and Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. *~ep 59 Page 63 Ci~AP. XLVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 63 GENERAL ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS U. S. FORCES, No. 39. j Morris Island, S. U, April 20, 1864. The undersigned having been relieved from duty in the Northern District by virtue of Special Orders, No. 165, headquarters Depart- ment of the South, and ordered to report at hilton Head, S. C., to assume command of the District of Hilton Head, Pulaski, Saint Helena, and Tybee Island, hereby turns over the command of the post of Morris Island to Col. E. N. Hallowell, Fifty-fourth Massa- chusetts Volunteers. The following-named commissioned officer and enlisted men are hereby relieved from duty at this post, and will accompany the un- dersigned to Hilton Head, S. C.: Maj. Edward L. Rogers, One hun- dred and fourth Pennsylvania Volunteers, acting assistant adjutant- general; Henry J. Redfield, clerk, headquarters Second Brigade, Eighty-first New York Volunteers; Charles B. Johnson, Company D, One hundred and fourth Pennsylvania Volunteers; Chapman Carver, Company B, One hundred and fourth Pennsylvania Volun- teers; Miles J. Eastman, Company B, Fifty-second Pennsylvania Volunteers. W. W. H. DAVIS, Colonel 104th Pennsylvania Vols., Comdg. Post. SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, No. 175. ~ Hilton Head, S. C., April 22, 1864. I. The following-named regiments of the Tenth Army Corps will proceed to Fortress Monroe, and the senior officer will report in person to Maj. Gen. B. F. Butler, commanding the Department of Virginia and North Carolina: Eighty-fifth Pennsylvania Volun- teers, One hundred and twelfth New York Volunteers, One hun- dred and sixty-ninth New York Volunteers. The quartermasters department will furnish transportation. * * * * * * * III. Brig. Gen. A. Ames, U. S. Volunteers, will assume command of the troops on board the transport Fulton, and proceed to Fortress Monroe and report to Maj. Gen. B. F. Butler, commanding Depart- ment of Virginia and North Carolina. IV. Brig. Gen. J. W. Turner, chief of staff, will proceed by the Pulton to Fortress Monroe and report to Maj. Gen. B. F. Butler, commanding Department of Virginia and North Carolina, for the purpose of taking necessary measures for the organization of the Tenth Army Corps. * * * * * * * By command of Maj. Gen. Q. A. Gillmore: W. L. M. BURGER, Captain and Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF WEST FLORIDA, Barrancas, April 22, 1864. Brig. Gen. CHARLES P. STONE, Chief of Staff, Hdqrs. Department of the Gulf: GENERAL: I have the honor to submit, in connection with my report of April 16, No. 213, the following additional information Page 64 64 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. CHAP. XLVII. relative to affairs in my neighborhood, received from refugees and deserters: The larger portion of the troops that were stationed at Pollard started suddenly on railroad for Dalton, leaviiig only 3,000 at Pol- lard. There are 700 infantry and 300 cavalry at Milton and 700 cavalry at Canoe Station, on the Mobile Railroad, 16 miles from Pollard, guarding the railroad. The fortifications at the terminus of the Mobile and Montgomery Railroad at the Tensaw River are of very little strength. The iron ram Tennessee is not yet over the bar, but ready to run the blockade, and considered a perfect success. There are several other smaller rams and a few wooden gun-boats at Mobile. The fortifications around the city are completed. The garrison at Mo- bile is not over 3,000 besides the militia. Relative to the strength of the enemy from Pollard down to Pensacola I have not been able to get any additional information. The work on the railroad was discontinued, but the telegraph is in operation to Cooper Station, 20 miles above Pensacola. Approach- ing rebel parties were repeatedly fired upon by our pickets and twice shelled by the navy guard-ships off the month of the Bayou Grand. I expect this evening the return of one of my scouts with minute information. Very few recruits can reach our lines at present, as all West Flor- ida is swarming with rebel cavalry hunting refugees and deserters. In Walton County 7 citizens were hung last week for entertaining Union sentiments, and a woman, refusing to give information about her husbands whereabouts, was killed in a shocking manner, and two of her children caught and torn to pieces by bloodhounds. A small steamer, long since applied for, would enable me to ascend to Washington Point, Washington County, at the head of Choctaw- hatchee Bay, and mouth of the Choctawhatchee River, and collect many of those unfortunate victims of the rebellion. At East Pass I have to provide for 200 refugees, women and children, who arrived there in a most destitute condition. Here I have sheltered with condemned tents 609 destitute women and chil- dren, a majority of them suffering more or less from various dis- eases in consequence of their privations and hardships. I am, very respectfully, general, your obedient servant, ASBOTH, Brigadier- General. CULPEPER, VA., April 23, 18645 p. m. Major-General HALLECK, (Received 8.30 ~. in.) Chief of Staff: Confidential letters of Admiral Dahlgren and Secretary of th~ Navy just received. * With the reduced state of the command at Charleston, I do not know what can be done in the direction recom- mended by the admiral; but I will send the letters by special mes- senger to General Gillmore, at Fort Monroe, and ascertain from him the exact situation and give directions accordingly. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. See p. 67 Page 65 CHAP. XLVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 65 HDQRS. DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Col. A. L. HARRIS, Jacksonville, Fla., April 23, 1864. Commanding Seventy-fifth Ohio Volunteers: COLONEL: The commanding general directs that you will leave a sufficient number of men in camp for a guard, and proceed with the remainder on marches of 25 miles a day, by way of Saint Angnstine, to the towii of Volusia, on the Saint Johns River. You are not to show yourself to people on the other side of the river; to picket all the fords and ferries in such a way as to prevent people passing from the east to the west side, allowing all persons to pass from the west to the east side, but not to go back. You will also place guards on the main roads running southward between Saint Johns River and the ocean, the object being to prevent all passing from the east to the west side, so long as you are operating there. You will conceal your men as much as possible from persons on the west side. In passing southward you will make particular inquiries as to the probable supply of cattle from that region of the country. Your guard at Volusia will keep watch for the boat which will probably reach there, from Jacksonville, some time on Thursday. When the boat comes in sight you will call in all your pickets, and have your whole force as promptly as possible at Volusia Ferry. Your men will start with three days cooked rations in haversacks, and with ten days rations of hard bread, sug~ir, and coffee iii knap- sacks. Each officer and man will take one blanket or overcoat. All other clothing will be left under guard at camp or stored. Three 4-horse teams may be taken, loaded with oats. No hay will be taken. The object of the general commanding is to protect and conciliate the people on the east side of the river; their property will be pro- tected, and any man caught pillaging from a loyal citizen may be shot on the spot. Parties engaged as spies in the rebel cause, or in catching rebel deserters, will be summarily punished. You will be careful to arrive at Volusia on or before noon on Thursday. In case the boat does not arrive before Sunday morning, you will use your command in driving cattle to Jacksonville. I have the honor to be, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, R. M. HALL, First Lient., First U. S. Artillery, A. A. A. G. HDQRS. DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Jacksonville, Fla., April 23, 1864. Col. WILLIAM H. NOBLE, Commanding Post, Saint Augustine: COLONEL: The commanding general directs that on the receipt of this you will select a competent officer and a sufficient number of men from your coi~nmand to guard Fort Marion; one or two companies will probably be sufficient. With the rest you will march so as to arrive at Volusia at noon next Thursday. Your men will be provided with three days cooked rations, and twelve days rations of hard bread, sugar, and coffee in knapsacks. Neither overcoat nor blanket will be allowed, and each man will have ~ R RvoL xxxv, PT I Page 66 66 S. C., FLA., AND ON TILE GA. COAST. [Ca& p. XLVII. 40 rounds of ball cartridges. You will see that all the men who march wear the Government bootees. You will receive further orders at Volusia by a boat which will probably arrive there on Thursday. Should the boat not arrive before Sunday morning you will use your command for the purpose of driving to Saint Augustine as many cattle as are needed for your command at that place, turning them over to the subsistence department. I have the honor to be, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, R. M. HALL, First Lieut., First U. S. Artillery, A. A. A. G. HDQRS. DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Jacksonville, Fla., April 23, 1864. Captain BAILEY, Comdg. Eighth U. S. Colored Troops, Yellow Bluff, Fla.: CAPTAIN: You will confer immediately with Captain Lewis, of the gun-boat Mahaska, for the purpose of making a reconnaissance in force of the country between Daniel and Trout Creeks. You will find, if possible, such guides as are acquainted with the country, and push your reconnaissance, if possible, as far from railroad from Fernandina, touching it at the nearest or most conve- nient point for the purpose of destroying a small portion of it. This may be done by building a large fire of pine logs, and laying the iron rails across the fire. It is not, however, considered important to reach the railroad; the main object of the reconnaissance is to get to the rear of rebel scouts between Trout and Daniel Creeks. You will return to the river, sweeping, as well as you can, the country lying between the two creeks, taking care not to allow your command to be separated by Cedar Creek. You will arrange with Captain Lewis the point at which you shall disembark for the re- connaissance, and a point at which you shall embark after having made it. Captain Lewis kindly promises to furnish four boats and the oars- men, enough to furnish transportation for 60 men. You can use the oar-boats in your possession or the transportation of the rest of the party. By order of Brig. Gen. William Birney: F. YOUNG, P. Captain and Acting Aide-de-Camp. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, No. 178. Hilton Head, S. C., April 23, 1864. I. Brig. Gen. R. S. Foster, U. S. Volunteers, will assume com- mand of the troops on board the transport Ericsson and proceed to Fortress Monroe and report to Maj. Gen. B. F. Butler, commanding the Department of Virginia and North Carolina. * * * * * * * By command of Maj. den. Q. A. Gillmore: ED. W. SMITH, Lieutenant-Colonel and Assistant Adjutant-General Page 67 C~. XLVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 67 HEADQUARTERS ARMIES IN THE FIELD, Calpeper Court-House, Va., April 24, 1864. Maj. Gen. Q. A. GILLMORE, Commanding Depa.rtmeut of the South: GENERAL: Herewith I send you copy of letter from Admiral Dahigren to the Secretary of the Navy, and from the latter to the military authorities, recommending certain movements near Charles- ton, S. C. The letters explain themselves. Please read them and send me your views on the proposed movements. Not knowing the sitnation of affairs about Charleston, and particularly since the withdrawal of so many of your forces, I can give no specific direc- tions. I wonld state, however, that it will be of great advantage to us if the force at Charleston can be safely employed in keeping up a demonstration that will force the enemy to keep large numbers there to watch their movements. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant-General. Llnclosure.] NAVY DEPARTMENT, April 21, 1864. [EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War:] SIR: I have the honor to inclose herewith a copy of a letter ad- dressed to this Department by Rear-Admiral Dahigren. As the hurricanes of July and Angust are likely to place in great peril the vessels lying off Morris Island, entirely unsheltered as that anchor- age is, I invite your earnest attention to this project, as its success will afford an interior position beyond the reach of disaster by storm or the enemy. Morris Island, at present occupied by our troops, has been 4 feet undbr water in a hurricane. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. [Indorsement.] APRIL 22, 1864. Respectfully forwarded to Lieutenant-General Grant. H. W. HALLECK, Major-General, Chief of Staff. [Sub-inclosure.] WASHINGTON, April 21, 1864. Hon. G. WELLES, Secretary of the Navy: SIR: As the demands of th.e public service elsewhere will prevent the detail of more iron-dads for service at Charleston, which will necessarily postpone any serious attack on the interior defenses of the harbor, I would suggest that combined operations be directed to the occupation of Long Island, with the view of an attack on the works of Sullivans Island, to be prosecuted as far as the forc Page 68 68 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CIIAP. XLVII. ashore and afloat may permit. If Sullivans Island can be occupied, it would enable the iron-dads to maintain position in the harbor permanently, and in the end to drive the rebels from Charleston. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. A. DAHLGREN, Rear-Admiral, Comdg. South Atlantic Blockading Squadron. WASHINGTON, D. C., April 24, 1864. Lieutenant-General GRANT, Culpcper: GENERAL: If the iron-dads and the large number of troops off Charleston for the last year could not take and hold Sullivans Island, how can they expect to do it with forces diminished more than one-half ? Moreover, if taken, it would simply result in the loss from active service of 5,000 troops to garrison it, without any influence upon the coming campaign. It will require 60,000 nien three months to take Charleston. The capture of Sullivans Island would not have much influence upon the siege of that place, as it can be conducted with greater advantage from other points. I am satisfied that Admiral Dahlgrens letter was intended simply as an excuse in advance for the inability of the iron-dads to accomplish anything against Charleston. Yours, truly, H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, No. 180. f * Hilton Head, 5. 0., April 24, 1864. * * * * * * II. The following-named regiments and companies belonging to the Tenth Army Corps are hereby ordered to proceed to Fortress Monroe and report to Maj. Gen. B. F. Butler, commanding Depart- ment of Virginia and North Carolina: Sixth Connecticut Volun- teers, Seventy-sixth Pennsylvania Volunteers, Ninety-seventh Penn- sylvania Volunteers, Third New Hampshire Volunteers, Twenty- fourth Massachusetts Volunteers, Fortieth Massachusetts Volun- teers, First Battalion Fourth Massachusetts Cavalry, Light Com- pany E, Third U. S. Artillery; Battery B, First U. S. Artillery; Battery M, First U. S. Artillery; Light Company C, Third Rhod~ Island Artillery; First New York Volunteer Engineers, except Coin pany C. The quartermasters department will furnish transporta tion. * * * * * * * By command of Maj. Gen. Q. A. Gillmore: ED. W. SMITH, Lieutenant- Colonel and Assistant Adjutant- General. HDQRS. NORTHERN DISTRICT, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Folly Island, S. C., April 25, 1864. ~ Lieut. Col. E. W. SMITH, Assistant Adjutanbfleneral, Department of the South: COLONEL: I have the honor to call your attention to the fact that some of the colored regiments recently arrived in this distric Page 69 CHiP. XLVII.] CORRESP0NDENCI~, i~T~iXtTNTON. 69 (among them the Fifty-fifth Massachusetts) have not been paid for more than a year. The men and their families are suffering and greatly in need of the pay which is due them. As a consequence, the greatest discontent prevails, and in several instances a spirit of mutiny has been developed. Deeming the circumstances of the case sufficiently grave, I have ordered Colonel Hartwell, commanding Fifty-fifth Massachusetts Regiment, to proceed to Hilton Head and there to lay the whole matter before the general commanding the department. I trust that his representation of facts may meet with attention and some meas- ures be taken to remedy the difficulty. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. SCHIMMELFENNIG, Brigadier-General, Commanding District. HDQRs. NORTHERN DISTRICT, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Folly Island, S. U, April 25, 1864. Lient. Col. E. W. SMITH, Assistant Adjutant-General, Dept. of the South: SIR: I have the honor to report that all the troops ordered away from my command have left with the exception of a part of the Fifty-second Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers and ten teams, which will be forwarded as soon as transportation can be obtained. This district is at present divided into three parts, garrisoned as fol- lows, viz: Folly Island, commanded by Col. L. von Gilsa, Forty-first New York Volunteers, and comprising the Forty-first and Fifty-fourth New York Voluimteers and the Seventy-fourth Pennsylvania Volun- teers. Little Folly Island, commanded by Col. William Heine, One hundred and third New York Volunteers, comprising the One hun- dred and third New York Volunteers and the Fifty-fifth Massachu- setts (colored). Morris Island, commanded by Col. William Gurney, One hun- dred amid twenty-seventh New York Volunteers, comprising the One hundred and twenty-seventh New York Volunteers, Fifty-fourth Massachusetts (colored), Twenty-first and Thirty-fourth United States (colored), five companies of the Third Rhode Island Heavy Artillery, and two sections of Light Battery B, Third New York Artillery. I have given orders for the forts on Kiawah and Lomig Islands to be disarmed, and for the oyster-shell fort on Coles Island to be thor- oughly repaired and armed. 1 have deemed it wise, while this movement of troops was going on, to show to the enemy as bold a front and harass him as much as possmble, and deserters inform me that it has had the effect of de- taining in Charleston five battalions that were going north, and that they have been in nightly expectation of an attack on James Island. On Morris Island I have forbidden the firing at small fatigue par- ties, and only allow a few shots to be fired into Charleston during each twenty-four hours into different parts of the city, to remider their movement of troops insecure. During the last week I have had 3 men (One hundred and twenty- seventh New York Volunteers) wounded by the explosion of a tor pedo on Battery Island, and 1 man (Fifty-fourth Massachusetts) killed while on picket on Morris Island by the enemys shells Page 70 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE cfA. COAST. CHAP. XLVII. Of the movements and dispositions of the enemy, I have reported in another letter. * I would respectfully beg to be definitely informed whether I am to receive more trool)s here, and, if so, in what number. If not, I shall be obliged to make a different disposition of my forces, hold- ing only the main points and chief lines of communication, such as Morris Island, Light-House Inlet, the south end of Folly Island, and Stono Inlet, abandoning the middle of Folly Island and Pawnee Landing, and holding Long Island only as a post of observation. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. SCHIMMELFENNIG, Brigadier-General, Commanding District. HDQRS. NORTHERN DISTRICT, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Folly Island, S. C., April 25, 1864. Lieut. Col. E. W. SMITH, Assistant Adjutant-General, Dept. of the South: SIR: As has already been represented by me in other letters ad- dressed to you this day, I consider it my duty to keep the enemy on my front as actively engaged as possible. I shall continue to do so in the hope of retaining a superior force before me as at present dur- ing the decision of the campaign in Virginia. To meet the enemy to advantage, with my reduced and inferior numbers, requires two conditions fulfilled First, the power to concentrate a heavy artil- lery fire at any point without regard to ground and risk; second, superior facilities of transportation. As regards the first condition I have but four pieces of light artillery. To make up for this defi- ciency, I have made application for a supply of war rockets to be obtained, and would like to be informed whether the requisition for the same has been forwarded approved. In the matter of transpor- tation, I regret to state that the only seaworthy boat capable of be- ing used as a dispatch-boat, the Nellie Baker, was obliged to remain at Hilton Head last time she went down for repairs, and of the four boats used as ferries and for internal transportation the Philadel- phia and Frazier are so out of repair as to be entirely unservicea- ble. In view of these facts, I would request that a serviceable dis- patch-boat be ordered to report to me without delay. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. SCHIMMELFENNIG, Brigadier- General, Commanding District. HDQRS. DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Jacksonville, Fla., April 26, 1864. Lient. Col. E. W. SMITH, Assistant Adjutant-General: SIR: A refugee from the east side of the Saint Johns, opposite Fort Gates, reports that a rebel cavalry force of 400 has been at Fort Gates since about Friday last; that they had raised one lighter and were repairing another, for the purpose of effecting a crossing *See p. 72 Page 71 CHAP. XLVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.TJNION. pz,1 and making a raid toward Saint Augustine for the purpose of driv- ing off all the horses and cattle on the east side and arresting all the Union men. It was said the Union men had taken to the woods, but that 17 were caught and hung on the spot. My informant was one of 13 refugees that got safely into Saint Augustine. My measures are taken to meet this cavalry force. I go up the river to-night with 45G men of Colonel Beechers regiment. Colonel Harris, with 220 mounted infantry, and Colonel Noble, with about 250 infantry, will meet the rebels at the head of Dunns Lake. In obedience to orders, or rather suggestions, of General Hatch, I had sent Colonel Harris to patrol that part of the country. He left Saint Augustine this morning. Colonel Noble left yesterday morning. Very truly, your obedient servant, WM. BIRNEY, Brigadier- General, Commanding. P. S.I shall myself go to the point threatened, leaving Colonel Tilghman in command of this post, which is quite secure, with its fortifications and the g un-boats. WM. BIR~EY~ SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPAR~TMENT OF THE SOUTH, No. 184. Hilton Head, S. C., April 26, 1864. I. Col. W. W. H. Davis, One hundred and fourth Pennsylvania Volunteers, is hereby ordered to relieve Col. J. B. Howell, Eighty- fifth Pennsylvania Volunteers, in command of Hilton Head, Fort Pnlaski, Tybee, and Saint Helena Islands. Colonel Howell, upon being relieved, will proceed to Fortress Monroe and report to Maj. Gen. B. F. Butler, commanding the Department of Virginia and North Carolina, for the purpose of rejoining his command with the Tenth Army Corps. * * * * * * * By command of Maj. Gen. Q. A. Gillmore: ED. W. SMITH, Lieutentant-Colonel and Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., April 27, 1864. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Chief of Staff, U. S. Army, Washington, D. C.: GENERAL: I have the honor to transmit herewith a copy of a report received from Brigadier-General Schimmelfennig, command- ing the Northern District of this department, relative to the move- ments of the eneniy in his front. Confirming reports have been i~eceived from other sources. I have the honor to be, very r~,spectfully, your obedient servant, Q. A. GILLMORE, Major-General, Gommanding Page 72 72 s. o., ThA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. [Inclosure] HDQRS. NORTHERN DISTRICT, DEPT. 013 THE gOUTH, Folly Island, 5. 0., April 2ti, 1864. Brig. Gen. J. W. TURNER, Chief of Staff, Ildqrs. Department of the South. GENERAL: I have the honor to report the following information, obtained from deserters who have recently come on board the fleet, of the movements of the enemy and changes of their force upon my front. It is partly confirmed by the reports of reconnoitering parties sent out by me on James and Johns Islands. General Beauregard and staff, having returned from Florida, left Charleston for Virginia last,week. Troops are constantly passing through Charleston from Florida and Columbia to the north. On Johns Island and the mainland in its neighborhood, the force, in- stead of being as formerly (four regiments of infantryWises bri- gadeand one regiment of cavalry), now consists of two regiments of infantry, one near Church Flats and one at Adams Run; five compa- nies of cavalry and one light battery. Two regiments of Wises bri- gade are on their way north from Florida, and the remaining two are daily expecting orders to leave. The enemy have lately completed a new work on the mainland, to cover the ferry from Johns Island and east of Rantowles Station. It mounts six guns and is garrisoned by one company of heavy artillery. A bridge across the Stono River, from Johns Island to James, skirting the latter between Bat- teries Pringle and Tynes, is being built. It is a heavy bridge and the work progresses slowly. It is beyond the range of our guns. On James Island there are now but two regiments of infantry, the Twenty-fifth and Twenty-seventh South Carolina. The artillery force remaining unchanged (one regiment of five or six companies), but the cavalry (four companies Fifth South Carolina) and the Siege Train have gone to Virginia. Earth-works are being thrown up south of Fort Johnson on the beach. In the city of Charleston there is but one regiment of infantry and.five or six companies of artillery, besides which the cadets do duty. At Fort Ripley the garrison is, as formerly, one company of artillery. The palmetto logs having given way in some places, the foundation of the work is being strengthened by filling in stone, & c. At Fort Sumter the garrison remailis unchanged; the fort is being constantly repaired. On Sullivans Island heavy rifle-pits have been thrown up, con- necting some of the batteries. Besides the heavy artillery, there is still one light battery on the island; one light battery is also reported as being at Mount Pleasant. I am badly informed as to the infantry force in this neighborhood, but have understood that Evans brigade has lately left the vicin- ity for Virginia. I have considered it my duty of late to harass the enemy on my front as much as possible, in order to interfere with his movements. From information received from a deserter, I uiiderstand General Beauregard recently kept five regiments who were on their way north in Charleston for some days in apprehen- sion of an attack on James Island, and the artillery on the island were kept at their guns during the night. A reconnoitering party sent to Johns Island the latter part of last week met with inf cavalry, and artillery, but in small force. y The enemy fires very seldom from his batteries on James and Sullivans Islands, and at Fort Putnam only. On the night of th Page 73 73 t?HAP. XLVTI.1 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNI0N. 2lst22d he opened very briskly and fired 50 shots in quick succes- sionat Fort Putnam, killing 1 man of the Fifty-fourth Massachu- setts, who was on outpost duty. It seems that the enemy did not know what to make of the many steamers coming and going last week; was constantly in expecta tion of an attack and became nervous. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. SCHIMMELFENNIG, Brigadier-General, Commanding District~ SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH,, No. 187. Hilton Head, S. C., April 27, 1864. I. The following-named regiment of the Tenth Army Corps will proceed to Fortress Monroe, and the commanding officer will report to Maj. Gen. B. F. Butler, commanding Department of Virginia and North Carolina: Fifty-second Pennsylvania Volunteers. They will take their camp and garrison equipage and 100 rounds of ammuni- tion, 40 rounds with the men and 60 in boxes. The quartermasters department will furnish transportation. II. So much of paragraph 4 of Special Orders, No. 184, current series, from these headquarters, as directs the Twenty-fifth Ohio Volunteers to proceed to Jacksonville and report to Brig. Gen. Will- iam Birney, commanding District of Florida, is hereby counter- manded. The regiment will disembark at Hilton Head and report~ to the post commander. * * * * * * * By command of Maj. Gen. Q. A. Gilimore: ED. W. SMITH, Lieutenant-Colonel and Assistant Adjutant- GeneraU HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SouTir,. Hilton Head, S. C., April 27, 1864.. Brig. Gen. J. P. HATCH, U. S. Volunteers: GENERAL: In compliance with orders from the General-in-Chief, I shall in a few days turn over the command of this department to you. I take with me a portion of the command, by the same authority, leaving behind between 18,000 and 19,000 effective men of all arms, including 800 veterans due from furlough. I deem this force more than sufficient to hold all the positions we now occupy upon this coast, besides conducting to a considerable extent effective opera- tions in Florida. The force left behind occupies three distinct districts of country,~ each intended to be independent of the other for its defense. WithL our facilities for water transportation, troops can rapidly be moved: from one district to another in case of necessity. The districts re~ ferred to are as follows: First. The position in front of Charleston, comprising Morris and~ Folly Islands and the outposts or pickets supplied from them. Theses islands are both strongly fortified with works capable of resisting- an assault, and the force left there is more than sufficient for thei Page 74 74 ~. 0., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. rOHAP. XLVII. defenses Abreast of Morris Island lie the principal part of the blockading fleet. Inside of the Stono and behind Folly Island there has been always an ample naval force. The works for the defense of these islands and their outposts are mostly inclosed, are sur- rounded with formidable obstacles, and are perfectly safe against sudden assault if held with even moderate vigilance. fly instruc- tions have been to close the barrier, or gate, at the entrance every evening at sunset and not open it until sunrise in the morning. I announced those instructions to you as of great importance. If properly carried out, the position on the islands in front of Charles- ton, with the cordial co-operation which the navy has always afforded, would be securely held by 4,000 mcii. The force which I leave behind would justify the keeping of from 6,000 tQ 7,000 men on Morris and Folly Islands without hazarding the security of other points. Second. The district around Port Royal Harbor, including Port Royal Island and Fort Pulaski, our depots on Hilton Head Island, and machine-shops at Lands End, Saint Helena Island. Five thou- sand men would be ample for the defense of this district. Between 6,000 and 7,000 men will be available for it without risking other points. The town of Beaufort and our depot at Hilton Head are both well fortified. A permanent garrison of 200 experienced artil- lerists is enough for Fort Pulaski. The orders are to keep both draw bridges raised during the night time. Big Tybee Island is occupied by a picket sent from Fort Pulaski. Ample naval co- operation has been afforded in this district. Hilton Head and Port Royal Islands are surrounded by deep water, navigable by gun- boats. An armed transport has always been attached to the com- mand on Port Royal Island, and another to the command on Hilton Head Island for patrolling the waters. Third. The District of Florida, with which you are familiar, hav- ing been recently in command there for several weeks. Prior to the recent occupation of the west bank of the Saint Johns River our troops occupied but two points in that State, each with a small force, viz, Saint Augustine and Amelia Island. I recommend the permanent occupation of Saint Johns River as high as Jacksonville at least, and as much higher as possible. A small force can hold Jacksonville against anything but a regular siege. Five thousand men will be available for service in Florida, leaving in each of the other two districts the maximum force which I have mentioned above. I should deem 4,000 men ample in Florida. Of this I should keep 1,000 mounted and moving. Among the troops left behind are a battalion of the First New York Volunteer Engineers, eleven com- panies of the Third Rhode Island Heavy Artillery, twenty-six pieces of field artillery, of which fourteen are fully equipped and the others will be. There are plenty of guns in position in all the in- trenchments and fortifications in the department. My own opinions is that 15,000 experienced troops would be sufficient to hold our positions on this coast. I leave more than that by over 3,000 men, because four of the regiments are new. Two of the regiments in- cluded~ in the order to move (viz, One hundred and fourth and Fifty- second Pennsylvania Volunteers) are left behind until they can be relieved by other troops or you are willing to spare them. They are part of Davis brigade, th~ balance of which has gone. Colonel Davis himself I have placed in command of the District of Saint Helena Island, Hilton Head, and Fort Pulaski Page 75 i~75 CHAP. XINII.] CORRI~SPOINT~ENCE, ETC.tJMON. I apprehend no trouble in this (lepartment from the land forces of the enemy, beyond small raiding parties, but should the rebel rams in Charleston Harbor ever succeed in breaking the blockade, you may look for them to visit this place. The heavy guns in Fort Welles ~nd Fort Seward should be kept ready for them. The marine transportation of this department is, and always has been, very liberal. It includes at the present time thirty-eight steamers, of which three or four may possibly be detained in the Department of Virginia and North Carolina. I take with me the legal staff of the Tenth Army Corps, also 1 officer of the ordnance department, leav- ing 1 behind; 1 officer of the U. S. Engineers, leaving 2 behind; 4 assistant quartermasters of volunteers, leaving 8 behind; 5 commis- saries of subsistence, leaving 5 behind, and a minimum number of the medical staff. I inclose herewith a detailed statement* of the force left in the de- partment, and its disposition at the present time. It is reported, unofficially, that the naval force has been removed from the Stono and Folly Rivers. I hope this is not so. Several days since I applied to Commodore Rowan, requesting that a strong force might be kept there. I mentioned three gun-boats as suffi- cient. I also asked that a gun-boat might be placed in Light-House Iiilet, the one that was there formerly having been removed for repairs. Last summer it was rumored that the enemy were deepening Wappoo Cut to enable them to put an armed vessel in the Stono. The barrier of piles across the Stono, commenced last fall, it would be well to complete. The opening for the gun-boat Pawnee to pass through was left in it. When I took comniand of this department in June, 1863, the effect- ive force was as follows: Officers. Men. Present for duty 765 15,160 On extra and daily duty .. 61 2,303 Total 8. 17,403 At that time we held Seabrook Island and Ossabaw Island, which places have since been evacuated by us. From the force above enumerated, I gather together over 11,000 effective men of all arms for offensive operations before Charleston. Very respectfully, your obedieiit servant, Q. A. GILLMORE, Major- General, Commanding. SPECIAL ORDERS, No. 189. * * HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. 0., April 28, 1864. * * * - * * II. The Third Battalion Fourth Massachusetts Cavalry, having reported for duty in this department, is hereby ordered to proceed to Fortress Monroe, and the co~minanding officer will report to Maj. * Not found Page 76 76 S. C., FLA., AND ON TIlE GA. COASt [CHAP. ~(LVII. Gen. B. F. Butler, commanding Department of Virginia and North Carolina, for the purpose of joining the Tenth Army Corps. The quartermasters department will furnish the transportation. III. The following-named regiments will constitute a brigade, under command of Col. Thomas Bayley, Ninth U. S. Colored Troops: Ninth U. S. Colored Troops, First Michigan Colored Volunteers, Thirty-second U. S. Colored Troops. * By command of Maj. Gen. Q. A. Gillmore: ED. W. SMITH, Lieutenant-Colonel and Assistant Adjutant- General. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQUS. DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, No. 191. Hilton Head, S. C., April 29, 1864. I. The following regiments of the Tenth Army Corps will, as soon as they can be relieved, proceed to Fortress Monroe and report to Maj. Gen. B. F. Butler, commanding Department of Virginia and North Carolina, for the purpose of joining their corps. Paragraph I of Special Orders, No. 187, current series, from these headquarters, is amended accordingly: One hundred and fourth Pennsylvania Volunteers, Fifty-second Pennsylvania Volunteers. The quarter- masters department will furnish transportation. By command of Maj. Gen. Q. A. Giilmore: ED. W. SMITH, Lieutenant-Colonel and Assistant Adjutant-General. HDQRS. U. S. FORCES, HILTON HEAD, FORT PULASKI, SAINT HELENA, AND TYBEE ISLANDS, Hilton Head, S. C., April 30, 1864. Brig. Gen. JOHN P. HATCH, Comdg. Dept. of the South, Hilton Head, S. C.: GENERAL: In answer to your verbal request that I report to you an estimate of the number of men required in this district for its proper defense, I have the honor to submit the following: Post of Fort Pulaski and Tybee: Fort Pulaski, 250; Tybee Island, 50; total, 300. The defensive work on Tybee is a martello tower, armed with a 30-pounder Parrott and inclosed in an earthen parapet. This is more a picket of observation than for any other purpose, as the island can only be approached across wide marshes. Hilton Head Island: Four regiments, with an aggregate strength of not less than 3,000 men, one-half of which at least should be~ white troops. Of these one regiment, say 800 to 1,000 men, will be~ required for the picket-line from Draytons plantation to Braddocks Point, two-thirds of whom should be whites. One regiment should be within the intrenchments and two close at hand outside ready for any purpose whatever. The most important point on the picket- line is Seabrook, which by reason of its being the coal depot invites attack. Any serious defense required must be made at the line of *Amended May 17 50 as to authorize the commander of the District of Hilton Head to make such organization of his command as he may think proper Page 77 CHAP. XLVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 77 intrenchments, hence the necessity of the main force being stationed near them. I do not believe the enemy will attempt anything beyond raids, but there should be preparations for a more serious attack. The picket-boats will enable the island to be held with a less force than would be otherwise required. Saint Helena Island: Four companies, with an aggregate of 300 men, will be sufficient for this islaiid, and I think it will be safe to place black troops there, for there is not much probability of the enemy landing while we have a gun-boat in Saint Helena Sound. As this island covers Bay Point the force now there, 25 men, I think suffi~ient for that point. For the district: Post of Pulaski and Tybee, 300; Hilton Head Island, 3,000; Saint Helena and Bay Point, 325; total force, 3,625. I deem the above the maximum force that will be required for the defense of the district under any contingency likely to arise. I remain, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. W. H. DAVIS, Colonel 104th Pennsylvania Vols., Comdg. Post. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, No. 195. Hilton Head, S. C., April 30, 1864. * * * * * * * VII. The First New York Volunteer Engineers, excepting Com- panies A, C, I, and G, are hereby ordered to proceed to Fortress Monroe and report to Maj. Gen. B. F. Butler, commanding Depart- ment of Virginia and North Carolina, for the purpose of joining the Tenth Army Corps. The companies above mentioned will remain in this department uiider command of Major Place. All orders or p arts of orders Conflicting herewith are hereby countermanded. The quartermasters department will furnish transportation. By command of Maj. Gen. Q. A. Gillmore: ED. W. SMITH, Lieutenant-Colonel and Assistant Adjutant-General. Abstract from return of the Department of the South, Maj. Gen. Quincy A. Gill- more, U. S. Army, commanding, for April, 1864. Present for ~ ~ Pieces of duty. ~ artillery. H Command. bt b~ H H H ~C ~e H H ~ ~ General headquarters 53 106 160 186 Port Royal Island (Saxton) 98 2,380 8,171 3,844 25 ... 6 Northern District (Schimmelfennig) 196 5,071 5,918 6,968 78 10 District of Florida (Birney) 159 4,085 4,959 6,547 46 17 Hilton Head District (Davis) 151 3,588 5,015 6,358 Total 657 15,230 19,223 23,903 149 3 Page 78 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP, XLVII. Troops in the Department of the South, lilaJ. Gen. Quincy A. Gill- more commanding, April 30, 1564. NORTHERN DISTRICT. Brig. Gen. ALEXANDER SCHIMMELFENNLG. Folly island. Little Folly Island. Col. LEOPOLD VON GILSA. Col. WILLIAM HEINE. 41st New York, Col. Leopold von Gilsa. 55th Massachusetts (colored), Col. Alfred 54th New York, Col. Eugene A. Kozlay. S. Hartwell. 74th Pennsylvania,* Adolph von Har- 103d New York, Capt. Frederick Turnt. tung. Infantry detachments.t Morris Island. Col. WILLIAM GURNEY. 54th Massachusetts (colored), Col. Edward N. Hallowell. 127th New York, Lieut. Col. Stewart L. Woodford. 21st U. S. Colored Troops, Licut. Col. Augustus G. Bennett. 34th U. S. Colored Troops, Col. James Montgomery. Artillery. 3d New York Light, Battery B, Capt. James E. Ashcroft. 3d Rhode Island Heavy (Second Battalion), Maj. George Metcalf. PORT ROYAL ISLAND. Brig. Gen. RUFUS SAXTON. 29th Connecticut (colored), Col. William B. Wooster. 56th New York, Capt. Eliphas Smith. 26th U. S. Colored Troops, Col. William Silliman. 33d U. S. Colored Troops, Col. Thomas W. Higginson. 3d New York Light Artillery, Battery F, Capt. Samuel C. Day. DISTRICT OF FLORIDA. Brig. Gen. WILLIAM BIRNEY. First Brigade, Col. JAMES SHAW, Jr. 144th New York, Licut. Col. James Lewis. 75th Ohio (detachment), Maj. George B. Fox. 107th Ohio, Maj. Augustus Vignos. 7th U. S. Colored Troops, Lieut Col. Llewellyn F. Haskell. Jacksonville. 75th Ohio Mounted, Col. Andrew L. Harris. 35th U. S. Colored Troops, Col. James C. Beecher. Signal Detachment, Lieut. Theodore C. Vidal. Fernandina. Col, PHILIP P. BROWN, Jr. 157th New York (six companies), Col. Philip P. Brown, jr. 21st U. S. Colored Troops (recruits), Capt. Mahlon E. Davis. Artillery Brigade. Lieut. Col. ULYSSES DOUBLEDAY. 3d U. S. Colored Troops, Maj. Frederick W. Bardwell. 3d Rhode Island Heavy Artillery, Bat- tery A, Capt. William H. Hamner. Yellow Bluff. 8th U. S. Colored Troops, Capt. Ro- manzo C. Bailey. Saint Augustine. 17th Connecticut, Col. William H. Noble. Picolata. 157th New York (four companies), Lieut. Col. James C. Carmichael. *At Cobs Island. Commander not of record Page 79 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UiNION. HILTON HEAD DISTRICT. Col. WILLIAM W. H. DAVIS. Hilton Head. Col. CHARLES R. BRAYTON. 52d Pennsylvania, Col. Henry M. Hoyt. 104th Pennsylvania, Lieut. Col. Thornp- son D. Hart. 3d Rhode Island Heavy Artillery, Company B, Lieut. George W. Greene. 1st New York Engineers, Company C, Capt. Vincent W. M. Brown. Bayleys Brigade. Col. THOMAS BAYLEY. 1st Michigan (colored), Col. Henry L. Chipman. 9th U. S. Colored Troops, Lieut. Col. Samuel C. Armstrong. 32d U. S. Colored Troops, Col. George W. Baird. Seabrook Island. 25th Ohio, Maj. Nathaniel Haughton. Fort Pulaski and Tybee Island. Maj. JAMES E. BAILEY. 3d Rhode Island Heavy Artillery, Companies D, G, H, and L, Maj. James E. Bailey. 9th U. S. Colored Troops, Company C, Capt. Edwin Post. Saint Helena Island. Capt. DAVID C. BENJAMIN. 1st Michigan (colored), Company G, Capt. David C. Benjamin. 9th U. S. Colored Troops, Company B, Capt. William Cook. Invalid Detachment, Lient. Wilbur F. Still. Cavalry. 4th Massachusetts, Second Battalion, Maj. David B. Keith. GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, No. 55. Hilton Head, S. Ce., iVfay 1, 1864. The following-named staff officers are hereby relieved from duty in the Department of the South, and will report for duty to the ma- jor-general commanding the Tenth Army Corps: Brig. Gen. J. W. Turner, U. S. Volunteers, chief of staff. Lieut. Col. E. W. Smith, assistant adjutant-general. Capt. I. R. Sealy, Forty-seventh New York Volunteers, acting assistant adjutant-general. Lieut. Col. M. R. Morgan, chief commissary of subsistence. Lieut. Col. R. II. Jackson, assistant inspector-general. Lieut. Col. C. E. Fuller, chief qnartermaster. Surg. J. J. Craven, U. S. Volunteers. Maj. J. C. Henshaw, judge-advocate. Capt. A. Mordecai, chief of ordnance. First Lient. P. 5. Michie, Corps of Engineers, U. S. Army. By command of Maj. Gen. Q. A. Gillmore: ED. W. SMITH, Assistant Adjutant- General. GENERAL ORDERS, ~ HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, No. 56. Hilton Head, S. C., May 1, 1864. In obedience to orders from the lieutenant-general commanding the armies of the United States, the undersigned hereby relinquishes command of the Department of Lhe South to Brig. Gen. J. P. Hatch, U. ~. Volunteers. Q. A. GILLMORE, Major-General, Comrnandin~. Ciw~. XLVII.] 7 Page 80 80 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, No. 57. Hilton Head, S. C., Kay 1, 1864. 1. Pursuant to orders from the lieutenant-general commanding the armies of the United States, the undersigned hereby assumes command of the Department of the South. 2. All orders and regulations established by Maj. Gen. Q. A. Gill- more, and now in operation, will remain in force till otherwise ordered. 3. Capt. W. L. M. Burger is announced as the assistant adjutant- general of the department. All communications of an official nature for these headquarters will be addressed to him. JNO. P. HATCH, Brigadier- General, Commanding. WASHINGTON, D. C., May 1, 1864. Major-General GILLMORE, Comdg. Dept. of the South, South Carolina: GENERAL: Obeying instructions from the War Department, dated February 14, 1864, I have the honor to inform you that a number of copies of the Presidents amnesty proclamation, dated December 8, 1863, together with copies of General Orders, No. 66, from War Department; dated February 18, 1864, in pamphlet form, attached, have been ordered to be forwarded to you for circulation among the rebel armies and inhabitants in your front. The Secretary of War directs that, upon receiving the proclamation and orders, you will use such means as you have, such as sending scout and cavalry ex- peditions for this work, aud that this distributiomi be made in such numbers that they cannot be suppressed. One hundred thousand copies have been ordered to be forwarded, which will be sent to my address in your care. You will please open official communications sent to me, sign the receipt, and forward them tothe Adjutant-General of the Army. I have also the honor to inform you that reports of operations and successes in this distribu- tion will be called for by the Adjutant-General of the Army from time to time. I have the honor to be, general, most respectfully, your obedient servant, R. A. ALGER, Colonel Fifth Michigan Cavalry, Special Commissioner. [Indorsement.] - File and send word to post-office that all letters addressed to Col. R. A. Alger will be sent to these headquarters. JNO. P. HATCH. HDQRS. DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Jacksonville, Fla., Kay 1, 1864. Maj. Gen. PATTON ANDERSON, Comdg. C. S. Forces, East Florida: GENERAL: I regret to be obliged to call your attention to a vio2la- lion of the flag of truce sent to my li\nes yesterday afternoon. Dur- ing the time my officer was in conference with. yours, niy picket was charged upon and one man capturCcl (Allen Y~nl4rl~, Company H, ~eventy-flfth Ohio Yolunteers) Page 81 Ca& ~. XLVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 81 I am confident, general, that this treachery was cqmmitted entirely without your knowledge, and that you will at once order the release of this man with his arms, accouterments, and horse, and will duly punish those who have thus compromised your honor and good faith. Until this is done, I can of course send no other answer to your communication. I am just informed that during the flag of truce sent in by you on the 21st ultimo, a similar attack was made upon my pickets, but without result, which by some oversight was not reported to me until this moment. It is evident, therefore, that some of the officers of your outposts regard the sending of a flag of truce as a mere trick to throw our vedettes off their guard so as to attack theni at an advantage. Unless the laws of honorable warfare are better ob- served in future all communications by flag of truce will become impossible. I have the honor to remain, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant. WM. BIRNEY, Brigadier- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS MILITARY DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, Camp Milton, May 1, 1864. Brig. Gen. WILLIAM BIRNEY, (Jomdg. U. S. Forces, Jacksonville, Fla.: GENERAL: I have just learned that while the flag of truce was pending yesterday, the officer commanding my advance on the Kings Ferry road, not being aware of the flag, made a dash upon and cap- tured one of your vedettes. I have the honor to return the man to your lines and beg that you will accept the assurance of my regret for this untoward occurrence. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, PATTON ANDERSON, Major- General, Commanding. HDQRS. CAVALRY BRIGADE, ARMY OF EAST FLORIDA, May 1, 186411.30 a. m. Brig. Gen. WILLIAM BIRNEY, 6~ommanding U. S. Forces, Jacksonville, Fla.: GENERAL: I have the honor very respectfully to forward to you, under flag of truce, one of your vedettes, Private Allen Vankirk, of Company H, Seventy-fifth Ohio Mounted Infantry, who was cap- tured on your right yesterday afternoon pending a flag of truce on your left. The officer who made the attack on your lines, though ignorant that a flag of truce had been sent to your lines, is nevertheless cul- pable for making any movement without the proper authority. The case is now undergoing rigid investigation, and proper steps will be taken to prevent any repetition of such irregular conduct. Deeply regretting the occurrence, I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, R. H. ANDERSON, Colonel, Commanding. 6 R RIJOL XXXV, PT I Page 82 82 S. C., FLA., AND ON TILE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. HEADQUARTERS. C. S. FORCES IN FLORIDA, Hay 1, 1864. Brig. Gen. WILLIAM BIRNEY, Commanding U. S. Forces, Jacksonville, Fla.: GENERAL: I regret that you should have had occasion to com- plain of an act committed by an officer of my command in violation of the Sanctity of a flag of truce. You are entirely correct in say- ing that while your officer was in conference with mine, under flag of truce, one of your pickets was captured by mine. Of this, l~ow- ever, I assure you I was not aware till after I had dispatched the flag this morning, as per verbal agreement between Major Fox, of your service, and Captain Buckman, of my staff, entered into on yes- terday. As soon as I learned that one of your pickets had been captured, pending a flag of truce, I immediately dispatched a secoiid flag to you, borne by Captain Walthour, Fifth Georgia Cavalry, and accompanied by the usual escort and the captured picket. As this flag passes Col. R. H. Anderson, commanding cavalry brigade, iii my front, as lie felt somewhat implicated in the violation which had occurred, and being more familiar with the facts in detail than myself, he very properly added a postscript to my communication he further explanation of the untoward but mortifying circumstance, an(l forwarded the explanation at once under flag to your lines before the return of Captain Buckinan, bearing your reply of this date. Captain Wakhour and Private Allen Vankirk, Seventy- fifth Ohio Regiment, together with the escort, were fired upon by your pickets, and he was not permitted to deliver the note of expla- nation and the prisoner, Allen Vankirk. I make no doubt but this firing by your pickets upon my flag of truce, sent in good faith for the purpose of making prompt explanation, was done under entire niisapprelieusion of the true state of the facts in the case, and I hope to receive your assurances that I am correct in this opinion. I forward you herewith my former communication* returning Pri- vate Allen Vankirk, improperly captured while flag of truce was pending, with Colonel Andersons note of explanation appended, and also Private Allen Vankirk himself, again regretting that any occasion should have been given you of complaint in the premises. Be assured, sir, that the laws of honorable warfare shall ever be strictly observed by myself, and the same observance will be exacted of those under my command. In this instance, as you have been assured, a rigid investigation will be had, and the guilty shall re- ceive what I may deem just punishment. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, PATTON ANDERSON, Major- General, Commanding. HDQRS. NORTHERN DISTRICT, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Folly Island, S. C., Hay 2, 1864. Col. L. voN GILSA, Commanding, Folly Island: COLONEL: The general commanding directs that you at once put the oyster-shell fort on Coles Island in a state of defense, with a *8cc p. 81 Page 83 CHAP. XLVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 83 view to arming it with two heavy rifled pieces and two mortars or field howitzers. The fronts toward Legareville, the Stono, and the two forts on the outposts are the ones that will be armed. I have the honor to be, your obedient servant, W. B. DEAN, Lieutenant and Aide-de-Camp. HDQRS. DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Jacksonville, Fla., May 2, l8~64. Maj. (len. PATTON ANDERSON, Commanding C. S. Forces, East Florida: GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt by flag of truce of your two communications, dated May 1, and that of Col. R. H. Anderson, of same date, and also the return of Private Allen Van- kirk, Seventy-fifth Ohio Volunteers, with his horse and a portion of his arms. I a~n happy to acknowledge that my anticipations of your prompt reparation of the irregularity of his capture have been fully confirmed, and I have no doubt that the remainder of hi~ arms, consisting of one Colt belt revolver, holster, and belt, and one ditto, pocket size, of which lie was stripped when captured, will also be restored at the first opportunity. You are entirely correct in the supposition that the firing by my pickets upon the flag of truce sent by you in the interval between the dispatch of my protest and the receipt of your explanation was intended simply as a notification that no intercourse could be per- mitted until the difficulty had been cleared up. I have now the satisfaction to state, in reply to your communica- tion of April 3Q that Mrs. Jacob Mickler, with her daughter, will be received within our lines and afforded every facility to reach her home in Saint Augustiiie. I have the honor to remaiii, general, very respectfully, your obe- dient servant, WM. BIRNEY, Brigadier-General, Commanding. GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, No. ~38. Hilton [-lead, S. C., May 3, 1864. The following-named officers are hereby announced on the staff of the brigadier-generalcommandig, and will be obeyed and respected accordingly: Capt. W. L. M. Burger, assistant adjutant-general. Lient. Col. B. T. Morgan, Fifty-fourth New York Volunteers, act- ing assistant inspector-general. Capt. J. H. Moore, chief quartermaster. Capt. T. A. P. Champlin, chief commissary of subsistence. Maj. J. W. Abert, chief engineer. First Lient. C. R. Suter, assistant engineer. First Lieut. J. R. McGinness, chief of ordnance. Lieut. Col. Peter Pineo, medical inspector. Surg. Ebenezer Swift, medical director. Surg. Charles L. Allen, medical purveyor. Maj. E. D. Judd, chief paymaster Page 84 84 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. Col. C. R. Brayton, Third Rhode Island Artillery, chief of artil- lery. Col. P. P. Brown, jr., One hundred and fifty-seventh New York Volunteers, provost-marshal-general. Second Lieut. Alexander F. Newman, First New York Volunteer Engineers, assistant provost-marshal-general. Capt. H. R. Clum, chief signal corps. Col. M. S. Littlefield, Twenty-first U. S. Colored Troops, general superintendent of the recruiting service for colored troops. Ensign W. C. Hanford, U. S. Navy, aide-de-camp and supeiin- tenddnt of armed transports. Capt. L. F. Sheldon, assistant quartermaster and superintendent of telegraphs. First Lieut. E. B. Van Winkle, aide-de-camp. By order of Brig. Gen. John P. Hatch: W. L. M. BURGER, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, Alexandria, Hay 4, 1864. Brigadier-General ASBOTH, Commanding District of Pensacola: GENERAL: Your communication of the 16th instant [ultimo] was received to-day. The commanding general regrets that he is unable to aid you with the re-enforcements you desire. Active operations have required the concentration of all the troops of the departmeiit with this army. The commanding gen- eral hopes that the necessities of the enemy east of the Mississippi will relieve your apprehensions before long. He has, however, ordered a large regiment of colored troops to you, which can soon be made efficient in working the guns. The general commanding directs that you hold your position at Barrancas to the last extremity, and if compelled by vastly superior forces you withdraw to Santa Rosa Island and Fort Pickens, which latter fort you are ordered to hold at all events. The general com- manding does not wish you to construe these directions into a per- mission to evacuate Barrancas and retire to Santa Rosa Island and Fort Pickens to avoid anything less than the last extremity. But he depends upon your wisdom and ability at once to ~lnake a devoted defense of your present headquarters, and to save Fort Pickens beyond a doubt. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. DWIGHT, Brigadier-General and Chief of Staff. Maj. Gen. J. G. FOSTER, WASHINGTON, May 5, 1864. GENERAL : Washington: You will re6eive herewith a special order of the War Department placing you in command of the Department of the South. You will be shown in the Adjutant-Gener~idsO1fico a list o Page 85 CHAP. XLVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 85 the troops left in that department, under the orders of Lieutenant- General Grant to General Gillmore to move to Fort Monroe with all the troops of his command not required to defend, with the as- sistance of the fleet, the most important points of the department. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. W. HALLECK. [Inclosure.] SPECIAL ORDERS, WAR DEPT., ADJT. GENERALS OFFICE, No. 168. * * Washington, May 5, 1864. * * * * * 17. M~j. Gen. J. G. Foster, U. S. Volunteers, will immediately repair to the Department of the South and assume the command. * * * * * * * By order of the Secretary of War: E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant-General. FLAG-SHIP PHILADELPHIA, Port Royal Harbor, S. C., May 5, 1864. Brig. Gen. J. P. HATCH, Commanding Department of the South: GENERAL: I transmit for your perusal a letter* which was handed me after seeing you yesterday. Is it your impression from this and your own information that the rebels will be likely to increase the force of Sumter so as to render it a serious inconvenience to the works ashore or to the vessels? I would suggest, if consistent with your own views, that General Schimmelfennig be requested to com.e here and give his views personally. Will you do rue the favor to return the letter after perusal? I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. A. DAHLGREN, Rear-Admiral, Comdg. South Atlantic Blockading Squadron. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., May 5, 1864. Rear-Admiral J. A. DAHLGREN, Oomdg. South Atlantic Blockading Squadron: ADMIRAL: In answer to your letter of this morning, I must say that I believe that the intention of the enemy is, if possible, to draw us from the north end of Morris Island. It is probable that should they succeed so far as to silence our water batteries, they may cross to make a successful raid upon the squadron. General Schimmel- fennig will be directed to come here for conference, as you sugge~t. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. P. HATCH, Brigadier- General, 61ommanding. * Not found Page 86 V 86 s. c., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, No. 200. Hilton. Head, S. C., May 5, 1864. * * * * * * * IV. Brig. Gen. George H. Gordon, U. S. Volunteers, is hereby assigned to duty in command of the District of Florida and will relieve Brigadier-General Birney, U. S. Volunteers. Brigadier-Gen- eral Birney will turn over the command to Brigadier-General Gor- don and will report in person to these headquarters. * * H H * * * By order of Brig. Gen. J. P. Hatch: W. L. M. BURGER, Captain and Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., May 5, 1864. Col. W. W. H. DAVIS, Commanding District, Hilton Head, S. C.: The brigadier:general commanding directs that you have Fort Miller garrisoned by a sufficient number of troops to man all the guns in the fort, the garrison to be taken from the colored troops in your command. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. L. M. BURGER, Assistant Adjutant- General. SPECIAL ORDERS, WAR DEPT., ADJT. GENERALS OFFICE, No. 169. Washington, May 6, 1864. * * * * * * * 11. Brig. Gen. Edward E. Potter, U. S. Volunteers, will report in person, without delay, to Major-General Foster, U. S. Volunteers, Commanding Department of the South, for assignment to duty. * * * * * * * By order of the Secretary of War: E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS TENTH ARMY CoRPs, In the Field, May 7, 1864. Col. J. W. SHAFFER, Chief of Staff, Dept. of Virginia and North ~Jarolina: COLONEL: I have the honor to state, from information ieceived from the front this p. in., that General Hagood, with four regiment~ and one battery, left James Island, S. C., on the 5th instant. I re- spectfully request that this information be furnished Brig. Gen. J. P. Hatch, commanding Department of the South. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, Q. A. GILLMORE, Major- General, C~ommanding.. [Indorsement.] Respectfully forwarded to General Hatch. J. W. SHAFFER Colonel and Chief of Staff Page 87 iHAP XINIt I COR1~ESPONDENCE, ETC .UNION. 87 HDQRS. NORTHERN DISTRICT, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Folly Island, S. C., May 8, 1864. Capt. W. L. M. BURGER, Assistant Adjutant- General, Dept. of the South: CAPTAIN: I have the honor to call your attention to the fact that I made application to Major-General Gilimore some weeks since to have an additional sup p ly of Hales war rockets drawn froju the North, a copy of which letter I herewith annex.* I would respect- fully inquire whether a requisition for them was forwarded by Gen- eral Gillmore, and if not, beg that General Hatch would order such requisition to be made as soon as practicable. I consider it of the highest importance, indispensable in my present position here, that I should be supplied with ~this projectile. In no other way can I drive the enemys picket-boats off the creek and during the night out of the harbor. I need them further to drive the enemy out of various positions which I cannot approach with artillery. I am con- vinced that the surest and speediest way of obtaining the rockets, so as to have them here at the time they are needed, will be to send an officer for them. I would respectfully request that orders be issued for Capt. F. K. Smith, One hundred and twenty-seventh New York Volunteers, one of my aides-de-camp, who is thoroughly ac~ quaiuted with the different varieties of the projectile, ~o proceed North without delay for the purpose of obtaining them. I have the honor to be~ very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. SCHIMM]~LFENNIG, Brigadier- General., Comrn~tnd~ng. HEADQUARTERS U. S. FORCF~$, Morris Islan~d, S.C., May 9, 1864. Brigadier-General SCrnMMELFENNI~, Comdg. Northern District, Department of the South: GENERAL: I have the honor to report that 12 refugees (colored), ~ men and 4 women, landed at Fort Putnam on the mght of the 6th instant from Wando River, about 7 miles from Charleston. They report at the present moment there are no troops in the environs of the city, and that the batteries in rear are but few in number and hardly any guns mounted in them. They further state that most of the torpedoes have been removed from the harbor and that appar- ently there is no fear on the part of the enemy of our making an at- tack by that route. Much damage in the city is also reported to have taken place from our shells and many buildings destroyed. Within two weeks also two blockade-runners have entered and left by Beach Inlet, by way of the creek on the other side of Sullivans Island. ~ne of the refugees was a servant of Captain Lesesne, on duty at Castlq Piuckney. Haviiig received a pass lie seized the opportunity to escape and left Charleston last Thursday. He reports that there are three rams completed with torpedoes on the bow. Two of them :are armed with six 32-pounders, rifled, each, named the Chicora and Palmetto State. The other the Charleston, four gnus only, same description. At Castle Pinckney he states that there is a 10-inch co- aumbiad and one 9-inch columbiad and a 42-pounder rifle. It is also stated that a number of troops ~itli General Beauregard have gone to Richmond. *See p. 60 Page 88 88 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. These refugees are from the plantation of Daniel Lesesne, Christ Church Parish, near Waudo River, uncle of Captain Lesesne, of the First South Carolina Heavy Artillery; they escaped in a small boat, passing the city, Forts Ripley, Johnson, and Sumter, leaving about 10 p. m. on the 6th instant. They being field hands their report is rather vague and much credence cannot be attached to the minutia of it, though on the whole it tallies with the information previously in our possessior~ I have the honor also to append the report* of the chief medical officer in regard to their physical fitness for military duty. I have the honor to be, general, your obedient servart, WM. GURNEY, Colonel 127th New York Volunteers, Commanding Post. HDQRS. DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Col. J. C. BEECHER, Jacksonville, May 9, 1864. Commanding Thirty-fifth U. S. Colored Troops: COLONEL: I have the honor, by the direction of Brigadier-General Gordon, commanding district, to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 8th May, addressed to Lieut. R. M. Hall, acting assistant adjutant-general. Rations will be sent up by your quartermaster, who will also take with him enough baggage to make yourself and officers comfortable. The men must hut, as the general has not determined whether to withdraw your forces or not. You will take command of all the troops at Picolata, allowing Lieut. Col. J. C. Carmichael to follow out the plan of picketing the river which he has hitherto adopted. The general desires the greatest vigilance to be exercised in watch- in~ for torpedoes. The Harriet A. Weed was to-day blown up by one in the river below Jacksonville. Five men were killed, and the vessel was a total loss. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN C. GRAY, JR., Second Lieutenant and Aide-de-Camp. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT 1F WEST FLORIDA, Brig. Gen. WILLIAM DwIGH~ Barrancas, May 9, 1864. Chief of Staff, Departm~nt of the Gulf: GENERAL: I have the hpnor to acknowledge the receipt of your favor of April 26 and beg to report everything safe and quiet. The Eighty-second Regiment U. S. Infantry (colored), Zulavsky commanding, has arrived, but the Twenty-fifth U. S. Infantry (colt ored) has hot yet complied with department Field Orders, No. 26, and is not heard of. In my report to General Stone, of April 22, No. 227, I stated that the larger portion of the troops concentrated at Pollard started sud- dently on railroad for Dalton or Richmond (about 7,000 in numbei), leaving at Pollard 3,000; at McDades Pond between the Yellow and Pea Rivers, 2~000; near Milton, 1,000; at Canoe Railroad Station, 16 miles below Pollard, 700; near Pensacola, 1,~00; near the mouth of * Omitted Page 89 CHAP. XLVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 89 the Perdido, 200; in all, about 8,000. Now I have information from three different sources that the majority of those troops have also been ordered up or down the railroad, leaving only the First Ala- bama Infantry at Pollard, and Colonel Maurys Fifteenth Confeder- ate Cavalry, with six additional companies of cavalry, this side of Pollard and between the Perdido and Yellow Water Rivers. The report of John J. Moore, who came last night from Mobile7 via Pollard, is, if true, of great importance, and I beg to inclose a copy of his statement, * asserting that a combined attack on New Or- leans by river and by land is decided upon. Mr. Moore leaves this evening by steamer for New Orleans to report to Major-General Reynolds, with Mobile papers containing the news from Port Hud- son and the Rapidan. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ASBOTH, Brigadier- General. P. S.I beg to add that I have handed a copy of Mr. Moores in- closed stateni~nt to Admiral D. G. Farragut, for his inforniation, sending also Mr. Moore himself to the admirals flag-ship. ASBOTH. GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, No. 63. Hilton Head, S. C., May 11, 1864. The following quarantine~regulations for the port of Port Royal, S. C., will be put in operation from and after the 15th day of May, 1864: 1. The quarantine ground shall be located in Tybee Roads or Roadstead, at the old Savannah quarantine, the exact place of anchorage being designated by a white buoy and flag. 2. It shall be the duty of the master and pilot of every vessel coming into this port from this date until further orders, except the pilot-boat returning from her ordinary cruising ground, to hoist a signal for a health officer in the fore-rigging, 15 feet from her deck, and come to immediately below and opposite the guard ship stationed half a mile below the inner buoy, and there wait his com- ing on board. 3. The health officer shall visit the vessel without unnecessary delay, ascertain her sanitary condition apd the port whence she sailed. And it shall be his duty to order to the quarantine ground, there to remain as long as he may deem proper, all vessels having on board cases of yellow fever, cholera, or other infectious or conta- gious diseases; also all vessels coming from Key West, Havana, or any other port where yellow fever may exist. 4. No communication will be allowed with the vessel until she has been examined by the health officer, and no person will be per- mitted to leave her. 5. The fee of the health officer for visiting, examining, and certi- fying vessels arriving at this port shall be collected from all vessels except those in the Government employ or foreign war vessels, at the following rates: For each vessel from a foreign port, $6. 50, and for all others, $2. The money thins collected will be turned over to the medical director for the use of the general hospitals in this depart- ment. *Not found Page 90 90 ~ C., FLA., A~ O~ THE GA. COASt. tdfiAP. XtNtt. 6. These regulations will be strictly enforced by the health officer. Should there be any deviation therefrom, or should any of the orders 4iven by the health officer to such vessels not be strictly carried out, he will report the fact to the medical director of the department, for the immediate arrest and imprisonment of the offender. By order of Brig. Gen. John P. Hatch: W. L. M. BURGER, Captain and Assi8tant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., May 12, 1864. Maj. Gen. E. A. HITCHCOCK, U. S. Army: DEAR GENERAL: The barbarous treatment by the rebels of our colored-troops demands immediate action on the part of our Govern. ment. The following suggestions are submitted to you, and if in your opinion good and practicable, might be laid before the proper authorities: First. All prisoners of war captured by colored troops to be set aside as a reserved class. Second. To this class add a portion of all prisoners taken in gen- eral engagements, in proportion to the number of colored troops serving with the army engaged. Third. When selections are made in accordance with paragraph 2, let the larger portion be of officers or of men from influential fam- ilies. Fourth. All prisoners of the reserved class to be held for exchange for colored troops only, or for retaliation when such a course is un- happily found iiecessary. Fifth. The names of all l)risoners of the reserved class to be pub- lished in the Northern newspapers, and also issued in such a form as would enable our pickets, advance posts, or raiding parties to dis- tribute them. I (10 not know but some better plan has been already adopted. The method of retaliation by death would, I fear, cause foreign nations to interfere with the war. Should you like the plan proposed by me, I would like a line from you on the subject. Very truly, yours, JNO. P. HATCH Brigadier- General, Comrnandin1~v. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C1., May 12, 1864. Admiral J. A. DAHLGREN, Comdg. South Atlantic Blockading Squadron: ADMIRAL: I have received ami order 4hirecting Maj. Gen. J. G. Fo~- ter to take command of the.Department of the South. The general will be here by the first steamer. He will be in command at the time we had fixed upon for the expedition, and as I do not think i Page 91 CHA1~. XLVII 1 COR1~ESPOINDENCE, ETC.IJNION. 91. proper to saddle upon hin~ an expedition to which? he might be op- posed, the further consideration of it had better be postponed until his arrival. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. P. HATCH, Brigadier-General, Commanding. HDQRS. NORTHERN DISTRICT, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Folly Island, S. C., May 12, 1864. Col. L. vo~ GILSA, Commanding, Folly Island: COLONEL: I am instructed by the general commanding to inform you that a boat party from Light-House Inlet will proceed to-night to make an attack upon the block-house situated between Long and Black Islands. In view of this, the general directs, first, that you place a detachment of at least~ 20 men on Pine Island, who may from there be able to render assistance to our party in case of any accident happening to any one of the boats; sedond, that you keep a green lantern (and if that cannot be obtained, a white one) bnrning all night, suspended on the lookout on the right of Long Island. The general fnrther directs that to-morrow morn ing you have your pickets posted on Pine Island, as they were be- fore. If the enemy opens fire on them you will have such instruc- tions given that your batteries on Coles Island and Long Island will open on the enemy at the time of their relieving their out- posts ; the artillery with canister, and the rockets in one volley of twelve at a time, The troughs out of which the rockets are fired must be placed in position by daylight the day before. If you have not men properly instructed in the use of rockets on your lines please inform the general; he will order some men from th Rocket Battery. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, E. W. SCHAUFFLER, Lieutenant and Aide-de-Camp. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., May 13, 1864. Brig. Gen. L. THOMAS, Ac~jutant-General U. S. Army: GENERAL: Colonel Rand has just arrived in this department, expecting to find his regiment here, two battalions of which he had seen embarked at Boston for this department. He finds that General Gilimore has taken north with him two battalions, and 200 horses from the Third Battalion, leaving 173 men of the regi- ment mounted in this department. I most urgently urge that the remainder of the regiment may be ordered to return to this depart- ment. For service in Florida one ffiounted regiment is equal to four infantry regiments. The only cavalry we have is a small regiment of mounted infantry lately mounted, armed with muskets Page 92 92 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. Colonel Rands orders direct him to report to you for orders, and I sincerely hope that the interests of the service will be found con- sistent with the desire I have expressed about the regiment. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. P. HATCH Brigadier- General, Oomman~ling. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, ~3. C., May 13, 1864. Col. E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant-General: COLONEL: I have the honor to state that the effective force, nomi- nally 17,000 men, left by General Gilimore, is inadequate to the de- fense of the department. Nearly 4,000 of these men are raw colored troops. General Gillmore was instructed by General Halleck to send from the department what troops could be spared, and it was added that from a report made by him (General Gillmore) it was supposed the force would be from 7,000 to 11,000 men. The report referred to had been made by General Gillmore before he knew that he would himself leave the department. When the instructions came to send the troops north, the general learned that he was to accompan~* them, and then found that nearly or quite 20,000 could be spared, and that number was accordingly sent north. Some cavalry, 4,000 disciplined infantry, and two light artillery companies should be sent here without delay. It would be useless to send mere raw colored troops as they do not add to our efficiency; on the contrary, are an element of weakness. I would also request a reconsid6ration of the decision not to call out troops for special service in Florida. I believe a regiment could be raised there that for certain services would be more useful than any troops we have. They might be called militia and be called out for three months. I repeat what I reported to General Gillmore when I was there in command, that the people of Florida wish to be loyal, and would be if they were assisted. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. P. HATCH, Brigadier- General, Gommanding. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, No. 208. Hilton Head, S. C., May 13, 1864. * * * * * * * IV. Brig. Gen. William Birney, U. S. Volunteers, is hereby tem- porarily assigned to the command of Hilton Head District. * * * * * * * By command of Brig. Gen. John P. Hatch: W. L. M. BURGER, Captain wind Assistant Adjutant- General Page 93 CHAP. XLVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 93 HDQRS. NORTHERN DISTRICT, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Folly Island, S. C.. May 17, 1864. Col. L. VON GILsA, E,Yommanding Post, Folly Island: COLONEL: The general Commaliding directs that you send patrols daily to Broad Island, who will examine the whole island between Long and Coles Islands. They will always report to the schooner opposite the white house when going. These patrols will sometimes be made by night and sometimes during the day. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. B. DEAN, Lieutenant, 127th N. Y. Volunteers, A. A. A. G. HDQRS. DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, DEPT. OF THE SOUTM, Jacksonville, Fla., May 17, 1864. Capt. W. L. M. BURGER, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Department of the South: CAPTAIN: I have the honor to request that the Twenty-fifth Ohio Volunteers, which has been under my command the past year, may be restored to my command and be mounted. The large extent of territory on the east bank of the Saint Johns which it is now nec- essary to guard makes it indispensable that I have a full regiment mounted. The time of service of the Seventy-fifth Ohio expires this summer. I inclose the following letter from the major commanding the Twenty-fifth Ohio, expressing his wish to be again under my command. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEO. H. GORDON, Brigadier- General, Commanding District. [IndorsemenL] Acknowledge receipt. State that two companies Fourth Massa- chusetts Cavalry will be sent to Florida imniediately. The Twenty- fifth cannot at present be spared from the present post. The men of the regiment now on duty with Seventy-fifth can be retained until the arrival of the two companies Fourth Massachusetts Cavalry. J. P. HATCH. [Inclosure.] HEADQUARTERS OUTPOSTS, Seabrook Landing, S. C., May 6, 1864. Brig. Gen. GEORGE H. GORDON: GENERAL: Permit me to take this unofficial method of addressing you and asking your assistance in receiving orders for my regiment to return to your commandyin which we have once had the honor to serve. I have with the Seventy-fifth Ohio nearly 209 men, which num- ber will swell my aggregate present to about 660, 500 of whom have three years to serve frdiu the 1st of January, 1864. The Seventy-fifth Ohio Volunteers is now acting as mounted infantry, and after our men are taken away from them will have but fe Page 94 94 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. left. The regiment did not re-enlist as veterans, and consequently their term of service expires this coming fall. Captain Manning, who is now on his way to Florida, has orders to receive the men be- longing to our regiment now doing duty with the Seventy-fifth. Hoping, general, that you will do us the favor of having the regi- ment transferred to your command, and if possible mounted, I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, N. HAUGHTON, Major Twenty-fifth Ohio, Commanding Outposts. HDQRS. DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Jacksonville, Fla., illay 17, 1864. Col. WILLIAM H. NOBLE, Commanding U. S. Forces east side of Saint Johns River: COLONEL; In the conduct of military affairs within the limits of your command you will be governed by the following instructions: First. Such disposition as will enable you to concentrate your forces without delay either to strike the enemy, should he attempt to cross the river, or to move into the enemys country west of the Saint Johns, should a favorable opportunity offer. While having in view this concentration, the troops may be so disposed that the crossings of the Saint Johns may be successfully watched from the right bank. The present location of the troops at Picolata, Orange Mills, Saunders, Welaka, and Volusia are well chosen for security. Frequent patrols between these stations and further south, in the direction of Indian River and Enterprise, will enable you to scour the country, give confidence to Union citizens, and cover the rivem~ guards. Beyond these points keep your scouts well out to the front as far as Lake Harney and Indian River. With the large number of faithful scouts you have at your dis- posal, and with the strong interest they have in the work, it should be impossible for the enemy to threaten any of our isolated river posts without ample time for preparation and consequent security. I wish to impress upon you that I should consider the isolated guards at Volusia, Orange Mills, and Saunders eminently insecure without a disposition of scouts far to the front, active and watchful to announce the ajproach of the enemy. I am of opinion that it is impracticable to establish a depot of supplies farther south than the present position of the cavalry camp; the advantages of a loca- tion farther south can be secured by patrols, the disadvantages of which are less than an extended transportation of supplies, with in- sufficient land transportation or by transports, subject to annoyance from the enemys riflemen on the left bank. General Orders, No. 29, of the 15th day of May, 1864, from these headquarters, place fully in my control all available men within my lines. I shall send many of them within your limits. Such as are available as scouts you will organize and use immediately. Others you will use as the best interests of the Government may require in the commissary department as herders and cattle drivers and in the quartermasters departm~nt as teamsters and laborers. Such as may be organized as soldiers you will report. I cherish the hope that before you are ready to submit the names of a sufficient number to make a military organization efficient, Page 95 CHAP. XLVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. UNION. 95 may receive the authority to form them into companies and regi- ments as a h6me guard. You will cause loyal citizens within your command to understand that while the Government of the United States is determined to give its aid and its power to their protection, it also demands their most vigorous assistance. Thus will their sup- port flow from their labors, and thus will their oppressed State once more take its place as one of the sovereigns of the United States of America. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEO. H. GORDON, Brigadier- General of Volunteers. JACKSONVILLE, FLA., May 19, 1864. Brigadier-General HATCH, Comdg. Department of the South, South Carolina: Mv DEAR HATCH: I have received your order relieving the Sev- enteenth Connecticut Regiment from duty at Saint Augustine and assigning Colonel Montgomery with his old regiment to that port. I deem it~so much my duty to represent to you the injury~ I think this change will work to the service that I dispatch this communica- tion by the hands of my aide, Mr. Gray, for your consideration, with the hope that yon may be induced to reconsider and revoke your order, at least for the present. I have assigned command of all the troops east of the Saint Johns to Colonel Noble. These troops con- sist of the Seventeenth Connecticut, One hundred and fifty-seventh New York (six companies), Seventy-fifth Ohio Mounted Infantry (six companies), and Thirty-fifth Colored, Colonel Beecher. These troops occupy the region east of the Saint Johns, and are posted oii the river as far south as Volusia. While the cavalry scout as far as Lake Harney, my Florida scouts going much further south. This force constitutes the movable column formed under your sugges- tion, and though guarding the river is held in readiness to raid on the other side; is indeed at this time in a state of preparation to move into Marion County and thence south as much as circumstances may dictate. I only wait to hear from my scouts to order the movement. Some of my scouts are already operating on the trestle-work and bridges of the Florida and Tallahassee Railroad, being perfectly pre- pared with inflammable substances and having been gone some days. I have no one to whom I can intrust the movement across the river with such assurances of success and safety as to Colonel Noble. I have no one whose judicious management and whose admirable gov- ernment of the loyal people of Florida east of the Saint Johns could equal that of Colonel Noble. I have no one who understands my plans, and who can so well carry out my purposes (the plans and purposes we discussed) as Colonel Noble. Colonel Noble is a man of experience, a lawyer as well as a soldier, a statesman and a gentleman. He has a regiment of white troops whose influence and whose pres- ence is much more favorable to the Government iu winning back loyalty settlers and refugees than could Colonel Montgomery with his colored regiment. I say nothing of posting a regiment of black troops in Saint Augustine, for that is a matter of feeling with the inhabitants, but I think the act would be exceedingly injudicious. I very much wish Colonel Noble to retain command east of the Page 96 96 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CUAP. XLVII. Saint Johns. I am jitst reducing chaos to order. Colonel Noble is working out my plans and organizing the loyal Floridians into helpers for the Government with marked success. For th~se reasons I trust you will allow me to retain him. I do not know when or how to replace him. I therefore take the liberty of asking you to recon- sider your decision, and leave Colonel Noble with his regiment east of Saint Johns for the present. I am thankful for the victories, but I pine to share them with the old Army of the Potomac. Ever faithfully, yours, GEO. H. GORDON, Brigadier- General of Vols., Gorndg. Dist. of Florida. HDQRS. DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Jacksonville, Fla., lliay 19, 1864. Col. WILLIAM H. NOBLE, Gomdg. U. S. Forces east side of Saint Johns River: COLONEL: You will have received the order direQting you to change the location of Colonel Beecher in such manner that Colonel Carmichael will command the post at Picolata. I learn from Col- onel Beecher that you have sent some of Colonel Carmichaels men to Orange Springs and Volusia. I think you had better pl~ce that portion of the river between a few miles above Picolata and oppo- site Palatka under charge of Colonel Beecher, giving him exact instruction as to the duty of watching and holding his command in such readiness that you can collect and use them when I give the signal. The portion of the river between Picolata and Jacksonville, or toward Jacksonville, will fall to Colonel Carmichael. I am so dis- satisfied with the way in which the river is guarded that I send you the following sketch* and explanation. You will see that this re- quires eight boats and will see the location of these boats. I have just received the advice from the best pilot on the river as to the channel from Jacksonville to Picolata. He thinks the most dangerous ground is that between Picolata and mouth of Black Creek. The pilot thinks if one boat was stationed at a point about 4 miles north of mouth of Six-Mile Creek, and one at Picolata (dis- tance betweei~i -the two places about 10 miles), these boats to patrol constantly until they meet, that distance would be well protected. Second position would be, one boat from 4 miles north of Six-Mile Qreek, and one opposite mouth of Black Creek, to patrol constantly until they meet (distance about 11 miles). Third position would be one boat at mouth of Black Creek and one at Mandarin, to patrol until they meet (distance 12 miles). Fourth position, one boat from Mandarin and one from Jackson- ville, to patrol until they meet (distance 16 miles). I will send one boat nightly from Jacksonville, and also post one at Mandarin, so that you will have but six to attend to. I will send you more if you wish it. These boats should halt and challenge all boats they meet. I wish you would also see that sufficient ammuni- tion is sup p lied the troops oX your command. See that all guns are in good or der. Order Colonel Beecher to make a report for these * Omitted Page 97 CHAP. XLVIL] 9Z CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. headquarters of the condition of his guns and the steps he has taken to procure a change. You are again charged to locate this guard with precision; to give definite instructions, particularly to Colonel Beecher. A very small force at the boat stations along the river will answer. The utmost vigilance is required. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEO. H. GORDON, Brigadier- General of Volunteers. WASHINGTON, May 21, 1864. COMMANDING GENERAL DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF: GENERAL: By direction of Major-General Halleck, Chief of Staff, your attention is called to following extract from inspection report of your department for March, 1864,. viz: U. S. FORCES IN DISTRICT OF WEST FLORIDA. I cannot without neglecting my obvious duty fail to report again the urgept need which exists for an increase of the force in this district, especially the garrison at Fort Pickens. The inadequacy of the garrison, even for its ordinary requirements of guard, picket, and fatigue duty, and of keeping the works in repair, was fully explained in my report of 20th December, 1863, and now exists even more strongly than before, the garrison being smaller than at that date on account of the dis- charge, by expiration of enlistment, of a number of men from Company K, Sec- ond U. S. Artillery, and the necessity is greater, because latterly good evidence is offered that an active enemy in considerable force is operating on the line of the Montgomery and Pensacola Railroad as far as Pollard. Apprehension for the safety of Fort Pickens might reasonably be entertained if a force of a few hundred men were to move in the night with secrecy and dispatch and an attack by escalade or a surprise were attempted. A force of at least 20 mounted men are urgently needed as patrols and yedettes on Santa Rosa Island, with an outpost some miles up to give warning of the movements of an enemy and to secure the fort and garrison against surprise. The garrison now is so weak that the pickets are only ~ivunced about 300 yards from the fort, and there are but 10 men stationed on picket, at a distance of nearly 600 yards from each other. Besides this much-needed small force of cavalry 150 infantry at least are required in addition to the j~esent garrison to offer even a creditable defense, the present garrison hardly being strong enough fo defend the gates and posterns and man the flank howitzers. Very respectfully, your obedient servant ROBERT N. SCOTT, Captain, Fourth U. S. Infantry, Aide-de-Gamp. GENERAL ORDERS, ~ HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, No. 69. hilton Head, S. C., May 21, 1864. The following-named officers are hpreby announced on the staff of the brigadier-general commanding, and will be obeyed and re- spected accordingly: First Lieut. Thomas J. Robinson, Twenty-first U. S. Colored Troops, acting assistant adjutant-general. First Lieut. Daniel G. McMartin, aide-de-camp~ By order of Brig. Gen. John P...Hatch: W. L. 1W. BURGER, Gaptain and Assistant Adjutant-GeneraL Z R RVOL xxxv,~ PT I Page 98 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. HDQRS. NORTHERN DISTRICT, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Folly Island, S. C., May 21, 1864. COMMANDING OFFICER OF THE NAVAL MORTAR SCHOONER, Folly River, near White House: CAPTAIN: I am instructed by General Schimmelfennig to inform you that parties of our forces will make an attack on the outposts of the rebels on Johns and James Islands to-night, in order to g~t information. If it should be deemed desirable to have you open fire word to that effect will be sent to you, and without such word you will not fire. Our small boats will be ~ssing up and down Folly River, and probably into Secessionville Creek. You will please not stop them to-night. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. B. DEAN, LieutenaLd and Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. HDQRS. NORTHERN DISTRICT, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Folly Island, S. C., iJi0y 21, 1864. Col. L. VON GILSA, Commanding, Folly Island: COLONEL: Outpost reports have been received from different points along the line indicative of movements of the troops on our front. It seems the enemy has considerably weakened his lines. It is absolutely necessary at once to obtain full knowledge of the facts, to what extent the enemy has weakened his lines, and what part of them is so affected. You are hereby instructed to send out recon- noitering parties, wherever you can, upon your front during the day, to keep a sharp watch from the lookouts, and make such arrangements as to insure the capture of some prisoners during this night. Prisoners can easily be made on Johns Island; as to James Island, if information cannot be otherwise obtained, the outposts should be attacked. You will request the co-operation of the commanding [officer] of the nav~al forces in Stono Inlet, and a landing Thould be effected on the right bank of Stono River, on Johns Island, above Legareville. If the gun-boats do not like to go as far up the river as Captain Gibson did last time, rocket-boats must go up and cover the landing, setting the farm on fire. The~ place where a landing can be effected is indicated on the map. The above are the instructions of the brigadier-general commanding. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, E. W. SCHAUFFLER, Lieutenant and Aide-de-C~amp. ~Same to oommanding officer, Morris Island.) HDQRS. NORTHERN DISTRICT, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Foll~y Island, S. C., May 21, 1864. Col. LEOPOLD VON GILSA, Commanding Past: The general commandii1~ has learned that bodies of the enemys troops have been moving within range of our ba~teTies, and that they have not been fired upon. The general commanding therefor Page 99 Cii~p. XLVII.] CORRESPONThENCE, ETC.UINLON. 99 directs that whenever any movements of the enemy in force occnr within range of our batteries they shall be fired upon day or night. This to be the general rule for the future. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. B. DEAN, Lieutenant and Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. HDQRS. NORTHERN DISTRICT, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Folly island, S. C., May 21, 1864. Col. L. VON GILsA, Commanding, Folly Island: The general commanding directs that you send a patrol in two light boats to Broad Island to remain during the night. One of the boats should try to get in Secessionville Creek at high tide for the purpose of assisting any men to escape who may become separated from their companies an~ left on James Island. Very respectfully, sour obedient servant, W. B. DEAN, Lieutenant and Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. IIDQRs. DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Jacksonville, Fla., May 21, 1864. Col. W. H. NOBLE, Commanding Forces, East Saint Johns River: COLONEL: Your communication of the 20th instant announcing the capture of the small force at Welaka is received. I cannot think this could have happened had the officer in command been suffi- ciently vigilant. The Saint Johns River is an obstacle which should have, made surprise impossible, particularly on such bright nights as we are now having. To avoid any further surprises you will immediately on receipt of this communication withdraw all your small infantry guards from Saunders, Welaka, Volusia, Horse Landing, and south side of Dunns Creeks mouth. These points are in my judgment too far advanced to hold for any length of time, and offer too many temptations to the enemy to capture the guard with superior forces. You will imme- diately establish your cavalry so that the whole north side of Dunns Lake and Creek and Haw Creek can be watched and patrolled by them. This line will be your southern line of position, though your patrols may go beyond these. So guard the river between opposite Palatka up to Picolata that a crossing by the enemy is inipossible. I wish you to concentrate your forces as much as possible, that they may be instantly moved in any direction when the enemy makes his appearance. South of Dunns and Haw Creeks and at all the crossings of the Saint Johns, below these creeks, your scouts must do the main watching and must give you the most reliable informa- tion of any attempt of the enemy to cross. You can supply a suffi- cient number of them with arms and ammunition for that purpose. Select the best scouts and use them even as the enemy do the same thing Page 100 100 S. C., FLA., AND ON flIE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. I will see you in a day or two and make arrangements about a move. I am only awaiting information from scouts. I want all the troops ready at any moment. I beg you will not allow the possi- bility of another capture of pickets. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEO. H. GORDON, Brigadier- General of Volunteers. NEW YORK, May 22, 1864. Hon. E. M. STANTON: I have the honor to request permission for Mrs. Foster, child, and servant to accompany me to Hilton Head. Will you do me the favor, to answer at once, as the steamer sails at 12 in.? J. G. FOSTER, Juliajor- General of Volunteers. ~AR DEPARTMEWT Washington City, May 22, 18649 p. m. Major-General FOSTER, New York: Your dispatch of to-day has just reached me. Mrs. Foster and your children may accompany you. I was a good deal surprised to learn that you had not gone to your command before this time. EDWIN M. STANTON, Segretary of War. SAINT AUGUSTINE, FLA., May 22, 1864. Capt. W. L. M. BURGER, Assistant Adjutant-General: CAPTAIN: I arrived at this place last evening, and to-day we are ordered on arf expedition into the interior by General Gordon. Colonel Noble says he has not received the order to turn over the command of the post to me, and that he waits to receive it through the p roper official channel. My leaving Hilton Head on the night of the 20th was more hasty than I liked, but in the high state of excitement in which I found my men, it seemed to be a matter of the first iniportance to get away with them as quickly as possible. The sight and conduct of the women had thrown them into such a state of excitement, bordering on mutiny, as I never saw before, and hope never to see ttgain. It was all over with them as soon as we got away, and they are now, as gentle as ever. I have put a few .~2 of them in a~rrest, and have reduced one of the sergeants for refus- ing to assist in quelling the disturbance. I have the honor to be, captain, your most obedient servant, JAMES MONTGOMERY, Colonel Thirty-fourth U. S. Colored Troops. P. S.The men had found liquor somewhere, but from whom they obtained it I have not lYeen able to learn. Some of the men were intoxicated, and much, if not all, of the mutinous conduct can, I think, be attributed to that cause Page 101 CHAP. xLvII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.IJNION. In justice to the men I will state that only a few of them are at all inclined to drink, and that the regiment as such is remarkably temperate. 101 J. M. k HDQRS. NORTHERN DISTRICT, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Folly Island, S. C., May 23, 1864. Col. L. VON GILSA, commanding P081, Folly Island: COLONEL: I have received orders this a. in. to make snch demon- stations in this district as to cause the enemy to concentrate his forces in Charleston. These demonstrations must be made at once in order to. have the desired effect. Yon will therefore First. Order the commanding officer of Long Island to show a number of men in his front, and with unusual life to cross over troops ostensibly, say about 2 oclock this p. in., to Tiger Island, where they should hide away. He should, however, not send such numbers over as to make the enemys fire on Tiger Island effective. The troops must remain there until late at night; must not return before 12. He should show his boat howitzer up the creek. Should fire from the fort at the enemys outposts toward the chfmneys at 2 oclock this p. m. Second. You will order a strong patrol over to Broad Island. The men should show themselves and remain there until 12 to-night. Third. You will order the commanding officer of Coles Island to cross over at once with a force of, say, at least 60 men, to Battery Island. They should hide away as though taking a position as skir- mishers. The howitzer should be taken at once to the fort on the right. A rocket volley should be prepared at the bridge on the right, and at least 30 rockets should be fired away in three volleys. Planks should be ostensibly brought to the bridge on the right, and the bridge on the left should be ostensibly fixed so as to alarm the enemy. The firing from Coles Island should commence with the rockets and howitzer at 4 this p. in., and at 6 oclock musketry fire should commence along the whole line.\ Fourth. You will have the troops of the Thirty-second U. S. Col- ored Regiment ready at the wharf at 2 oclock and. embark them on the steamers ordered there for that purpose. Besides those of the Thirty-second you should have at least 60 veterans on these steamers. Three rocket-boats will be ready at the same time, and the men will report to you. If the gun-boats should not go up, which they will be requested to do, the expedition will go without them, and start at 2.30 up Stono River. The boats will halt in the neighborhood of Battery Island, and land a small part of these troops there, but on the whole take such a position as to leave the enemy in an uncertainty whether we will land on James or Johns Island. Theywilltake shelter behind the piles and will lieintheriver~ until late at night, not to leave before 12. The rocket-boat will advance further. You will furnish Captain Jungblut with 40 men, which he will command besides his company. They will attack the farm on the right bank of the Stono River, about 2 miles above Legareville. Captain Jungblut will receive his instructions direct from the general commanding Very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. SCHIMMELFENNIG, Brigadier- General, Commanding District Page 102 102 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. FLAGSHIP PHILADELPHIA, Port Royal Harbor, S. C., May 24, 1864. Brig. Gen. J. P. HATCH, Gomdg. Dept. of the South, Hdqrs. Hilton Head: GENERAL: I have received yours of 23d May requesting that I would detail a ship for guard duty in the harbor in order to put in force the squadron regulation. It would give me much pleasure to comply with your request, but the effective force of my commaud is so much reduced at this time that I fear it will be out of my power to furnish a vessel for the purpose. ~. - A. DAIILGREN, Rear-Admiral, Oomdg. South Atlantic Blockading Squadron. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF PENSACOLA, Maj. JOHN LEVERING, Barrancas, May 24, 1864. Asst. Adjt. Gen., Hdqrs. Defenses of New Orleans: MAJOR: I beg to submit, in connection with my report of 15th instant, No. 324, the following additional information received from refugees and deserters: The iron ram Tennessee is over Dog River Bar, and is now lying above Fort Morgan with three other smaller iron-dads and five wooden armed vessels, ready to come out at any moment. Admiral Buchanan is in command with the Tennessee as flag-ship. They practice daily, and intend, after the arrival of the two additional gun-boats, to raise the blockade and then proceed, if successful, direct to New Orleans and farther up the Mississippi River. The rebels are working day and night a large number of negroes in building three lines of fortifications between Fort Morgan and Pilot Town. Rebel reports from Pensacola claim that Beauregard, re-enforced by Lee, defeated Butler, driving him back to the protection of the gun-boats. I confidently hope this news to be untrue. Mr. Moore has not yet returned, nor has he been heard of. I have five Florida men out in the same direction and expect two of them in to-morrow. Now is again the time to make a forward movement from my isolated position, but I have only a small company of cavalry, no horses or arms for my 500 Florida men, who are anxious to prove their loyalty by deeds; no horses for my battery, and no steamers or land transportation for my infantry. Two steamers with 26 mule teams and one good regiment of cavalry with 600 additional horses would enable me to accomplish great successes for the furtherance of our cause in West Florida. ASBOTH, Brigadier- General. -~ HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., May 25, 1864. Rear-Admiral J. A. DAHLGREN, Gommanding South Atlantic Blockading Squadron: ADMIRAL: It was, until lately, the practice of the officer com- manding the vessel blockading Saint Helena to send a boat or boats, at night, up into Coosaw Sound, opposite the shores of Coosaw and Morgans Islands. I am informed that this has been lately discoi Page 103 CHAP. XLVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC l~NION. 103 tinued: I would respectfully request that instructions be given the officer at present commanding on that station to resume such patrol, and to extend the tour as far as the saw-mill on Coosaw Island. A descent was made night before last upon Morgans Island, and 12 persons carried off. Parties have also been seen reconnoitering the saw-mill, the destruction of which would be a serious inconven- ience to us. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, HATCH, JNO. P. Brigadier- Gene rat, Commanding Department. FLAG-SHIP PHILADELPHIA, Port Royal harbor, S. C., May 25, 1864. Brig. Gen. J. P. HATcH Gomdg. Dept. of the South, Hdqrs. Hilton Head: GENERAL: Your note of this morning is received, aRd I will order vessels up Broad River as you desire. Please let me know by signal of the Cosmopolitan being about to start, say half an hour previously, and the gun-boats will move up at the same time. I will send instructions to the officer at Saint Helena to ,resume the patrol which you mention. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. A. DAHLGREN, Rear-Admiral, C~omdg. South Atlantic Blockading Squadron. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, New Orleans, May 25, 1864. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War: SIR: I have the honor to request that the quartermasters deparf ment may be ordered to furnish Brig. Gen. D. P. Woodbury, com~ manding Distri~t of Key West and Tortugas, with two strong side- wheel steamers, drawing not over 7 feet when loaded, capable of cairying each 500 men; adapted also to carrying horses, cattle, and freight. These steamers should be strong enough for constant sea service, and to be able to carry at least 300 men under cover. Each steamer should have four large boats. With these vessels General Woodbury is of opinion that lie can interfere very successfully with the driving of cattle in Florida by the Confederates, and can pro- cure an abundant supply for his own command. I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, N. P. BANKS, Major- General, C~ommanding. WASHINGTON, May 26, 1864. Maj. Gen. J. G. FOSTER, Department of the South: GENERAL: The Secretary of War directs that you order General Gordon to report in person to the Adjutant-General of the Army in Washington, and place General Birney in charge of the military district in Florida. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. W. HALLECK, lUlajor- General and Chief of Staf Page 104 104 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, No. 74. Hilton Head, S. C., May 26, 1864. By direction of the President, in Special Orders, No. 168, dated May 5, 1864, from Headquarters of the Army, the undersigned hereby assumes command of the Dep.~rtment of the South. All orders and regulations established by Brigadier-General Hatch, and now in operation, will remain in force until otherwise ordered. J. G. FOSTER, Major-General, Commanding. GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THF~ SOUTH, No. 75. Hilton Head, S. C., J$Jiay 27, 1864. The following-named officers are hereby announced on the staff of the major-general commanding, and will be obeyed and respected accordingly: Capt. W. L. M. Burger, assistant adjutant-general. First Lieut. T. J. Robinson, Twenty-first U. S. Colored Troops, ao~ing assistant adjutant-general. Lieut. Col. B. T. Morgan, Fifty-fourth New York Volunteers, act- ing assistant inspector-general. Capt. J. H. Moore, assistant quartermaster, U. S. Volunteers, chief quartermaster. Capt. T. A. P. Champlin, commissary. of subsistence, U. S. Volun- teers, chief commissary of subsistence. Lieut. Col. Peter Pineo, medical inspector. Surg. Ebenezer Swift, medical director. Surg. Charles L. Allen, medical purveyor. Maj. E. D. Judd, chief paymaster. First Lieut. C. R. Suter, Engineer Corps, U. S. Army, chief engi- neer. First Lieut. J. R. McGinness, U. S. Army, chief of ordnance. Col. C. R. Brayton, Third Rhode Island Artillery, chief of artil- lery. Col. P. P. Brown, jr., One hundred and fifty-seventh New York Volunteers, provost-marshal-general. Capt. H. R. Clum, chief signal officer. Col. M. S. Littlefield, Twenty-first U. S. Colored Troops, general superintendent of the recruiting service for colored troops. Capt. Leslie Smith, First U. S. Infantry, commissary of musters. Maj. John F. Anderson, aide-de-camp. Maj. E. N. Strong, aide-do-camp. Capt. George E. Gouraud, aide-do-camp. Capt. Louis Fitzgerald, aide-de-camp. Lieut. Gol. S. L. Woodford, One hundred and twenty-seventh New York Volunteers, acting judge-advocate. Actg. Ensign C. C. Neil, U. S. Navy, aide-do-camp, chief of armed transports. John H. Mars, chief marine engineer. By command of Maj. Gen. J. G. Foster: -. W. L. M. BURGER, Assistant Ac0utant- General Page 105 CHAP. XLVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 105 GENERAL ORDERS, IIDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, No. 76. Hilton Head, S. C., May 27, 1864. Brig. Gen. John P. Hat~h, U. S. Volunteers, is hereby assigned to the Command of the District of Hilton Head, Fort Pulaski, Saint Helena, and Tybee Island. By Command of Maj. Gen. J. G. Foster: W. L. M. BURGER, Assistant Adjutant-General. HDQRs. DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, OFFICE ChIEF OF ARTY., Hilton Head, S. C., May 29, 1864. Capt. W. L. M. BURGER, Assistant Adjutant-General: SIR: In accordance with instructions of yesterday from depart- ment headquarters, I have the honor to submit the following report of the condition of my department and the requirements necessary to make the same effective. The effective light artillery within the department consists of three batteries, stationed, equipped, and armed as follows: caliber of armament. N ~ .~. N O~ Regiment and company. Station. o c ,,~ ,~ ~ ,~N ...~ ~O a,n ~.. ~ ~ ,~ ,~,o, ~ ~CI2 ~ ~ H 3d Rhode Island Artillery, Company A. Jacksonville 130 2 4 I 6 3d New York Artillery, company B... Northern District :1::: 1 140 I 4 3d New York Artillery, company F.... Beanfort 140 4 4 Total 410 2 4 4 4~ 14 Batteries B and F, Third New York Artillery, have sufficient men for six pieces, to which number it is intended to increase them when horses can be obtained. Company G, Second U. S. Colored Artil- lery, is recruiting at Hilton Head and numbers upwards of 110 men. It is intended to arm this battery with six 12-pounder howitzers. In the manner above mentioned it is intende dto increase the light artillery within the department to twenty-four pieces, which will allow a six-gun battery for each district. Required to horse the different batteries, each increased to six pieces, 250 horses suitable for artillery purposes. The remaining necessary material can be obtained from the ordnance department when required. The heavy artillery forces within the department consist of ten companies of the Third Rhode Island Artillery, with an aggre- gate strength of 800 men. Five companies are stationed on Morris Island, in charge of the important forts and batteries, assisted by sufficient details from the infantry to serve the offensive guns con- stantly when required, and the defensive ones in ease of an attack Page 106 106 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. The mortar batteries on Morris Island are necessarily without full reliefs on account of the small force on the island. The batteries on Folly Island, which are purely defensive, are served by details from the infantry, instructed by non-commissioned officers from the artillery. Thirty shells are thrown into Charleston daily from the Morris Island batteries, directed at different portions of the city, and a slow mortar fire at different times opened on Sumtqr, with a view to pre- vent the mounting of mortars on the terre-plein. The armament of the different works in the Northern District are in good condition, and those on Morris Island ready at a moments notice for offensive or defensive operations. Weekly reports of all firing, changes in garrisons, bursting of guns, with full history of same, together with accounts of the firing of the rebels, are required from the chief of artillery of this district. The different forts and batteries at Beaufort are in charge of companies of the Twenty-sixth U. S. Colored Troops, under the instruction of non-commissioned officers from the artillery. The armaments of these works are well cared for and ready for defen- sive purposes. Four companies of heavy artillery are stationed at Fort Pulaski and one at Hilton Head; the latter company is now instructing the First Michigan Colored Volunteers in artillery with a view to have them serve such works in Hilton Head District which cannot be manned by the artillery. The armaments of the works in this district are well taken care of. The details to serve as artillery from the infantry have not such opportunities for drill as I desire on account of heavy fatigue work now going on. Detachments from the artillery at Pulaski are serving on the armed transports May Flower, Thomas Foulkes, Plato, and Croton. - Fort Clinch, at Fernandina, is garrisoned by companies of the One hundred and fifty-seventh New York; the forts at Saint Augus- tine by detachments from the Seventeenth Connecticut Volunteers; the different batteries at Jacksonville by details from the Third U. S. Colored Troops. The departure of the Tenth Army Corps left us with infantry garrisons, many of which were wholly ignorant of their duties as artillerists; non-commissioned officers and privates from the artil- lery have, however, been distributed as instructors, so that the different garrisons are in fair condition as regards drill. Copies of General Orders, No. 88, from War Department, relative to the care of field-works and. their armaments, have been distributed to the different officers in charge of forts and batteries and provisions of the order required to be observed. The small number of artillerists ~iow in the department renders it necessary that every available man should be on duty with his special arm, and as many are detailed as~ clerks, orderlies, teamsters, boatmen, bakers, and attendants in hospitals, I would respectfully request that all detailed men from the light and heavy artillery be ordered to join their companies, and that no details for any purpose, other than in the line of their duty, be made from the artillery. Respectfully submitted. -. C. R., BRAYTON, Col. Third R. 1. Arty., Chief of Arty., Dept. of the South Page 107 eHAP. XLVIII CORRI~SPONDI~NCE, I?4T0.1JNION. 107 HDQRS. NORTHERN DI~TRICT, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Folly Island, S. C., May 29, 1864. Col. WILLIAM GURNEY, Commanding, Morris Island: The scout-boats in the creeks and marshes of this command are fired upon by the enemy oftener than is necessary, showing that they are too easily seen by him. This should be avoided, both as needlessly exposing life and as defeating our object of observing without being observed. The officers in charge of such boats in the creeks and marshes will have them trimmed around with a sort of hedge or bushes, concealing the men within, and making the boat very difficult to distinguish from the grass of the marsh or the shrubbery of the islands. By order of Brigadier-General Schimmelfennig: E. W. SCHAUFFLER, Lieutenant and Aide -de-Gamp. HDQRS. DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Jacksonville, Fla., May 29, 1864. Col. WILLIAM H. NOBLE, Corndg. U. S. Forces east side of Saint Johns River: COLONEL~ The general commanding district directs me to say that lie sends you the steamers Alice Price and Mary Benton. He wishes you to embark your command and reach the wharf at Jacksonville before daylight, so that the men may be disembarked without being observed, and bring with you every available man and every boat you can find. He further desires you to relieve the men on picket duty from Picolata to Jacksonville, that they and their boats may form part of the expedition. If this is found to be impracticable before daylight, let it be done after daylight, as that fact by itself will not excite suspicion. The general further directs that when you reach the wharf at Jacksonville you will move to a point within the forti- fications, to bivouac until further orders. A staff officer will con- duct you. The general hopes you will bring him at least 1,000 men. The general says if you cannot reach Jacksonville to-iiight in time to disembark before daylight to-morrow morning, you can wait till to-morrow night, but in that case you will send back the Alice Price immediately, and the general will send her up to you again to-mor- row night. I have the honor to be, c~Aonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN C. GRAY, JR., Second Lieutenant and Aide-de-Camp. GENERAL BUTLERS HEADQUARTERS, May 30, 18648.30 a. m. (Received 1.45 p. in.) Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War: I take leave to transmit to you the following extract from an ex- amination of a deserter from the City Battalion, Charleston Home State Defense. The same is suhstantiated by numbers of others: They have taken away neamly all the troops from James Island. First they with- drew one brigade, Hagoods, and sent Colquitts brigade there, and we had but jus Page 108 108 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. arrived here when we found Colquitts brig~ade come here also. Some men from our regiments who came up from there to the regiment here and arrived yester~ day say that there is no one there now but the workingmen and foreigners from the city; those having business, protection, and the like. This may be of use to General Foster. BENJ. F. BUTLER, Major-General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS IN THE FIELD, May 30, 18647 p. m. (Received 1.40 a. in., 31st.) Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War: I learn from a roliable deserter from the enemy that the Holcombe Legion, consisting of 300 or 400 men, has gone to Charleston, and that Colquitts brigade iz to follow on behind them. They were sent in pursuance of a telegram received by Beauregard on Satur- day, saying that by the time Beauregard received the dispatch Secessionville would be in the hands of the enemy. This the de- serter heard from Colonel Gaillard, of the Twenty-seventh South Carolina. B. F. BUTLER, Major- General. NAVY DEPARTMENT, Hon. E. M. STANTON, Washington, May 31, 1864. - Secretary of War; SIR: I have the honor to submit herewith a copy of a dispatch from Rear-Admiral D. G. Farragut, dated the 9th instant, in which he states as his opinion that if two 15-inch guns are placed on the Old Spanish Battery at Barrancas, and two in an earth-wbrk on the beach on the western front of Fort Pickens, the port of Pensacola will be rendered safe against the attacks of almost any enemy, and to request that prompt measures may be taken by the War Depart- ment to carry out the suggestion of Rear-Admiral Farragut. Very respectfully, GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. [First indorsement.] WAR DEPARTMENT, June 4, 1864. Respectfully referred to Major-General Halleck, Chief of Staff. By order of the Secretary of War: JAMES A. HARDIE, C~olortel and Inspector- General. [5econd indorsement.] JUNE 6, 1864. Respectfully referred to Chief Engineer and Chief of Ordnance, for remarks. - H. W. HALLECK, Major- General, Chief of Staff Page 109 CHAP. XLVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 109 [Third indorsement.] ENGINEER DEPARTMENT, June 11, 1864. Respectfully referred to the Chief of Ordnance. Captain Paifrey is now engaged in arrangements for repairing Fort Pickens. He is about arranging the works for an armament of the existing model of the Ordnance Department and will introduce the guns recommended by Admiral Farragut as soon as the nature of the case permits. RICHARD DELAFIELD. Brigadier-General and Chief of Engineers. [Fourth indorsement.] ORDNANCE OFFICE, June 14, 1864. Respectfully returned to Major-General Halleck, Chief of Staff. I approve of the recommendation of Admiral Farragut, believing that guns of heavier caliber than are now mounted are wanted for the fortifications of Pensacola Harbor. The four 15-inch guns will be supplied by this Department, and with implements, carriages, and ammunition, whenever the arrangememits for mounting them are Completed and a requisition for theni is made to this office. GEO. D. RAMSAY, Brigadier~ General, Ordnance. [Inclosure.] No. 167.] FLAG-SHIP HARTFORD, WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON, Q~T Pensacola, May 9, 1864. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington: SIR: I would most respectfully suggest that an application be made to the War JI~epartment to have two 15-inch guns placed on the Old Spanish Battery at Barrancas and two in an earth-work on the beach, on the western front of Fort Pickens, as I think they would be sufficient to render this port safe against the entrance of almost any enemy. Very respectfully, yqur obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, 6Yomdg. West Gulf Blockading Squadron. HDQRS. NORTHERN DISTRICT, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Folly Island, S. C., May 31, 1864. Col. L. VON GILSA, Commanding, Folly Island: COLONEL: The general commanding directs that you send out a party of 100 men, duly officered, onto Kiawah Island, to be out two nights and two days, and thoroughly to scour the island. They ~~il1 start either to-night or to-mfibrrow night, crossing to Kiawah Island after dark, and proceeding as far as Vanderhosts farm. The next day they will lie quietly near the farm withoixt showing them Page 110 110 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [cHAP. XLVII. selves on the Kiawah River bank. The second night they will ad- vance to the broken-down bridge leading to Seabrook Island, and to the point of Kiawah at the Seabrook ford on the beach. At these points they will remain until a couple of hours after daylight, and carefully observe any signs of the enemy on Seabrook or Johns Island. The p arty will then return to Folly Island. While this party is out, the negro, Frank, will be allowed to bring in any of his stuff or cattle still on the Vanderhost plantation, and for that pur- pose Captain Cushing will furnish the officer in command with two wagons on his calling for them. You will notify these headquarters when the expedition is to start and who goes in command, and they will be accompanied by one of the generals staff officers. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, E. W. SCHAUFFLER, Lieutenant and Aide-de-camp. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS, DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, No. 227. Hilton Head, S. C., June 1, 1864. I. Brig. Gen. William Birney, U. S. Volunteers, is hereby ordered to relieve Brig. Gen. George H. Gordon of the command of the District of Florida, and will report immediately after the court o,f inquiry, now in session, have dispensed with his services. Brig. Gen. George H. Gordon, on being relieved, will, in accord- ance with instructions from the Secretary of War, report in person to the Adjutant-General U. S. Army, at Washington, D. C. * * * * * * * By command of Maj. Gen. J. G. Foster: W. L. M. BURGER, Captain and Assistant Adjutant- General. GENERAL BUTLERS HEADQUARTERS, June 2, 18642.30 a. m. (Received 10.30 p. in.) Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War: - I forward for the information of the War Department an extract of a letter, dated Charleston, May 6, 1864, taken from the dead body of Col. 0. M. Dantzler, Twenty-second South Carolina Regimetit, who was killed in an attack upon our lines this morning, an dwh ose dead body is in our hands: No news; all very quiet here. We are very short-handed now. The Twentieth ~South Carolina] was positively ordered, and was ready to go, but the order was countermanded and it is now the only infantry left nearer Charleston than Sa- vannah. If we are allowed to remain quiet, all this is well enough, but if w~ should be attacked by any of the approaches to the city, I fear the consequence~ The contingency is too gloomy to think about. B. F. BUTLER. HDQRS. NORTHERN DISTRICT, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Folly island, S. C., June 2, 1864. Capt. W. L. M. BURGER, Asst. Adjt. Gen., D~artrnent of the South: I consider it my duty to lay before the major-general command- ing the fact that two regiments of thi8 command have not been pai Page 111 CHAP. XLVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 111 since they entered the service of the United States, now one year ago. This unhappy state of affairs seems to have been brought about by some misunderstanding betw~en the United States and the State of Massachusetts in regard to colored troops. For this misunder- standing the enlisted men cannot be held responsible, and they conse- quently should not be made to suffer for it. Letters have been constantly arriving for six months in these reg- iments, in which the wives of the enlisted men describe their suffer- ings and the sufferings of their families. Children have died because they could not be supplied with the proper food, and because the doctor could not be paid or medicines obtained from the druggist. Wives have p roved untrue to their husbands and abandoned their offspring, others advise their sons to throw down the musket and come home, it being impossible for them to live longer without their support. The effect of such letters on the minds of the enlisted men of these regiments niay be easily imagined, and it reflects to the credit of the officers as well as the men that the efficiency of the regiments has not materially suffered under these trying circum- stances. I have ordered Col. A. S. Hartwell, of the Fifty-fifth M~ssachu- setts Volunteers, to explain the case personally to the general com- manding, and to beg the general to send him north in order to pro- cure an order from the Paymaster-General for the payment of these regiments as soon as possible, upon the law to that effect being passed. Sending the colonel north fbr that purpose would at least have the certain effect of keeping the men quiet while awa~iting his return, and of convincing them that something was being done on their behalf which would p rove decisive, whereas now many of them do not believe they will ever receive any pay. I have the honor to be, Yery respectfully, your obedient servant, A. SCHIMMELFENNIG, Brigadier- General, Commanding District. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF PENSACOLA, Barrancas., June 3, 1864. Maj. JOHN LEVERING, A. A. G., Hdqrs. Defenses of Neu~ Orleans: MAJOR: I have the honor to report, in connection with my report of May 25 ultimo, No. 363, the following additional information re- ceived from refugees and deserters: There are, besides the militia, but very few troops now at Mobile, Col. C. A. Fuller commanding. At Pollard are only five companies of the Second Alabama Infantry; Colonel Maury has at the Fifteen- Mile Station, Seven-Mile Station, and Turners Mill about ~5OO of the Fifteenth Confederate Cavalry, with three pieces of artillery at Fifteen-Mile Station. Three companies of the same regiment are still at and near Milton. The rest of the regiment are on the Per- dido. In the Mobile Bay there are outside the Dog River Bar the Tennessee, Baltic, Tuscaloosa, and Huntsville, iron-clad rams, and the wooden gun-boats Selma, Morgan, and Gaines. The Nashville is not yet over the bar, but they.have already the camels under her. Two more rams are at Mobile, not y~t plated, and One got aground above Mobile while coming down from Selma. Of the four iron- plated floating batteries near the dry-dock, one was sunk Page 112 112 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. The salt-works at Bonsecours Bay, producing daily over 1,000 bushels for the Confederacy, are now entirely unguarded. I am very anxious to niake immediate use of the small quarter- master steamer Lizzie Davis, sent from New Orleans, although only capable of~ carrying 200 men, but on her arrival t~ie quartermaster reported h-er unfit for service, and she is still at the navy-yard re- pairing. The engineer entertains very little hope of making her serviceable, and I would urgently request to have her replaced by another steamer fit for immediate use. I am, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ASBOTH, Brigadier-General. HDQRS. DISTRICT oF FLOIUDA, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Jacksonville, Fla., June 5, 1864. Capt. W. L. M. BURGER, AssI. Adjt. Gen., Department of the South: CAPTAIN: I would respectfully request that the Ninth U. S. Col- ored Troops, a regiment organized and mustered in by me, shall be assigned to my command. This regiment was brought by me to the department, and I received repeated assurances from Major-Geim- eral Gillmore that it should be restored to me. I would also request that the Thirty-fourth U. S. Colored Troops (Colonel Montgomery) shall be sent to me after it is armed. For these two regiments I will send in exchange any two white regiments now in this district. Vei~y respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. BIRNEY, Brigadier-General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, flilton Head, S. C., June 6, 1864. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of communi- cation from you of the 26th ultimo, directing that General Gordon be ordered to report in person to the Adjutant-General of the Army in Washington, and that General Birney be placed in charge of the military district in Florida, and would state that the above condi- tions have been complied with. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedieni5 servant, J. G. FOSTER, Major- General, Commanding. GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, No. 80. Bilton Head, S. C., June 6, 1864. The following sanitary regulations for the government of the troops serving in this department will be strictly enforced by all officers having charge of districts, posts, or camps I. Each camp must be thoroughly policed every morning and evening, and all garbage or refi~se matter will be collected and buried in the sinks. Commanding officers will be held directly responsible for any neglect of police duty Page 113 Cuip. XLVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 113 II. Each tent will be raised at least 18 inches front the ground, and placed on a platform, no obstruction being permitted to the wind passing freely underneath. The middle seam of the back of each tent, near the apex, to be opened about 24 inches, and a forked stick, 10 or 12 inches long, placed across, keeping it open at all times except during a violent storm. An officer of each company will inspect the tents of his men nightly to see that this provision is carried out. The bedding and clothing of the men must be well aired every fair day. III. Great care must be taken in the construction of proper sinks, which must be screened by pine or palmetto branches, and the debris covered every morning withatleast 6 inches of sand. Sinks will be dug on different sides of the camps, and it will be the duty of the camp police to see that only those on the lee side of the camp are used. IV. Commanding officers will require their men to bathe or wash themselves at least twice in each week, and change their under cloth- ing once a week, or oftener, if practicable. Sentry boxes of lumber, or small shade arbors of brush-wood, will be erected in the vicinity of all points where sentries are stationed. V. Desiccated mixed vegetables will be issued to the troops at least twice in each week, and must be carefully cooked in the follow- ing manner: Place the vegetables in cold water after supper, and let them remain until the iiext morning; immediately after break- fast put them over the fire, with the water in which they were soaked, and let them boil four hours, adding fresh beef; salt to be put in when nearly done. An officer of each con~pany will be de- tailed to superintend the cooking of provisions, taking great care that all food prepared for the soldiers is properly cooked. District commanders and officers of the medical staff will see that the provisions of this order are strictly complied, with, and will promptly report any failure or neglect of the same. By command of Maj. Gen. J. G. Foster: W. L. M. BURGER, Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. 0., June 6, 1864. Brigadier-General BIRNEY, Commanding District of Florida. GENERAL: Having been assigned to command? the District of Florida, I send you, by command of Major-General Foster, the fob lowing general instructions, which you will have carried out: First, with regard to the general disposition of your forces. This will be made with a view to concentration and mutual support. The object is to hold as much of the country east of Saint Johns- River as possible. You will hold a place at Jacksonville, west of the Saint Johns River, as a base of operations in that direction, and also Fort Clinch, which commands the entrance to Saint Marys Sound. The main body will be stationed at Jacksonville, or within striking distance of that point. One regiinmnt of white troops will be sta- tioned at Saint Augustine. One regiment of mounted troops will be statiomied on picket and scouting duty at the junction of the roads lead- 8 R RvoL xxxv. PT I Page 114 114 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [cHAP. XLVII. ing from Picolata and Saint Angnstine southward and operate from that point ii\ any direction you may order, holding that point as a place to be covered. A force will be stationed at Yellow Bluff, with a small detachment on Saint Johns Bluff. A permanent picket will be maintained at the railroad bridges leading from Amelia Island. A small permanent picket in Fernandina and mounted men to watch the shore of the island and the crossings from the main- land. All other pickets to be movable, and will not be suffered to locate themselves in any one place long enough to hazard their capture. The regiment of Florida volunteers, an order for raising of which has been ordered from these headquarters, will, it is hoped, furnish sufficient numbers for ordinary scouting and outpost duty. This regiment may be mounted if judged necessary by you, provided the men can furnish their own horses at Government prices. A detach- ment of Massachusetts cavalry will be sent down and will be re- mounted on horses previously turned over by them to the Seventy- fifth Ohio Regiment Volunteers. A portion of this regiment (the Seventy-fifth Ohio Volunteers) which you are able to mount may be retained as mounted infantry. The One hundred and fifty-seventh New York Volunteers will be relieved from duty on Amelia Island and ordered to Beaufort. The regiment to relieve them, which you will order to take their place from Jacksonville, will take post at Fort Clinch. The One hundred and forty-fourth Regiment New York Volunteers will also be relieved from duty in your district. Orders for them will be sent you in a few days~ The duties expected from you with your command is to act on the defensive, guarding the points mentioned above, protecting the loyal inhabitants, and annoying the enemy as much as possible by occasional scouting and raiding parties. It must, however, be un- derstood that you are to abstain from destroying the property of Union citizens; and, when considered practicable, you will commu- nicate to these headquarters all intended movements. You will not allow any accumulation of commissary or quartermasters stores at other points than Fort Clinch, Jacksonville, and Saint Augustine. I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedieit servant, J. F. ANDERSON, Major and Aide-de-Camp. HILTON HEAD, June 7, 1864. General HALLECK: GENERAL: I wrote you a private letter this morning, but as~.I have a moment before the steamer leaves, I wish to add that if you desire me to act with caution in any demonstration that you desire me to make, that I will change the point of attack from Charleston to Savannah, where there will be less liability to disaster in case we do not succeed. I think I can make an attempt on Savannah with- out much risk. Very respectfully, ~c., J. G. FOSTER, Major- General, Commanding Page 115 C~& p. XLVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 115 OFFICE CHIEF OF ARTILLERY, NORTHERN DIST., DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Morris Island, S. C., June 7, 1864. Lieut. W. 13. DEAN, A. A. A. G., Hdqrs. Northern Dist., Dept. of the South: LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to report that at daylight 011 June 7, a small river steamer was discovered from Fort Putnam aground on a shoal 3,200 yards from the above-named fort. The position of the steamer was a point on a line drawn from the flag-staff in Put- nam to the left (enemys) of Castle Pinckney. No boats were seen to leave the steamer; neither did she have steam up when discov- ered. She probably was abandoned at the time of grounding, and the steam allowed to escape. The steamer was, at the time of run- ning ashore, returning from Fort Sumter to the city. Fire was at once opened upon her with a 200-pounder rifle from Fort Putnam and one 100-pounder from Battery Chatfield. At 6 a. in., two 100-pounders were opened from Fort Strong, also one 30-pounder from Fort Putnam. The effect upon the vessel produced by these guns was very good. A shell from Fort Strong carried away the smoke-pipe. The upper works of the steamer were struck many times, and are broken up. Thirty shells struck the hull of the steamer, causing her to fill and sink to a level with her decks. The guns in Fort Strong were ordered to cease firing at noon. One 100-pounder rifle (Parrott) was burst in Fort Strong during the fir- in,,, also one in Battery Chatfield. The firing from 12 m. until 6 p. m. was from one 100-pounder in Battery Chatfield and one 200-pounder in Fort Putnam. From daylight until 10 a. in., the enemy kept up a heavy fire upon our works from the James Island batteries. They fired 284 shot and shell during this time. There were no casualties. The only dam- age done by enemys shell was to the slopes and parapets of our works. The steamer is now a complete wreck, rendered so by the following expenditure of ammunition on our part, viz: Rounds. Fort Putnam 132 Fort Strong Battery Chatfield Total 267 Very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. AMES, Lieutenant-Colonel Third Rhode island Artillery, Chief of Artillery, Northern District, De~pt. of the South. HDQRS. NORTHERN DISTRICT, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Folly Island, S. C., June 7, 1864. Col. WILLIAM HEINE, Commanding, Folly Island: COLONEL: The general commanding district directs that you have a few shots fired each day, until further orders, from 30-pounder Parrott guiis on Coles Island, t@ the rebel lookout at Legareville. These shots will be at irregular intervals and such arrangements will be made as will prevent the enemy from making any calculations a Page 116 116 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [cHAP. XLVII. to when they will be fired, or from receiving any warning to enable them to get out of the way of the shots. You will give proper notice of this order to the gun-boats in Stono River. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. B. DEAN, Lient., 127th New York Vols., and Act~q. Asst. Adjt. Gen. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF HILTON HEAD, Hilton Head,. June 7, 1864. Capt. W. L. M. BURGER, Assistant Adjatant- General: CAPTAIN: Will you please call the attention of the general com- manding to the necessity of an increased naval force in Calibogue Sound, since the capture by the rebels of the Water Witch. I think the admiral should put a vessel of similar draught and heavier metal there, to prevent her making raids up the waters now protected by our light-armed transports. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. P. HATCH, Brigadier- Generat. HDQRS. DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Jacksonville, Fla., June 7, 1864. Col. JAMES SHAW, Jr., Commanding Post, Jacksonville : COLONEL: Information has been received at these headquarters that loads of torpedoes have been sent by the rebels to Flemings Island, above Doctors Lake, aud to the point of land lying between Doctors Lake, McGirts Ci~eek, and Saint Johns River. These tor- pedoes have either already been placed in the Saint Johns River or will be shortly unless active measures are taken against it. It ap- pears also that the residences of that part of the bank of the Saint Johns are used for the purpose of espying the position of our gun- boats and picket-boats on the river, and the movements of our steamers. You are therefore directed to send a force of men, not exceeding 200, for the purpose of scouring completely the island and point above mentioned, capturing any rebel scouts or pickets or torpedo layers, and especially one OHern, and causing all the loyal inhabitants to remove to the east side of the Saint Johns, and all the disloyal to remove west and within the lines of the enemy. Especial care will be taken to find torpedoes and to gain information as to~ where they are placed. I inclose you four tracing~* for the use of the commanding officer of the expedition. It is recommended that row-boats shall be used for transportation. By order of Brig. Gen. William Birney: EDELMIRO MAYER Major 7th U. S.& ol. Troop~, A. A. A. G. and C. of S. * Not found Page 117 CHAP. XLVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNIOK. 117 HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Heq~d, S. 0., June 8, 1864. Rear-Admiral J. A. DAHLGREN, U. S. Navy, Present: ADMIRAL: Will you do me the favor to inform me when you pro- pose to visit the fleet near Charleston. I would like to go there at the same time to consult with you upon some matters relating to operations in that district. Very respectfully and truly, yours, J. G. FOSTER, JYliajor- General, Commanding. ENGINEER OFFICE, Hilton Head, S. 0., June 8, 1864. GENERAL: I have the honor to submit the following list of various fortifications in this department, their location, and object: NORTHERN DISTRICT. Morris island. Batteries on north end, commanding the harbor, Fort Sumter, & c.: First. Fort Putnam, armament, three 100-pounder Parrotts, one 10-pounder columbiad, four 30-pounder Parrotts, two field pieces. Second. Battery Chatfield, armament, one 300-pounder Parrott, two 100-pounder Parrotts, four 10-inch sea-coast mortars. Third. Battery Seymour, armament, eighl~ 10-inch sea-coast mor- tars. Fourth. Water Battery, armament, two 10-inch columbiads. Fifth. Battery Barton, armament, two 13-inch sea-coast mortars. Sixth. Fort Strong, armament, one 200-pounder Phrrott, five 100- pounder Parrotts, two 30-pounder Parrotts, six 32-pounders, four 12-pounders, two 10-inch sea-coast mortars. This fort holds the upper end of the island. Those previously mentioned are merely arrange(l to prevent a surprise party from spiking their guns. The works on the south end guard against an attack from Light- House Inlet mainly.: First. Fort Shaw, armament, two 8-inch sea-coast howitzers, five 8-inch siege howitzers, two field pieces, and two 10-inch siege mor- tars. This fort holds the south end of the island against an attack in any direction. Second. Battery Purviance, armament, two 42-pounders, two 30-pounder Parrotts, commanded by Fort Shaw. Outwork on Black Island, armament, two rifled field pieces. Folly Island. Work on north end commands Light-House Inlet: Fort Greene, armament, two 30-pounder Parrotts, two 12-pounders, two carronades, two mortars. Works on Pawnee Landing, ~to protect store-houses and command creeks: First. Battery of two 30-pounder Parrotts Page 118 118 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [Ciur. XLVII. Second. Battery of two 6-pounder Parrotts. Works at white house to hold center of island: First. Battery of two 30-pounder Parrotts and two 6-pounders. Second. Work in progxess for fourteen guns and four mortars. Works at lower end command the Stono River: First. Fort Delafield, two 42-pounder James rifles, three 32-pounder James rifles. Second. Fort Mahan, three 32-pounder James rifles. Works on Long Island cover approaches to Pawnee Landing and white house: First. Large infantry keep stockade. Second. Small fort, two 20-pounder Parrotts. Works on Coles Island cover approaches to white house and Stono Inlet: First. Eastern Redoubt, commands Big Folly R~iver. Second. Western Redoubt, commands Stono River. No arma- ment in these works when last heard from. Works on Kiawah Island cover the Stono Inlet from an attack in this direction: First. Lower redoubt, commands the beach. Second. Upper redoubt, commands all the end of the island. The armament of these works has been removed. They are held by infantry. MIDDLE DISTRICT. Hilton Head. Work to command the harbor: Fort Welles, seventeen guns~ Works to prevent a land attack: First. Fort Mitchel, ordered to be dismantled. Second. Line of intrenchments, undergoing alterations. Saint Helena Island. Work to command the harbor: Fort Seward, thirteen guns. Port Royal Island. Defenses of Beaufort: First. Fort Duane and rifle-pit, armament, one 8-inch gull, one 32-pounder, four 18-pounders, one 12-pounder howitzer, two 24- pounder howitzers. Second. Battery Buruside, two 8-inch guns, one 30-pounder Par- rott, one 24-pounder. Third. Battery Seymour, two carronades. Fourth. Battery Saxton, .three 8-inch siege howitzers. Fifth. Battery Brayton, one 10-pounder Parrott, one 24-pounder howitzer. Sixth. Battery Taylor, two 30-pounder Parrotts, one 10-pounder Parrott, one 24-pounder. Goclcspur Island. Works to command the Savannah River: First. Fort Pulaski. Second. Water Battery, two 10-inch columbiads and two 100- pounder Parrotts Page 119 CHAP. XLVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.~~IO~. 119 DISTRICT OF FLORIDA. Feruandina. First. Fort Clinch. Second. Small battery, to command railroad bridge, Saint Johns River, and Jaeksonville. Saint Johns Bluff, blockhouse for in- fantry. Yellow Bluff. Two small works for infantry defense; in one a carronade is mounted. Picolata. Block-house for infantry, two 6-pouuder~. Jacksonville. The town is surrounded by a line of inclosed works (redoubts~ and lunettes), connected by rifle-pits. Beginning at the right, they are as follows First. Battery Hamilton, open work for field guns. Second. Redoubt Reed, three guns. Third. Redoubt Fribley, four guns. Fourth. Battery McCrea, for field guns, between Nos. 2 and 3. Fifth. Battery Myrick, for field guns, commands railroad. Sixth. Redoubt Hatch, four guns. Seventh. Redoubt Sammon, three guns. Eighth. Fort Seymour, four guns. Saint Augustine. Fort Marion. The works in the Northern District and District of Florida are all in excellent condition. Those in the Middle District xequire exten- sive repairs and alteration. These are being made as rapidly as possible. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, CHAS. R. SUTER, First Lieut., U. S. Engineers, Chief Eugineei~. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, June 8, 1864. Maj. JOHN F. ANDERSON, Aide-de-Camp to General Foster: MAJOR: I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of a communi- cation under date of the 6th instant, giving me certain general instructions~ by order of Major-General Foster. Allow me to ask whether the following passage is written as intended: One regi- ment of mounted troops will be stationed on picket and scouting duty at the junction of the roads leading from Picolata and Saint Augustine southward, & c Page 120 120 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. This is not a clear indication of your wish. The road running southward from Saint Augustine does not intersect with the one run- ning southward from Picolata except at a point to the south of Haw Creek, unless we except the intersection of the trails at or near one of the crossings of Haw Creek. This is so far to the south, the country is so thinly populated, and transportation of forage and other supplies so difficult with the limited number of wagons left here, and our trains and couriers could so easily be ambuscaded, that I must believe that there is some error as to name of place. With the force of mounted infantry left me by the order taking away the men of the Twenty-fifth Ohio Volunteers, I would regard it as extremely hazardous for me to attempt to maintain a perma- nent cavalry post so far from all support. The present cavalry camp was selected by me after a personal examination of the place. It was approved by General Gordon after he had also made a Visit there. It is at the junction of the roads running from Volusia and Palatka to Saint Augustine, and only 8j miles from the latter place. The position is the best I could select to cover Saint Augustine and the country between Picolata and the mouth of the Saint Johns. Is not this the point meant by you? It will take several days to execute the orders for the transfer of the men of the Twenty-fifth Ohio Volunteers for turning in their horses, arms, and equipments, and for mounting the men of the Fourth Massachusetts Cavalry on the horses belonging formerly to that regiment. Please instruct me by return mail. The only cavalry I have are 14~ men of the Fourth Massachusetts, now dismounted. Colonel Harris mounted infantry will be reduced to about 168 men within three days. Colonel Beechers mounted infantry have less than 100 horses fit for service, and this number will be greatly re- duced unless there is a supply of hay and small forage received here within a week. Your instructions say nothing about holding Pico- lata, now held by six companies of the One hundred and fifty- seventh. We have there three pieces of artillery and a stockade with a small redoubt. I trust this is not to be abandoned. Prior to the receipt of your communication, I had already ordered the two pick- ets on the southern part of Amelia Island to be withdrawn and niounted patrols to be substituted. You direct a small permanent picket in Fernandina. This will involve a change of the coal depot and the removal of the pieces of ordnance at the rebel fort at Fernan- dma. Shall I have a coal wharf built near Fort Clinch, and re- move the ordnance to that fort? I do not regard Fernandina as in danger, except from a coup de main for spiking the cannon in the fort. The order for the organization of a regiment of Florida volunteers contains a clause, without limitation as to place of service, which will stand in the way of recruiting. Will you authorize me to raise and organize that regiment, making my mustering officer, Lien- tenant Waters, the mustering officer for the men, or will you send some one ta~ do the work? I find no special order here on the sub- ject. Will you relieve only that portion of flue One hundred and fifty-seventh which is on Amelia Island or the whole regiment? Two companies are at Fernandina and six at Picolata. When you order away the One hundred and forty-fourth and the. One hundred and fifty-seventh, I would ask to be allowed to retain the men detailed here as cler.ks at headquarters and at the commis- sarys and quartermasters. I cannot find any clerks in bladk regi- ments. It will be a matter of pride with me to protect all loyal citizens and residents in their persons and property Page 121 121 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. There are no movements which I am prepared to recommend at present. At present I am scouting to find out where the enemy is, a kind of information of which I received none from General Gor- don, except that a rebel force had been sent down by rail. Within a week I hope to be able to have more definite ideas on this point. Very truly, your obedient servant, WM. BIRNEY, Brigadier-General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, Jacksonville, June 8, 1864. Capt. W. L. M. BURGER, Assistant Adjutant-General: CAPTAIN: The country lying between Trout Creek on the south and Thomas Swamp and Creek, Nassau River, and the Saint Johns on the north, east, and southeast, has been scouted under my orders by a detachment from the Eighth U. S. Colored Troops. All that part ot Nassau County is free from rebels. I have not yet received the detailed report. A second party is to-day scouring the neck of land lying this side of Doctors Lake and between McGirts Creek and the Saint Johns. They are in search of a torpedo party said to have landed there. Your obedient servant, WM. BIRNEY, Brigadier- General, Commanding. HEAbQUARTERS DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, June 8, 1864. Capt. W. L. M. BURGER, Assistant Adjutant-General: CAPTAIN: It is important that there should be prompt and con- stant communication between this point and Saint Augustine and Picolata. The usual means employed in the army is the telegraph. It will require about 60 miles of telegraphic wire. I respectfully reqnest that Captain Sheldon, or, in .his absence, some one ac- quainted with the business, be ordered to report to me with the necessary materials for building the same. About 10 miles extra wire and some tap batteries should be added. This telegraph line I consider essential to the prompt concentration of the troops in Florida. Very truly, your obedient servant, WM. BIRNEY, Brigadier- General, Commanding. [First indorsernent.] HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH,~ Hilton Head, June 14, 1864. Respectfully referred to Captain Sheldon, superintendent military telegraph, Department of the South, for report. These papers to be returned. By command of Maj. Gen. J. G. Foster: W. L. M. BURGER, Assistant Adjutant- General. CIL& x. XLVII. Page 122 122 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. [Second indorsement.] OFFICE OF U. S. MILITARY TELEGRAPH, Hilton Head, June 14, 1864. It is impossible to supply operators for the within proposed tele- graph without closing offices now in operation in this department. The cost of material would be about $2.200 for 65 miles. The ma- terial could be forwarded from this post, and the line erected at once. No dependence can be placed upon the line unless it should be protected along its whole length from injury by guerrillas. It is certain that if the enemy meditated movements which would require the concentration of our forces, his first attempt would be to cripple the telegraph if possible, and thus defeat the maui object for which the line is required. Respectfully submitted~ L. F. SHELDON, Capt., Asst. Quartermaster and Inspector of Telegraph. [Third indorsement.] JUNE 16, 1864. Respectfully referred back to Brigadier-General Birney, for infor- mation as to the protection he can give the line if built. If General Birney is satisfied upon this point, the material, & c., will be furnished by Captain Sheldon from these headquarters. The line, however, cannot be erected until operators can be obtained to work it. J. G. FOSTER. [Fourth indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, June 20, 1864. Respectfully returned. Operators can be supplied from the enlisted men now in this dis- trict. The line runs through a part of the country entirely ours. I traverse it without a guard; single men and officers pass between this and Saint Augustine without apprehension. A loyal popula- tion is rapidly settling on the east side of the Saint Johns. These men would promptly arrest any one from the rebel army. Our picket-boats and the gun-boats on the river make it a difficult mat- ter for any to pass from the west to the east side of the Saint Johns. On the whole, I consider the line as safe certainly as the one between New York and Philadelphia. The aid of such a communication would be immense to the general commanding district in the ordinary administration. If the line cost $20,000 it should be made. WM. BIRNEY, Brigadier-General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., June 9, 1864. Brig. Gen. JOHN P. HATCH, Comdg. District of Hilton Head, Hilton Head, S. C.: I am instructed by the major-general coninianding to inform you that the camp of instruction for colored troops will be formed a Page 123 CHAP. XLVII.] CORRESPONDEKCE, ETC.UNION. 123 Beaufort, and that the One hnndred and forty-fourth and One hun- dred and fifty-seventh New York Volunteers have been ordered to report to you for duty. He also directs that the proper arrange- ments be made for their encampment. I have the honor to be, most respectfnlly, your obedient servant. THOMAS J. ROBINSON, First Lieiiit., 21st U. S. Colored Troops, A. A. A. G. HDQRS. DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Jacksonville, Fla., June 9, 1864. Capt. W. L. M. BURGER, Assistant Adjutant-General: CAPTAIN: Well-informed officers of the navy tell me that the rebel steamer Saint Marys, snnk 6 miles from here, can easily be raised with the aid of a centrifugal pump, such as can be had on any iron-clad. If you will direct your chief quartermaster to send me such a pump, I will have an effort made to raise her. A few wreckers with their apparatus and machinery can raise all that is valuable in the Maple Leaf, the General Hunter, and the Harriet A. Weed. Are there not some at Charleston? Your obedient servant, WM. BIRNEY, Brigadier-General, Commanding. HDQRS. DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Jacksonville, Fla., June 9, 1864. COMMANDING OFFICER OF CONFEDERATE FORCES: SIR: In the recent capture of the Columbine on the Saint Johns River by a part of the forces under your command a number of offi- cers and enlisted men in the service of the United States became, I am informed and believe, your prisoners of war. A few enlisted men were killed and others wounded. The relatives, friends,, and comrades of the men in that unfortunate vessel are anxious to know their fate. I will promptly communicate to them such information as you may think proper to give. I have t~he honor to transmit herewith a package of open letters for parties residing within the Confederate lines. Your obedient servant, WM. BIRNEY, Brigadier-General, Commanding. GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, No. 84. Hilton Head, S. C., June 10, 1864. I. The services of Col. P. P. I3yown, jr., One hundred and fifty- seventh New York Volunteers, being required with his regiment, he is hereby relieved from the duties of provost-marshal-general of this department, and will join his regiment without delay Page 124 124 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. H. Lieut. Col. James F. Hall, First New York Volunteer En- gineers, is detailed as provost-marshal-general of the department, and will be obeyed and respected accordingly. III. Paragraph 3, General Orders, No. 47, cnrrent series, from these headquarters, is hereby revoked. * By command of Maj. Gen. J. G. Foster: W. L. M. BURGER, Assistant Adjutant-General. Maj. Gen. J. G. FOSTER, WASHINGTON, June 11, 1864. Corndg. Department of the South, Hilton Head, S. C.: GENERAL: Your notes of the 7th instant, marked private, are just received. I have no opportnnity to communicate with General Grant with regard to flieir contents, as the telegraph line is not in operation to his headqnarters, but will give yon his views as I nuder- stand them. In directing General Gillmore to bring to Fortress Monroe all troops in his department not required to hold our positions there on the defensive, General Grant did not intend that no demonstrations or attacks should be made against the enemy which the command- ing general should deem feasible. He will expect you to employ your troops in the way yon may deem most advantageons. It i~ proper to remark in this connection that General Gillmore has recently reported that he left more troops in the Department of the South than he deemed absolutely necessary for a simple defense, and that he has evidence that a greater portion of Beanregards forces are now in front of Richmond. He therefore recommends that, if no offensive operations are intended there, at least 5,000 men can be spared from your department. This recommendation was submitted to General Grant, but no action on it has been taken by him. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. W. HALLECK, Major- General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, June 11, 1864. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK Chief of Staff, Armies of the United States: GENERAL: I have the honor to inclose you copy of communk~a- tiont received this day from Col. William A. Howard, commanding Thirteenth Regiment New York Volunteer Artillery, and would re- spectfully suggest that this regiment, with the boats referred to, be ordered to this department. Colonel Howard has served with me in North Carolina, and it was on my suggestions that the boats were built. They can be of great service in this department, being par- ticularly adapted to these waters, as they are of light draught, and can navigate the internal passages from Morris Island to Florida. There are other reasons why I think the service would be benefited *The revoked paragraph constituted a Board to heav appeals from persons held responsible by Boards of Survey for loss or damage to public property. ~ Not found Page 125 C~. XLVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 125 by having these boats here, viz: First. They will answer for the purposes of transportation. Second. They can be used for landing troops, owing to their extreme light draught, being able to run quite up to the shore, and allowing the troops to disembark with- out employing surf-boats or bateaux. Third. They will be service- able as fighting boats, as their sides are protected by bullet-proof iron plating, and are furnished with proper accommodations and ar- rangements for guns. Should it be deemed inadvisable to order the regiment with all the boats here, I trust you will be able to send me the two boats now nearly ready for sea in New York, with a battalion of the regiment. I am particularly anxious to have these boats ordered here, as this department was in a great measure stripped of steamers by General Gillmore for the transportation of the Tenth Army Corps from this place. I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., June 11, 1864. Rear-Admiral J. A. DAHLGREN, Commanding South Atlantic Blockading Squadron: ADMIRAL: I have the houor to transmit herewith a certified copy of a letter from Brig. Gen. John P. Hatch, commanding District of Hilton Head, & c., giving particulars in regard to the information obtained from deserters from the rebel lines as far as relates to the Water Witch. I respectfully solicit your attention to General Hatchs request for a naval force in Calibogue Sound. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER, Major-General, G~ommanding. Llnclosure.] HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT HILTON HEAD, & C., Hilton Head, June 11, 1864. Capt. W. L. M. BURGER, Assi8tant Adjutant-General: CAPTAIN: An examination made by myself of the deserters from Savannah elicited the following important fact: The rebels are en- gaged in taking out the guns of the Water Witch for the purpose of lightening her sufficiently to enable her to pass through Thunderbolt Creek into the Savannah River. I would again c~1l the attention of the major-general commanding to the danger of an attack from the combined naval force of the enemy upon the southern end of Hilton Head Island, unless an ample naval force is kept in Calibogue Sound. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. P. HATCH, Brigadier- General, Commanding. P. S.There is in Savannah a sVeam-ship built since the war, com- pletely fitted for sea, called No. 10, suppOse(l to be intended for a blockade-runner Page 126 126 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., June 11, 1864. Brig. Gen. A. SCHIMMELFENNIG, Comdg. North. Dist., Dept. of the South, Folly Island, S. C.: I am instructed by the major-general commanding to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 10th instant, * and to state that your orders for placing the booms in Stono River are approved. I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. L. M. BURGER,. Assistant Adjutant-General. HDQRS. NORTHERN DISTRICT, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Folly Island, S. C., June 11, 1864. Col. WILLIAM HEINE, Commanding Post: I am instructed by the general commanding to state that Captain McKeuna has received orders to construct a boom across from the piles in the Stoiio River to the Coles Island shore, and to direct that you furnish Captain McKenna with facilities to aid in this work. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. B. DEAN, Lieutenant, 127th Neu York Volunteers, A. A. A. G. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, hilton Head, S. C., June 13, 1864. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Chief of Staff, Armies of the U. S., Washinqton, D. C.: GENERAL: I have the honor to transmit herewith, for your infor- mation, a copy of a letter received from Rear-Admiral J. A. Dahi- gren. commanding South Atlantic- Blockade Squadron, showing that since the capture of the Water Witch the weakness of the squadron has caused the admiral to withdraw from the in~ide block- ade of many of the sounds and rivers in the department. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER, Major- General, ommanding. [InclQsure.] FLAG-STEAMER PHILADELPHIA, Maj. Gen. ~. G. FOSTER, Q~f Morris Island, S. C., June 10, 1864. C~omdg. Dept. of the South, Hdqrs. Hilton Head: GENERAL: I received yours of the 8th instant, inclosing copy of a note from General Hatch. It would give me pleasure to comply with his suggestions, but the reduced number of vessels in the squadron prevent me from efficiently blockading existing stations, and will compel me to withdraw from some of them unless speedily re-enforced. All the vessels of the squadron are very short-handed, *See Part I, p. 63 Page 127 CHAP. XLVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 127 and some of them even more so than the Water Witch, which natu- rally occasions their withdrawal from the inside blockade until my force is sufficiently strong to enable me to. resume it. the squadron is now short of vessels, short of men, and almost entirely out of coal. Until I am able to put a vessel in the Calibogue, I would suggest that a small battery be placed there which would effectually stop the Water Witch from going through. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. A. DAHLGRIEN, Rear-Admiral, Comdg. South Atlantic Blockading Squadron. FLAG-STEAMER PHILADELPHIA, Off Morris Island, S. 0., June 13, 1864. Maj. Gen. J. G. FOSTER, Oomdg. Dept. of the South, Hdqrs. Hilton Head: GENERAL: Yours of the 11th instant is just received, in regard to the possibility of an attack by the rebels with the Water Witch on the southern epil of Hilton Head Island, and a suggestion that I would place a vessel in Calibogue Sound. The schooner Ward is now lying in the channel leading in that direction, and can be placed wherever it is most desired to prevent the attack that General Hatch apprehends. The battery of the Ward consists of four long 32- pounders, which is very much heavier than auythiug the Water Witch carries. If this vessel is supported by a battery on the south end of Hilton Head Island, the Water Witch will hardly venture an attack. This battery might consist of two or three 9-inch guns, which I will have placed there if it is convenient for you to have breast-works thrown up and platforms laid. The steamer Harvest Moon, which lies near Tybee, would soon participate in the defense when it became necessary. The chief danger of the vessels in Tybee will be from boarding, as they are deficient in the number of the crew. I would suggest, therefore, that a company of veteran sol- diers be ordered to report to the commanding officers of the vessels every night for duty. I wish very much it was in my power to place more suitable vessels there, but I have already apprised you, under date of the 10th, that the force under my command is so much re- duced in the number of vessels and of men that it will be a matter of great difficulty with me to retain vessels at their present stations. As soon as the deficiencies in these respects shall be made u~p from the North, I will place such a force near Calibogue as will prevent any attempt by the Water Witch. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. A. DAHLGREN, Rear-Admiral, Gomdg. South Atlantic Blockading AS~quadron. [First indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, June 15, 1864. Respectfully referred to Brigadier-General Hatch, commanding District of Hilton Head, & c., calling his attention to the suggestions of the admiral, on which lie will report. By order of General Foster: - J. F. ANDERSON, Major, Aide-de-Camp Page 128 128 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. [Second indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS HILTON HEAD DISTRICT, hilton Head, S. 0., June 16, 1864. Respectfully returned to Department of the South headquarters. At the time my letter was addressed to the general commanding, I was under the impression that the Water Witch was a large vessel with a powerful arniament. Since I have learned her class and arm- ament I do not apprehend any danger from her. With the battery to be manned with the col6red artillery, I do not anticipate any trouble. JNO. P. HATCH, Brigadier- General of Volunteers, Gomdg. District. [Third indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, June 17, 1864. Respectfully returned to Brigadier-General Hatch, commanding District of Hilton Head, & c., with a request that he report, for the information of the commanding general, if it is practicable to supply from the army details for the purpose of supplying theizieficiency in the crew of the navy boats, for the protection of the iiiland waters of this district, as suggested by the admiral within. By order of General Foster: J. F. ANDERSON, Major and Aide-de-Camp. [Fourth indorsement.J HEADQUARTERS HILTON HEAD DISTRICT, Hilton Head, S. 0., June 17, 1864. Respectfully returned to headquarters Department of the South. At the present time I do not see how a company .can be well spared for the guard of the vessels of war in Tybee Roads. JNO. P. HATCH, Brigadier-General of Volunteers, Gomdg. District. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, June 13, 1864. Maj. AUGUSTUS VIGNOS, & omman(ling One hundred and seventh Ohio: MAJOR: You will proceed with the six companies of your com- mand to Fernandina, where you will relieve the One hundred and fifty-seventh Regiment New York Volunteers. The following are your instructions: You will make your own headquarters at Fort Clinch. You will keep a small picket, relieved semi-weekly, at the usual place near~ the crossing of the railroad bridge over the Amelia River, shifting frequently its position. You will keep a picket of one company at the town of Fernandina. This also will be relieved semi-weekly. If other small pickets should be needed for the purpose of guarding the prisoners, you will station them. The rest of the island you will scout frequently with a mounted patrol. Your first duty will be to guard the prisoners at Fort .Clinch. You will see that the prisoners are properly confined at night inside the fort, and in the places pro- vided for that purpose, and are properly guarded at their labor du Page 129 CHAP. XLVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 129 ing the day, and made fully to perform it. The work will be exe- cuted as required by the engineer officer who may be in charge. You will see that the records of the prisoners are fully and properly kept. You will yourself act as provost-marshal and report as such to the district provost-mi~rshal on my staff. Your regimental quar- termaster will act as commissary. You will see to it that refugees, contrabands, and all civilians whatsoever, asking subsistence from the Government, shall be forwarded to Jacksonville. You will fur- nish subsistence to them oniy for the time necessary to forward them to this point, except in cases of sickness or other cases of extreme necessity, of all which you will make immediate report to these headquarters. Your regimental quartermaster, acting as post com- missary, will be held strictly responsible, as will you yourself, for issuing rations to civilians in any other manner than as provided for in the circular issued by the chief commissary of subsistence of the department. You will endeavor to ascertain the rebel force between Nassau River and Saint Marys River, sending out scouts if necessary for that purpose. You will keep the men of your command thor- oug~iy drilled in the manual and in company movements, and also in heavy artillery drill. You will report to these headquarters whether you need a special instructor for that purpose. You will not permit any officer or enlisted man of the One hundred and fifty-seventh New York Volunteers to take away with him any public horse or any captured or abandoned property, especially furniture, but you will see that all captured or abandoned property is duly handed over to the agent of the Treasuiy Department, and you will give him every facility for keeping said property, or transporting it to this place or to Hilton Head. Your tn-monthly reports will be made out on the 5th, 15th, and 25th. of each month, and forwarded on the first opportunity to these headquarters. You will cause your men to practice in boat rowing, and you are hereby authorized to send, after you have fully scouted Nassau County, an occasional boat party by the inland passage to the Saint Johns River as far as Saint Johns Bluff. You will report frequently to these headquarters, sending especially full reports of deserters statements. You will cause to be repaired fully, if practicable, the old wharf near Fort Clinch, and if not practicable, you will build a new one. Cultivate friendly relations with naval officers. These instructions are given you by order of Brig. Gen. William Birney. M. BAILEY, Captain and Assistant Adjutant-General. SPECIAL ORDERS, WAR DEPT., ADJT. GENERALS OFFICE, No. 206. ~ Washington, June 13, 1864. I. Sung. Ebenezer Swift, U. S. Army, is hereby relieved from duty in the Department of the South, and will report in person, without delay, to the commanding general Department of the Northwest, to relieve Surg. Thomas M. Getty, U.S. Army, as med- ical director. * * * * * ~* * By order of the Secretary of War: E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant- General. 9 R RYOL XXXV, PT I Page 130 130 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF PENSACOLA, Maj. JOHN LEVERING, Barrancas, June 14, 1864. Asst. Adjt. Gem., Hdqrs. Defenses of New Orleans: MAJOR: I have the honor to submit, in connection with my report of June 3, No. 402, the following additional information in regard to affairs in my neighborhood received from refugees and deserters: The garrison at Fort Morgan does not exceed 600 men. There are two companies of cavalry at Camp Withers, two companies at Camp Andover, guarding the salt-works, and one company at Camp Powell, near the Perdido. The general impression is that the rebel rams will not attack the blockading squadron but content them- selves with defending the harbor of Mobile. At and near Milton there are three companies of cavalry, about 100 men in all. In the Blackwater River the rebels have been placing torpedoes at different places between Milton and Pierces Point. Colonel Maury is still above Pensacola, at the Seven and Fifteen Mile Stations, with six companies of cavalry and three pieces of artillery. Mobile papers of the 10th instant place General Grant at Mechan- icsville. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ASBOTH, Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARrMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. 0., June 15, 1864. General H. W. HALLECK, Chief of Staff! - GENERAL: I am getting things into shape as fast as possible. The school of instruction for colored troops is being started at Beau- fort, as being better than this place, and I have got the officers inter- ested in the matter of perfection of drill, & c. At the end of two or three months, at the farthest, I will have these colored regiments so set up that they can be taken into battle with confidence. In consequence of the large amount of transportation, extra stores, engineer and quartermaster material, pontoons, boats, extra horses, arms, & c., taken away by General Gillmore the department is left nearly stripped of many useful and necessary things. One light battery and a portion of the cavalry are without horses; boats and pontoons are wanting, together with a sufficient number of vessels for operations inside, as well as for the transfer of troops on the out- side, from one point to another of the department. I trust you will not think me complaining, for I only wish to give yon an inside view of matters for your private information. I shall endeavor to make the best use of the means at my disposal, and hope to be abl~, after due preparation, to give a good account of ourselves. I am not so sanguine as I was a week ago about effecting any great success in an extended demonstration. I have learned more of the character of the troops left here (General Gillmore, of course, took the best with him), and find that much discipline and drill is required. I am, however, getting ready for any small operations that may offer, and am w~.tching for an opportunity to make a dash on Fort Johnson. I am in hopes of effecting a surprise. I could take Fort Sumter if it was required, but this will involve some loss, and for it boats and ladders must be provided Page 131 XLVU.J CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 131 If the force was large enough to run the risk I could land in the rear of Mount Pleasant, and take tilat place, but the position cannot be held unless the force be large enough to guard its flanks from troops thrown over from Charleston or collected and thrown into its rear by crossing the Wando higher up, or unless the iron-dads be moved into Wando River to hold it. I have proposed this last operation to the admiral, but I do not think he will undertake it at present. This force is much weakened. In addition to the depart- ure of th~ New Ironsides, one or two monitors are undergoing repairs. Several gun-boats are away for the same purpose; the Water Witch is captured, and one or two boats destroyed in Florida. This has forced the admiral to withdraw his vessels from the inside blockade of the waters between Fort Pulaski and Fernandina until his force of vessels is increased. I inclose a file of rebel papers. I have the honor to be, very respectfully and truly, J. G. FOSTER, 1iIajor- General, Commanding. HDQRS. NORTHERN DISTRICT, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Folly Island, S. 0., June 15, 1864. Capt. W. L. M. BURGER, Assistant Adjutant-General, Department of the South: CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that yesterday evening I received, by flag of truce, a letter from General Jones to the major-general commanding department, a letter from General Rip- ley to myself, which I respectfully annex, and several private letters by the same means. My only answer to General Ripley, until orders from the major-general commanding are received, has been and will be a continuation of the usual fire on the city, with a constant change of direction, to avoid, if possible, the design of the enemy to bring their prisoners under our fire. The officer who received the flag of truce reports to me that the Confederate officers, in order to get an immediate answer, stated they would wait, knowing General Foster to be present in the dis- trict. Chai~eston must be considered a place of arms. It contains a large arsenal, military foundries, & c., and has already furnished three iron-dads to the enemy. ft is our duty to destroy these resources. In reference to the women and children of the bom- barded city, I therefore can only say the same situation occurs wherever a weak and strong party are at war, and the practice of exposing prisoners of war to the fire of the attacking force is as old as the fact that weak and wicked parties must fall under the blows of justice. I may be allowed here to state that the act which the enemy has now committed he has threatened ever since the first shell exploded in the city, over nine months ago, and it is therefore fair to suppose some special reason now exists for the fulfillment of his threat, although I can find no reason other than his desperate situation. In my opinion the endeavor of the enemy to force us to give up the bombardment should be the reason for its continuation. At the same time, as a means to force him to give up his barbarous practices, the simple fact of retalYation can be made effectual, as I have as many p laces where his shells fall as lie has in Charleston where mine fall. I also think that the United States can furnish a Page 132 132 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. (CHAP. XLVII. large a number of Confederate generals and field officers as they can procure of ours. From the fact of the enemys being so anxious for an immediate reply I am led to believe the whole thing a ruse, or at least only a threat not yet carried out. I am, general, very respectfully A. SCHIMMELFENNIG, Brigadier- General, Commanding District. [Inclosure.] HEADQUARTERS FIRST MILITARY DISTRICT, DEPT. OF SOUTH CAROLINA, GEORGIA, AND FLORIDA, General SCHIMMELFENNIG, Charleston, June 13, 1864. LYomdg. U. S. Forces, Morris and Folly Islands, & c.: GENERAL: I have the honoF to inclose, for transmission to the com- manding general of the U. S. forces on this coast, a letter from Maj. Gen. Samuel Jones, commanding this department. The letter informs him that 5 generals and 45 field officers of the Federal army, prisoners, have been ordered to be confined in Charleston. These officers have been placed under my charge, and will be provided with commodions quarters, in a part of the city occupied by non-combatants, the majority of whom are women and children. It is proper that you should know, however, that the portion of the city in which they are located is, and has been for some time, ex- posed day and night to the fire of your guns. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, R. S. RIPLEY, Brigadier- General, Commanding. [Sub-inclosure.] HDQRS. DEPT. OF S. CAROLINA, GEORGIA, AND FLORiDA, Charleston, S. C., June 13, 1864. Maj. Gen. J. G. FOSTER, Corndg. U. S. Forces on coast of South Carolina, C. S.: GENERAL: Five generals and 45 field officers of the U. S. Army, all of them prisoners of war, have been sent to this city for safe- keeping. They have been turned over to Brigadier-General Ripley, commanding the First Military District of this department, who will see that they are provided with commodious quarters in a part of the city occupied by non-combatants, the majority of whom are women and children. It is proper, however, that I should inform you that it is a part of the city which has been for many months exposed day and night to the fire of your guns. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, SAM. JONES, Major- General, ~ommanding. PRIVATE.] HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., June 15, 1864. Brigadier-General BIRNEY, Commanding District of Florida: GENERAL: I am led to believe, from all the information I have received, that the force in Florida opposed to you is very small. If this be so, you will bQ able to make a moyement past I~aldwin an Page 133 CHAP. XLVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.tTNION. 133 burn the trestle-work on the railroad which General Seymour neg- lected to burn on his retreat from Olustee. I expect you to make any movement of this kind promising sx~ccess with little risks that you are able to make with your present force. The two regiments now withdrawn are required here for immediate work. I trust you may succeed in enlisting a Florida regiment. You must obtain what horses you can in your district, for it is almost impossible to get them from the North. I will reply to your letter ~f the 8th of June by the present mail officially. The object of renioving the main body of the regiment stationed on Amelia Island from Fernandina to Fort Clinch is twofold, viz, to secure the fort and guard the prisoners, and to remove the offi- cers and men from the town, where they are sure to become demor- alized, in a greater or less degree. A strong gnard, not to exceed two companies, may be stationed in the fort at Fernandina, to guard the hospital, coal-yard, & c., provided you judge it advisable. I pro- pose to have a small ~teamer run from Morris and Folly Islands to and from Saint Augustine, to bring vegetables, fruits, & c., for the use of the regiments in the Northern District. rphe steamer doing this may also be able to take supplies from this place to Florida, touching at Fernandina and Jacksonville on her way to Saint Am. gustine, provided you see she is not detained at either of the above places, nor at Saint Augustine, longer than is necessary for the coin- missary on board to lay in his supplies of vegetables, & c. The New York Herald of the 10th, a single copy of which is received here, [contains] nothiiig of interest, except the nomination of President Lincoln for President, and Governor Johnson of Ten- nessee, for Vice-President. General Hunter has achieved a victory over the rebels near Staunton. J. G. FOSTER. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. 0., June 15, 1864. Brig. Gen. WILLIAM BIRNEY, Oomdg. Dist. of Florida: GENERAL: General Foster is in receipt of your favor of the 8th instant, concerning the letter of instructions of the 6th of June, and directs me to write you as follows, viz He approves of your selection of the cavalry camp to cover Saint Augustine. You will hold Picolata with such a force as in your~ judgment is required. The object of ordering a small permanent [guard] in Fernandina was to get the troops out of the town. You will retain in Fernandina a proper garrison, but the main body of the troops must be encamped some distance from the town. Colonel Littlefield has been ordered to take charge of recruiting, mustering in, & c., of the Florida volunteers, and will report to you in a few days for that purpose. The whole of the One hundred and fifty-seventh Regiment will be ordered here. Concerning the detailed men of the One hundred and forty-fourth Regiment, you are respectfully referred to General Orders, No. 68, from these headquarters, which must be complied with. In future the quar- termaster will see that you are supplied with a proper amount of forage. I have the honor to be, general, your obedient servant, - J. F. ANDERSON, Major and Aide-de-Oamp Page 134 134 5. 0., PtA., Ai~rP ON TUt GA. COASt FO~AP. XLVII. IIEADQ~UARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., June 16, 1864. Maj. Gen. SAMUEL JONES~ Comdg. Confederate Forces, Dept. S. C., Ga., and Fla.: GENERAL: I have the honor to request that flags of truce covering official communications may be instructed to meet our pickets at Port Royal Ferry, at which point only is it convenient to receive them. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, ~. C., June 16, 1864. Maj. Gen. SAMUEL JONES, C~omdg. Confederate Forces, Dept. of S. C., Ga., and Fla.: GENERAL: I have to acknowledge the receipt this day of your communication of the 13th instant, informing me that ti generals and 45 field officers of the U. S. Army, prisoners of war, have been sent to Charleston for safe-keeping; that they have been turned over by you to Brigadier-General Ripley, with instructions to see that they are provided with quarters in a part of the city occupied by non-combatants, the majority of which latter, you state, are women and children. You add that you deem it proper to inform me that it is a part of the city which has been for many months exposed to the fire of our guns. Many months since Major-General Gillmore, U. S. Army, notified General Beauregard, then commanding at Charleston, that the city would be bombarded. This notice was given that non-combatants might be remdved and thus women and children be spared from harm. General Beauregard, in a communication to General Gill- more, dated August 22, 1863, informed him that the non-combatant population of Charleston would be removed with all possible celer- ity. That women and children have been since retained by you in a part of the city which has been for many months exposed to fire is a matter decided by your own sense of humanity. I must, ho~rever, protest against your action in thus placing defenseless prisoners of war in a position exposed to constant bombardment. It is an indefensible act of cruelty, and can be designed only to prevent the continuance of our fire upon Charleston. That city is a depot for military supplies. It contains not merely arsenals but also foundries and factories for th~ manufacture of munition~of war. In its ship-yards several armed iron-dads have already been completed, while others are still upon the stocks in course of con- strnction. Its wharves and the banks of the rivers on both sides of the city are lined with batteries. To destroy these means of con- tinuing the war is therefore our object and duty. You seek to defeat this effort, not by means known to honorable warfare; but by placing unarmed and helpless prisoners under our fire. I have forwarded youi communication to the President, with the request that he will place in my custody an equal number o Page 135 CHAP. XLVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.IJNION. 135 prisoners of the like grades, to be kept by me in positions exposed to the fire of yonr guns so long as yon continne the conrse sfated in your communication. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, yonr obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER, Major-General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., June 16, 1864. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: I have the honor to inclose herewith a copy of a letter* from Maj. Gen. Samuel Jones, commanding the Confederate De- partment of South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida, dated June 13 instant, transmitted through Brig. Gen. R. S. Ripley, commanding the First Military District of such department, with copies of Gen- eral Ripleys letter of transmittal and of my reply. * ~ have sent Maj. E. N. Strong, of my personal staff, to Fortress Monroe, with the propeller Mary A. Boardman, with instrnctions to await your reply and to bring down the requisite number of prisoners to this department should the President accede to my recommendation that the means of retaliation indicated in my letter to General Jones be adopted. II have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER, Major-General, Commanding. HDQRS. NORTHERN DISTRICT, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Folly Island, S. C., June 16, 1864. Rear-Admiral JOHN A. DAHLGREN, (Jomdg. South Atlantic Blockading Squadron: ADMIRAL: I have the honor to transmit herewith a communica- tion to the commander of the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron, from Lient. Commander E. P. Williams, received by flag of truce from the enemy. t I avail myself of this opportunity to inclose a copy of a communicationt from Brigadier General Ripley, of the Confed- erate Army, and also a copy of my report~ to Major-General Foster, commanding the department. By the same flag of truce I received a Richmond paper of the 10th instant. Beyond the statement that General Grant had changed his base of operations from White House to the James River, and effected a junction with General Butler, it contained no news of importance. Some anxiety was felt in Richmond for the safety of Petersburg, that city having been entered by our cavalry, who were afterward driven out. An Augusta- paper of the 9th instant contained no news of interest in regard to General Shermans movements. I should be very much *See pp. 132,134. ~ For Williams letter, see p. 352 of Annual Report of Secretary of the Navy, December 5, 1864. ~ See pp. 131,132 Page 136 136 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. obliged if you would permit me to retain the deserters who were sent from the fleet on shore for the present. They will be kept on Morris Island subject to your orders. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. SCH IMMELFENNIG, Brigadier-General, Commanding District. HDQRS. NORTHERN DISTRICT, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Folly Island, S. C., June 16, 1864. Capt. C. P. MOKENNA, Chief Engineer, Northern Dist., Dept. of the South; The general commanding wishes you to hurry the work on the boom across the Stono as much as possible. If the plan proposed will require too much time, he wishes you to adopt some other means of accomplishing the object, which is to have passage of the river closed up at once. I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. B. DEAN, Lieutenant and Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, Jacksonville, Fla., June 16, 1864. COMMANDING OFFICER OF CONFEDERATE FORCES IN FLORIDA: SIR: At 4 oclock this p. in., it was reported to me that a cavalry lieutenant had ridden out of the lines with 2 privates on Kings road, and had not returned. I gave them up as captured or lost. At 8 oclock this evening the lieutenant has returned, stating that he went out with a flag of truce to carry a letter. His act, though doiie in good faith, was wholly unauthorized by me and unknown to me until his return. It was the act of an ignorant and inexperi- enced second lieutenant under advice of a first of the same charac- ter. Neither of them had ever been on duty before on this line, or connected with a flag of truce. The occasion of his going was to bear a letter written by me to Mrs. Jones and Mrs. McCormick in answer to an affecting appeal from them to give them aid in searching for the bodies of Mrs. Price and her child. I have the honor to inclose their letter. * You will see from it that they were waiting for my answer at my outer pickets. I intended my letter to be handed them there. Nothing was said about a flag of truce, but this young officer assumed that one was necessary in the circumstances. Accept my assurance of sincere regret for this occurrence, and that I shall take measures to prevents its repetition. Although this letter is designed for Major-General Anderson, I send it open, as I wish this explanation to be known at once to the Confederate officer in command of Cedar Creek outposts. Your obedient servant, WM. BIRNEY Brigadier- General, Cvomman~1ing. *Not found Page 137 CHAP. XLYIII CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. UNION. 137 PRIVATE.] HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE. SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. 0., June 17, 1864. Brigadier-General BIR~EY, Oommanding District qf Florida.~ GENERAL: I wrote you a private letter a few days since about making an effort to destroy the trestle-work on the railroad west of Baldwiii. Mv information is to the effect that the enemys force in Florida is ve~y small and mainly militia. I trust you will under- take the operation if, in your judgment, the chances are in favor of success. The plan must be formed by yourself. I would only suggest that you make the movement past Baldwin, destroying the trestle-work, and then either turn on Baldwin and take it, or take a little [sic], whichever promises most snccess. I .wish you also to give great attention to the drill and discipline of the colored regi- ments. They should be practiced in the firing, both blank and with the ball at a target. Incompetent officers must be eliminated. The rebel General Samuel Jones, commanding on the other side, has placed S general officers and 45 field officers, U. S. prisoners of war, in Charleston under our fire. I have sent to Fort Monroe to get an equal number of rebels to expose to their fire. No further news. Respectfully, & c., ~. G. FOSTER, Major- General, Commanding. FLAG-STEAMER PHILADELPHIA, Off Morris Island, S. 0., June 17, 1864. Maj. Gen. J. G. FOSTER, Commanding Department of the South: GENERAL: My attention has been drawn to the inclosed article,* purporting to have been written by a correspondent in Hilton Head. It is asserted therein that the only person who escaped from the Water Witch gives information that not a shot was fired in defense. Now, the fact is that the person alluded to makes no such statement, but just the reverse. He says that there was hard fighting for half an hour, and that he noticed the captain (Pendergrj~st) three times on the quarter-deck encouraging his men, who were fighting briskly. He also says that the rebels came in on all sides. It was also known that the Savannah papers admitted a loss of 7 men killed and 12 wounded. The same article is equally wide of the truth in stating that the Water Witch was 1,300 tons and carried three 100-pounders and three 12-pounders, and was one of the fleetest and most valua- ble vessels for blockade iA the squadron. The Water Witch was a small steamer of 378 tons and carried only one 30-pounder and three ~ 12-pounders, such as are used in boats. Her full crew only amounted to 82 men, and of this small number she was 14 men short when taken, which would not have been the case if the quota of men ex- pected from the troops of this department had been supplied; whereas not a man was received until you took command, and now only-SO to this date, which will not begin to fill deficiencies. She bras a convenient vessel on accouiYt of her drauglit, being less than 10 * Not found Page 138 1~38 S. C., 1?LA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. feet, but it is absurd to speak of her as a fast or valuable vessel. She was of moderate speed, probably not 9 knots, and was only of account in comparison with other vessels that have no steam. Her trifling armament and number of men gave her little importance. Whatever want of vigilance may have existed, all the information we have goes to show that it was redeemed by a sharp resistance against superior numbers. The official rebel report which has reached here states that the fighting was hard. I hope that the writer of the notice may be called to account for these statements. They are untrue and unjust to the character of the commander, officers, and crew of the Water Witch, who, being prisoners, are unable to say anything in their own behalf; coming, too, from persons within the military jurisdiction, they so far receive sanction as to engender ill feelings between the two services. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. A. DAHLGREN, Rear-Admiral, Oomdg. South Atlantic Blockading Squadron. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., June 17, 1864. Capt. T. A. P. CHAMPLIN, Chief Corn. of Sub., Dept. of the South, Hilton Head, S. C.: By direction of the major-general commanding, I have the honor to transmit herewith an extract from a report of Lieut. Col. Peter Pineo, medical inspector, U. S. Army, for your information: I have the honor to report, for the consideration of the major-general command- ing, that on my recent tour of inspection in the Northern District I found evidence of a scorbutic taint among the colored troops. There had been no issue of potatoes for nearly a month, and the commissary informed me that the issue of fresh beef would be but once in ten days. Surgeons inform me that the colored troops eat largely of pork, and are quite agreed that it is injurious to the health. The free use of pork in hot weather I am quite convinced is injurious. I would therefore respectfully suggest that half the usual ration of pork be issued to the soldiers of this department, and a large issue be substituted of rice, hominy, desiccated potatoes, desiccated mixed vegetables, curried cabbage, and pickles. A large use of vegetables and anti-scorbutics at this season is of the highest importance, and I would respectfully suggest that the com- pany fund be expended for such articles of diet as the surgeons of regiments shall advise. I have the honor to be, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, THOMAS J. ROBINSON First Lient., 21st U. S. Colored Troops, A. A. A. G. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., June 17, 1864. Bring. Gen. A. SCHIMMELFENNIG, Comdg. Northern District, Dept. of the South: GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your favor of the 15th instant, covering communications received by flag of truce. I am much obliged to you for the valuable suggestions contained in your letter. I have sent copies of General Jones letter to Washington, D. C., by a ineniber of my staff, requesting that a Page 139 equal number of rebel prisoners be sent me by the authorities to be exposed to the fire of the enemy. I have informed General Jones, commanding the rebel forces in South Carolina, that no more flags of truce will be received except at Port Royal Ferry; so you will decline to have any communication with them in any part of your district. My impression is that many of the flags are sent simply for the purpose of obtaining information. Captain Gouraud, of my personal staff, is intrusted with this. He will go in charge of the flag of truce, accompanied by an officer of your staff. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. 0., June 17, 1864. Col. A. S. HARTWELL, Comdg. JAfty-ftfth Regt. Massachusetts Volunteers: COLONEL: General Foster is in receipt of your favor of the 13th instant, and directs me to inform you that after information he gave you of his intended action concerning the pay of your regiment, he considers the letter to the Secretary of War as ill-timed. You are well aware that Colonel Hallowell, of the Fifty-fourth Regiment, has been sent North for the purpose of doing all that can be done in order to have your regiment and the other colored troops of this department receive the same compensation as is paid the white troops here. Your letter has been forwarded to the Secretary of War, with a report of what has been done in reference to their pay. The general commanding is afrai& that your letter shows an incli- nation to make trouble, or it at least appears that your course is not calculated to allay the existing difficulties. Very respectfully, your obedieut servant, J. F. ANDERSON, Major and Aide-de-Camp. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF WEST FLORIDA, Barrancas, June 17, 1864. Maj. JOHN LEVERING, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Hdqrs. Defenses of New Orleans: MAJOR: I have the honor to report that, in consideration of the vigorous movements of General Shemans army, the united opera- tions of Polk, Forrest, and Roddey on the Mobile and Ohio Railroad in Mississippi, and the consequent scarcity of rebel troops in West Florida and Alabama, I deemed it proper to make all preparations for an advance with my small command into the interior, confi- dently hoping that arms, horses, and equipments for the First Florida Cavalry and battery, and land and water transportation for the in- fantry, will be sent from New Orleans, for which requisitions have been made and respectfully foi~warded months ago~ With the above view I directed the district quartermaster to have in readiness the required materials for repairing one of the wharves at Pensacola Page 140 140 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. and would respectfully request for orders to the superintendent of telegraphs to send to this place the necessary wire, fixtures, me- chanics, apparatus, and operators to establish a line of communi- cation with the advance and base of operations in connection with the existing rebel telegraph line along the Pensacola railroad. Should this application be favorably considered, I would also re- quest that Mr. Edgar B. McNain, who was taken prisoner while on duty at Union City, Ky., by the rebels, and, making his escape from the Confederate prison at Macon, Ga., arrived within my lines the Vith instant, be ordered here as one of the operators, agreeable to his own desire. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, ASBOTH, Brigadier-General. HDQRS. NORTHERN DISTRICT, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Col. WILLIAM GURNEY, Folly Island, S. C., June 18, 1864. Commanding Post, ]Ilorris Island, S. C.: COLONEL: The general commanding directs that you instruct the officers on outpost duty to keep a close watch on the enemy, to ob- serve, first, whether they remove any of the guns from their works on James Island; second, whether in the camps or additions to camps lately seen on James Island there is any smoke to be seen, particularly early in the morning, or men moving about, or any other signs of their being inhabited by troops. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. B. DEAN, Lient., 127th New York Volunteers, A. A. A. G. HDQRS. NORTHERN DISTRICT, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH Gol. WILLIAM HEINE, Folly Island, S. C., June 18, 1864. Commanding Post: The general commanding district directs that in future no com- munications be had with the rebels across the lines of this district, either by flag of truce or otherwise. If any flags of truce are sent out by the enemy they will be immediately ordered back, and if the or(ler is not at once complied with, two shots will be fired in the air as a warning and the third at the bearer of the flag, if he does not retire at once to his own lines. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. B. DEAN, Lieut., 127th New York Volunteers. A. A. A. G. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., June 18, 1864. Brig. Gen. R. SAXTON, Comdg. District of Beaufort, Beaufort, S. C.: GENERAL: I am directed by the major-generalcommanding to in- form you that he has written Maj. Geii. Samuel Jones, commanding the Confederate forces in this State, informing him that he will r Page 141 CHAP. XJNII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. UNION. 141 ceive no more flags of truce within the Northern District, and request- lug him to send any communications he may wish to reach these headquarters via Port Royal Ferry. You will therefore have one officer always in readiness to meet their officers should they at any time desire to communicate with these headquarters. I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. F. ANDERSON, Major and Aide-de-Camp: FORTRESS MONROE, VA., June 19, 186411.30 p. m. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Washington, D. C.: I am directed by Major-General Foster to forward to you the fol- lowing dispatch HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., June 16, 1864. (Via Fort Monroe, 11.30 p. in., 19th.) Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK,. D. C.: 1 have the honor to report that I have to-day received from Maj. Gen. Samuel Jones, commanding the rebel forces in this department, a letter stating that 5 gen- eral officers of the U. S. Army, prisoners of war, had been placed in Charleston, to be retained there under fire. Against this wicked work and cruel act I have pro- test ed. In the mean time the fire on the city is continued. I respectfully ask that an equal number of rebel officers of equal rank may be sent to me, in order that I may place them under the enemys fire as long as our officers are exposed in Charleston. I send Maj. E. N. Strong, in the steamer Mary A. Boardman, to Fort- ress Monroe to await your answer, and if my request be granted, to bring down the prisoners. Copies of the correspondence will be mailed to you as soon as Major Strong arrives at Fortress Monroe. J. G. FOSTER, Major-General. EDWARD N, STRONG, ]liajor and Aide-de-Camp. HDQRS. NORTHERN DISTRICT, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Folly Island, S. C., June 19, 1864. Col. WILLIAM HEINE, Commanding Post, Folly Island:. The general commanding directs that you will have a sufficient number of boats covered with brush to laud a party of 40 or 50 men at the rear of Legareville, on the night of Sunday to Monday. The expedition will be under the command of Captain Luttwitz, of this staff. On Monday morning, the 20th instant, a party of 200 men will be lauded at Legareville; 100 will be furnished with shovels and con- stitute a working party to reduce the works thrown up by the enemy back of the village which were used by them against our gun-boats last December. The remaining 100 will be armed and act as a guard for the working party. A detail froni the Rocket Battery will ac- company the guard. Colonel Heine will request the co-operation of the gun-boats on Monday. Very respectfully, F. K. SMITH, Captain and Aide-de-Camp Page 142 142 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP~ XLVII. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. 0., June 21, 1864. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 11th instant. I am now drilling the new negro regiments in hopes of making them effective for service in two or three months, apd at the same time gathering into this place and Morris and Folly Islands the best white regiments, so as to obtain a small force of really effective men with which to attempt some promising opera- tion against the enemy. Considerable preparation has to be made to replace the operating engineer and quartermaster material, of which so large an amount was taken away by General Gillmore, and as soon as these are completed I shall commence to make offen- sive movements against the enemy. I shall continue these until I succeed at some one of them. I shall not risk much; at the same time, if chance favors, I shall attempt a good deal. This supposes that no further draft be made upon this command. With respect to this, I must say that General Gillmores report that 5,000 more men could be spared from this department surprises me very much. He. knew very well that he took away the best of the white regiments, and that of the colored force. very little of it was effective in a haz- ardous battle, and nearly 4,000 of it entirely unused to arms and ignorant of drill. The entire force left was 15,000 effectives, of which one-fourth was required in Florida to hold the country in which the citizens had been required to take the oath of alle- giance or leave, and thus made dependent upon the good faith of the Government for protection. Morris and Folly Islands and this island have to be held by a force sufficient to make them secure. The only districts in which any risks can be run are those of Beaufort (Port Royal and adjacent islamids) and Florida, in the former of which the plantations for freedmen and the schools for their children will be jeopardized, and in the latter, the poor people, who want to be loyal to the Gov- ernment, will be miiore or less exposed to rebel barbarity by means of guerrilla bands. I am, however, perfectly willing to send 5,000 men, if they are ordered, and will send the best that remain, and will do this with zeal and cheerfulness, for I fully recognize the fact that the great struggle of the war is in progress in Virginia, the con- quest of which would fully compensate for any losses in this section. All that I wish to present for consideration is whether that small force will not be more useful here, inasmuch as it will enable me to harass the enemy continually, and to call to our front a correspond- ing force of rebels, and to be prepared to meet the attack of a supe- rior force in case the rebel armies are forced to fall back into this State and North Carolina. The force which General Gillmore first reported could be spared from this department, as I am informed, was from 7,000 to 11,000 men. But upon being ordered to go in command in person he increased this estimate, and actually took nearly 18,000 men. Brigadier-General Hatch, whom he left in com- mand, informed him that the force left here was not sufficient for safety, and after his departure felt it his duty to report the matter to the Adjutant-General of the Army, which he did in a letter, the copy of which I inclose. ~ *See May 13, p. 92 Page 143 CHAP. XLVII.J CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 143 In conclusion, I beg leave to say that as soon as I know the wishes of the General-in-Chief I will carry them out with alacrity. And shoull it be decided to withdraw a portion of the present force I will do the best I can with what remains. We have transportation available for 3,000 anen to go by sea. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER, Alqjor-Generat, Commanding. WASHINGTON, D. C., June 21, 1864. Major-General FOSTER, Department of the South: GENERAL: Your letter of the 16th instant, transmitting the cor- respondence between yourself and the commanding general of the rebel forces at Charleston in regard to confining our officers, pris- oners of war, in the part of that city exposed to the fire of our bat, teries; is just received. The Secretary of War has directed an equal number of rebel generals and field officers be sent to you by Major Strong, to be treated imprecisely the same manner as the ene~ny treat oursthat is, to be placed in positions where they will be most exposed to the fire of the rebels. In whatever position they may be placed, whether in the field or in our batteries or vessels, you will take proper precautions to prevent their escape or recapture, putting them in irons, if necessary, for that purpose; The Secretary of War di- rects that on this point you will exercise great vigilance and that the rebel officers will be treated with the same severity that they treat ours. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. W. HALLECK, Major-General, Chief of Staff. OFFICE WEST POINT FOUNDRY, 30 Broadway, New York, Jui~e 21, 1864. Maj. Gen. J. G. FOSTER: Mv DEAR SIR: Though I suppose most of the points of impor- tance in regard to the service of my guns are by this time under- stood, there are one or two that are of such exceeding interest that I am induced to mention them. The greatest difficulty now to be encountered is in the premature explosion of shells in the bore of the gun. The charge of powder they will hold is quite large, and owing to the elongated form of the projectile or to its being driven into the groves, there seems to be a tendency of the parts of the broken shell to wedge in the bore, thus carrying away muzzle or same other part, or, at any rate, giving the gun a violent strain Which is afterward and perhaps by other accidents developed into the destruction of the gun. As a means of diminishing this danger, I am now lacquering or varnishing the interior surface of the shells. Even when freshly put in it operates favorably. A little poured in at the fuse hole and then caused to run over the sides by laying the shells down and rolling it will answer. The reason for this seems to be that on firing the gun the powder charge of the shells is violently thrown back, and explosion i Page 144 144 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. Caused by the friction or attrition of the powder against the rough surface of the bottom and sides of the shell. These are made smooth by the lacquer or varnish, & c. I have used the 100-pounders as mortars by loading them ~ith a very small charge of powder, 31 pounds, and setting out the ring of the projectile in one place only so as to nearly fit a groove, by this means, which admits of the shell going down, merely placing the expanded portion in one of the grooves of the gun, and have got a high-curve traveling, say a range of 2,000 yards, with 20 degrees elevation. I have no doubt that when such a fire happens to be de- sirable it can be obtained readily with the heavy rifles. The start- ing out of the ring in this way causes it to take the grooves with this low charge. With the best wishes for your health and success, most truly, yours, R. P. PARROTT. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, hilton Head, 5. C., June 22, 1864. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Chief of Staff of Armies of United States, Washington, D. C.: GENERAL: I have carefully considered the different plans for taking Fort Sumter, and have come to the conclusion that the fort may be taken at any time you order, provided I have at least six assaulting rafts or boats, each provided with a very large scaling ladder, to be lowered upon the top of the wall, so that 5,000 men can scale the walls at the same time. At my request Mr. Wiard, of New York, has prepared, with as much secrecy a~ possible, plans for the construction of boats suitable for the purpose. I have just received these, and inclose them to you. I would like three of each kind. The boats with steam are much the best in every respect, as they can always be made useful in transporting troops and making landings in creeks and shoal waters. It will, however, take more time to build them. If you think well of the project, I respectfully ask that you will obtain the necessary sanction of the Secretary of War, and order the boas at once. I would respectf4lily suggest that the contract specify a certain definite time for the delivery of these boats, after the expiration of which it shall be optional with the United States whether or not to receive them. I have the honor to be, & c., J. G. FOSTER, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., June 22, 1804. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Chief of Statf, Armies of the United States, Washington, D. C.: GENERAL: I have the honor to inclose an extract from the Charles- ton Tn-weekly Mercury of the 14th instant, giving a list of the names of our officers now in confinement in that portion of the city of Charleston most exposed to our tire, These are undoubtedly th Page 145 CHAP. XLVII.I CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. * 145 officers referred to in the communication received by me from the rebel General Samuel Jones and of which I wrote in my letter to yourself on the 16th instant. I have the honor~ to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER, Major- General, Commanding. [Inclosure.] For some time past it has been known that a batch of Yankee prisoners, comprising the highest in rank now in our hands, were soon to be brought hither to share the pleasures of the bombaiA- ment. They accordingly arrived on Sunday. We give a list of their names and rank: Brigadier-Generals Seymour, Wessells, Scammon, Shaler, and HQckman; Cols. I. G. Grover, I. R. Hawkins, W. Ilarriman, T. F. Lehmann, 0. H. La Grange, H. C. Lee, R. White, H. C. Bolinger, H. L. Brown, E. L. Dana, and E. Fardella; Lient. Cols, E. L. Hayes, H. B. Hunter, T. H. Higinbothani, G. C. Joslin, W. E. Mc- Mackin, D. Miles. W. C. Maxwell, J. D. Mayhew, S. Moffitt, E. Olcott, J. J. Polsley, A. F. Rodgers, J. H. Burnham, C. B. Bald- win, W. G. Bartholomew, W. R. Cook, C. J. Dickerson, J. F. Fel- lows, G. A. Frambes, W. H. Glenn, J. P. Spofford, J. W. Stewart, A. W. Taylor, and W. P. Lasselle; Majs. C. H. Beeres, W. F. Baker, E. N. Bates, J. E. Clark, D. A. Carpenter, W. Crandall, H. D. Grant, J. Hall, and J. H. Job uson. These prisoners we understand will be furnished with comfortable quarters in that portion of the city most exposed to the enemys fire. The commanding officer on Morris Island will be duly notified of the fact of their presence in the shelled district, and if his batteries still continue their wanton and barbarous work it will be at the peril of the captive officers. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., June 22, 1864. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Chief of Staff, Armies of the United States, Washington, D. C.: GENERAL: I beg leave again to refer to the want of light-draught vessels for the operations that I contemplate in this department. With several light-draught steamers, such as we had at Fortress Monroe and in North Carolina, I could at any time make incursions through the creeks and inland waters of this department that would result in the destruction of much rebel property, bridges, trestle- work, cotton, & c. If I could have the four light-draught steamers Buruside, Reno, Parke, and Foster, with the two new ones now built in New York, the Savannah and Augusta, with the Thirteenth New York Volunteers (heavy artillery), Colonel Howard, to man them, I could keep up a small force in constant motion harassing the enemy. For t is advantage I would be willing to exchange two or three regiments of the best infantry. I inclose you a drawing* of these boats. Each of them has six launches, and is armed with six boat howitzers. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER, Major- General, c1ommanding. * Not found. 10 R RVOL XXXV, PT I Page 146 146 * S. C., FLA., AND ON THR GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, 5. C., June 22, 1864. Rear-Admiral J. A. DAHLGREN, Commanding South Atlantic Blockading Squadron: ADMIRAL: In your communication of the 13th instant you sug- gest that a battery be constructed on the south end of Hilton Head Island, and offer to furnish two or three 9-inch guns for its arma- ment. I should be glad to avail myself of your offer, and will at once build a proper work there for two 9-inch guns and two light guns, provided you can furnish me with the ammunition for the heavy guns. I should like to have you account for this ammuni- tion as expended, if possible; otherwise the ordnance officer who re- ceipts for it will have to refer his papers to the Ordnance Depart- ment in Washington, who object to make application there for the transfer of ordnance and ordnance stores from one department of the service to the other. J. G. FOSTER, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., June 23, 1864. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: I shall be ready to commence operations in about one week, with a force of ~5,000 men, which is all that can be collected of the reliable men. I propose, first, to destroy the Charleston and Savannah Railroad, and then to make a sudden attack, either upon some of the defenses of Charleston or of Savannah. if I fail in one I will try the other. I have been collecting information and find that the chances are in favor of our success. The most tempt- ing movement is to p ass through Dewees or Prices Inlet in light- draught steamers and boats, and land in boats at Fullers (C. S. sig- nal). Then marching rapidly, I could surprise the intrenchments and take the Mount Pleasant and Hobcaw Points. The admiral wanted me to do it, but I saw that the risk was all on my p art and very great. I therefore declined unless the iron-dads would run up to the city and into the Wando River to prevent the whole rebel force being thrown across that river to attack me in flank. I agreed to supply coal to the iron-dads across the peninsula. Admiral Dahlgren thought it too risky for the iron-dads and declined. If I had 10,000 men I could make this move with safety, and obtain the command of the harbor and the capture of the garrison and arms on Sullivans Island. I am astonished that General Gillmore did not attempt this movement, which, with his force, would have been almost certain of success. I am making pontoon-boats f~r landing men as rapidly as possible. I am also making torpedo catchers to fit to the bows of our small light-draught gun-boats to detect the torpedoes with which the rebels have filled their rivers and creeks. Our great want is light-draught boats fitted to convey men, guns, and horses into shoal water, and to land them quickly. The Wiard boats built for me in Nox~th Carolina, and upon my plans, are just the things. With five or six of them and their armament and launches, and a good regiment like Howards, of which one-half are seamen, I should be fitted for active work. I would be willing to exchange two or three regiments of our best infantry for the above Page 147 CHAP. XLVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 147 The admiral thinks that a combined attack is meditated by the rebels with their iron-dads from the inside, and the Alabama, Florida, & c., from the outside. Their object, he thinks, is to cover the exportation of a large quantity of cotton from Darien, Ga. He therefore wishes to go down at once and destroy this cotton, or cap- ture it. This would, of course, secure a large amount of prize- money, but I prefer to cut the railroad first, and then make the other military attempts before attending to the cotton, and I think it will be done in that order. I am rejoiced to hear the cheering news from General Grant. He certainly will get Richmond now. Lee will retire to the westward as soon as his supplies of ammunition and provisions run low. I am expecting news every hour. Whatever the orders are, whether to send more men to the north or to make active demonstrations with them here, I shall obey them with cheerfulness and carry them out with alacrity. J. G. FOSTER, Major-General, Commanding. OFFICH OF THE COMMISSARY-GENERAL OF PRISONERS, Maj. E. N. STRONG, Washington, D. C., June 23, 1864. Aide-de-Camp, Washington, D. C.: MAJOR: The rebel officers whom you are to receive to conduct to Major-General Foster, at Hilton Head, are at Fort Delaware, and Brigadier-General Schoepf, the commanding officer at that post, has been instructed to deliver them to you. You will therefore pro- ceed without delay, in the steamer provided for the purpose by the quartermasters department, to Fort Delaware, and having received the general and field officers referred to, you will return to Hilton Head and deliver them to Major-General Foster, commanding De- partment of the SouVh. The guard detailed to accompany you from Fort Delaware is expected to return from Hilton Head with as little delay as possible. W. HOFFMAN, Colonel Third Infantry, Corn. Gen. of Prisoners. Roll of prisoners of war at Fort Delaware, to be sent to Hilton Head, S. C. Names (by regi- Wh No. ment and coin- Rank Regiment or county Where atd en cap. panies). and State. cpure tured. Johnson, Edward.. Gardner, Franklin. Archer, J. J Steuart, George H.. Thompson, M. Jeff. darter, R. Welby.. cobb, N Duke, Basil NV... Ferguson, M. J Hanks, J. M Morgan, Richard c. Pell, James A Peebles, W. H Vandeventer, A. 5. Major-general do Bri,~adier-general. do colonel do do do ....do do ....do do do c. 5. Army dommanding Port Hudson. c. 5. Army do do 1st Virginia cavalry 44th Virginia Iii. fantry. i6th~ Virginia Cav- alry. Bufords briga~... Morgans cavalry Forrests cavalry.. 44th Georgia In- fantry. 50th Virginia In- fantry. Wilderness, Va May 12,1864 Port Hudson July 9,1863 Gettysburg, Pa Wilderness, Va Randolph county, Ky. Loudoun county, Va Wilderness, Va r~ 6otiniKW Tenn. Anderson, Ky Buffington, Ohio Paris, Ky Wilderness, Va .... do July. 3,1863 May 12,1864 Aug. 22,1863 Dec. 17,1863 May 12,1864 Feb. 16.1864 July 20,1863 July 19,1863 Jan. 6,1864 May 12,1864 May 12,1864 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 1 Page 148 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. (Caip. XLVII. Roll of prisoners of uar at Fort Delaware, & c.Continued. Names (by regi No. inent and corn- Rank. Regiment or county Where captured. Wh~ cap panies). and State. tured. Ward, William W. Barbour, William M. Brown, J. N Ja*~uess,J.A Caudill,B E Forney, W. H Brewer, James F * Daugherty, F. Ht.. Davant, P. E Fitzgerald, J. P ... Haynes,C. L Patton, O.A Parsley, W. M.. Swingley. A. L Tucker, Joseph T. Martz, D.H.L Dupree,A Jackson,Thomas C. Smith,M.J. Anderson,D.W Caidweil, 3. W Carson, J. T Ennett, W. T. Groce,J.E Higley, Horace A.. Henry,EM - Nash,E.A Perkins, L.J. Smith, George H Sanders, E. J Steele, T Webber, Thomas B Wilson,J.M Manning, W H TJpshaw, T. E Warley, F. F. Davidson, W. L. Colonel do do do do do Lieutenant-colonel ....do. do do do do do do do do do do do Major do ...do do - , .do do do do do do do do do do do do do Lieutenant-colonel XVards Tennessee cavalry. 37th North Carolina Infantry. 14th South Carolina Infantry. Gardners staff ---- 11th Kentucky In- fantry. 10th Alabama In- fantry. McDonalds bligade. 8th Tennessee Cay- airy. 38th Georgia In- fantry. 238 Virginia In- fantry. 27th Virginia Iii- fantry. Iatton~ Kentucky Rangers. 3d North Carolina Infantry. .Forrests brigade... Chenaults cavalry. 10th Virginia In- fantry. Gardners ....... Andersons brigade. C. S. Army 44th Virginia In- fantry. 1st Kentucky Cav- alry. 12th Georgia In- fantry. 3d North Carolina Infantry. General Whartons staff. General B rag gs staff. Hunters cavalry.. - 4th Georgia Infantry 50th Virginia In. fantry. General Wheelers staff. Sanders battalion - - 7th Kentucky Cav- alry. 2d Kentucky Cav- alry. 7th Louisiana In- fantry. - 6th Louisiana In- fantry. 13th Virginia Cav- alry. 2d South Carolina Artillery. 7th North Carolina Infantry. Buffington Island, Ohio. Spotsylvania, Va. - North Anna River. - Port Hudson - Wise County, Va - - Gettysburg, Pa - Hampshire County, Va, Livingston, Tenn Wilderness, Va ....do ....do Morgan County, Ky. Wilderness, Va Bolivar, Tenn Cheshire. Ohio Wilderness, Va Port Hudson. Gettysburg, Pa - - . - Port Hudson Wilderness, Va Shelbyville, Tenn.. - Wilderness, Va. ....do Natchez, Miss - New Lisbon, Ohio - - Stones River, Tenn Wilderness, Va -do Knoxville, Tenn - -. Aberdeen, Miss New Lisbon, Ohio - - do , . -. Wilderness, Va - - - do Spotsylvapi~,Va . - Charleston Ilarbor - Wilderness, Va July 19,1863 May 12,1864 May 23,1864 July 9,1863 July 7,1863 July 21863 Jan. 5,1864 Feb. 8,1864 May 12,1864 May 12,1864 May 12,1864 Oct. 15,1863 May 12,1864 Jan. 20,1864 July 20. ff63 May 12,1864 July 9,186.3 July 3,1863 July 9,1863 May 12,1864 Oct. 7,1863 May 12,1864 May 12,1864 Dec. 14,1863 July 26,1863 Oct. 7,1863 May 12,1864 May 12,1864 Del. 51863 Feb. 19,1864 July 26,1863 July 26,1864 May 12,1864 May 12,1864 May 14,1864 Sept. 4,1864 * Probably refers to Joseph T. Brewer, of Forrests Cavalry, captured in Tennessee. tIn the original a red-ink line i8 ruled through this name. 148 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 W. T. HARTZ, Captain and Assistant Adjutant-General. OFFICE COMMIilSKRY-GENERAL OF PRISONERS, Washington, June 23, 1864 Page 149 CHAP. XLVIII cORflESPONDENCI~, 1~TO.-~---tPNION. 149 HDQRS. NORTHERN DISTRICT, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Folly island, S. 0., June 23, 1864k Lient. THOMAS J. ROBINSON, Acting Assistant Adfrtant- Genercd: LIEUTENANT: Referring to the report of Lient. Col. P. Plneo, medical inspector, Department of the South, I beg to state that he is in part mistaken. Th~ troops at the south end of Folly Island are somewhat crowded. They were so placed by my orders, for which there existed a military necessity. They ~re not, however, on ground which had been so long encamped on as that in almost every other portion of the island. The companies garrisoning the forts near Stono are of necessity on ground which has been almost constantly occupied. The Forty-first New York Volunteers was on ground a portion of which only had been camped on for the last seven months. The Fifty-fourth New York Volunteers is on ground which had been unoccupied for about three months. The One hundred and third New York Volunteers is on ground which was unoccupied for about six months. The Fifty-fifth Massachusetts Volunteers is on ground which had not been camped on for about seven months. As soon as the necessity for their being placed so closely together ceases to exist, and the ground in other parts of the island beebmes sea- soned by exposure to the atmosphere, the camps will be more sepa- rated. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. SCHIMMELFENNIG, Brigadier- General, Commanding District. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF WEST FLORIDA, Barrancas, Fla., June 26, 1864. Maj. C. T. CHRISTENSEN, Asst. AdjI. Gen., Hdqrs. Div. of West Mississippi: MAJOR: I beg to report that some heavy guns, kindly loaned by Admiral Farragut, were moved to Forts Pickens and Barrancas, and partly mounted, according to inclosed special order, but having just received the inclosed note from the admiral, I have detained two 150-pounder Parrotts at Fort Pickens wharf awaiting the orders of the commanding general, and would request for instructions whether I shall have the 100-pounder rifled gun dismounted and held also ready on the wharf for shipment, and to what place. Very respectfully, major, your obedient servant, ASI3OTH, Brigadier..General, Commanding. [Indorsementi General ASBOTH: The heavy guns loaned by Admiral Farragut can be mounted as originally intended, as they are not now required for use elsewhere. [Inclosure No. 1.] SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ HDQRS. DISTRICT OF WEST FLORIDA, No. 135. ~ Barrancas, June 8, 1864. * * * * * * 3. The sixteen heavy guns ~kindly supplied by Admiral Farragut for temporary use at Forts Pickens and Barrancas will be mounted as follows: Four 150-pounder rifled Parrott guns at Fort Pickens Page 150 150 S. C., FLA~ AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. four 9-inch smooth-bore Dahigren guns at Fort Barrancas, one 100- pounder rifled Parrott gun and two 11-inch smooth-bore Dahigren guns at Old Spanish Fort, and four 20-pounder rifled Parrott guns and one 18-pounder rifled Parrott gun at Barrancas Redoubt. Lieut. F. Rettig, First Florida Battery, acting assistant ordnance officer, will superintend the mounting of those guns accordingly, and the quartermasters department will furnish the required mate- rial, mechanics, and laborers. By order of Brigadier-General Asboth: SAML. T. BUELL, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. ~Inc1osure No. 2.] FLAG-SHIP HARTFORD, Brigadier-General ASBOTH, U. S. Army, QfJ Mobile. Commanding Department of Pensacola: GENERAL: You will please reserve, if not already mounted, two of the 150-pounder rifled guns and all 100-pounder rifled guns, as General Canby has made a request that I ~hould supply him with some. The Tennessee takes some 11-inch guns, which you can use in place of the rifled guns, if you desire them. Very respectfully, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH; Hilton Head, S. C., June 27, 1864. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Chief of Staff; Armies of the U. S., Washington, D. C.: GENERAL: I have received your letter of the 21st and will en- deavor to carry out your instructions and those of the Secretary of War to the very letter. I shall first endeavor to ascertain from General Samuel Jones the degree of exposure, the kind and amount of rations, the general comforts, as beds, blankets, & c., which are given to our prisoners, and then give the same to the rebel pris- oners. Every precaution will be taken to prevent escape or recap- ture. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, litton Head, S. C., June 27, 1864. Maj. Gen. H. W. IJALLECK, Chief of Staff, Armies of the U. S., Washington, D. C.: GENERAL: I have to report that the rebel signal code now used by the enemy at Charleston has been deciphered by S~rgt. John D. Colvin, of the Signal Corps. For this, which ~s the result of his constant watchfulness, study, and uerseverance for several weeks Page 151 Ciii~. XLVII] CORRESPONDENCE, FTC.U~IO~. 151 night and day, at his station in Fort Strong, I respectfully recom- mend that he be rewarded by promotion to lieutenant in the Signal Corps, or by a brevet or medal of honor. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER, Major- General, Commanding. e HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., June 27, 1864. Brig. Gen. A. SCHIMMELFENNIG, Commanding Northern District, Department of the South: GENERAL: I am directed by the major-general commanding to inform you that his application to the General-in-Chief for rebel officers, prisoners of war, for the purpose of awarding them similar treatment as is being received by our prisoners in Charleston, has been granted. Thirty-five field and general officers are now en route for this place, and their arrival is hourly expected. The general directs that quarters for their accommodation be erected, and in the following places: One in Fort Putnam, one in Chatfield, one in Strong, and, if convenient and you think advisable, ~one be- tween Putnam and Chatfield, each capable of accommodating 12 or 15 officers. The chief quartermaster has been directed to supply the necessary men and material for their construction. I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. L. M. BURGER, Captain and Assistant Adjutant- General. WASHINGTON, June 28, 1864. Major-General FOSTER, Department of the South: GENERAL: The Quartermaster-General desires that you send such available ocean steaniers as may be in your department to New Or- leans for the transportation of troops. H. W. HALLECK, Major- General, Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., June 28, 1864. Capt. JOHN H. MOORE, Chief Q. M., Hilton Head, S. C.: CAPTAIN: I am instructed by the major-general commanding to direct that all orders given to you by Brig. Gen. John P. Hatch, relative to the expedition now being prepared, will be recognized by you as though they came from these headquarters. The trans- ports for the expeditioii must be supplied with as many small boats as they can take conveniently. Ten teams must be sent with the expedition. If you cannot spare this number, you can call on Gen- eral Saxtons quartermaster for what you want. General Saxton has been informed of this, and also directed to send his quartermas- ter here immediately to get what transportation he may want of General Saxtons command going with the expedition. W. L. M. BURGER, Assistant Adjutant-General Page 152 152 ~. C., PLA., AND O~ TIlE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Read, S. C., June 28, 1864. Capt. T. A. P. CHAMPLIN, Chief Gom. of Sub., Dept. of the South, Hilton Head, 5. C.: CAPTAIN: J am instructed by the major-general commanding to direct that you have ten days rations in bulk, on requisition of the offi~r in charge of the troops on the transports, put on the several transports of the expedition now being prepared. Brigadier-Gen- eral Hatch will give you the numbers of the boats, & c. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. L. M. BURGER, Assistant Adjutant- General. HDQRS. NORTHERN DISTRICT, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Maj. Gen. .1. G. FOSTER, Folly Island, S. C., June 28, 1864. Commanding Department of the South: GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of two let- lers marked private and confidential, and handed to me by mem- bers of your staff. The letter dated June 18 orders me to hold my command in readiness, & c. This order has been complied with, except as regards the bags for salt, coffee, and sugar. My quarter- master has not been able to have them manufactured here, and has, as he reports, made arrangements for them at Hilton Head. I would like to be informed whether shelter-tents should be taken or left behind. In answer to the letter dated June 24, I have most respectfully to state that the annexed reports (marine, row-boat, and land transportation) were already prepared but required correction up to the present date. I have ordered all the ship-carpenters tools to Hilton Head. In regard to future operations I have conversed fully on the subject with Lieutenant Suter, of your staff. The reconnaissance over the marshes between James and Morris Islands has furnished the result that for an attacking column the dry ground along the outskirts of the marsh cannot be used, because it is not continuous, but that a communication may easily be estab- lished between James and Morris Islands after parts of James Island are taken. The operation on Mount Pleasant I always have aiid do now consider most promising and to be attained with the least loss of life. It presupposes, however, a decisive move on the part of the fleet and the destruction of the enemys iron-dads. The co-opera- tion of the fleet in such a decisive manner seems, however, to be out of the question for the present. The next best operation I have fully discussed with Lieutenant Suter. It is more decisive than the former, equally promising, does iiot require the co-operation of the fleet to any extent, but requires hard work for our infantry, perhaps heavy losses, and presupposes the enemy without any reserve in Charleston, and unable to bring up a sufficient number of troops from other places within a few (lays. The enemy is at present without a reserve at Charleston, and should he consider Charleston an object of such importance as to weaken his forces at Atlanta or in Virginia considerably, and should oui~ advance by some reason or accident prove too slow, so as to give the enemy time to repel ou~ attack with these re-enforcements, we will have solved the great problem of weakening the enemys main armies at the present crisis, notwithstanding our failure in the mai Page 153 153 CHiP. XLVII.1 CORRESPONDENCE, ETO.-IJNION. object. Our retreat is, under all circumstances, secure. I laid this same plan before General Gillmore last winter, but as he may have taken the papers with him, I will embody the information I possess on the subject in another report. I will have a full report ready in regard to the strength and position of the enemy on my front by day after to-morrow. I think I can at present, without any risk, leave the district for twenty-four hours, and, if you consider it neces- sary, verbally give you information when wanted, if in my pos- session. One of my aides, a strictly reliable gentleman, is the only person acquainted with the contents of this letter and the annexed plan* of ~operations. I have not mentioned your plans to any one. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. SCHIMMELFENNIG, Brigadier- General, Commanding District. HDQR5. NORTHERN DISTRICT, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Folly Island, S. C., June 28, 1864. Lapt. W. L. M. BURGER Assistant Adjutant-General, Department of the South..: CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that in order to ascertain whether the artillery are yet doing picket duty in front of Coles Island I to-day effected an exchange of papers with the enemy, and / .obtained a Charleston paper of this date. I find that the Second Regiment South Carolina Artillery are no longer there. From res- .olntions published in this paper it ~?ill be seen that two artillery companies have been disbanded; from the names of the captains I conclude themto be the German Light Artillery. There is also an order from General Jones calling for the reserves of the Charleston I District to report on the 5th of July for duty in the field. It fully appears that there has been no communication between Charleston an(l Virginia; telegraphic or otherwise, for over a week. The paper which I send herewith was exchanged for an unimpor- tant Western paper of the 21st instant. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. SCHIMMELFENNIG, Brigadier-General, Commanding District. HDQR5. NORTHERN DISTRICT, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Folly Island, S. C., June 28, 1864. Col. WILLIAM HEINE: The general commanding directs that you designate one of your staff or other officers, who shall, until further orders, daily inspect the boats, scows, & c., to see that, they are kept in good serviceable condition and in readiness for use at any moment. It has been observed that the care of the boats had been neglected.; that they have been handled upon the beach and exposed to the sun until they have become leaky and in some instances entirely unfit for service. The general commanding further instructs me to say that he will hold you personally responsible that the boats, & c., are now kept in proper order. Very respectfully, W. B. DEAN, Lieutenant, 127th New York Volunteers, A. A. A. G. *Not found Page 154 154 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. 0., June 28, 1864. Brig. Gen. JOHN P. HATCH, Oomdg. Dist. of Hilton Head, & c., Hilton Head, S. 0.: I am instructed by the major-general commanding to inform you that the expedition to leave here at sunset on Thursday next will be placed entirely under your command. Major-General Foster may accompany it, but only to give advice and assistance. The force will consist, first, of all the troops that can be spared from this district; second, all the troops that can be spared from the District of Florida, under command of Brig. Gen. W. Birney; third, all the troops that can be snared from Beaufort, under the command of Brig. Gen. R. Saxton or rig. Gen. E. E. Potter; fourth, a detach- ment from the Northern District, to be under the command of a competent officer. It is proposed to take as large a proportion of ar- tillery and cavalry as the transportation will permit. Orders have been issued for transportation to be prepared for one section of artil- lery with an extra caisson, 40 cavalrymen and horses, besides 25 or 30 cavalrymen and horses Brigadier-General Birney will bring with him, and ten teams. The major-general commanding thinks it will be better if you can arrange to take an additional section of artillery with an extra cais- son, and I have written to Brigadier-General Saxton to do this, and orders have been given to Capt. J. H. Moore, chief quartermaster, to take ten teams. Two companies of the engineer battalion will accompany the expedition for the purpose, in the first p lace, of rebuilding a certain bridge, for which purpose they should be dis- patched in advance, in a small steamer; after which they will per- form the duties of engineer soldiers on the march. One company of infantry will be advanced for the purpose of placing the torpedoes. An adequate force of naval gun-boats will co-operate. Colonel Bon- telle, U. S. Coast Survey, will pilot the boats to the landing at night. It is expected that this expedition will sail at sunset on Thursday next from this point, on which day Brigadier-General Birney is to be here with his forces from Florida. It is expected that a landing and a march of 10 miles will be made during Thursday night. De- tailed orders must be prepared respecting the embarkation and dis- position of the troops. Previous to the sailing of the expedition, sealed orders must be given to the commanding officer of each trans- port, marked on the outside, To be opened after leaving the har- bor miles, and after steering southerly in a direction. After which the lights must be put~ out on all the boats of the ex- pedition. Major-General Foster desires me to say that the detailed orders for sailing, as indicated above, will be prepared at these headquar- ters if you wish it. The chief quartermaster has beeii instructed to take your orders in all matters relating to the expedition as though they came from these headquarters. The troops must be provided with three days cooked rations of bread and meat and six days rations ~f coffee and sugar and salt, in knapsacks or haversacks, the former preferred. The men to carry 10 rounds of cartridges in each pocket, in addition to what can be put in their cartridge-boxes~ 40 rounds extra for each man will be put on each transport, to be stored in a safe place and one convenient to get at. The troops will be in light marching order. No baggage of any description will b Page 155 Ca& p. XLVII.] C0R1~ESP0NI)ENCE, ETC.UNION. 155 allowed. The men to have only a rubber blanket with an extra pair of socks. Those men who have no rubber blankets may take either a woolen blanket or overcoat. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. L. M. BURGER, Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. 0., June 28, 1864. Brigadier-General SAXTON: I am instructed by the i~najor-general commanding to direct that three (if possible, four) of your best regiments, including Colonel Montgomerys regiment and one light battery (four pieces and six cais- sons), be embarked on transports, and be at this point not later than 4 p. m. Thursday next. The troops so taken from your district will be under the command of yourself or General Potter. On arriving at this place you will report to Brigadier-General Hatch for orders and instructions. The men will be provided with three days cooked rations of bread and meat and six days rations of coffee and sugar and salt, in their knapsacks or haversacks, the former preferred. The men to carry 10 rounds of cartridges in each pocket in addition to what can be put in their cartridge-boxes; 40 rounds extra for each man will be put on each transport, to be stored in a safe place and one convenient to get at. The troops must be in light marching order. No baggage of any description will be allowed. The men to have only a rubber blanket with an extra pair of socks. Those men who are not provided with rubber blankets may take a woolen blanket or an overcoat. Ten days rations in bulk will be put on each transport. One ambulance of each regiment will be taken; also one wagon for the battery, for grain and extra ammunition. Ten wagons have been directed to be placed on the transports sail- ing from this point. If the chief quartermaster cannot spare that many, he may call on your quartermaster for a few. Please send your chief quartermaster to Hilton Head immediately to make ar- rangements for the transportation you cannot furnish yourself. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. L. M. BURGER, Assistant Adjutant-General. WASHINGTON, D. C., June 29, 1864. Maj. Gen. J. G. FOSTER, Department of the South: GENERAL: Your letter (confidential) of the 22d instant, with plans of proposed steamers and ladders for the capture of Fort Sumter, is just received. Unless the iron-dads would advance and capture Charleston, and I think it is now pretty well demonstrated that they will do nothing of the kind, I do not understand the object of capturing that place at the pres.~nt time. As the rebel batter- ies would concentrate their fire upon it,it could be held only with a great sacrifice of life, if at all. I see no possible good to resul Page 156 156 ~. C., FLA., ANP O~ T1tI~ GA. COAST. IdisAP XLVII. from the attempt by land forces. What I understand General Grant wishes ybu to do is precisely what in one of your former dispatches you proposed doing, ~. e., make raids on the enemys lines of com- municallion, destroy as much of them as possible, and keep as many of his troops occupied at the south as you can. He has given no special instructions, but leaves the matter entirely to your judg- ment and discretion. In a recent dispatch he remarked that in the p resent condition of the Southern coast, stripped as it was of rebel troops, your forces might effect an important diversion. In- spection reports ordered by the War Department pretty severely censure the former commanders of the Department of the South for keeping there, at enormous expense, so large an amount of watnr transportation. A report made since General Gillmore left says that there is too much there now; that it has been neglected, and is in bad condition. It is certain that the expenses of that depart- ment have been enbrmous and without any commensurate results. I have sent your requisitions and plans for new steamers to the Quartermaster-General for his remarks before submitting them to the Secretary of War. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. W. HALLECK, Major-General, Chief of A~taff. INSPECTOR-GENERALS OPPIcE, HDQRS. NORTHERN DISTRICT, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Folly Island, S. 0., June 29, 1864. Brig. Gen. A. SCHIMMELFENNIG, Comdg. Northern District, Dept. of the South: GENERAL: I have the honor to make the following return of the land transportation of this district: V -________ Ambulances. n Post or regiment. I . Remarks. o0 ~o ~ ~ vu 0~ o~ Lient. J. P. 5. Weidensaul, act- j 15 7 1 2 1 76 ing quartermaster, post of 1 1 Mule..... Morris Island. 1 3 Saddle7?lorses extra. 2 W. Cushing, district 14 3 86 More wagons, & c., than teams. Capt. G. J Teams may be used as de- quartermaster, station Folly , sired. Island. L . ... I I At district headquarters. Regimental quartermasters: 1086 New York volunteers 2 1 9 74th Pennsylvania volun- 3 ~ Re~n~ental use. teers. fl5th Massachusetts volun- 2 8 Do. teers. 54th New York volunteers 2 5 Do. Totala 41 27 1 6 1 194 a sixty of the sum total have been issued to Corn p any B, Third New York Light Artillery, to corn- ~l ete its six-gun battery. Seven will be turned in from the above battery as unfit for that service, ut suitable ~or teaming, leaving 53 to be deducted. I have the honor to be; -very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. WALES, Major and Acting Assistant Inspector-General Page 157 CHAP. XLVIII 157 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. HDQRS. NORTHERN DISTRICT, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Folly Island, S. C., June 29, 1864. Captain CUELIUS, Commanding Bridge Train: CAPTAIN: The general commanding directs that you hold your bridge train in readiness to move by noon to-morrow, June 30. Your men will take three days cooked rations in haversacks, a rub- ber blai~ket, and an extra pair of socks. They will carry their mus- kets, 40 rounds of ammunition in cartridge-boxes, and 40 rounds in knapsacks or otherwise well secured. You will take with you on the steamer when you leave one small row-boat and one pontoon- boat, and On arriving at your destination will unload and use them if necessary, otherwise not. Your bridge and men will be embarked on a steamer to-morrow afternoon or evening, and taken to Seabrook Point. There you will report to Lieutenant Suter, chief engineer of the department, and be subject to his orders. The intention is then to take the bridge round by boats through Bohicket Creek to Haulover Cut, and set up over the cut. Unless otherwise ordered by General Foster or the chief engineer, you will, as soon as the permanent bridge across Haulover Cut is repaired and in serviceable condition, take down your bridge and return with it to Folly Island and report to the general commanding. On first arriving to-morrow night at North Edisto River, you will not at once land, but your steamer must come to anchor in the stream under cover of the gun- boat there, and await further orders. It is possible that you may have to return to Stono without landing. If you disembark, you will in any case send the steamer back immediately to Stono. Respectfully, your obedient servant, E. W. SCHAUFFLER, Lieutenant and ALde-de-Camp. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., June 30, 1864. Major-General HALLECK, Chief of Staff; GENERAL: I shall start on the first of my expeditions to-night, if General Birney arrives from Florida with his detachment in time. I shall land on Seabrook Island and march with the main body to the upper end, where I hope to seize the ferry by parties sent in ad- vance. I shall then cross over, and, while demonstrating against Charleston, destroy the railroad. For this purpose a heavy party, under General Birney, will sweep down the road to the Ashepoo Ferry, if possible. In the mean time if the gun-boats can be got through Wadmalaw River, we will try the strength of Fort Pem berton. Another party, aided by gnu-boats and iron-dads, will be ready on the Stono to take advantage of any weakening of the line from Secessionville across to the river. My definite object is to de- stroy the railroad, and this, I think, we shall accomplish. But, in addition, we shall worry the enemy, and may possibly find a weak spot by which we may penetrate. If so, we shall not fail to profit by it. If none are found on the west side, I may, possibly, before retiring, attenipt to take Fort Johnson by boats. If all these fail, I shall turn right about and try Savannah, where I think we can make a ten strike. I am not so sanguine as I would be if I had my old North Carolina troops and proper arrangements of light draught steamers for landing jn ~hoa1 waters, a~ W6 ii~d in Nort Page 158 158 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. (O1~AP. XLVII. Carolina. However, we will do the best we can, and after a few trials may become proficient in attempts of this kind. I am quite sure that, with proper arrangements, Fort Sumter can be taken at any time. I have received the prisoners, and the vessel is anchored under the guns of the Wabash, where she will remain until the prisons are prepared. These will be located in the most exposed position near Fort Gregg. Very respectfully and truly, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER, Major- General, Commanding. P. 5.I inclose you the latest secesh papers received. J. G. FOSTER. HDQRS. NORTHERN DISTRICT, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Folly Island, S. C., June 30, 1864. Col. WILLIAM HEINE, Comdg. Post, Folly Island: The general commanding directs that you send 1,000 men to Long Island instead of only 500 as before directed, the men to be taken from the Fifty-fifth Massachusetts, One hundred and third New York, and Thirty -third U. S. Colored Troops. Captain Quentin, aide-de-camp, will inform you personally of any other changes that may have been made in the general arrangement since morn- ing. Very respectfully, W. B. DEAN, Lieut., 127th New York Volunteers, A. A. A. G. HDQRS. NORTHERN DISTRICT, DEiT. OF THE SOUTH, Folly Island, S. C., June 30, 1864. Col. WILLIAM HEINE, Comdg. Post, Folly Island: The general commanding directs that you now send the 20 men of the New York Volunteer Engineers to Coles Island, and also 20 men of the same to Morris Island, if they have not already gone. The captain of engineers has not yet returned. The sergeant in charge reports that all the planks for the Coles Island bridge will be collected and ready at 6 oclock this p. m. A sufficent number of the engineers to get this lumber to Coles Island should be left in the engineer camp. W. B. DEAN, Lieut., 127th New York Volunteers, A. A. A. G. HDQRS. NORTHERN DISTRICT, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Folly Island, S. C., June 30, 1864. Col. WILLIAM HEINE, Comdg. Post, Folly Island: Captain McKenna has arrived and will arrange to fix the bridge from Coles to James Island. The general commanding directs that you do not make any detail from the engineer company either for Coles or Morris Island, as directed a short time since. Captain McKenna will attend to it a11. W. B. DEAN, Lieut., 127th New York Volunteers, A. 4. 4. G Page 159 Ciu~. XLVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.1JNION. 159 HDQRS. NORTHERN DISTRICT, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Folly Island, S. C., June 30, 1864. Lieut. Col. A. VON MITZEL, (Jomdg. Seventy-fourth Pennsylvania Vols., Coles Island; I am instructed by the general Commanding to inform you that the movement has been postponed for twenty-four hours, when all the orders and instructions already given will be carried out. The troops must be provided with three days cooked rations for July 2, 3, and 4. Captain McKenna, chief engineer, will fix the bridge from Coles to James Island. The general directs that you must do the rest of the work. W. B. DEAN, Lieut., 127th New York Volunteers, A. A. A. G. ENGINEERS OFFICE, Fort Clinch, Eta., June 30, 1864. General BIRNEY, Commanding U. S. Forces in Florida: GENERAL: The bearer wishes me to state to you the facts, so far as I know them, concerning the guns thrown off the end of the wharf near Fort Clinch while the enemy were evacuating. When our army took possession here in the spring ?~ 1862, search was made for those guns, and I think (though of this I am by no means certain) that one was recovered. I am quite certain that after awhile the search was abandoned, and I have had occasion to know that a bar has formed in consequence of foreign deposits that have impeded the current to such an extent that I have been obliged to abandon that location as a landing. There must now be a depth of 6 or 8 feet of sand over a body that was sunk two years ago, and this bank appears to be increasing. Mr. Casners observation will also reveal the same truth. I have been here more than two years, having come down with the army of occupation, and if my acquaint- aiice with any matters here can be of importance to your command I beg you to refer to me for such information any of your officers or men. It will always give me pleasure to serve the cause or your- self by all means in my power. I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ALFRED F. SEARS, Capt., N. Y. Vol. Engs., Engineer in Charge. [Indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, Jacksonville, July 11, 1864. It appears on evidence of several parties that when the rebels evacuated Fort Clinch they threw some pieces of cannon from the end of the engineer wharf near the fort into the water. I have had these searched for. The result is shown within. Respectfully forwarded for information of major-general com manding. WM. BIRNEY, Brigadier-General, Commanding Page 160 160 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [Ca& p. XLVIL Abstract from return of the Department of the South, Maj. Gen. John G. Foster, U. S. Army, eommandzng, for month of June, 1864. Present for ~ duty. ~ Command. S S be be~ be be __________________ 0 General headquarters Hilton Head District (Hatch) Northern District (Schimmelfennig) Port Royal District (Saxton) District of Florida (Birney) Total 59 129 229 165 100 108 2,984 6,008 3,808 2,553 167 4,002 7,098 4,977 3,866 167 4,968 8,025 5,403 4,274 Pieces of artillery. ~) ~) ~ 2 95 8 25 4 (*) (*) 682 15,456 19,610 22,837 Abstract from returns of the troops belonging to Department of the Gulf and serving in Florida, for the month of June, 1864. Command. District of West Florida (Asboth)... District of Key West and Tortugas (Woodhury). Total Present for Pieces of duty. ~ ~ artillery. i~ S ,., i-,S ~ ~ be be S ~ be be ~ 0 .~ ~ 88 2,067 2,847 3,158 127 6 37 702 1,766 2,786 (*) (*) 125 2,769 4,613 5,944 127 6 Headquarters. Barrancas. Key West. Troops belonging to the Department of the Gulf and Serving in Florida. DISTRICT OF WEST FLORIDA. Brig. Gen. ALEXANDER ASBOTH. First I~?rigade (Barrancas). Col. WILLIAM C. HOLBROOK. 25th U. S. Colored Infantry, Companies A, D, F, G, I, and K, Lieut. Col. Frederick L. Hitchcock. 82d U. S. Colored Infantry, Lieut. Col. George Tucker. 86th U. S. Colored Infantry, CoL M. Wilson Plumly. 7th Vermont, Companies A, B, E, and H, Capt. Mahion M. Young. Fort Barrancas. Lieut. CoP DAVID B. PECK. 7th Velmont, Companies C, G, and I, Capt. Salmon Dutton. Fort Piekens. Maj. HARVEY A. ALLEN. 25th U. S. Colored Infantry, Companies~ B, C, E, and H, Maj. James W. H. Reisinger. 7th Vermont, Company D, Capt. George E. Croff. 7th Vermont, Company F, Capt. Edgar~ N. Bullard. 7th Vermont,Company K, Lieut. Henry StoWell. Cavalry. 1st Florida (five companies), Col. Eu- gene von Kielmansegge. 14th New York, Company M, Capt. Adolph Schmidt. *Not borne on return Page 161 CHAP. XLVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 161 DISTRICT OF KEY WEST AND TORTUGAS. Brig. Gen. DANIEL P. WOODBURY. Cedar Keys. Fort Jefferson. 2d Florida Cavalry (seven companies), 110th New York, Col. Charles Hamilton, Maj. Edmund C. Weeks. Key West. 2d U. S. Cblored Infantry, Lieut. Col. Benjamin R. Towit*nd. [JULY 1OCToBER 31, 1864.For troops in Department of the Gulf serving in Florida, see Vol. XLI.] HDQRS. NORTHERN DISTRICT, DEPT. OF THE SOUTIL, Folly Island, S. C., July 1, 1864. Capt. C. P. MCKENNA, Gompany G, New York Vol. Engineers Chief Engineer Northern Dist., bept. of the South: The general commanding directs that you, with the men of your company, provided with the three days rations, & c., ordered for the expedition, report at the white house at 10 oclock this evening; that you have the lumber and materials necessary (or repairing the bridge from Coles Island to James there (at white house) at that tilne, and that you must not commence to move up to the white house until after dark. The general further directs that if you can find time this after- noon you will proceed to the lookout on the right of Coles Island, with two of your sergeants, for the purpose of looking at the bridge which is to be repaired. The sergeants must not wear their chev- rons, nor must auything be worim which will indicate to the enemy that you or the sergeants belong to the engineers. W. B. DEAN, Lieut., 127th New York Volunteers, A. A. A. G. HDQRS. DEPT. OF S. CAROLINA, GEORGIA, AND FLORIDA, Charleston, S. C., July 1, 1864. Maj. Gen. J. G. FOSTER Commanding Department of the South, Hilton Head: GENERAL: I send with this a letter addressed by 5 gelleral officers of the U. S. Army, now prisoners of war in this city, to Brig. Gen. L. Thomas, Adjutant-General U. S. Army, recommending and ask- ing an exchange of prisoners of war. I fully concur in opinion with the officers who have signed the letter that there should be an exchange of prisoners of war, and, although I am no~ instructed by my Government to enter into negotiations for that purpose, I have no doubt that it is willing an(l desirous now, as it has ever been, to 11 R RVOL xxxv, PT I Page 162 162 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAR XLVII. exchange prisoners of war with your Government on just and hon- orable plans. Our difficulty in the way of carrying out the cartel of exchange agreed on between the two Governments would not exist, that I am aware of, if the exchange was conducted between you and myself. If, therefore, you think proper to communicate on the subject with your Government I will, without delay, com- municate with mine, and it may be that we can enter int& an agree- ment, subject to the approval of our respective Governments, by which the prisoners of war now languishing in confinement may be released. I should be glad to aid in so humane a work, and to the end that there may be no unnecessary delay on my part I have directed an officer of my staff, Maj. John F. Lay, assistant adjut~nt and inspector general, charged with the delivery of this, to wait a reasonable time in the vicinity of Port Royal Ferry for your answer. He is fully informed of my views on this subject, and, if you desire it, will confer with you or any officer you may designate. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, SAM. JONES, Major- General, Commandiftg. [Inclosure.] CHARLESTON, S. C., July 1, 1864. Brig. Gen. L. THOMAS, Ao~jt~ Gem. U. S. Army, Washington, D. C. (Through Maj. Gen. J. G. Foster, Comdg. Dept. of the South, Hil- ton Head, S. C.): GENERAL: We desire respectfully to represent through you to our authorities our firm belief that a prompt exchange of prisoners of war in the hands of the Southern Coiifederacy, if exchanges are to be made, is called for by every consideration of humanity. There are many thousands confined at southern points of the Confederacy, in a climate to which they are unaccustomed, deprived of much of the food, clothing, and shelter they have habitually received, and it is not surprising that from these and other causes that need not be enumerated here much suffering, sickness, and (leath should ensue. In this matter the statements of our own officers are confirmed by Southern journals. And while we cheerfully submit to any policy that may be decided upon by our Government, we would urge that the great evils that must result from any delay that is not desired should be obviated by. the designation of some point in this vicinity at which exchanges might be madea course, we are induced to be- lieve, that would be acceded to by the Confederate authorities. And we are, general, very respectfully, your obedient servants, H. W. WESS ELLS, Brigadier- General, U. S. Volunteers, T. SEYMOUR, Brigadier-General. U. S. Volunteers, E. P. SCAMMON, Brigadier- General, U. S. Volunteers, C. A. HECKMAN, Brigadier-General, U. S. Volunteers, ALEXANDER SHALER, Brigadier-General, U. S. Volunteers, Prisoners of War Page 163 CuAP. XLVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 163 CHARLESTON, S. C., July 1, 1864. Maj. Gen. J. G. FOSTER, Comdg. Dept. of the South, Hilton Head, S. C.: GENERAL: The journals of this morning inform u~, for the first time, that 5 general officers of the Confederate service have ar- rived at Hilton Head, with a view to their being subjected to the same treatment that we are receiving here. We think it is just to ask for these officers every kindness and courtesy that you can extend to them, in acknowledgment of the fact that we, at this time, are as pleasantly and comfortably situated as is possible for prisoners of war, receiving from the Confederate authorities every privilege that we could desire or expect, nor are we unnecessarily exposed to fire. Respectfully, general, your obedient servants, H. W. WESSELLS, Brigadier- General, U. S. Volunteers, T. SEYMOUR, Brigadier- General, U. S. Volunteers, E. P. SCAMMON, Brigadier-General, C. A. HECKMAN, Brigadier-General of Volunteers, ALEXANDER SHALER, Brigadier- General, U. S. Volunteers, Prisoners of War. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., July 1, 1864. Brig. Gen. E. E. POTTER, Commanding District of Beaufort, & c.: GENERAL: I inclose you two communications* for Maj. Gen. Samuel Jones, commanding C on federate forces in South Carolina, & c., which the commanding general directs you to send out as soon as possible. There is also a box in the hands of Dr. Marsh, Beau- fort, for General Seymour, which please have sent forward at the same time. General Foster directs that you exercise great vigilance in order to prevent spies from going to the enemy during the expe- dition. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. F. ANDERSON, Major and Aide-de-Camp. [Inclosure.] HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., July 1, 1864. Maj. Gen. SAMUEL JONES, Comdg. Confederate Forces, S. Carolina, Georgia, and Florida, Charleston, S. C.: GENERAL: I have to acknowledge~ the receipt of your voluminous letter of the 22d. I wish, however, to be informed definitely whether the intention declared in your letter of the 13th ultimo has been carried into effect. If so, I would respectfully request information * Only one inclosure found Page 164 164 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. as to what portion of the city these officers are now confined. If this question cannot be answered for military reasons, will you in- form me of the degree of exposure to which they are subjected; whether in the part of the city most, or in that least, exposed, or that exposed in a medium degree. I would also request you to allow one general officer and one field officer of the said prisoners to subscribe to and send me a statement giving me the kind and quantity of food dealt out to them, also the comforts afforded them in the way of beds, bedding, blankets, & c. The object of these re- quests is simply to ascertain the exact manner in which these offi- cers are treated, that I niay treat in the same manner a like number of your officers of equal rank that are now placed in my hands by the Government. - Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Maj. Gen. SAMUEL JONES, July 4, 1864. Comdg. Confederate Forces, S. Carolina, Georgia, and Florida, Charleston, S. C.: I have received your letter of the 1st instant, covering a letter from the 5 general officers of the U. S. Army, now prisoners of war in Charleston, to Brig. Gen. L. Thomas, Adjutant-General U. S. Army. I fully reciprocate your desire for an exchange of prisoners, but before any steps can be taken to effect it, it will be necessary for you to withdraw from exposure to our fire those officers now confined in Charleston. I have not yet placed your prisoners in a similar posi- tion of exposure. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, July 4, 18G4. Brig. Gens. T. SEYMOUR, H. W. WESSELLS, C. A. HECKMAN, E. P. SCAMMON, AND ALEXANDER SHALER: Mv DEAR FRIENDS: I have received your letter of the 1st instant, and will observe your wishes in the treatment of the prisoners now placed in my hands. We all regret very much the circumstances of your being placed under our fire in Charleston, atid every one feels justly indignant at this barbarous treatment of prisoners of war. F will endeavor to have your wants supplied as far as possible, and have requested the Sanitary Commission to forward what articles they haW on hand suited to your necessities. I believe your ex- change niight be effected, rank for rank, provided as a first step General Jones should relieve you from your position of exposure to fire. Very respectfully and truly, yours, J. G. FOSTER Major-General, ~ornmanling. Page 165 CHAP XLVIL] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.IJNION. 165 HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, Barrancas, July 4, 1864. Maj. C. T. CHRISTENSEN, Asst. Adji. Gen., Hdqrs. Div. of West J$liississippi: MAJOR: In Compliance with General Orders, No. 3, headquarters Division of West.Mississippi, I beg to report regarding affairs in this district and its vicinity. Most of the rebel troops in West Florida and Alabama have left to re-enforce Johnston at Atlanta and Polk, Forrest, and Roddeys army, on the Mobile and Ohio Rail- road, in Mississippi. Refngees and deserters report the balance of rebel troops in my neighborhood distributed as follows: Mobile, militia only enough to dot he guard duty; Fort Morgan, 600 men; Camp Withers, two companies cavalry; Camp Andrew, at. Bon- secours Bay, four companies infantry, guarding salt-works; Camp Powell, near Perdido River, one company cavalry; at Pollard, five companies infantry and the Fifteenth Confederate Cavalry, Colonel Maury commanding, under marching orders; at Fifteen-Mile Sta- tion, on the Pensacola and Pollard Railroad, 500 cavalry and three pieces artillery; between the Escambia and Chattahoochee Rivers, three companies of cavalry; at and around Milton, one-half com- pany at Elba, one-half at Abbeville, one-half at Newton, and one at Marianna. Considering the comparatively very small number of rebel troops thus scattered in West Florida and Alabama, in twenty counties, comprising more than 20,000 square miles, I beg respect~fully to rec- ommend a cavalry raid as far as Columbus, Ga. Possessing the most minute information, I am confident that 2,000 men, well mounted and armed, would be sufficient to do the work safely and obtain brilliant results of vital importance, facilitating greatly the success of our armies in Virginia and Georgia, and while much reducing the rebel resources in general, forcing, especially, starva-. tion upon Mobile, thus rendering one of the most formidable rebel strongholds ~omparatively helpless. If enabled by the command- ing general to make the raid, I would enter Saint Andrews Bay on steamers, land near Bethems Mill, at McCormicks Landing (iS feet depth), and destroy the numerous salt-works, with a daily produce of 500 bushels of salt for the so-called Confederacy; take the Hick- ory (Orange) Hill road, and, leaving Marianna, Abbeville, and Fort Gaines on the right, enter Newton (a rebel depot for bacon and corn), strike the terminus of the Macon and Georgetown Branch Railroad at Eufaula, destroy the railroad and telegraph line, and leaving Union Spring to the left, cross the railroad at Silvers Sta- tion, and destroy the Mobile and Girard Railroad, enter Columbus, Ga., destroy all the Government machine-shops, factories and mann- factories, and fifteen warehouses full of cotton; destroy also the Columbus and Macon, Colunibus and Opelika, and West Point and Montgomery Railroads. From Opelika I would continue on the north side of the railroad to Wetumpka, a military prison, with over 3,000 Union prisoners, and, liberating them, nmarch upon Mont- gomery, the capital of Alabama, and destroying the railroads around the city, with the Government machine-shops and cotton warehouses, proceed on the public road east of the railroad down to Pollard; there also destroy the railroad, nrmmerous engines, a~d very valuable rolling-stock, and returmi from Pollard via Fifteen-Mile House and Pensacola to Barrancas Page 166 166 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. Along the line above designated the roads are good, somewhat sandy in Florida, but hard in Alabama, nowhere intersected by rivers, it being throughout the water divide. The country from Hickory Hill upward is rich and productive. Men and horses could subsist upon the country and find everywhere good fresh water in abundance. The pebple on the designated line from Hickory Hill to Columbus are tired of rebellion and anxious to return to the Union, and the woods being full of deserters, I am confident that by starting with 2,000 men I would strike at Columbus with double that number. I beg to inclose (Sub~A*) a table of distances, going by water 120 miles and by land 452; time required, sixteen to twenty days. A glance upon the map of the United States shows, and the past con- duct of the rebellion proves, that the Mobile, Montgomery and Co- lumbus Railroad, with its tributaries and connections, is one of the main and vital arteries of the rebel Confederacy, and the only undis- turbed line of communication between Richmond, Savannah, and Charleston with the lower Mississippi regions and the Gulf States, and it seems beyond a doubt that the destruction of such an impor- tant railroad line at seven different points, as within contemplated, with the destruction of numerous engines, valuable rolling-stock, and all other rebel property above alluded to, would certainly be a stun- ning blow upon the hydra of this wicked rebellion. I therefore most respectfully request the commanding generals sanction to make the raid, and his orders for the use of a cavalry force of 2,000 for the time of one month only. At present I have but one company of cavalry mounted, Company M, Fourteenth New York Cavalry, numbering 80 men and 59 horses. The Florida cavalry, already six companies strong, have no arms and no horses. The men all en- tered my lines from rebeldom and enlisted in the U. S. Army with the fervent desire to revenge under the Union flag all the wrongs inflicted upon them and their families by the rebels. They are all good horsemen, all good marksmen, and perfectly fai~iliar with the countr~ and people throu~hout Florida, Alabama, and Georgia. Thus t eir services in the eld, if well mounted and armed, would p rove more efficient here than of any veteran cavalry regiment. I beg, therefore, to in close duplicate of requisitions already forwarded for arms and horses, respectfully requesting the commanding gen- erals approval and orders, and I confidently hope that the 500 Florida men when mounted will each, in less than a month, bring an addi- tional horse from rebeldom into their camp. For the present I am restricted to my small infantry force, and although without proper land and water transportation, I will make an infantry advance in a few days up the Perdido with the view of doing considerable harm to the rebels. Very respectfully, major, your obedient servant, ASBOTH Brigadier- General, Commanding. [Indorsement.] This comes rather informally but is worthy of consideration. General Asboth underrates the force of the enemy, and his esti- mate of the cavalry force required to perform the work he has in view is too small. ED. R. S. CANBY. * Not found Page 167 CHAP. XLVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 167 QUARTERMASTER-GENERALS OFFICE, Washington, D. 0., July 6, 1864. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Chief of Staff, Washington, D. C.: GENERAL: I have the honor to return the letter* of General Fos- ter asking that the Thirteenth New York Heavy Artillery may be ordered to the Department of the South, with the armed trans- ports Buruside, Reno, Parke, and Foster, built by Mr. Wiard, and that the Savannah and Augusta, also built by Mr. Wiard, may be likewise forwarded to him for operations in the departuient under his command. The first four of these steamers were purchased by this department under urgent requisitions from the commanding generals of North Carolina and at Fort Monroe. Three are now in the waters of the Department of Virginia and North Carolina, and one repairing at Baltimore. Reports received at this office as to their efficiency and value are contradictory. I inclose an abstract of these reports. I General Butler informed me verbally that he found them very useful. My own opinion is that while they can penetrate shallow creeks,d efended only by musketry, they are liable to meet field or heavier gnus in almost all such expe- ditions, and that they would almost certainly be sunk upomi coming under fire of artillery; still, any wooden gun-boat with exposed boilers is liable to this accident, and, in the experience of the cam- paign on the Southern coast, the navy has lost more than one in such conflicts. The Savannah and Augusta are, it is reported by Mr. Wiard (see his letter inclosedt), completely fitted for service. The guns and carriages, I understand, have been furnished at the expense of the War Dep artmnent. I know of no promise or obliga- tion on the part of the United States to purchase these vessels. He desires to have them brought to this city for the purpose of inspec- tion. If the operations contemplated by General Foster are approved and sanctioned, I think these two steamers should be sent to him, provided they can be obtained at a reasonable cost and on inspection prove to be well constructed. They are armed transports rather than gun-boats, inferior in strength and superior in carrying capacity to what are generally understood to be gun-boats. With them the troops can penetrate the creeks to some extent and harass the enemy. Without some such vessels I presume a purely defensive attitude, waiting for attack, only can be maintained. - Over the four vessels asked for, but now under General Butlers conimand, the Quartermaster-General can exercise no control. The requisition of General Foster is respectfully returned. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, M. C. MEIGS. Quartermaster- General. [First indorsement.] JULY 9, 1864. Respectfully referred to Lieutenant-General Grant, for his decis- ion on the plans of General Foster and on sending to him the boats now in General Butlers department. -. H. W. HALLECK, Major- General, Chief of Staff. * See June 22, p. 144. Omitted Page 168 168 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. [Second indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS ARMIES OF THE UNITED STATES, City Point, Va., August 16, 1864. Respectfully returned. As I have requested that all the troops that can be spared from General Fosters command be brought forward, and that General Foster for the present act purely on the defensive at Charleston, there is no necessity for sending these vessels. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. U.S. S. WABASH, Port Royal, S. C., July 6, 1864. Maj. Gen. J. G. FOSTER, U. S. Volunteers, (ommanding Department of the South: GENERAL: By dispatch received yesterday from Admiral Dahl- gren I am informed that it is contemplated by the army forces to erect a battery of two guns on Scull Creek, and that the guns are to be furnished by me upon your requisition. In accordance there- with, I beg to state that the guns (caliber 8 or 9 inch) will be promptly sent whenever you may call for them. I remain, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN D. CAMP, Captain, U. S. Navy, C~ommanding, & c. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., July 7, 1864. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLEcK, Chief of Staff, Washington, D. C.: GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of June 25 in regard to the order of Colonel Hallowell, Fifty- fourth Massachusetts Volunteers. I feel very much mortified that this thing should happen. and all I can do is to offer an explanation. The whole affair was a misconception on the part of one of my staff officers, who was not authorized to issue the order to Colonel Hal- lowell that hedid. The officers of the two regiments, the Fifty-fifth and Fifty-fourth Massachusetts Volunteers, in view of the very bad condition of the men of their regim.ents, who were in want of their pay, were extremely anxious to take some steps by which it might be remedied. I therefore consented to permit Colonel Hallowell to go to New York on leave of absence, with permission to ask leave to~ visit Washington. An order, instead of the requisite leave of absence, was given through a misunderstanding. I am well aware of the prohibition of allowing officers to visit Washington, and have always strictly observed it. Colonel Hallowell has been ordered to return immediately to his regiment. I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER, Major- General, Commanding Page 169 CHAF~ XLVII] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. UNION. 169 HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, litton Head, S. C., July 7, 1864. Maj. Gen. II. W. HALLECK, Chief of Staff, Washington, D. C.: GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of June 28, directing me to send all the available ocean trans- portation in this department to New Orleans. At the time of the receipt of this communication I was engaged in making a demonstration against the enemy, and have employed every steamer available in this department, and they are now actively employed in the same movement. I have not, in fact, a single steamer here suitable for ocean navigation, General Gill- more having taken with him all that were really suited for that purpose. Two ocean steamers have just entered the harbor from the North, the Harnak and the Star of the Sonth, and I have ordered them to proceed at once to New Orleans. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER, Major- General, Commauding. HEADQUARTER1~ DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., July 7, 1864. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Chief of Staff, Washington, D. C.: GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 29th ultimo with reference to the reports made con- cerning ~he transportation in this department. I have caused to be prepared a list of all the transportation now here, the exact condition of the vessels, capacity for holding troops, & c. This will show that the whole amount available will only con- vey about 5,000 men in operations about the coast. This is the least number of men that should be used in making raids, and the least number of vessels for that purpose and for supplying the different districts with quartermaster an d subsistence supplies. I do not see how the transportation now in this department can be reduced with safety. A considerable number of the steamers are useless and are being repaired, but they are being put in condition for active service as rapidly as possible. Several other small steamers have been sent North, either to be discharged or for repairs that cannot be made here. I have directed my particular attention to the transportation since I took command, have made available all that conl d be used in expeditions, and have taken the necessary steps to have all the unserviceable vessels either repaired here or sent North for this pur- pose or to be discharged. Very respectfully, general, your obedient servant J. G. FOSTER, Major- General, Commanding Page 170 170 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP~ XLVII. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., July 7, 1864. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLJ~CK, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: I have the honor to transmit herewith a communica- tion* signed by Brigadier-Generals Wessells, Seymour, Heckman, Shaler, and Scammon, received by flag of truce July 5, 1864, asking that every courtesy and kindness may be extended to the rebel offi- cers now in my hands. I would respectfully state everything con- sistent is allowed these officers, and that they are treated in every respect and their comfort attended to in the same manner our officers are treated. I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER Major- General, Comman~ling. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., July 7, 1864. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Chief of Staff, Washington, D. C. GENERAL: I have the honor to irtclose a lettert from General Samuel Jones, covering a letter to the Adjutant-General U. S. Army from Brig. Gen. H. W. Wessells, and other general officers now prisoners of war in Charleston. I inclose also a copy of my rep1y~ to General Samuel Jones. If it meets the views of the Government to exchange these prisoners, rank for rank, or its equivalent, I respectfully ask that the. requisite authority may be given to me, and I will see that the exchange is properly conducted. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., July 7, 1864. Maj. Gen. SAMUEL JONES, Comdg. ~Jonfederate Forces, S. C., Ga., and F/a.: GENERAL: During, a recent movement on Johns Island Dr. W. T. Robinson, of the One hundred and fourth Reginient Peunsylvani~ Volunteers, was taken prisoner by your forces. I would respect- fully request that he be released, in accordance with the well-estab- lished custom of releasing medical officers of both armies. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER, Major- General, Commanding. *See July 1, p.163. tSee pp. 161, 164 Page 171 Cnip. XLVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 171 HEADQUARTERS U. S. FORCES, Saint Augustine, lila., July 7, 1864. Lieut. Col. E. W. SMITH, A. A. G., Dept. of the South, Port Royal, S. C.: COLONEL: I have the honor to report that nothing has occurred since my last dispatch worthy of special mention. A little tug called the Montones, Ca p tam Hayes, came into this port on her way to Montones, Cuba, and was viewed with great sus- picion. Such I find~to have been the case at Fortress Monroe, Beau- fort, N. C., and Hilton Head. At the latter place she was thor- oughly overhauled. I had detectives at work, but was unable to get sufficient evidence to warrant me in seizing her. One of the crew, a rampant, noisy rebel and armed blockade-runner, I arrested and sent by to-days boat, the Collins, to the Head. I recommend that he be sent to New York. The Montones would be a most serv- iceable boat for the rebels in Indian River, and despite her excellent papers I fear such may be her destination. There is scarcely a whisper of disloyalty here, though undoubt- edly there may be latent treason. The people seem to be satisfied with the government of the post, which I endeavor to keep thorough and strict, though kind. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOS. R. HAWLEY, Colonel Seventh Connecticut Volunteers, Comdg. Post. HDQRS. DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Jacksonville, July 7, 1864. Capt. W. L. M. BURGER, Assistant Adjutant-General: CAPTAIN: The apprehensions expressed by me to the major- general commanding in regard to the probable movements of the enemy appear to be justified by the facts, as a movement of the rebel forces has been made toward Yellow Bluff. Major Mayer, of that place, reports that Colonel McCormick, Second Florida Cavalry, has taken his advance camp on the headwaters of Trout Creek. A rebel vedette has been pushed to the Saint Johns, between Trout and Cedar Creeks, and five torpedoes have been taken up by our boats in that vicinity yesterday and to-day. The lookout on our signal tower reports a number of camp-fires seen for two days in the neighbor- hood of Trout Creek. In the course of to-morrow I hope to know what the force of rebels is, and I shall attack them just as soon as Colonel Beechers regiment gets its arms, which I trust will be by the next boat. I send up the camp and garrison equipage of the Seventh U; S. Colored Troops. That of the Seventy-fifth Ohio Volunteers cannot be found; it is probably at Picolata, where are now the headquarters of the regiment. On my return I find that the horses necessary to the battery have not been supplied, owing to the losses by glanders, and that it is im- possible to put in service more than five of these fully equipped. I send three of these, reserving two for use here as by directions. I trust the major-general will send these back as soon as they can be spared from his operations, for in my present paucity of number Page 172 172 s. c., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. this battery is my best available means of attack. As the lower Saint Johns is my weak point, and a most important one, I shall move with what troops I have and drive the enemy from Trout Creek at all hazards. Colonel Beechers regiment, the Thirty-fifth U. S. Col- ored Troops, numbers only a little over 320 men for active duty; of these 90 are without arms, and the rest have four kinds of arms, none of them fit for service. The battalion at Stono River is armed with the Springfield rifle muskets, and I have written an important request to the Head to forward to this place the rest of the arms required. With the most earnest hope for the success of the major-general, I remain, your obedient servant, WM. BIRNEY, Brigadier-General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., July 10, 1864. Brig. Gen. A. SCHIMMELFENNIG, C~omdg. Northern Dist., Dept. of the South, Folly island, S. C.: GENERAL: I am instructed by the major-general commanding to state that a siege train of five 20-pounder Parrott guns, four 10-inch siege mortars, two 8-inch siege howitzers, and one 24-pounder rifled gun will be sent to you to be placed in position wherever they may be required. If they are placed either on Black or James Island the battery must be made thoroughly secure against attack by surprise, made so by surrounding them with good, substantial picketing. The major-general commanding further directs that the bombard- ment of Fort Sumter, as commenced, must be continued. He will be up on Tuesday or Wednesday next to examine it in person. I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. L~ M. BURGER, Captain and Assistant Adjutant- General. HDQRS. NORTHERN DISTRICT DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Folly Island, S. C., July 11, 1864. Col. WILLIAM HEINE, Commanding Post: COLONEL: The general commanding directs that you station the pickets now as heretofore, except that you will send 100 men and a section of the Rocket Battery to Kiawah Island instead of the usu~l number. The general commanding further directs that the detach- ment to Kiawah Island be sent to-morrow, 12th instant, and that they proceed with great caution to their post to avoid being ambushed or surprised by the enemy, and that whew the outposts are duly sta- tioned and the ground has been examined in the vicinity, that only the usual number remain there and the balance will return to camp. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. B. DEAN, Lieut., 127th New York Volunteers, A. A. A. G Page 173 ChAP. XLVIL] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNLON. 173 HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, Jacksonville, July 12, 18G4. Capt. W. L. M. BURGER, Assistant Adjutant-General: CAPTAIN: In compliance with the order of the 10th instant, just received, I have ordered the Fourth Massachusetts Cavalry to em- bark for Hilton Head. They shall be sent forward as rapidly as transportation will permit. This deprives me of all the monilted men who have been doing duty in front of Jacksonville. There are no other mounted nien in the district, except the Seventy-fifth Ohio Volunteers, which can put into the field at any one time not over 250 mounted men, and which is the only force charged with the de- fense of Picolata and the coniitry to the south of Saint Augustine and Picolata. The execution of your order will leave me with about 200 mounted men for the service at all points. As the rebels have a cavalry regiment in front of Jacksonville, I shall be obliged to take nearly all the mounted men for dnty here. How I shall gnard Picolata and the east bank of the Saint Johns I do not now see. A large number of families have settled there nuder our promise of protection. If we abandon them the rebels will commit among them the usual atrocities. The raising of a Florida battalion is imupracti- cable just now; men refusing to enlist because they think that Florida is about to be evacuated. If the major-general command- I ng will send one of the new regiments of colored troops to Florida, I think it will have the happiest effect. The movements of the rebels toward Trout Creek continue. Their camp-fires are seen daily; their vedettes are pushed forward to the bank of the river and withdrawn. Within a few days past they have reconnoitered Yellow Bluff, the month of Trout Creek, near the gun-boat, and have built a good lookout in the top of a tree over- looking the gun-boat Ottawa. I had already started on an expedi- tion to reconnoiter up Trout Creek when your order met me. In a day or two, however, I shall try it with infantry and endeavor to drive the rebels from their new camp. I had expected to send two Wiard guns and caissons to Stono River, but find that, although the requisition was approved, they were not sent. They are still at Hilton Head. Your obedient servant, . WM. BIRNEY, Brigadier- General, Gommanding. FLAG-STEAMER PHILADELPHIA, Port Royal Harbor, S. 0., July 13, 1864. Maj. Gen. J. G. FOSTER, Gomdg. Dept. of the South, Headquarters Hilton Head: SIR: It often occurs that contrabands and others, enlisted in the naval service, desire to be discharged here when their terms have expiredthat is, they desire to remain ashore, which is your juris- diction, and this can only be done by your permission. While de- clining, therefore, to interfere with your authority, permit me to observe that it seems very objectionable to permit a population to grow up here of persons from whom there is no guarantee that they may not in some way become ~nsefnl to the enemy, it being thei Page 174 174 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLV1I. interest to stand well with both sides. And I hope, therefore, that the practice will only be allowed on condition of such residents rendering military service. No man should be neutral in this great emergency. Very res~pectfully, your obedient servant, J. A. DAHLGREN, Rear-Admiral, Corndg. South Atlantic Blockading Squadron. HDQRS. DEPT. OF S. CAROLINA, GEORGIA, AND FLORIDA, Maj. Gen. ~. G. FOSTER, Charleston, S. 0., July 13, 1864. Oomdg. U. S. Forces, Hilton Head, S. C.: GENERAL: I have received your letter of the 1st instant. Mine of the 13th and 22d ultimo indicate, with all necessary precision, the location of the U. S. officers who are prisoners of war in this city. I cannot well be more minute without pointing out the very houses in which they are confined, and for reasons very easily understood I am sure that this will not be expected. If the statements in my letter of the 22d ultimo are insufficient, the letter of the 5 general officers, dated the 1st instant, in which they assure you that they are as pleasantly and comfortably situated as is possible for prison- ers of war, receiving from the Confederate authorities every privi- lege that we (they) could desire or expect, nor are we (they) unneces- sarily exposed to fire, gives you all the information in regard to their treatment that you can reasonably desire. In conclusioii, let me add that I presume from a copy of your con- fidential order of the 29th ultimo,* that you were commanding in person the troops operating against the city, and as you had particu- larly requested me to communicate with you only by way of Port Royal Ferry, I felt bound to delay my reply until I was assured it would promptly reach you by the route yoa were pleased to indi- cate. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, SAM. JONES, Major- General, Commanding. HDQRS. DEPT. OF S. CAROLINA, GEORGIA, AND FLORIDA, Charleston, S. C., July 13, 1864. Maj. Gen. J. G. FOSTER, - Commanding U. S. Forces, Hilton Head, S. C.: GENERAL: Your letter of the 4th, in reply to mine of the 1st, has been received. I am pleased to know that you reciprocate my dQ- sire for an exchange of prisoners, but i-egret that you should requiie as a condition precedent to any negotiation for this end that I should remove from their present location the U. S. prisoners of war now in this city. Such a course on my part would be an implied admission that those officers are unduly exposed and treated with unnecessary rigor, which they have themselves assured you in their letter of the 1st instant is not the case. I regard the exchange of prisoners as demanded alike by the rules of civilized warfare and the * See Part I, p. 126 Page 175 CHAP. XLVIII CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 175 dictates of common humanity, and to require a change of location which you have every reason to know the prisoners do not themselves desire is to throw an unnecessary obstacle in the way of accomplish- ing this end, and thus to retain prisoners of war in irksome confine- ment. The change I most prefer would be to send them to your headquarters, and this may yet be done, unless defeated by obstacles inte~rposed by yourself or your Government. I was notified of your request to send a staff officer to meet one of yours at Port Royal at 2 p. m. to-day, too late to comply therewith. I have, however, directed the officer of your staff to be informed that I would send an officer to meet him at 4 p. m. to-morrow, and have accordingly directed Maj. J. F. Lay, assistant adjutant and inspector general, to take charge of this letter and deliver it at Port Royal Ferry. I repeat that he is fully advised of my views, and should you desire it will confer with you or any officer of your staff whom you may designate Very respectfully, your obedient servant, SAM. JONES, Major- General, Commanding. HDQRS. DEPT. OF S. CAROLINA, GEORGIA, AND FLORIDA, Charleston, S. C., July 13, 1864. Maj. Gen. J. G. FOSTER. Commanding U. S. Forces, Hilton Head, S. C.: GENERAL: Permit me to say, in reply to your letter of the 7th instant, that I am not aware of any well-established custom of releasing medical officers of both armies. I shall, however, make the necessary inquiries on this point, and if the custom referred to, which I believe has of late fallen into disuse, from what causes I need not say, is still regarded I shall be governed thereby. It is, however, proper to say that Dr. W. T. Robinson, of the One hun- dred and fourth Pennsylvania Volunteers, was not when captured attell(ling to the sick and wounded of your army, but was separated from his command, apparently engaged in reconnoitering the coun- try. While I hope that no obstacle to his release may arise, I regret to be compelled to detain him until the facts in his case can be more particularly learned. The blank pay accounts have been disposed of as request~d. Very respectfully, ~ SAM. JONES, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., July 16, 1864. Maj. Geim. SAMUEL JONES, Comdg. Confederate Forces, Dept. of S. C., Ga., and Fla.: GENERAL: Regarding the case of Dr. W. T. Robinson, of the One hundred and fourth Pennsylvania Volunteers, captured by your pickets on Johns Island, I deem it proper to say that at the time of his capture he was not, as you state in your letter of the 1~tJ.i instan Page 176 176 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. appeared to be the case, reconnoitering the country. Having been detained as the regiment moved in the morning on professional duty, he missed his way in following, and thus met your pickets. With respect to the custom of liberating surgeons when captured, I have to say that it has been my custom while in command both in North Carolina and East Tennessee. Your action iii the present case will determine whether the custom will be continued in this department. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER, Major- General, Commanding. HDQRS. NORTHERN DISTRICT, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Folly Island, S. 0., July 16, 1864. Capt. J. W. GRACE, Ordnance Officer, Northern Dist., Dept. of the South: CAPTAIN: I am instructed by the general commanding to inform you that the reasons why he considers navy howitzers as needed in this district are as follows: We are obliged to defend positions ~n islands difficult of approach or approachable only over long dikes or by boat, and where it would not be wise to expose any heavy pieces of artillery. We may at any time find it necessary, as we have already done, to cross~over and attack the enemy on similar islands, to which we have no means of approach except row-boats. The navy howitzers being capable of transportation in row-boats, and it being perfectly practicable where there are no horses to draw them by hand, the general considers them as a most useful piece of ordnance to have in this command. I have the honor to be, your obedient servant, E. W. SCHAUFFLER, Lieutenant and Aide-de-Camp. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, 5. 0., July 16, 1864. Brig. Gen. W. BIRNEY, Commanding District of Florida, Jacksonville, Na.: GENERAL: Your communication of the 12th instant has been re- ceived. I am instructed by the major-general commanding to in- form you that the number of troops now in your command is con- siderably greater than that section of the department demands in & military point of view. If you cannot properly guard the SaiiP~ Johns River you must prepare to make Saint Augustine your base, keeping Jacksonville and Picolata as advanced points of defense if practicable. In case of immediate danger of the Saint Johns River being rendered impracticable for navigation by reason of the enemy gaining possession of points along the banks, or by reason of their planting a great number of torpedoes in the river, the communica- tion from Jacksonville to 2~aint Augustine must be by a ferry across the river, which you must take pains to provide in season, and by land across the country Page 177 CHAP. XLVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.TJNION. 177 As to the idea of the abandonment of the country, the major-gen- eral commanding states that there is no necessity for the circulation of such an idea, as the country is not to be abandoned unless you are forced to do so. If you are forced from the west bank of the Saint Johns or from any section now held by your troops, you must give ample time to loyal citizens to take care of themselves and property. Major-General Foster states, however, that he cannot see cause for any apprehension of this kind, as your force is certainly superior to that of the enemy, and is, instead of being the smaller, actually larger than there is any imperative necessity for. The major-general commanding expects you to do the best you can with what force you have at your disposal. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. L. M. BURGER, Assistant Adjutant-General. GENERAL ORDERS, ~ HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, No. 109. hilton Head, S. 0., July 16, 1864. General Orders, No. 66, from these headquarters, dated August 7, 1863,* is hereby amended to read as follows: I. The practice of giving information t~ their friends, or to the public press, on matters connected with military operations in prog- ress or in contemplation, so unscrupulously indulged in by officers, soldiers, and citizens in this department, and by eniploy6s on trans- ports, is fraught with incalculable evil to our cause, and must be stopped at once. No information which could in any way benefit the enemy must be divulged, directly o 1 adirectly. Upon the following subjects in farticular the strictest silence must be observed, viz: 1. The names of division, brigade, or post ~ommanders. 2. The streiigth of regiments, brigades, or divisions. J. The number and position of regiments, brigades, divisions, batteries, or pieces of artillery. 4. Allusions to the kind or quantity of arms, cannon, or ammuni- tion. 5. The number of transports or kind of supplies transported in any movement. 6. The description of any movement, or any allusions to its ob- jects. 7. Suggestions of future movenlents or attacks. 8. Any allusions whatever to scouts or reconnaissances, whether accomplished or yet in prospect. 9. The position or location of camps, batteries, pickets, military roads, or outposts. 10. The publication of official reports of operations without special permission from the department commander. II. Violations of this order will be met with the severest punish- merit known to military law and usage in the field. By command of Maj. Gen. J. G. Foster: W. L. M. BURGER, Assistant Adjutant-General. *See Vol. XXVIII, Part II, p. 40. 12 R RVOL XXXV, PT Page 178 178 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, hilton Head, S. C., July 18, 1864. Admiral J. A. DAHLGREN, U. S. Navy, Gommanding South Atlantic Blockading Squadron: ADMIRAL: I have received one case which I believe contains one torpedo clock. I wanted six of them. Please also to send a descrip- tion of the manner of winding them up and setting them to run a certain time. I propose to go to Morris Island this evening to try these mines, provided the preparations be completed, as I ordered. I think it will be necessary to make use of a monitor from which to float the rafts down upon the fort. Will you please give the neces- sary orders to aid in the enterprise, provided the senior officer there has not already that power. I shall leave this evening or to-night. Very respectfully, & c., J. G. FOSTER Major-General, Comman~~ling. FLAG-STEAMER PHILADELPHIA, Port Royal Harbor, S. C., July 18, 1864. Maj. Gen. J. G. FOSTER, Corndg. Dept. of the South, Hdqrs. Hilton Head: GENERAL: It will soon be necessary to discharge from the Navy a considerable number of contrabands at this place, because of the expiration of their terms of service. The most of them have not served more than a year, and many of them have families in the vicinity. Inasmuch as every able-bodied man should be made to contribute his due share of service in bearing arms, I should like to know whether you have taken any measures in this respect re- garding the land service. I think these people make some calcula- tion to escape the full extent of military service, by a partial term afloat, and where they are more or less useful, and where they may be willing to remain if they find they have to serve somewhere for a full term. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. A. DAHLGREN, Rear-Admiral, C~omdg. South Atlantic Blockading Squadron. HDQRS. NORTHERN DISTRICT, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Folly Island, S. C., July 20, 1864. Capt. W. L. M. BURGER, AssI. Adjt. Gen., Department of the South: CAPTAIN: I have been infot~nied that the Fifty-fourth and Fifty- fifth Regiments Massachusetts Volunteers are soon to be paid at the rate of $13 a month, from the 1st of January, 1864, and that the question of their pay before that time will also be settled be- fore long. I would respectfully request that the major-general commanding would give orders to the chief paymaster of this de- partment not to settle the olothing accounts of, these two reginments on their first payment from January 1, but to have the clothing ac- counts deducted from t~wAr pay fQr 1~63. ThQ ime~v~r fatigue dut Page 179 CHAP. XLVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. UNION. 179 that these regiments have performed has Caused their clothing ac- counts to be very large, anc~ if deducted from the pay of these four months will leave but a small balance due. I have the honor to be, your obedient servant, A. SCHIMMELFENNIG, Brigadier-General, Gommanding District. HDQRS. NORTHERN DISTRICT, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Folly Island, S. C., July 20, 1864. Col. WILLIAM GURNEY, Commanding Post, ]Jforris Island: COLONEL: The general commanding directs that as soon as the rebel prison-houses are completed that you increase the strength of the outposts on your front, and keep a strong guard in all the forts during the night. Also, that during the night you have the boat infantry establish a new boat station near the repaired bridge in front of Fort Haskell. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, - W. B. DEAN, Lient., 127th New York Volunteers, A. A. A. U. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, July 20, 1864. Major-General FOSTER, Commanding Department of the South: GENERAL: Information reached me yesterday, from a source ap- parently reliable (a Mr. Whitely, refugee from Macon, Ga.), that 900 cavalry were withdrawn from Florida on occasion of your recent advance near Charleston. Mr. W. saw them himself at Quitnian on their way to Charleston. Early last week I sent a party around Doctors Lake, and a few miles west of it. which found no enemy except a few vedettes. In my recent advance up Trout Creek the whole number of the enemy did not exceed 75. These facts, with their great quiet in front of Jacksollville, led me to change my opinion in regard to their force at Baldwin and Camp Milton. The people of Nassau County speak confidently of three battalions or regiments at these two places, but I must think their number is small. I shall therefore act promptly on the permission so kindly accorded me in your favor of the 15th ultimo, and make a decided move on the trestle-work in rear of Baldwin. With the troops now here I feel that I ought to be able to do this. My plan is to land above the month of Black Creek, and march via Middleburg, by the Clay Hill road, to the Alachna trail. At the crossing of the trail and Fernandina railroad, to destroy the latter before 10 a. in., so as to prevent the two locomotives from Gainesville with the trains from passing up to Baldwin. Then dash- ing on with cavalry and one rifled gun, I propose to strike the Lake City railroad, at the point where the Alachna trail crosses it, near Barbers, and as nearly as pos~ible about 11.30 a. in., the time of arrival of the Lake City train at Baldwin. The trestle-work near barbers, 12 uiilCs from baldwin, i~ 2~0 yards long and ~30 feet high Page 180 180 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. that at Darbys, 7 miles from Baldwin, is 400 yards long and 30 feet high; that at Deep Creek, 2 miles from Baldwin, is 100 feet long. These trestles are guarded, I am told, by a force of boys and old men. Our cavalrymen will handle these with ease. I am now get- ting ready to move. I shall start on Sunday or Monday. If I suc- ceed in destroying the trestle-work, circumstances will determine my course. Baldwin, with its six-guns, locomotives, and trains, may fall into our hands. If I can assault it successfully, I will. Or I may move down the Cedar Keys railroad, capturing the two locomotives, some hundred horses, and a large number of contrabands. I shall go in light marching order, and move quickly on the roads. Accept my acknowledgment for your kindness hitherto, and believe me, your obedient servant, WM. BIRNEY, Brigadier- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, Capt. W. L. M. BURGER, Jacksonville, July 20, 1864. Assistant Adjutant- General: CAPTAIN: I have the homior to acknowledge the receipt of your favor of the 16th instant. Mine of the 12th instant was written when I had fewer troops. Since the order returning the troops to their respective districts (an order of which no official copy has been sent me) I have troops enough not only for defense but attack. The Seventh and Thirty-fifth arrived~ safely in due time, and the battery got in last night. My clearing up of Nassau County relieves us froni all fear of torpedoes, nor do I think that the enemy will ever attempt to gain possession of any point below Trout Creek (unless his force is greatly increased) so long as we have a battery and infantry with which to fall upon his rear. To the best of my ability I have combatted the apprehensions here of the abandonment of Florida, but the people are nervous, having been abandoned twice already after promises to the contrary had been made them. Our staunchest friends stood everything well until the battery was sent off. The removal of that shook their con- fidence. When it came back yesterday there was great cheering in the town. I mentioti this nervous apprehension of the people as a fact the major-general commanding ought to be fully informed of. My building a wharf on the opposite side of the river and erection of saw-mills will do more to restore their confidence than anything else except the sending back of the troops. Very truly, your obedient servant, WM. BIRNEY Brigadier-General, Commanding. HDQRS. DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Jacksonville, Fla., July 20, 1864. Capt. W. L. M. BURGER, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Department of the Sonth: CAPTAIN: I have the pleasure of announcing to the major-general commanding that a small party sent out by me has succeeded i Page 181 OHAP. XLVII.1 CORRI~SPONDENCE, I~TC.U1~ION. 181 burning and destroying the trestle-work of the Cedar Keys railroad at two points about 9 miles south of Baldwin. The Gainesville cars were left on the south side of the gap. They can be taken by us at our pleasure, together with the two locomotives. Very truly, your obedient servant, WM. BIRNEY, Brigadier- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DISTI~LCT OF WEST FLORIDA, Barrancas, July 20, 1864. Maj. C. T. CHRISTENSEN Asst. Adjt. Gem., Ilidqrs. Div. of West Mississippi: MAJOR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt by steamer Clyde of your communication of 17th instant, with the extract of General Shermans dispatch requiring me to look out for his force before the 20th or 25th of July. I will start accordingly to-morrow, with 1,000 infantry, 2 pieces of artillery, and 50 mounted men, toward Pollard, and should I not find the announced force I will strike the railroad myself. The steamer Hudson will anchor day after to- morrow, the 22d instant, off Pensacola City, loaded with commissary stores and forage for Shermans force. I beg to thank the commanding geiieral for the promised cavalry horses and the additional regiment of cavalry. They will not lie idle, the commanding general may rely upon that. I am, very respectfully, major, your obedient servant, ASBOTH, Brigadier- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, Jacksonville, July 21, 1864. Col. JAMES SHAW, J1., Seventh U. S. Colored Troops: COLONEL: The general commanding directs me to inform you that in consequence of the lack of sufficient transportation your marching orders are changed. You will be prepared to move with your com- mand at a moments notice at any time after 3 p. m. to-morrow. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, M. BAILEY, Captain and Assistant Adjutant- General. FLAG-STEAMER PHILADELPHIA, Off Morris Island, S. C., July 22, 1864. Maj. Gen. J. G. FOSTER, Commanding Department of the South: GENERAL: Your note of the 22d did not reach me until noon, about an hour after your departure from this anchorage. There seems to have been an entire misapprehension as to any orders from me postponing the trial of the powder raft. So far from that about 6 last iiight, not observing that the powder was in the raft and a Page 182 182 S. C., VLA., ANP ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. prehending delay, I sent an ai(le expressly to supply any deficiencies or arrangements that might be necessary to prevent postponement. A copy of the report of the aide is sent herewith. The violent storm that rose last evening and continued so long wonld certainly have interfered with the snccess of the operation. This morning I in~ tended that, so far as I was concerned, nothing should interfere, and I sent a tug for one of the lighters to have the powder put in and secured against a storm. In return a niessage was received from you saying that you would try the experiment from the shore bat- teries. I am, general, very respectfnlly, your obedient servant, J. A. DAHLGREN. Rear-Admiral, Corndg. South Atlantic Blockading Squadron. [Inclosure.] FLAG-STEAMER PHILADELPHIA, Off Charleston, 5. C., July 22, 1864. Rear-Admiral .1. A. DAHLGREN, Corndg. South Atlantic Blockading Squadron: SIR: In conformity with your instri~tions, I went on board of the Nahant yesterday evening about 6 to see that everything was ready for the explosion of the powder, and also your order to Captain Mayo to use his own discretion, and that you relied entirely upon his judgment in the execution of the matter. Captain Mayo decided not to go on account of the very bad state of the weather, but he de- sired to complete the undertaking as soon as the weather would per- mit. I also (lelivered your order for Captain Mayo to come down as soon as the explosion was over, in case he should have gone up, and let the regular picket monitor take her station for the night. On my return to the flag-ship, I gave a passage to Captain Shelton and Acting Ensign Neil to the Cosmopolitan in my boat From the fact of Captain Mayo deciding not to go, after delivering your order to act at discretion, these officers may have been led to believe that I brought an order not to make the experiment last night. Respectfully, E. J. DICHMAN, Ensign, U. S. Navy. HDQRS. DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Col. JAMES SHAW, Jr.,~ Jacksonville, July 22, 1864. Commanding Seventh U. S. Colored Troops: COLONEL: The general commanding directs that the following in- structions will be observed by you: First. Embark your command at 3 p. m. to-day. Second. Go up the river so as to arrive at the gun-boat Hale, at the mouth of Black Creek, at 7 p. m. Third. Land your troops at the landing indicated by Lieutenant Burton, aide-de-camp, who will get a pilot for one of the boats. The landing is to be made in the quickest possible time from each boat, and each boat, as soon as emptied, will return at quick speed to Mandarin to bring up the Seventy-fifth Ohio Volunteers with their horses Page 183 CTAV. XLVIII COt~RtSP0NDtNCE, tTC.UNION. 18~3 Fourth. As soon as you have cavalry, the people from all the houses from which you suppose spies might go to give information to the enemy must be cautioned, under penalty of death, not to leave their preniises for three days. Fifth. The crossings of Black Creek at and above Middleburg must be secured and watched, so as to prevent the destruction of the bridoes. This should be done secretly as possible, the sentinels being made to conceal themselves, and the supports must be hidden in the bushes or under other cover. Sixth. It is desirable that every person, civilian or soldier, man, woman, or child, coming within our lines, should be detained in~safe custody until after the safe departure of our troops. They should, however, be sent to some house or other place where they cannot see the number of our troops, which should be kept secret. Seventh. A limited number of fires may be built for making coffee, keeping off the dew, and drying the men. The places for fires should be carefully selected with a view to screening them from observation. Eighth. The men shall be kept strictly to their bivouac ground. Stragglers shall be promptly and severely punished. Ninth. Special importance must be attached to the prompt land- ing and unloading of the boats. No delay whatever must be allowed. If the whole landing is not effected in two nights the surprise can- not be effected. Tenth. Vigilant guard shall be kept on all approaches to the camp. In the event of an attack the troops must not only repel, but attack the enemy. These instructions may be modified by Colonel Shaw as emergen- cies may require. By order of Brig. Gen. William Birney, commanding: M. BAILEY, Assistant Adjutant-General. HDQRS. DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Jacksonville, July 22, 1864. Lieutenant PURINGTON, Acting Assistant Quartermaster: SIR: The general commanding directs you to send a boat to Picolata to-morrow morning, for the purpose of bringing down all refugees and others who are to take part in the raid. You will please send the accompanying letter to the commanding officer at Picolata. Very respectfillly, your obedient servant, M. BAILEY, Captain and Assistant Adjutant- General. HDQRS. DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Jacksonville, July 22, 1864. COMMANDING OFFICER, Picolata: SIR: General Birney directs tlTat you embark immediately all the refugees and others who are to take part in the expedition. They will be landed at Magnolia (Dr. Benedicts place). All will procee Page 184 184 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. immediately by the Middleburg road to report to Colonel Shaw, Seventh U. S. Colored Troops, who will be between Peters Creek and Middleburg. They must reach Colonel Shaw before to-morrow morning. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, M. BAILEY, Captain and Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, Jacksonville, July 22, 1864. Col. A. L. HARRIS Commanding Seventy-fifth Ohio Volunteers: COLONEL: Everything in this expedition depends nyu the promptness of your embarkation at Mandarin and of your ebarka- tion. You must have your horses ready on the Mandarin wharf, your forage and men, and load the boats quickly, and send them off as fast as loaded. If you fail in this, from not being ready, or from allowing your men to be slow, you will cause my whole expedition to fail, for I must land you at night and get the boats out of the creek before daylight, or there will be no surprise. Be ready, then, when the boats get to the dock. Get your men and horses on board within twenty minutes. Very respectfully, WM. BIRNEY, Brigadier-General, Commanding. HDQRS. NORTHERN DISTRICT, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Folly Island, S. C., July 23, 1864. Rear-Admiral DAHLGREN, c~ornmanding South Atlantic Blockading Squadron: ADMIRAL: I have the honor to inform you that I have now in my possession a deserter from the rebel iron-clad Chicora, in Charles- ton Harbor. If you desire to examine him, I shall take pleasure in placing him at your disposal. With regard to the enemy~ s iron- dads, he corroborates our own observations and former information, and states, furthermore, that they have no idea of coming out of the harbor, but are only to assist ip preventing the entrance of our fleet. In running between Johnson and the city the iroii-clads usually take advantage of the tide, as they can hardly make headwayC against it. The Chicora is three or four hours making the dis- tance from Johnson to the city against a heavy tide. With regard to the effect of our late operations on James Island, this deserter re- ports that Fort Pringle was very badly used up by the fire of the navy; that the men called it a slaughter-pen, and could not be made to stand to their guns, but took refuge in the bomb-proofs. I have the honor to remaiii, with the highest respect, your obe dient servant, -. A. SCHIMMELFENNIG, Brigadier-General, ctomntanding Dist/ict Page 185 CHAP. XLVIII CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 1S5 HDQRS. NORTHERN DISTRICT, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Folly Island, S. C., July 23, 1864. Capt. W. L. M. BURGER, Assistant Adjutant- General, Dept. of the South: CAPTAIN: I would respectfully request that another engineer com- pany, in addition to Captain McKennas detachment, be assigned for temporary duty in this district. This has become indispensable in view of the injury done to our works on Morris Island during the present bombardment and the new works ordered by the major- general commanding. There is no officer on Morris Island properly qualified to carry on this work. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. SCHIMMELFENNIG, Brigadier- General, Commanding District. CITY POINT, VA., July 24, 18645.30 p. m. (Received 10 a. in., 25th.) Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Chief of Staff: Please direct General Foster to order Brig. Gen. William l3irney to report to General Butler, if his services can be dispensed with. His brigade might be brought here if General Foster thinks he can do without it. Whilst operations continue here much cannot be done in the Department of the South except to hold what we have got. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. [Indorsement.] JULY 2~, 1864. Forwarded to Major-General Foster, commanding Department of the South, for his instruction. If General Birney or his brigade can be spared as indicated, General Foster will so order. H. W. HALLECK, Major-General, Chief of Staff. HDQRS. NORTHERN DISTRICT, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Folly Island, S. C., July 24, 1864. Col. A. S. HARTWELL, Commanding Post, Folly Island: COI~ONEL: The brigadier-general commanding having seen the outpost report from Coles Island for the 22d and 23d of July, directs: First. That if the garrison at Battery No. 2 are not able to make better practice they be relieved by men that are. Second. That after cutting the fuses for shells before firing, fine powder be rubbed in and the hole made larger. Third. That on the appearance of the enemys pickets opposite the right on Coles Island, fire be opened upon them from the fort with grape and canister; also that the enemys lookout be cut down by the 30-pounders in position at the fort. Fourth. That as soon as the weather becomes again clear and dry the fallen trees and brush-wood opposite the right of Coles Isl- and be ignited by shells. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, F. K. SMITH, Captain and Aide-dc-Camp Page 186 186 5. 0., FLA., AND ON THE GA, COAST. tOHAP. XIATII. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, 5. 0., July 2~5, 1864. Admiral J. A. DAHLGREN, Commanding South Atlantic Blockading Squadron: ADMIRAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letters of the 13th and 18th, in relation to the discharge of a con- siderable number of contrabands from the naval service and desir- ing that I may take measures to prevent their escaping military service on land. In order to carry out your wishes I desire, in all discharges from the naval service in this department, whether con- trabands or other persons, where those discharged are not sent North in a naval vessel, that those discharged may be turned over to the nearest provost-marshal on shore, and in no case to be suffered to go at large until permitted to do so by my order. I would respect- fully ask how it is that the~e persons terms of service are of so short duration. In the Army we require an enlistment for three years. The terms of service ought to be equalized, so as to give no prefer- ence in that respect to either branch. At the present time the dis- charges of these men, who will make inferior soldiers, from the naval service, while we are transferring some of our best soldiers to the naval service, operates very much to the prejudice of the army, and impairs its efficiency. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, 5. C., July 25, 1864. Brigadier-General BIRNEY, (Jommanding District of Florida: GENERAL: Upon the receipt of this you will send one regiment and four pieces and caissons of the light battery to this plaQe. The regiment will bring its knapsacks, shelter-tents, and camp kettles, and the officers only one small valise each, for baggage. The four pieces and caissons will be fully manned, horsed, and equipped in every respect for active service. You will at once come to this place to give testimony before a court-martial. Respectfully, yours, J. G. FOSTER, Major- General, Oonimanding. HDQRS. NORTHERN DISTRICT, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Folly Island, S. C., July 25, 1864. Rear-Admiral DAHLGREN, Comdg. South Atlantic Blockading Squadron: ADMIRAL: I have the honor to beg that you will place at my dis- posal a few clock-work torpedoes. I may wish to nse these to break the booms around Sumter Ifi connection with the floating mines, and also for other purposes, and would like to see them work before I make requisition for a supply from the North. Allow me to beg tha Page 187 CHAP. XLVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 18Z you will refer the officer who hands you this letter to some one who may ~ive him such information with regard to the working of these torpedoes as may be in possession of the navy. I have the honor to be, with the highest respect, your obedient servant, A. SCHIMMELFENNIG, Brigadier- General, Commanding District. HDQRs. NORTHERN DIsTRICT, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Folly Island, S. C., July 25, 1864. Col. A. S. HARTWELL, Commanding Post, Folly Island: COLONEL: In to-days outpost report from Kiawah Island, the fol- lowing occurs: Rebel pickets were observed through the night, opposite rifle-pit B. The general commanding directs that you send a reliable officer to investigate this matter, using the picket on Kiawah Island for the purpose. He will endeavor to find whether there are any traces of the enemy near our front, without going too far from the pick9t-line. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, F. K. SMITH, Captain and Aide-dc-Camp. HDQRS. NORTHERN DISTRICT, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Folly Island, S. C., July 25, 1864. Capt. J. JUNGBLUT, c~omntanding Rocket Battery: CAPTAIN: The general commanding directs that you have a de- tachment of ~tands of the Rocket Battery in readiness early to-mor- row morning, to accompany an expedition to be sent to Legareville. The men will be provided with two days rations. By order of Brigadier-General Schimmelfennig: W. B. DEAN, Lient., 127th New York Vols. Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., July 26, 1864. Brigadier-General SCHIMMELFENNIG, C~ommanding Northern District; GENERAL: I desire you to have the Swamp Angel repaired and armed with a 30-pounder or 100-pounder Parrott to fire on Fort Sumter along the left flank of that work, and thus prevent the enemy landing materials at the sally-port on that side, and also receiving re-enforcements and supplies. Considerable work is needed on the platform and foundation to make it strong enough to support the shock of the gun. I also want your report, as soon as it can be furnished, of the effect of the firing on Fort Sumter, and of the mine rafts, and also your opinion as to the practicability of an assault by boats. I also require a report of the attack on Fort John- son by boats, and the reason for the failure of such attack. The rebel papers speak of Colonel Hoyts conduct as being very gallant. and brave, but state that some of his men ran back to the boats Page 188 188 S. C., FLA., AND ON TH1~ GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVtI. They do not refer to the reserve or to any other regiment than Col- onel Hoyts, so that this portion of the force could not have gone near enough to attract their attention. The responsibility for lack of support to Colonel Hoyt should be made to rest where it belongs. Respectfully, yours, J. G. FOSTER, Major-General, Commanding. FLAG-STEAMER PHILADELPHIA, Port Royal Harbor, S. 0., July 26, 1864. Maj. Gen. J. G. FOSTER, Comdg. Dept. of the South, Hdqrs. Hilton Head: GENERAL: Yours of July 25 is just received, and conformably to your request I have issued an order that all persons discharged here and not sent home shall be turned uver to the nearest provost-mar- shal to the order of Major-General Foster, the commanding general of the Department of the South. In answer to your query, I am only able to say that the practice of the Navy Department before the rebellion was invariably to ship men for three years, but since that shipments have been made for one or for two years, as well as for three years. I entirely concur with you, general, that the con- ditions of the service in the Army and Navy should be equalized, so as not to give any preference in time or in bounty, & c. Had this been done there never would have been any necessity for legislating transfers of seamen from the Army who had enlisted, because even with the long term of three years there were advantages which more than balanced the short term of one year in the Navy. I am very glad to hear that seamen thus enlisted in the Army have been found to make such good soldiers that they cannot be well spared. Still, we only get back our old sailors, and that is a gain to the public service afloat, though a loss ashore. It is also gratifying to find that so many of these men prefer to return to their original voca- tion, as the frequent applications show. Herewith I transmit two, received whilst writing these lines. There have not been, that I am aware of, nor do I expect that there will be any discharges here from this squadron, except of contra- bands who were obtained here, and whom I do not wish to lose even to make inferior soldiers, for they do a great deal of. useful work; but as I have not the power under the naval law to conscript I was in hopes that you, being able to do so, would prevent them leaving me. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. A. DAHLGREN, Rear-Admiral, Comdg. S. Atlantic Blockading Squadron. JULY 26, 1864. Report on the result of the torpedo operatious: Captain Smith, Third U. S. Colored Troops, was detailed to select a company of men and to drill them in the use of the railway torpe- does; this he neglected to do and has been returned to his regiment. On the late expeditiou Captain Suter detailed Company I, Captai Page 189 CRAP. XLVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 189 Edwards, of the Volunteer Engineers, for this duty. Five torpedoes were prepared and taken on the expedition; 2 of these, by order of General Hatch, were destroyed, and 3 of them were brought back and are now at the engineer depot. Since that time 20 more torpe- does have been finished and are now at the depot. Respectfully, LOUIS FITZGERALD, Captain and Aide-de-Camp. Llndorsements.] JULY 26, 1864. What became of the torpedoes taken by General Birney? J. G. FOSTER. Of the 5 torpedoes mentioned within, 4 were taken by General Birney and 1 by General Hatch. One of General Birneys and the 1 of General Hatch were destroyed; the remaining 3 of General Birneys were returned. Respectfully, LOUIS FITZGERALD, Aide-de- Camp. FLAG-STEAMER PHILADELPHIA, Port Royal Harbor, S. C., July 27, 1864. Maj. Gen. J. G. FOSTER Comdg. Dept. of the South, Hdqrs. Hilton Head: GENERAL: You may remember that some importance has been attached to the passage between Port Royal and Calibogue Sound, and I have been written to by yourself and the general of the district in regard to its security by water. Last night some examinations of the ~approaches by water were made by one of my officers without being perceived by your pickets. He anchored in a tug some 50 feet from Hilton Head Island, near the entrance of Scull Creek, and after passing entirely around Piuckney Island came through Scull Creek, nearly touching the steam-boats at the coal wharf with his oars; he was never once hailed from the shore. I may inform you, by the way, that the results of these examinations indicates that Scull Creek is tolerably well observed by one of my steamers at each outlet, and may be made impassable to the rebels by a battery, & c. But Mackay Creek is unguarded, and with water sufficient for rebel rams or other vessels to pass. I shall order it to be obstructed by a booni at its entrance into the Checkhessee River, but as Pinckney Island is not occupied by the troops, this may be easily cut loose. In order, therefore, to make sure of closing this passage, I would suggest that pickets be placed to give notice or hinder any attempt of the kind. Some battery should also be placed, because I have posted two steamers to watch Scull Creek, and have no others to spare. If either are drawn off to where Mackay Creek enters May River, Scull Creek will be more or less opened. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J; A. DAHLGREN, ReGr-Admiral, Comd~. S. Atlantic Blochading Squadron Page 190 0 190 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CnA~. XLVII. [First indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., July 27, 1864. Respectfully referred to General Hatch, to inquire into and pun- ish the carelessness or neglect of duty of our pickets. J. G. FOSTER, Major- General, Commanding. [Second indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS HILTON HEAD DISTRICT, Hilton Head, S. C., July 29, 1864. Respectfully returned to the major-general commanding, and his attention is invited to the accompanying report* of Captain Picker- iig, acting assistant inspector-general. The return of the armed transports to Scull Creek would seem to be the only method of increasing security from attack along the shores of that stream, as Captain Pickering observes. With the small force at our disposal, it is impossible to furnish a complete Chain of pickets for the whole distance. EDWARD E. POTTER, Brigadier-General, Commanding. HDQRS. NORTHERN DISTRICT, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Folly island, S. C., July 27, 1864. Maj. Gen. J. G. FOSTER, Commanding Department of the South: GENERAL: On the 25th instant I sent out to the fleet, requesting to be furnished with some clock-work torpedoes. In reply, Captain Green, commanding naval forces- before Charleston, informed me that he had none and knew nothing about them, but would forward my letter to Admiral Dahigren at Hilton Head. I require these torpedoes to destroy the boom around Sumter, which is found, on examination, to exist on the right face, as well as on the right flank and gorge; until the destruction of which no mines can be brought properly in contact with the fort. I address you on the subject, thinking you may be able to obtain these torpedoes for me. I have the honor to be, general, your obedient servant, A. SCHIMMELFENNIG, Brigadier-General, Commanding District. OFFICE CHIEF OF ARTILLERY, NORTHERN DISTRICT, DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Folly Island, S. C., July 27, 1864. Lient. W. B. DEAN, Actg. AssI. Adjt. Gen., Northern Dist., Dept. of the South: SIR: I have the honor to report the firing, upon Fort Sumter as still continued with good effect. The points against which our fire ~Not found Page 191 CRAP. XLVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 191 has been directed are, viz: First, the angle formed by the junction of sea and gorge walls; second, the right (enemys) angle of the fort. The first-mentioned point has been much cut away, and, in my opinion, is the point against which the whole fire should be di- rected. The right angle of the fort has been cut away~ for about 8 or 9 feet. The progress made at this point, however, has been very slow. So many of the guns used in breaching have been disabled that I have ordered the fire of the remaining guns to be directed against the center angle. During this bombardment great incon- venieiice has been experienced from the premature explosion of shells, notwithstanding that all the projectiles fired were thoroughly examined before being filled, and the fuse plugs well covered with white lead previous to being screwed in; still these premature ex- plosions take place. The plan of varnishing the interior surface of the shells, as recommended by R. P. Parrott, has not as yet been put into practice, owing to there being no varnish in the ordnance department. Twelve 30-pounder shells prepared in this way were fired without any premature explosions. This is not a fair trial, however, but as soon as varnish arrives from Hilton Head it will be more thoroughly tested. The following guns have been disabled during the past week: No. 3 gun (200 Parrott), Fort Putnam, burst July 25 at the 1,300th round. No. 4 gun (200-pounder Parrott), Fort Putnam, requires a new vent. No. 3 gnu (200-pounder Parrott), Battery Chatfield, ditto. No. 2 gun, 10-inch columbiad (colored battery), has had about 18 inches of its muzzle blown off by the premature explosion of a shell. This gun is still being fired, and will serve well for short range. One new 200-pounder Parrott is beiug mounted in Fort Putnam to replace No. 3 gun, burst. New vents will be placed in the guns re- quiring them as soon as material for bushing is received by the ord- nance department. The only reserve guns on hand in this district are, viz: One 300- pounder Parrott, for which there is no carriage or chassis, and one 100-pounder Parrott complete. There are no smooth-bore guns on hand at ordnance yard. The following number of projectiles have been expended in the bombardment of Fort Sumter from July 7 to July 21, inclusive: Fort Putnam: 764 30-pounders, 1,183 200-pounders; total, 1,947. Battery Chatfield: 363 100-pounders, 294 200-pounders, 173 300- pounders, 98 10-inch coluinbiad; total, 9~8. Fort Strong: 1,146 100-pounders, 142 200-pounders; total, 1,288. Battery Barton: 729 10-inch mortars. Battery Seymour: 542 10-inch mortars. Thirteen-inch mortar battery: 91 13-inch mortars. Number of rounds from each work: Putnam, 1,947 rounds; Chat- field, 928 rounds; Strong, 1,288 rounds; Barton, 729 rounds; Sey- mour, 542 rounds; 13-inch mortar, 91 rounds; total, 5,525. Number and kind of projectiles: 764 30-pounders, 1,509 100- pounders, 1,619 200-pounders, 173 300-pounders, 98 10-inch colum- biad, 1,271 10-inch sea-coast niortars, 91 13-inch mortars; total, 5,525. Grand total, 5,525 projectiles. I remain, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. AMES, Lieut. 6Yol. Third Rhode Islahd Arty., Chief of Artillery, NQrthern ,District, Department of the ~S1onth Page 192 192 S. C., FL N., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. [First indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., July 31, 1864. Referred to Lieutenant McGinness for his information. Varnish for the shells should be sent to the Northern District. J. G. FOSTER. [Second indorsement.] ORDNANCE OFFICE, HDQRS. DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, August 3, 1864. Respectfully returned. As soon as received, Captain Parrotts letter to the major-general commanding, recommending that the interior of his shells be coated with lacquer or varnish, a copy was made and forwarded through the ordnance office, Morris Island, to the chief of artillery Northern Dis- trict. An abundance of lacquer has ldng since been sent to Morris Islaiid and the ordnance officer has been directed to send a supply of it to the batteries. A portion of the 12 shells herein mentioned were varnished by my own hands. I stood over the man until he had completed the balance, and I venture to say that had I not done so even this small number would not have been tried. Why were there not more varnished by the officer commanding the work (Put- nam), as plenty of material remaimied, and give the suggestion a fair trial? I requested the chief of artillery that morning, after I had these shells varnished, to have others prepared in the same way, using lacquer. I respectfully submit that too little interest is mani- fested by the commandants of batteries in the working, care, and management of their guns, and that this fact more than any other ii~ccounts for the great number of guns burst at the front. Too much is expected of ordnance officers. The 300-pounder was not intended to be mounted; it was sent up to replace the one which was then mounted and which has since burst. I have made applica- tion to department headquarters for an experienced mechanic to be detailed from the engineers for the purpose of rebushing guns when- ever they may require it. This was retuFued disapproved. JOHN R. MCGINNESS, First Lient. and Chief of Ordnance, Dept. of the South. [Third mdorsement.] AUGUST 5, 1864. Copy of Lieutenant McGinness indorsement to be sent to General Schimmelfennig, to be furnished to Colonel Ames and the officers of the batteries. J. G. FOSTER, Major-General, Commanding. HDQRS. DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Jacksonville, July 27, 1864. Col. WILLIAM H. NOBLE, Commanding U. S. Forces at Baldwin: COLONEL: In consequence of orders received from department headquarters directing troops to be sent from this district to Hilton Head, the expedition to Marion and Alachna Counties is deferred. You will retain all the troops you have at Baldwin except the Eight Page 193 CHAP. XLVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. Regiment U. S. Colored Troops, which will be sent to this place immediatel~ and you will on no account send out Colonel Harris command as directed by me yesterday. You will receive all your supplies at present from Camp Milton. All wagon trains yoa send to that place must be accompanied by a strong escort. General Bir- ney has been ordered immediately to Hilton Head to give his testi- mony before a general court-martial and will start to-morrow. You will therefore be in command of this district. General Birney is of opinion that you had better remain at Baldwin for the present. By command of Brigadier-General Birney: M. BAILEY, Captain and Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, Jacksonville, July 27, 1864. Col. WILLIAM H. NOBLE, Commanding U. S. Forces at Baldwin: COLONEL: The general commanding directs me to give you the following general instructions: - First. You will build an inclosed work for the defense of Baldwin. For this purpose he sends you 50 axes and 200 shovels. Make the abatis strong, cutting down the trees in the direction of the enemys advance. Second. Destroy as much of the Lake City railroad beyond Bald- win as possible. It would be well to send a strong detachment of cavalry to the trestle over the south fork of the Saint Marys, and complete the destruction of that work, besides burning all the inter- mediate trestle-works. Third. The enemys breast-works toward Jacksonville should be entirely destroyed, but you need not l5urn the abatis, which is as good for us as for them. Fourth. Be extremely careful to prevent all information as to your numbers getting to any of the country people. Let none of them come within your pickets to sell produce or for any other pur- pose. If they should penetrate send them under guard to Jackson- ville. The family now there must all be sent to Jacksonville. Fifth. The troops sent from you should leave some time between dusk and daylight, so that the demonstration of your force shall not be observed. Sixth. The troops falling back should march by the railroad as far as camp Milton to avoid the swamps, and thence by the big road. Seventh. Direct them to entirely destroy Camp Milton. Those that are to come to Jacksoiiville must not make any very long halts for this purpose. They may confine themselves to burning the huts and stables, but when Colonel Beecher comes he may halt there long enough to destroy all the works. Eighth. The Third U. S. Colored Troops will start to-morrow morning for Magnolia, and will march by the Bellamy road to the railroad to Cedar Keys, opposite Newnansville, which they will reach some time on Saturday; they will then probably go down the railroad toward Gainesville. The other troops forwarded by you to this point will march so as to meet at Gainesville., I wish Colonel Harris, after visiting Starke and Waldo, to ~tiike westward to New- 13 u RvQL xxxv, PT I Page 194 194 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. nansville; he will use his discretion as to the time of his,joining the infantry, but must endeavor to do so on Saturday or Sunday. Tell him there is plenty of forage in Alachua and Marion Counties. Ninth. I shall occupy with a force Magnolia and Pal~tka, toward which points and Baldwin all contrabands can be directed. All pillaging must be prevented, but all horses, teams, vehicles, and subsistence may be regularly taken. Very~ res~ctfully, your obedient servant, M. BAILEY, Captain and Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, Col. W. H. NOBLE, Jacksonville, July 27, 1864. Gommancting U. S. Forces, Baldwin, Fla.: COLONEL: I am directed by the general commanding the district to call your attention to the necessity of providing first of all against arty possible surprise by the enemy. They will be immediately re- enforced by three companies under Dickison, and also by the avail- able troops at Lake City, and may make an attempt to surprise you and recover Baldwin. You will therefore see the necessity of attend- ing first to closing up thoroughly all the defiles on your front and flanks. Your axmen should be sent with a strong escort and good guide to fell trees down over all the fords on Brandy Creek, Big Creek, the South Fork of the Saint Marys, the Yellow Water, and all other creeks, swamps, and defiles by which the enemy can get at you. You have permission to retain 50 of Colonel Harris men, selecting the weakest horses, in order to do your patrol duty in front. All the work necessary to protect you against surprise or against a sudden advance of the enenty should be attended to first, the forti- fications next. These being done, you can attend to other things at your leisure. As soon as the avenues in front and flank are blocked up, you will have all the trees in front of you cut down that would afford shelter to the artillery or skirmishers of the enemy. Very respectfully, & c., M. BAILEY, Captain and Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, Jacksonville, July 27, 1864. COMMANDING OFFICER, Picolata: SIR: You will receive by this an order directing you to proceed to~ Palatka. Having fulfilled that order, you will by command of the general observe carefully the following instructions: After you have landed your force you will place the guns in posi- tion to guard against attack and send out your patrols to scour thoroughly the neighboring country. No patrol should consist of less than 15. You will collect all the negroes and refugees in your neighborhood, or who come into your lines, subsisting them upon the 500 rations which~ will be sent you by this boat. These rations should be used as economically as possible. You will drive in an Page 195 CHAP. XLVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETG.UNION. 195 slaughter what beef-cattle are to be had in your neighborl& ~od, and which are necessary to subsist both your own troops and the negroes and refugees on fresh beef. You will keep your boats always in readiness to land those who come in to you on the opposite side of the river, if necessary. A force of U. S. troops will march to-mor- row from Magnolia to Marion County, proceeding by the Bellamy road. All prisoners takeii will be carefully guarded until they can be forwarded to the provost-marshal here. You will send your patrols to scour the country as far as to the point where Orange Creek joins the Ocklawaha. Be particularly guarded against any surprise from Dickisons rebel cavalry. You will build one complete dock, and after that is completed go to work on another, and you will drag the river carefully for torpedoes. You will issue stringent orders to all your force against pillage of any kind, and see that your orders in this regard are carried out to the letter. Any pillaging of houses or property or destruction of either or of standing crops will be severely punished. This will not interfere with your taking such stores as are necessary for subsistence of your men and horses, but it must be taken in the regular manner. All the old corn which you find y~u will secure, taking such horses and teams as are necess for the purpose, and storing it at Palatka. ary I am, sir, very respectfully, M. BAILEY, Captain and Assistant Adjutant- General. HDQRS. DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Jacksonville, July 27, 1864. Capt. J. A. WEIss, Seventh U. S. Colored Troops, Commanding at Magnolia: CAPTAIN: The general directs that you hold yourself in readiness to march at a moments notice with an expedition into the interior. Ten days rations are sent you for that purpose, and your men will get no more of any kind until those ten days are over. You will therefore caution them to be economical. You will be relieved of your command of Magnolia in order that you may accompany this expedition. Without further orders, you will report to time com- manding officer of the Third U. S. Colored Troops on his arrival and accompany him. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, M. BAILEY, Captain and Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, Jacksonville, July 27, 1864. COMMANDING OFFICER, Yellow Bluff: SIR: We have taken Baldwin. There is a locomotive and train at Callahan, or between there and Baldwin, which you will march at once to capture. Take six days rations with you. Send locomo- tive and train to Baldwin. When you have done what you can, go back to Yellow Bluff. Very respectfully, WM.. BIRNEY, Brigadier-General, Commanding Page 196 196 S. C., FLA., AND ON TIlE GA. COAST. LCn~P XLVII. QUARTERMASTER-GENERALS OFFICE, Washington City, July 28, 1864. Maj. Gen. J. G. FOSTER, Gommanding Department of the South, Hilton Head, S. C.: GENERAL: I have examined the report of Capt. John H. Moore of the 16th instant, with your indorsement, asking for six light-draught steamers, and reporting the condition of the steamers on duty in the Department of the South. The Delaware sailed from New York on the 26th instant. The Rescue sails from Baltimore to-day. The Isl- and City will be ready to sail on the 31st instant. The Planter and Philadelphia will be ready in a few days and will be sent to you. The Ben De Ford has been under repair. She is expected to be ready by August 6. She is a large vessel, burning much coal, and requires an expensive crew. She is a powerful and excellent steamer, capa- ble of rendering most valuable serviceone of the best in our service. I hesitate to send her back to the Department of the South, where I understand she has been idle for months with fires banked, burning out her boilers and doing nothing, kept in waiting for the move- ments of the commanding general. She is too expensive and valu- able for a yacht. A much smaller and less costly steamer .ought to serve for the purpose of transportation of a general commanding from place to place. The De Ford costs the United States, besides coal, $~00 a day$L5,000 per mouth; at which rate each trip of a general officer costs the United States about $20,000. I find, by Captain Moores report that there are twenty-eight steam- ers owned and chartered in the service of the United States in the Department of the South, and of these he reports only six available for outside work, and nearly all in bad condition. I trust that under your management of the affairs of the Department of the South no such discreditable condition of things will be allowed. If these vessels had been properly repaired, with the appliances so liberally provided by the quartermasters department at Hilton Head, and when subject to injuries which the shops at that place could not repair, had been sent promptly North, they could have been kept iu serviceable condition and would have been promptly returned. This report shows a shiftless management which is most discreditable. I hope you will eiiforce a better rule. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, M. C. MEIGS, Quartermaster- General and Brevet Major- General. HDQRS. NORTHERN DISTRICT, DEPT.. OF THE SOUTH, Folly Island, S. C., July 28, 1864. Capt. W. L. M. BURGER, Assistant Adjutant-General, Dept. of the South: CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that on the night of the 2~Ith to the 26th instant, 1 sergeant and 3 privates of the First South Caro- lina Artillery (Companies E and K) deserted from Fort Johnson and, crossing the marsh, were picked up by our boat infantry near Paine~ s Dock. In the way of general information they state that the news of General Grants being killed was first given by a deserter from our army, and afterward claimed to be extracted from the Northern papers. One of them had heard that Grants army had withdrawn from in front of Petersburg. From General Sherman the news o Page 197 CHAP. XLVH.I CORkESPONDENC]~, ETC.UNIO~. 197 the 22d and 23d was that he had been severely repulsed and beaten after having attacked Atlanta, and that he had lost several thousand prisoners and twenty-two pieces of artillery. No news of interest is given with regard to the district. I seem to have about the same troops on my front that I had before the late movements on James and Johns Islands. The deserters state that the fatigue parties seen around Johnson and Simkins are not engaged in put- ting up any new works, nor inclosing or in any way changing the old ones, but merely in carrying on the usual repairs. They also state that the enemy are constantly expecting an assault of Fort Sumter as well as another attack on Johnson. At Fort Sumter the garrison of about 250 men is considered capable of holding it. At Fort Johnson five companies of heavy artillery are behind the breast-works every night, one to serve the guns, the other four used as infantry; one company of Blacks cavalry regiment also reports at Fort Johnson for duty every night. On Thursday last, the 21st instant, Captain Mitchel, of the First S6uth Carolina Artillery, who has for some time past been in com- mand of Fort Sumter, was killed by a shell from our batteries. The garrison at Fort Sumter is reported not to have beeii relieved for a month past, owing to our heavy bombardment. One of our desert- ers was at Fort Pringle during our late operation oii Stono, and states that the fire of the navy was very destructive. All the heavy guns, with the exception of one smooth-bore, were disabled. A 7-inch rifled Brooke, which they brought there during the action, was no sooner placed in position than it was dismounted by our fire. The bomb- p roof of Pringle proved very poor, our balls penetrating to the wood-work. They had heard the loss on James Island esti- mated at 200 killed and wounded. Another of the deserters, who was at Fort Johnson when we attacked it on the morning of th~ 3d, reports that almost all the troops had been taken away from there on the 2d; that until nearly morning of the 3d there were not more than 40 or 50 men in Johnson. About 2 a. m. of the 3d, the two companies of tlae First South Carolina. Artillery, who only had been sent as far away as Legar~s Point, were ordered back to Johnson, and arrived in time to repel the attack. Even with these two com- panies they say there were not more than 200 men, if as many, in Johnson and Simkins, and that if our whole force had landed they might undoubtedly have taken the two forts. These deserters are well fed and clothed, but report that the troops have not been paid for the last seven months, and there is much dissatisfaction among them. They heard that our general and field officers confined in Charleston are in a house at the corner of Broad and Rutledge streets near Chisolms Mill. i have the honor to be, general, your obedient servant, A. SCHIMMELFENNIG, Brigadier-General, Commanding District. HIDQRS. DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Jacksonville, July 28, 1864. Col. WILLIAM H. NOBLE, Commanding U. S. Forces at Baldwin, Fla.: COLONEL: No order is neci~ssary to put you in command. As senior officer you assume command of all troops serving at the same station. The Eighth Regiment must be sent down by the train a Page 198 198 S. C., PtA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. once. I wait for it to go to Hilton Head, to which point Major-Gen- eral Foster orders me to send one of my regiments. After that is done the locomotive might be sent down to Callahan after the loco- motive and train. A previous reconnaissance should be made, how- ever, to ascertain the condition of the track, and whether the train is there or not, and whether it can be moved. I sent up a company yesterday afternoon from Yellow Bluff to go to Callahan; it will probably reach that place to-night. To-day I ordered a reconnals- sauce from Fernandina as far as Callahan. The company from Yellow Bluff has orders to look after the locomotive and train. It would be well for you, however, to send down some cavalry to ex- amine the track, especially the bridges, and an engineer can run up the locomotive. It is possible the rebels may not have injured it at all. I attach great importance to closing up thoroughly all the defiles and ferries and crossings from the front to your position. Baldwin is the key to the possession of Florida, and if the enemy can re-enforce he will attempt to retake it. Destroy completely the trestle-work over the South Fork of the Saint Marys. i~lock up with felled trees the fords over Brandy Creek, Big Creek, Yellow Water, & c., leaving but one avenue open to the front, which yon must have well picketed. Since the order from Hilton Head has pnt an end to all further enterprises for the present, keep all the troops, except the Eighth U. S. Colored Troops; familiarize th~ cavalry with the country and the neighborhood, letting the horses and men have rest to prepare them for future movements, which are possible after my return from Hilton Head. The fort should be a model of strength, and should inclose an excellent well of water. Make it impregnable. I think we shall have time to put np a good one. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. BIRNEY, Brigadier- Gene, al, Commanding. P. S.I shall leave for Hilton Head to-morrow, the 29th instant. HILTON HEAD, S. C., July 28, 1864. General FOSTER The Wabash goes to sea to-day, leaving the brig containing rebel prisoners without protection. Would advise she be moved under cover of the guns of the New Hampshire. DAHLGREN, Admiral. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., July 29, 1864. Maj. Gen. SAMUEL JONES, Comdg. Confti~derate Forces, Dept. of S. C., Ga., and Fla.: GENERAL: I have the honor to inform you that the Secretary of War has authorized me to exchange any prisoners in my hands, rank for rank, or their equivalents; snch exchange being a special one. In accordance with the above I send Major Anderson to make arrangements as to time anti place for the exchange. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, yoni~ obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER, Major- General, Commanding Page 199 CHAP. XLVII.] 199 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.~NION. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. 0., July 29, 1864. General WESSELLS: Mv DEAR GENERAL: I have just received authority to exchange the prisoners in my hands, rank for rank, or their equivalents, ac- cording to the cartel. I send an aide-de-camp to make arrange- ments for the exchange. Yours, truly, .~. G. FOSTER. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, Jacksonville, July 29, 1864. Lient. Col. U. DOUBLEDAY, Commanding Third U. S. Colored Troops: COLONEL: I am directed by the brigadier-general commanding to give you the following instructions for your guidance at Palatka: First. Build a strong inclosed earth-work, with good abatis, with well inside, and large enough to accommodate 300 men conveniently. Second. Patrol with strong parties, and with cavalry a~ far as Or- ange Creek, near the site of old Fort Brooke. If you find thatthere is no force of the enemy in that quarter you might push as far as Silver Springs, or even Ocala, taking, care to seize upon the Ockla- waha bridges near Silver Springs in order to secure a retreat by way of Fort Gates or Volusia. Third. When you have cleared the rebels from your front, or found there are none, send a party in the Hattie or in boats to the Ocklawaha, and up that stream as far as safe, to c~t away the trees felled over it, to seize on the Silver Springs a steamboat on that river, and to take possession of all lighters, ferry-boats, wherries, dugouts, and other craft of every description. Fourth. Make inquiries of the whereabouts of The light-house lenses taken by the rebels at the beginning of the war and stored somewhere between Palatka and the town of Ocala. They are worth some $50,000. Fifth. Get all the contrabands, horses, and all other lawful prizes of war, including mules, wagons, cotton, & c., making a full report of property taken and giving proper receipts for the same. These instructions are for your general guidance, but may be modified by you according to the exigencies of your position. Very respectfully, & c., WM. BAILEY, Captain and Assistant Adjutant- General. HDQRS. DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Jacksonville, July 29, 1864. Col. WILLIAM H. NOBLE, Commanding U. S. Forces at Baldwin, Fla.: COLONEL: In obedience to orders, I leave for Hilton Head at 12 oclock. You will be in command. The force you left at Picolata I have ordered to Palatka. I.shall re- enforce them to-day with 300 men from the Third U. S. Colored Troops, under command of Col. U. Doubleday, also with Captain Mortons cavalry. Captain Weis Page 200 200 S. C., FLA., AND ON TIlE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. is at Magnolia with his company and a detachment of convalescents, with instructions to make a strong camp. The kind of works built by the rebels is the best for Baldwinlogs, covered with earth. You might use for the purpose the logs taken from their works. Save all the planks for platforms, & c. I shall return as soon as possible. Very truly, your obedient servant, WM. BIRNEY, Brigadier-General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERs DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH Hilton Head, 5. C., July 30, 1864 Admiral J. A. DAHLGREN, Comdg. South Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Present.~ I have the honor to request the loan of six 100-pounder Par- rott guns, tQ be placed in a new battery erected on Cummings Point. I also beg leave to say that I will avail myself of your offer of some 9-inch guns for the battery at Spanish Wells, and will send for them in a day 6r two. I shall be obliged to borrow of you the ammunition for these guns, as we have none. Respectfully and truly, yours, J. G. FOSTER, Major- General, C~ommanding. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., July 30, 1864. Maj. Gen. SAMUEL JONES, (~omdg. Confederate Forces, S. C., Ga., and Fla., Charleston, S. C.: GENERAL: I have the honor to transmit herewith an official copy of General Orders, No. 190, from Adjutant-Generals Office, dated Wash- ington, D. C., May 3. 1864, and would respectfully invite your par- ticular attention to section 127, page 4, which relates to the princi- ple recognized in regard to holding medical officers and chaplains as prisoners of war. * I respectfully ask to be informed as soon as h racticabl e of your decision regarding the return of Dr. W. T. obinson, One hundred and fourth Pennsylvania Volunteers, as re- quested by me in communication to you bearing date of July 7, 1864. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER, Major- General, C~ommanding. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH Hilton Head, S. C., July 30, 1864. Brig. Gen. E. E. POTTER, Beaufort: The major-general commanding directs that the Twenty-ninth Regiment Connecticut Volunteers, the Ninth, Twenty-sixth, Thirty: * Full order will appear in Series II. The section specially mentioned is as fol- lows: The principle being recognized that medical officers and chaplains should not be held as prisoners of war, all medical officers and chaplains so held by the United States will be immediately and unconditionally discharged Page 201 CHAP. XLVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.TJNION. 201 fourth, and One hundred and second Regiments U. S. Colored Troops hold theinselv~s in readiness to embark at once. Transports will be sent as soon as possible, and the troops must embark so as to be at Hilton Head before dusk to-morrow evening. Fifteen days rations will be put on each transport in bulk. The men will carry three days rations in haversacks, and one pair of socks only in their knapsacks, together with a rubber blanket, if they have one; if not, a woolen blanket or an overcoat. Nothing else must be allowed in either. The officers will be allowed one small hand-bag each for their baggage only. The senior officer of these troops will have command of the brigade, and will receive sealed orders from these headquarters, where he will report immediately on his arrival at this place. The troops to be well supplied with ammunition. W. L. M. BURGER, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. 0., July 30, 1864. COMMANDING OFFICER, EIGHTH U. S. COLORED TROOPS: SIR: The major-general commanding directs that you have your command on board the steamer designated by the chief quarter- master, Capt. John H. Moore, immediately, and that when all are on board you haul off into the stream and await further orders, which will be sent on board to you this p. m. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, THOMAS J. ROBINSON, First Lieut., Twenty-first U. S. Golored Troops, A. A. A. G. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. 0., July 30, 1864. Major-General FOSTER: GENERAL: In compliance with your request I would name the following five regiments: Twenty-ninth Connecticut Volunteers (colored), Ninth U. S. Colored Troops, Twenty-sixth U. S. Colored Troops, Thirty-fourth U. S. Colored Troops, One hundred and sec- ond U. S. Colored Troops. These, with my present force, ought to be able to accomplish what is needed in Florida, to take all south of the Santa F~. Very truly, your obedient servant, WM. BIRNEY, Brigadier-General, Commanding District of Florida. FLAG-STEAMER PHILADELPHIA, Port Royal harbor, S. 0., July 31, 1864. Maj. Gen. J. G. FOSTER Oomdg. Dept. of the South, Headquarters Hilton Head: GENERAL: Conformable to your request, six 100-pounder Parrotts will be loaned to you, and are at your disposal when it suits your convenience to send for them. I expected to have obtained th Page 202 202 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. (CHAP. XLVII. 9jnch guns from the Wabash, but she has left this port, and I have required on the Bureau for some. When they arrive I shall be glad to meet your wishes. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. A. DAHLGREN, Rear-Admiral, Comdg. South Atlantic Blockading Squadron. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., July 31, 1864. Brig. Gen. E. E. POTTER, Commanding District of Beaufort: GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs that the Ninth U. S. Colored Troops be prepared to embark within three days, with all their camp and garrison equipage. The Thirty-fourth U. S. Col- ored Troops to be prepared to move within twenty-four hours, with all their camp and garrison equipage, and to embark as soon as transportation arrives at Beaufort, proceeding at once to Hilton Head, when the commanding officer will report at these headquarters for sealed orders. The One hundred and second U. S. Colored Troops to be prepared to move within twenty-four hours in light marching order, with three days rations. The knapsacks and haversacks to contain nothing but rations and one pair of socks, with rubber blankets, if they have them; if not, woolen blankets or overcoats. They will all darry 20 rounds of ammunition extra. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. L. M. BURGER, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., July 31, 1864. Brig. Gen. WILLIAM BIRNEY, Comdg. District of Florida, Jacksonville, Fla.: GENERAL: I am directed by the major-general commanding to state that, in accordance with instructions received from the General- in-Chief, U. S. Army, you are ordered to report at once to Major- General Butler, at ]3~ort Monroe, Va., and will take with you your brigade, consisting of four regiments of colored troops. The Seventh, Eighth, and Ninth U. S. Colored Troops, belonging to your brigade, you will embark the Seventh and Eighth and proceed with them to this place, where they will be re-embarked on sea transportation. The major-general commanding desires you to select the fourth regiment from the Twenty-sixth U. S. Colored Troops or the Twenty- ninth Connecticut Volunteers. The major-general commanding further directs that you re-em- bark at once, and proceed with all possible dispatch. The Ninth U. S. Colored troops has been ordered to be ready to embark. I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedii~nt servant, - W. L. M. BURGER, Captain and Assistant Adjutant-General Page 203 Oiw~. XLVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 203 GENERAL ORDERS, HD QRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, No. 112. Hilton Head, S. 0., July 31, 1864. In accordance with instructions received from the General-in- Chief of the U. S. Army, Brig. Gen. William Birriey, U. S. Volunleers, is hereby relieved from duty in this department, and will report without delay to Major-General Butler., at Fortress Monroe, Va. Brig. Gen. John P. Hatch, U. S. Volunteers, is hereby assigned to the command of the District of Florida, and will relieve Brigadier- General Birney at once. Brig. Gen. E. E. Potter, U. S. Volunteers, is hereby assigned to the command of the District of Hilton Head, and will relieve Brig- adier-General Hatch without delay. During the temporary absence of Brig. Gen. R. Saxton, Brigadier-General Potter will retain com- mand of the District of Beaufort, in addition to that of Hilton Head. By command of Maj. Gen. J. G. Foster L. M. BURGER, W. Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, Jacksonville, July 31, 1864. Captain MORTON, Comdg. Battalion Fourth Massachusetts Cavalry: CAPTAIN: You will embark with 50 men and horses of your com- mand to-day at 10 oclock and proceed immediately to Palatka. Your men will be provided with five days rations and five days forage for their horses. The quartermaster will designate the boat to be used by you. It is essential that all your horses and men, pro- visions, and forage should be on board by 10 p. m. Yonr men will of course move in light marching order. You will please re- port at these headquarters as soon as possible. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, M. BAILEY, Captain and Assistant Adjutant-General. Abstract from return of the Department of the South, Maj. Qen. John G. Foster commanding, for July, 1864. Present for ~ ~ Pieces of ar duty. ~ ~s tillery. ~. ni Command. ~ a bE b~~ a ~ ~ a ;- a a a 0 ~ ~ aeneral headquartere 59 95 154 154 Hilton Head District (Hatch) 111 2,450 3,560 4,778 (a) (a) District of Beanfort (Potter) 140 3,474 4,919 5,316 25 6 District of Florida (Birney) 123 3, 147 3,948 5,097 (a) (a) Northern District (Schuinmelfennig) 214 5,533 6,924 7,894 89 12 Total 647 14,699 19,505 23,239 114 18 a Number of guns omitted from district returns. Page 204 204 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. Troops in the Department of the South, ]ITaj. Gen. John G. Foster, U. S. Army, commanding, July 31, 1864. HILTON HEAD DISTRICT. Brig. Gen. JOHN P. HATCH. 41st New York, Lieut. Col. Detleo von Einsiedel. 144th New York, Col. William J. Slidell. 157th New York, Lieut. Col. James C. Carmichael. 25th Ohio, Lieut. Col. Nathaniel Haughton. 104th Pennsylvania, Lieut. Col. Thompson D. Hart. 2d Battalion 4th Massachusetts Cavalry, Capt. George R. Hurlbut. 3d Rhode Island Heavy Artillery (four~companies), Maj. James E. Bailey. 3d Rhode Island Heavy Artillery (one company), Lieut. George W. Greene. 2d U. S. Colored Light Artillery, Battery G, Lieut. Jacob Gray. Battalion 1st New York Engineers, Maj. James E. Place. U. S. Veteran Reserve Corps (detachment), Lieut. Alexander Cameron. DISTRICT OF FLORIDA. Brig. Gen. WILLIAM BIRNEY.. 17th Connecticut, Col. William H. Noble. 75th Ohio, Col. Andrew L. Harris. 107th Ohio, Maj. Augustus Vignos. 3d U. S. Colored Troops, Lieut. Col. Ulysses Doubleday. 7th U. S. Colored Troops, Col. James Shaw, jr. 8th U. S. Colored Troops, Maj. Edelmiro Mayer. 35th U. S. Colored Troops, Col. James C. Beecher. 4th Massachusetts Cavalry (detachment), Capt. Joseph W. Morton. 3d Rhode Island Artillery, Light Battery A, Capt. William H. Hamner. DISTRICT OF BEAUFORT. Brig. Gen. EDWARD E. POTTER. 29th Connecticut (colored), Col. William B. Wooster. 56th New York, Col. Charles H. Van Wyck. 9th U.S. Colored Troops, Lieut. Col. Samuel C. Armstrong. 26th U. S. Colored Troops, Col. William Silliman. 34th U. S. Colored Troops, Col. James Montgomery. 102d U.S. Colored Troops, Col. Henry L. Chipman. 3d New York Light Artillery, Battery F, Capt. Samuel C. Day. NORTHERN DISTRICT. Brig. Gen. ALEXANDER SCHIMMELFENNIG. FOLLY ISLAND. Col. ALFRED S. HARTWELL. 55th Massachusetts (colored), Lieut. Col. Charles B. Fox. 54th New York, Col. Eugene A. Kozlay. 103d New York, Lieut. Col. Andrew Wettstein. 74th Pennsylvania, Lieut. Col. Alexander von Mitzel. 33d U. S. Colored Troops, Lieut. Col. James D. Strong. 1st New York Engineers, Company G, Capt. Charles P. ]VlcKenna. MORRIS ISLAND. Col. WILLIAM GURNEY. 54th Massachusetts (colored), Col. Edward N. Hallowell. 127th New York, Capt. James W. Gurney. 52d Pennsylvania, Maj. Thomas B. Jayne. 21st U.S. Colored Troopa..Capt. Richard H. Willoughby. 32d U. S. Colored Troops, Lieut. Col. Edward C. Geary. 3d New York Light Artillery, Battery B, Lieut. Edward A. Wildt. 3d Rhode Island Heavy Artillery, 2d Battalion, Maj. George Metcalf Page 205 Ca& p. XLVIL] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNLON. 205 HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, 5. C., August 1, 1864. Rear-Admiral J. A. DAHLGREN, Comdg. S. Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Port Royal, S. C.: ADMIRAL: I have the honor to inform you that 91 men from the Navy were landed at this place last evening with permission to remain on shore one week. I inclose a copy of one of said passes. Your letter to me of 26th ultimo states that all persons discharged froul the Navy and not sent home will be tnrned over to the nearest provost-marshal, subject to my orders. I have given instructions that all such men shall be conscripted at once in the U. S. Army as a military necessity. I therefore respectfully request to be informed if I am to consider the men landed last night from the Navy as dis- charged or on leave. The latter clause of the pass leads me to sup- pose that these men were discharged, as it seems to be optional with the men to return or not. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., August 1, 1864. Rear-Admiral J. A. DAHLGREN, Comdg. South Atlantic Blockading Squadron: ADMIRAL: I have the honor to inform you that the Government has given me authority to exchange the rebel prisoners of war in this department for those of our officers confined in Charleston. Ar- rangements have been made to make the exchange in Charleston Harbor, between Fort Moultrie and Battery Putnam, at 10 oclock on Wedm~iesday morning. Will you please inform the senior officer off Charleston of the fact? Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER, Major- General, C~omnmanding. FLAG-STEAMER PHILADELPHIA, Port Royal Harbor, S. C., August 1, 1864. Maj. Gen. J. G. FOSTER, C~omdg. Dept. of the South, Hdqrs. Hilton Head, S. C.: GENERAL: With deep amid sincere pleasure I learn from your note that our exchange has been authorized, which will restore to us our gallant officers so cruelly exposed in Charleston. It will give me pleasure to convey them from Charleston to Port Royal on board the Pawnee, if perfectly agreeable to yourself and to them. Captain Green, the senior officer off Charleston, will be so instructed, and also to offer any of the light steamers and boats that may be needed for their reception. Captain Green will be directed also to fire a salute fromn the Pawnee as soon as our officers are landed on our decks. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. A. DAHLGREN, Rear-Admiral, Comdg. S. Atlantic Blockading Squadron Page 206 206 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. U. S. SHIP VERMONT, Port Royal, August 1, 1864. Lieut. Col. JAMES F. HALL, Provost-Marshal- General, Dept. of the South: SIR: I send on shore contrabands heretofore serving in the squad- ron and now discharged. If they return to their ship in a week I wish to reship them. Will you please give them passes for a week, and allow them to return to us should they desire to do so? I will be obliged if you will apprise General Foster that these contrabands have been landed. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. REYNOLDS, Commanding Naval Depot. [Indorsements.] Respectfully forwarded to the commanding general. JAMES F. HALL, Lieut. Col. and Provost-Marshal-General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., August 2, 1864. If these men are allowed to come on shore, I wish it may either be as discharged men or as men on furlough. To have them sent with the condition that if they do not return on board at a certain time they will be liable to be taken by the Army is not agreeable to this branch of the service. J. G. FOSTER,~ Major- General, Commanding. HDQRS. NORTHERN DISTRICT, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Morris Island, S. C., August 1, 1864. Maj. Gen J. G. FOSTER, Commanding Department of the South: GENERAL: I have the honor to report that I am sufficiently advanced in the matter of the mines to be able to apply them within two or three days. Admiral Dahlgren has very kindly sent an offi- cer of his staff to explain to me the use of the clock-work torpedoes, and has placed a number of them at my disposal. These I am about to use to destroy the toom. It appears to me that looking at Sumter a considerable breach has been made in the two faces of the fort, especially the left face. I propose sending a party around the fort with the view of ascertain- ing the amount of damag& done to these walls. The work on the Swamp Angel will soon be finished. I have been moving my head- quarters to Morris Island, and have been prevented on that accoigit from making out a report of the attack on Fort Johnson. A. SCHIMMELFENNIG. IIDQRS. NORTHERN DISTRICT, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Morris Island, S. C., August 1, 18G4. Capt. W.. L. M. BURGER, Assistant Adjutant-General, Dept. of the South: CAPTAIN: I have the honor to call the attention of the major-gen- eral commanding to the fact that while our rifled guns have don Page 207 CHAP. XLVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 207 excellent service in effecting a breach in the walls of Sumter, they are not as effective in clearing away the debris and combing down the slope as the largest-sized sniooth-bore guns would be. I have understood that ii and 15 inch Dahlgren guns can be obtained from the navy, and would respectfully reqnest that four or six of these may be sent here for use against Sumter. I have the honor to be, your obedient servant, A. SCHIMMELFENNIG, Brigadier- General, Commanding District. [Indorsement..] File. Action has been taken. J.G.F. HDQRS. NORTHERN DISTRICT. DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Morris Island, S. C., August 1, 1864. Capt. W. L. M. BURGER, Actg. As~1. Adjt. Gem., Dept. of the South: CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that nothing of importance has occurred in this command sincQ the last visit of the majdr-g~n- eral commanding. The firing into the city and the bombardment of Fort Sumter have been continued as ordered, the parti~ulars of which will be found in the report, herewith inclosed, of Lieutenant- Colonel Ames, chief of artillery of the district. The enemy replies to our fire occasionally from his works on James and Sullivans Islands. The enemys fatigue parties still show them- selves around Fort Johnson, Battery Simkins, and the works around Secessionville. I am moving the headquarters of this district to Morris Island. I have the honor to be, your obedient servant, A. SCHIMMELFENNIG, Brigadier-General, Commanding District. [Inclosure.] OFFICE CHIEF OF ARTILLERY, Morris island, S. C., August 1, 1864. Lient. W. B. DEAN, A. A. A. G., Hdqrs. Northern Dist., Dept. of the South: SIR: I have the honor to state that since my last feport of July 22, the firing upon Fort Sumter has been continued. The fire from guns of Fort Putnam has been directed at a point on the gorge wall to the left of the old breach. The fire from Battery Chatfield has been directed at the center of the sea-wall. This change in the point against which the fire ~as directed was made in accordance with orders from department headquarters. The breach in gorge wall has been cut or combed off for about 7 feet. The sea-wall has been cut down for about 5 feet. The breach, however, is not yet practicable. On July 30, No. 4 gun, Fort Putnam (200-pounder Parrott), was disabled, a crack appearing on right upper quarter of gun and ex- tending from under re-enforce to left trunnion. This gun has fired 573 rounds. August 1, No. 4 piece, Battery Chatfield (300-pounder), was disabled, about 24 inches of muzzle being blown off. This gun has fired 1,200 rounds. The carriage was not injured, so that th Page 208 208 S. C., L~LA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. (cHip. XLVII. reserve 300-pounder can be at once monnted in its place. There are, with the exception of 30-pounder Parrotts, no reserve gnns on hand at ordnance yard. The following are the breaching guns in works at the front that bear on Fort Sumter, viz: Fort Putnam, one 200-pounder Parrott, serviceable; two 30- pounder Parrotts, no projectiles. Battery Chatfieki, one 200-pounder Parrott, vent closed; one 100- pounder Parrott, vent closed. Columbiad battery, two 100-pounder columbiads; no projectiles. This leaves only one breaching gun in works at front that can be used to-day on Fort Sumter. Since July 21 the following number of projectiles have been fired at Fort Suniter, viz: From Fort Putnam: 200-pounder shells 497 30-pounder shells 854 Battery Chatfield: 300-pounder shells 362 100-pounder shells 353 Battery Barton, 10-inch mortar shells 557 Battery Seymour, 10-inch mortar shells 392 Columbiad battery, 10-inch columbiad shells 266 13-inch mortar battery, 13-inch mortar shells 52 300-pounder Parrott shells 362 200-pounder Parrott shells 479 100-pounder Parrott shells 353 30-pounder Parrott shells 854 13-inch mortar shells 52 10-inch mortar shells 949 10-inch columbiad shells 266 Total - 3,333 Very respectfully, sir, your obedient servant, WM. AMES, Lieut. Cot. Third R. I. Arty., Chief of Artillery, Northern District, Dept. of the South. JACKSONvILLE, August 1, 1864. Major-General FOSTER, Commanding Department of the South: GENERAL : ~Since asking the five regiments only, I have learned that their number for duty is much smaller than I had anticipated. My sick-list at Baldwin has also swelled. I would therefore re- quest that you send one more reginient to me. I would prefer a black one, as nearly all my troops are colored. Very truly, yours, WM. BIRNEY, Brigadier-General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, Jacksonville, August 1, 1864. Colonel DOUBLEDAY, Commanding Thir1 U. S. Colored Troops: COLONEL: General Birney directs you to proceed immediately with 300 men of your command to Camp Milton, The men will Page 209 CHAP. XLVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 209 carry shelter-tents and six days rations. You will encamp your men somewhere on the line of the railroad between Camp Milton and the first trestle this side of Camp Milton, near enough to the trestle to guard it from the enemy. You will first of all intrench yourself, making your position as strong as possible. After this is (lone you can turn your attention to destroying the enemys line of fortifications. You are sent to Camp Milton for the purpose of preventing the enemy from damaging the railroad. You will send out frequently scouting parties to make sure that the country is free from the scat- tering parties of the rebels. Very respectfully, & c., M. BAILEY, Captain and Assistant Adjutant- General. HDQRS. DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Jacksonville, August 1, 1864. Capt. W. L. M. BURGER, Asst. Adjt. Gem., Department of the South.: CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that the force under m~y com- mand have captured 2 large and valuable lighters at Palatka and a locomotive and 7 cars (4 box and 3 platform cars) near Callahan Station, on the railroad between Baldwin and Fernandina. The cars are in good condition. The locomotive, although temporarily disabled, can in a short time be put in good running order. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. BIRNEY, Brigadier- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., August 2, 1864. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Chief of Staff, Washington, D. C.: GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your order of the 25th ultimo, accompanying the telegraphic order from General Grant of the 24th ultimo. I have at once made arrange- ments to comply with it. Brigadier-General Birney has been ordered to proceed at once to Fort Monroe, Va., and report to Maj. Gen. Benjamin F. Butler with his brigade. This brigade only contained three regiments, the Seventh, Eighth, and Ninth U. S. Colored Troops, but in order to make it full I have added another regiment. This will make the strength, of the brigade over 3,500 men, or over 2,500 effectives. The regiments are good, and only require a little more drill and service to make them first-rate. I would just as soon send the same number of white reginients, as these latter are sooner broken down with the heat and sickness in this climate. I thought it better, however, to send the regiments belonging to General Bir- neys brigade and consisting mainly of regiments raised by him. The transportation is all ready, and as soon as General Birney and two of his regiments can be brought from Florida the whole will sail for Fort Monroe and arrive as soon as this letter. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, ~G. FOSTER, Major-General, Commanding. 14 R RVOL XXXV, PT I Page 210 210 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, 5. 0., August 2, 1864. Rear-Admiral J. A. DAHLGREN, Corndg. South Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Present: ADMIRAL: I have received your letter of the 1st, and thank you for your kind offer of the Pawnee to bring them to Port Royal. I think it will be better, however, to bring them down on the Cosmo- politan. which has ample accommodations. I will thank you for your kind intentions of a salute from the Pawnee guns, which will be a handsome compliment to our brave officers. I will order the Cosmopolitan, as soon as she gets our officers on board, to hoist her flags, and, with band playing, to round to under the stern of the Pawnee while the salute is being fired. After returning thanks for the compliment to the captain of the Pawnee, the Cosmopolitan will steam for this harbor. Fort Welles will salute as it enters. J. G. FOSTER, Major- General, Gommanding. HDQRS. DEPT. OF S. CAROLINA, GEORGIA, AND FLORIDA, Charleston, 5. 0., August 2, 1864. Maj. Gen. J. G. FOSTER, Comdg. U. S. Forces, Dept. of the South, Hilton Head: GENERAL: I received your letter of the 29th ultimo, inforn~ing me that the Secretary of War had authorized you to exchange any prisoners in your hands, rank for rank, or their equivalents, such exchange being a special one; and that you had sent Major Ander- son to make arrangements as to time and place for the exchange. Major Lay, of my staff, whose authority to act I had previously made known to you, and who met Major Anderson at Port Royal Ferry, reports to me that he and Major Anderson had agreed to make the exchange to-morrow morning in the north channel leading to Charleston Harbor. Having received authority from my Govern- ment to make the exchange, I will send 5 generals and 45 field officers of the U. S. service on a steamer for exchange at the time and place appointed. The details as to equivalents will be settled between Majors Lay and Anderson, or any other officer to whom you may assign that duty, and any balance that may be found due you will be forwarded in officers by flag of truce, as agreed upon. On your assurance conveyed in your letter of the 16th ultimo, that Assistant Surgeon Robinson, of the One hundred and fourth Penn- sylvania Regiment, was not, when captured, reconnoitering, I will release and send him within your lines as soon as it can be done. He had been sent from here before I received your letter in regard to him. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, SAM. JONES, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS BOAT INFANTRY, Morris Island, S. C., August 2, 1864. Lieut. E. W. SCHAUFFLI~R, Aide-dc-Camp: LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to report that, in compliance with orders from the general commanding, three boats went entirel Page 211 CHAP. XLVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 211 around Sumter this evening. The following boats were the three, viz: First boat, Captain Allison and Lieutenant Eaton, with ten oars; second boat, Lieutenant Little and Lieutenant Prowley, with five oars; third boat, Captain Long and Ensign C. C. Neil, U. S. Navy, eight oars. We lQft Paines Dock at 7.30 p. in., and Gregg at about 8 p. in., passing between Sumter and Johnson fiear the second telegraph pole. From this point we could see the left flank and the dock. Upon the docks there was a lantern, also a sentry. On this face there are nine casemates, through which the light could be plainly seen. Drifting with the tide past the left face we could see no signs of life. Pass- ing the right face we could see three casemates, through which the light showed very plainly, also glimmering of light through several others. There was at the base of this face, where it flanks the right flank, a lantern, rather dim; supposed to be a signal lantern for their boats. While turning the left flank could see the three rams, one of which was moving down showing a bright light. We met with no obstacle during the reconnaissance, owing probably to our getting around the fort before the rams had gained their position and thrown out th~ir boats. I have the honor to inclose a draft of the fort, showiiig the outlines of the walls as seen from the boats. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, RICHARD ALLISON, Captain, 127th New York Infantry, Gomdg. Boat Infantry. (Jor~~~ waiL FORT SUMTfUEI Page 212 212 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, & C., August 2, 1864. Brig. Gen. J. P. HATCH, Gommanding District ~f Hilton Head: GENERAL The major-gqneral commanding directs that the best band now at this post be ordered on board the Cosmopolitan this p. in., at 5.30 oclock, with three days rations. They accompany the officer designated to exchangC our prisoners of war at Charleston. I am further instructed to direct that the commanding officer at Fort Welles be ordered to report to these headquarters immediately to receive instructions regarding the firing of a salute on the arrival of the Cosmopolitan. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, THOMAS J. ROBINSON, First Lient., 21st U. S. Colored Troops, Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., August 2, 1864. Col. H. L. CHIPMAN, Comdg. 102d U. S. Colored Troops, Steamer Canonicus: The major-general commanding directs that you proceed at once to Jacksonville, Fla., with your command, and report to Brig. Gen. John P. Hatch, commanding District of Florida. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. L. M. BURGER, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., August 3, 1864. Maj. GEORGE M. DENNETT, Commanding Ninth U. S. Colored Troops: MAJOR: The major-general commanding directs that you proceed With your command, now on board steamer Fulton, to Fortress Monroe, and report to Maj. Gen. B. F. Butler, commanding Depart- ment of Virginia and North Carolina, as being one of the regiments cnuposing Brig. Gen. William Birneys brigade, now nuder orders for that point. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your most obedient servant, THOMAS J. ROBINSON, First Lient., 21st U. S. Colored Troops, Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gem. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., August 4, 1864. Maj. Gen: H. W. HALLECK Chief of Staff, Washington, D. C.: GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 12th [ultimo], authorizing me to exchange the prisoners of war now in my hands:and to report that I made such exchange yesterday in Charleston Harbor, and that our released officers, com- prising 5 general and 45 field officers, will proceed North on the steamer Fulton, under command of Brigadier-General Wessells Page 213 CIW?. XLVU.I CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 213 who has orders to report to the Adjutant-General of the Army from Fort Monroe, and also from New York, if no orders are re- ceived before their arrival in the latter city. Three line officers that escaped from the railroad train en route to Charleston are sent with tli~ other officers. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., August 4, 1864. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLEcK, Chief of Staff, Washington, D. C.: GENERAL: The information given by our prisoners of war, now liberated, and by deserters, also by the late rebel papers, represent that our soldiers now prisoners at Andersonville, Ga., are destitute of comforts and necessaries, and are rapidly dying. The number of deaths per day varies, according to reports, from 30 to 70. 1 do not know what the wishes of the Government may be, but if it desire that our imprisoned soldiers may be exchanged, so as to relieve them from their distress, I can easily have the matter arranged with the Confederate authorities so as to effect an exchange here. The ex- change can be made by way of the Savannah River, and we can easily arraiige to guard any numberof l)risoners on our islands here, and to supply them at least as bountifully as our men are supplied that are in the hands of the enemy. I think the Confederate authorities are very desirous to have an exchange effected, both of officers and of men. The insecure posi- tion in which our prisoners have been confined probably causes this desire. They have already been obliged to remove our officers from Macon, and 600 of them have already arrived in Charleston and the others are fo follow; this from its being the 6nly secure place aAd the hope that it may induce to a still further exchange. I shall notify Maj. Gen. Samuel Jones that no more exchanges will be made through Charleston Harbor, and that if any are authorized by the Government they will be made by the Savannah River. The effect of this is to induce them to remove our officers from Charles- ton to Savannah, so that our fire may be continued on the city with- out the risk of hurting our friends. I have, however, taken pains to ascertain where our prisoners were confined so as to direct the fire to the other parts. I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTI~R, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., August 4, 1864. Maj. Gen. SAMUEL JONES, C~omdg. Dept. S. C., Ga., and Fla., Charleston, S. C.: GENERAL: I have received your letter of the 2(1 instant, desiring that a permit to pass through our lines be given to Miss Mary A. Sparks. As a general rule all persons passing our lines into th Page 214 214 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. (CHAP. XLVII. Confederate lines are required to pass with proper permits at Fort Monroe, but 1 will give the perniit to Miss Sparks as a matter of courtesy to yourself and General Ripley. I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER, iMiajor- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., August 4, 1864. Maj. Gen. L. MCLAWS, Commanding District of Savannah, Ga.: GENERAL: I have received your letter of the 29th ultimo. The transfer of individuals by flag of truce through this department is not allowed except in special cases. The special cases include the wives of deserters within our lines. All other transfer of individ- uals through the lines of the United. States have to be made by the way of Fort Monroe after proper permits have been obtained for that purpose. No persons upon the list, you inclose to me, except the wives of deserters, will be allowed to come through our lines here, and these persons even cannot be admitted until we have satis- factorily ascertained from our records that they are what they pur- port to be. An answer upon this point will be made in a few days through Maj. Gen. Samuel Jones, commanding your department. In future I beg that all communications of this kind requiring my ac be made by Major-General Jones. tion may Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER, Major- General, Commanding. FLAG-STEAMER PHILADELPHIA, Port Royal Harbor, S. C., August 4, 1864. Maj. Gen. J. G. FOSTER, Comdg. Dept. of the South, Hdqrs. Hilton Head: GENERAL: Yours of the 1st has been received in relation to a pass for leave to certain contrabands. I avoid complications as much as possible, and had I been apprised in time, the leave and pass would not have been given, though it was nearly certain that 91 very good men would h~ve been lost to the naval depot here. Captain Rev- nolds, however, was under the impression that a leave for so limit~d a period would not conflict with the arrangement between us and the subsequent orders, and finding he was likely to lose these men un~ less he granted their conditions, did so. Under the circumstances, it might be well, perhaps, that the leave thus granted should stand, and if aiiy of the men fail to return and re-enlist afloat they might be conscripted for shore duty. The pass defines the condition very clearly.~ I will direct Captain Reynolds to adhere iii future to our agreement. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. A. DAHLGREN, Rear-Admiral, Comdg. So~ath Atlantic Blockading Squadron Page 215 Ca~p. XLVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 215 HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, Jacksonville, Fla., August 4, 1864. Maj. Gen. J. G. FOSTER, Commanding Department of the South: GENERAL: I arrived here last night, having changed at the bar onto the Mary Benton. The Delaware got aground coming up the river. I sent down the Canonicus to lighten her. She took off the troops but could not draw her off. The troops were brought up and the boat sent back to take out the cargo. I hope she will get off and up here to-night. The Eighth U. S. Colored Troops had been sent to Palatka, where they arrived just in time to save a detachment of 25 cavalry left at that place. They were driven into the intrench- ments with a loss of 1 officer and 2 privates prisoners. All are now withdrawn. I have sent out to Baldwin the Thirty-fourth and One hundred and second U. S. Colored Troops, and ordered in the Seventh U. S. Colored Troops. They will be in and embark to-morrow for the Head. And noxv about the campaign. General Birney is very sanguine, and I do not (loubt that had the movement been made in force we could have occupied the country to the Suwannee. To do it there will be required three or four more regiments and another battery. I think Birneys plans are good, but a large force will be required. I have had to-day a conversation with a Colonel Wilson, a refugee, j ust in from Alachna County. He appears a very strong Union man, and has the reputation of having been one throughout the war. He is very desirous of having us occupy the country, but says do not attempt it with an insufficient force. Seymours defeat he says hurt the cause very much. About 500 Union men, deserters, and negroes are in the vicinity of Cedar Keys, and are miow raiding toward Gainesville. The people confidently expect re-enforcements will be sent to Florida. It is thought none have yet arrived. The present force is variously estimated at from 1,000 to 2,000 men. The infantry are mostly the new issue. I shall advance the force at Baldwin to Barbers and take up the rails of the road from that point to Baldwin. If you think I had better try the raid through Alachna amid Marion I will by that time be re-enforced and will try the thing. You will yourself be better able to learn than I can do what chance there is of the enemy sending troops here. The locomotive met with an accident yesterday; it was thrown from the track and somewhat injured; how much, I cannot learn, as it has not yet been got on the track. The rails had been loosened by the rebels. General Birney v~as in the car. No one was injured. Can you not persuade somnt~ of the submarimie fellows to come here and get the Saint Marys up? She is a fine vessel and is not injured. The navy will never do it and are not trying. I shall immediately occupy Magnolia amid build a small work there. I will not complete the work at Baldwin, which, by the way, was not commenced until General Birneys return from Hilton Head. If Sherman has thoroughly beaten Hood it is not probable that any troops can be spared by the rebels for Florida. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. P. HATCH, Brigadier-General. One section of artillery additional would be sufficient Page 216 216 S.C., FLA., A ND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. 0., August 5, 1864. Rear-Admiral JOHN A. DAHLGREN, Gomdg. S. Atlantic Bloc/c. Squad., Port Royal Harbor, S. C.: ADMIRAL: I have tTie honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 4th instant in relation to passes given by Cap- tain Reynolds, U. S. Navy, to a number of contrabands to remain on shore one week or be subject to the action of the military author- ities. In reply I have to state that while I do not object to men from the Navy receiving permission to come ashore and remain for a few (lays, while actually in the service, I most certainly do object to men receiving such permission after having been virtually discharged from the Navy, and their return being optional with the men them- selves. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, 5. 0., August 5, 1864. Brig. Gen. A. SCHIMMELFENNIG, Gomdg. Northern District, Department of the South: GENERAL: Admiral Dahlgren has declared his willingness to lend six 11-inch guns, with carriages, implements, and the requisite offi- cers, crew, and ammunition. The gtins are to be landed by the navy at Light-House Inlet, and will be transported to their positions by the. army. It is recommended, however, that at high tide the scows used for carrying the shells be run up as high as possible on the beach near the battery and the shells be thrown overboard, so that they can be picked up at low tide by the wagons and taken into the battery. Four 100-pounder Parrott guns will be sent up also as soon as transportation can be had. I will borrow from the navy some 100 and 200 and 300 pounder ammunition, and send it up at the same time, if possible. Inclosed you will fiuid a certified copy of a letter* just received from Colonel Hoyt, Fifty-second Pennsylvania Volunteers, which reached these headquarters through one of our released officers. Y.ou will have a thorough investigation made, as desired by Colonel Hoyt, and ascertain upon whom the responsibility rests. I likewise inclose an official copy of the ordnance reportt from your command, with indorsements thereon, and your attention is invited to indorsement from Lient. John R. McGinness, chief of ordnance, who states that there is a good snpply of lacquer on hand( and that lie even used some himself when up there, instructing the men how to lay it on. The report of the chief of artillery for the Northern District states that the suggestions of R. P. Parrott have not as yet been put into practice. You will cause an investigation to be had in this mattQr at once, and ascertain with whom the fault of this negligence lies, and have orders issued inimediately to lacquer the shells, as. per in *See Part I, p. 86. tSee p. 190 Page 217 CHAP. XLVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNJON. 217 struction given by Lieutenant MeGinness, chief of ordnance, Depart- ment of the South, when in your district. The officer Who is respon- sible for this negligence should be punished. I wish, in the firing on the city, that the aim be to the right of the circular church, and that a greater range, of 300 to 500 yards, be given to the shells. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, J. G. FOSTER, M(Vor- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, Jacksonville, Fla., August 5, 1864. Maj. Gen. J. G. FOSTER: GENERAL: The Delaware being still aground I have not yet sent any troops up to the Head. Since writing last night I have had an opportunity of conversing with the citizens and feel that if there is aiiy authority given you to retain Birneys brigade here it should be (lone. I believe with the assistance of the troops the State~ can be immediately brought back to the Union. Raids will distress the rebels, but will not give confidence enough to the people to make them rise en masse. I shall immediately occupy Magnolia and land the troops from Hilton Head directly at that point. The raid through Marion will be made from there, whilst the force at Bald- win will hold in check the troops at the Little Saint Marys. The locomotive is not yet on the track, but it is hoped will be got on to-day. We have here no transportation except the railroad. We should have a few ambulances, and if three or four of the wagons from Beaufort (with teams) could be sent us they would be very useful. 1 hope your orders will allow you to retain Birneys brigade. I am told to-day that the force at Cedar Keys mentioned in my other letter has some U. S. troops with them and that they are furnished with arms and provisions by Woodhury from Key West. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. P. HATCH, Brigadier- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, AS. C., August 6, 1864. Rear-Admiral JOHN A. DAHLGREN, c1omdg. S. Atlantic Block. Squad., Port Royal Harbor S. C.: ADMIRAL: From information received this morning from two of our officers, escape(l prisoners of war, I learn that there are about sixty more of these officers who have effected their escape, and will probably be looking for an opportunity to get into our lines. I would respectfully request that you send a boat up Broad River as far as possible, to remain there and have a sharp lookout for four or five (lays; also that boats be sent .to Morgan and Coosaw and Edisto Rivers for the same purpose. I have instructed Brigadier-General Potter, commanding Hilton Head and Beaufort Districts, to sen Page 218 21S S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. out scouting parties as frequently as possible to assist any of these officers they may meet or find any trace of. I would iilso request that some of your boats be ordered for a few days to co-operate with our scouting parties in the vicinity of Mucklins Creek and May River. They should be ordered up these creeks and rivers as far as possible, as our officers know we are informed of their escape and will be expecting some assistance. I have the honor to be, admiral, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER, Major-General, Commanding. FLAG-STEA MER PHILADELPHIA, Port Royal Harbor, August 6, 1864. Maj. Gen. J. G. FOSTER, Corndg. Dept. of the South, Hdqrs. Hilton Head: GENERAL: I inclose herewith a report which has just reached me, to the effect that a provost guard yesterday arrested certain laborers at Bay Point. These men were in the naval employ and in a purely naval jurisdiction. If there were any claims to them or to their services it should have been made directly to me, and would have received that attention which I yield to all communications from your branch of the public service. I consider this to be one of the grossest outrages that has come to my knowledge, and I have to request that the persons thus removed from Bay Point shall be retnrne(I to the naval commanding officer at that place, and the officer who ordered the guard to be sent to Bay Point to seize these persons-shall be brought to trial before a court- martial. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. A. DAHLGREN, Rear-Admiral, Uomdg. South Atlantic Blockading Squadron. [First indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., August 6, 1864. Lieutenant-Colonel Hall, provost-marshal, will report as soon as possible all the facts in this case. J. G. FOSTER, Major- General, Commanding. [Second indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, OFFICE PROVOST-MARSHAL-GENERAL, Hilton Head, S. C., August 6, 1864. Respectfully referred to Captain Hennessy, district provost- marshal, for report. JAMES F. HALL, Lieutenant.YJolonel and Provost-Marshal- General Page 219 Cuip. XLVII.] CO1~RESPONDI~NCE, ETC.tINION. 219 [Third indorsement.] OFFICE PROVOST-MARSHAL, Hilton Head, S. C., August 7, 1864. Respectfully returned. There is no provost guard nor has been at Bay Point by my orders. There were some men sent there by Colonel Littlefield, to whom I gave papers and instructions to the effect to arrest all men, deserters froni the Second U. S. Colored Battery or any other deserters, that might be found belonging to colored troops. JOHN A. HENNESSY, Captain, 52d Pennsylvania Volunteers, Provost-Marshal. [Fourth indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., August 7, 1864. Respectfully referred to Col. M. S. Littlefield, general superin- tendent recruiting service, Department of the South, for investiga- tion and report. These papers to be returned with the report called for. By command of Maj. Gen. J. G. Foster: W. L. M. BURGER, Assistant Adjutant- General. [Fifth indorsement.] OFFICE PROVOST-MARSHAL-GEN., DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., August 7, 1864. Respectfully returned, with indorsement from Captain Ilennessy, district provost-marshal. The guard sent by Colonel Littlefield have either misunderstood or exceeded their instructions in exercising an authority within the jurisdiction of the naval department. I had no knowledge of this party going to Bay Point. I am very certain that no discourtesy was intended, and if I had been aware that the party was ordered on this duty, I would have given them such instructions as would have prevented the cause of the present complaint. JAMES F. HALL, Lieutenant- Colonel and Provost-Marshal- General. [Inclosure.] BAY POINT iThar-Admiral J. A.. DAHLGREN, . , S. C., August 6, 1864. & mdg. South Atlantic Blockading Squadron: SIR: I have to report that last evening a provost guard from Hil- ton Head arrested 19 laborers employed by Mr. Murphy, also 4 men employed on the wharf by Acting Master Rhoades, by orders of Commander William Reynolds, all of them being contrabands. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. S. GARDNER, Acting Master in Charge. All Mr. Murphys work in cutting piles, and all his other work, is suspended by the arrest of these, men. WM. REYNOLDS, Commander, Commanding Naval Depot Page 220 220 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. AUGUST 6, 1864. Statement of Capt. B. C. G. Reed, Third Ohio Infantry (captured 3d May, 1863, near Rome, Ga.), and T. B. Stevenson, first lieuten- ant, Third Ohio Infantry (captured same place and time): Escaped from Charleston on the way from the cars to the prison. Went to negro quarters. Staid in the yard until dark, then made ourselves known to the negroes, who hid us away and took us to the wharf. We could not get away that night. The negroes then kept us Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday until Monday night, when we got a boat at Clarks Wharf. The wind was so high that we could not make way against it, and at 3 a. m. we were left on the fiats. We then went back to the tower, and some negro fish- ermen kept us till night (Tuesday, 2d). While there two shots from Gregg cam& within 400 yards of us. The negroes took us off at 10 oclock, having prepared a boat, and we started for Morris Island. Met our picket-boat at 10 oclock between Gregg and Sumter. The negroes gave us good and reliable information. Although they are almost starving themselves, yet they would always give us enough. An old negro woman got us something to eat. I told het we had n~ money. She said, The Lord God will pay me, massa, if you only get through. Those who will depend on the darkies will be safe in attempting to escape. Heard that one train of our offi- cers (prisoners) was captured by our forces. There had been a cav- alry fight i~ miles from Macon. The roads are cut in every direc- tion. The south is n~w waiting for the election, in hopes of a peace can(lidate being elected. Vallandigham or McClellan they wish for, so long as they can defeat Lincoln. Hood has a large army, and will do some hard fighting. Their army is in good discipline. We found lots of Union men in the army, but they are afraid of punishments. We think the crop in South Carolina is light, though every acre is planted. They have plenty of labor. Tile railroads are poor, except Macon to Savannah, which is good. The rolling-stock is very poor. These officers are vouched for by Major Kovacs, Fifty-fourth New York Volunteers. A negro man came from Petersburg and says that Grant exploded a mine, blowing up the whole city and killing 75,000 men. Six hundred of our officers are in the jail at Charles- ton, directly under tile fire from Morris Island. Tile excitement at Charleston on account of the news from Petersburg was intense. There was a fight at Atlanta on the 29th. They say that we had attacked Cheathams division and were repulsed. Generals Stewart, Dearing, and Wheeler were wounded. A general engagenlent was expected. General J. H. Winder has been in command of the prisoners in Georgia. He is a regular brute. His treatment of the men is in- famous. They are robbed, have no shelter, and die hundreds in a day. When told that the Yankee prisoners were dying at Ander- sonville 100 a day, lie said, God damn them, let them die. They dont die half fast enough; thats just what we want. Junins Brown and A. D. Richardson are prisoners at Salisbury, N. C. Captain Tabb, of General Winders staff, now a prisonur in our lines, captured by General Wilson near Danville, has treated our prisoners brutally and infa~nously. He struck Major Pasco, Six- teenth Connecticut Volunteers, over the head because he would not get up at night and dig out an old tunnel Page 221 ~a& p. XLVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 221 [Indorsement.] AUGUST 6, 1864. Respectfully forwarded to commanding general. JAMES F. HALL, Lieutenant- Colonel and Provost-Marshal- G~eneral. Statement of Lient. P. W. Honlihan, Sixteenth U. S. Infantry; Walter Clifford, Sixteenth U. S. Infantry, and James Butler, Sec- ond U. S. infantry: Escaped from the rebels on the 28th nltimo where the railroad crosses the Combahee on the road from Macon. Lieutenant Houli- han was captnred on I 9tl~ of September, 1863, at Chickamauga; Mr. Clifford at same time and place. James Butler captnred at Catletts Station, Va., on 11th of April. All were taken to Richmond. Left Richmond on 10th of May; taken to Danville. Left Danville on 14th of May to Macon. Escaped from near Danville and were gone five days and were captnred near Madison, Ga., and arrived at Macon on 2?d May. Left Macon on 27th July; 1,680 officers there at that time. We were being remove(l on account of a repoited raid of Stoneinan, supposed to be at e, 30 miles from Macon. Six hundred and forty-two were taken on the train toward Charles- ton. When crossing the Combabee we jumped off the train while the guards were asleep, kept (lown the river, were lost in a rice swamp, got a boat after two (lays, kept down the river at night, met pickets 10 miles from mouth of river, passed the obstructions on night 31st, arrived at Saint Helena Sound on morning of 1st, went out to the Ethan Allen, and arrived at this post yesterday a. in., 3d instant. T1~ese officers were recognized by Colonel Slidell, One hundred and forty-fourth New York Volunteers. The mass of the people are very dissatisfied so far as we can tell. We were treated badly. No bedding, not enough to eat, only 2 quarts corn meal for five days, with 10 pounds bacon and j pint of sirup, 1~ pounds salt, and ~ gill rice, and same quantity of wormy beans. We built our own sheds from lumber given to us. We had to do our policing. We hear from 3 surgeons, who attended the men at Andersonville, that there are over 27,000 men at Andersonville in an inclosure of twenty-five acres; a portion is swamp. That 75 to 100 die per day. Saw 160 taken out and buried in one day. They have no shelter of any kind. They take away their blankets, overcoats, & c. One corner of the open field is the hospital with about 600 men in it. At present they have no medical attendance. In exchange they gave us $4.50 for $1 green- backs. This was done officially. The railroad was good. The rebel soldiers are disheartened. They evidently have every man they can raise from sixteen to sixty years of age. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., August 6, 1864. Brig. Gen. A. SCHIMMELFENNIG, Commanding Northern District, Department of the South: GENERAL: By direction of the major-general commanding I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 2d instant, inclosing the report of Capt. Richard Allison, One hun Page 222 222 S.C., J~LA., A ND ON THE GA. C~AST. [cHAP. XLVII.~ dred~and twenty-seventh New York Volunteers, the officer in com- mand of the boat infantry. The major-general commanding desires to express his thanks to the officers and men who made the recon- naissance of Fort Sumter on the night of the 2d of August, and i~ much pleased with their energy in the enterprise. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, THOMAS J. ROBINSON, First Lieut., U. S. Golored Troops, A. A. A. G. HDQRS. NORTHERN DiSTRICT, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Morris Island, S. C., August 6, 1864. Capt. W. L. M. BURGER, Assistant Adjutant-General, Department of the South: SIR: I have the honor to report that on the 2d of this month a deserter from the enemy came into our lines by way of Johns and Kiawah Lslaiids. The said deserter was lately conscripted into the engineer department, where he has been employed for the last two years as a civilian in building bridges and laying platforms. He is well informed, and has a general knowledge of the works on James Island and in the city. For the last three or four mouths he was engaged on the bridge thrown across the Stono River near Fort Pringle. His knowledge with regard to affairs at the North and West is unimportant and anticipated by former news. In a few words, the principal information gained through him may be summed up as follows: The bridge across Stono was completed within the last week. The enemy is short of laborers. Among the work to be done after the recent call for 2,500 negroes who are to be employed on the fortifica- tions is filled, a causeway about 700 yards long is to be carried across from Pringle bridge, throiligh the marsh, to an inlet or some high ground. A battery is to be erected at the same place, and from thence a bridge to run in a line directly south across the marsh, and over a creek to the mainland on Johns Island. It has long been my opinion, and it is corroborated by the statements of this deserter, that the enemy intends to extend his lines on Johns Island, protecting himself as he advances by new works which he throws up in his rear. Elliotts Cut, which is laid down on the Coast Survey charts of 1825, but which does not appear except as a creek on the sketches of late years, the entrance to Stono River hav- ing been closed by a saud bank, has been re-opened, a mud machine having worked on it for nine months. The bridge that lay across this cut has also been taken apart, and it is now passable by vessel& 40 feet broad and of 7 feet draught. Wappoo Cut has been obstructed near Stono River by the sinking of a schooner and driving in of spiles on each side of it, and by a bridge thrown across just above the schooner, and where the ferry used to be. Since the recent attack on the 2d of July the enemy has closed Fort Pringle in the rear by a breast-work six feet high. He has also erected a new battery a few hundred yards to the east of Pringle, which mounts two mortars ~ind two guns. I shall retain this deserter for the purpose of obtaining such information from him as I may require from time to time, hi Page 223 CHAP. XLVIII CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.IJNLON. 22& information being valuable on account of the s~ecific knowledge which he possesses with regard to the works on James Island and in the city. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. SCHIMMELFENNIG, Brigadier- General, Commanding District. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., August 6, 1864. Brig. Gen. E. E. POTTER, Comdg. Dist. of Beaufort, Hilton Head, & c., Beaufort, S. C.: GENERAL: By direction of the major-general commanding, I have the honor to forward herewith extracts from a letter from Brigadier- General Schimmelfennig, commanding Northern District, Depart- ment of the South, dated headquarters Northern District, Depart- ment of the South, Morris Island, S. C., August 3, 1864: Last night two persons in a boat coming out from Charleston were picked up by our picket-boats. They represented themselves as officers of the Third Ohio Volunteers, lately brought to Cftarleston and now escaped. They give tht~ir names as B. C. G. Reed, captain, Third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and T. B. Stevenson, first lieutenant, Third Ohio Volunteer Infantry. They relate that there are 650 U. S. officers now confined in the jail at Charleston, lately brought there from Macon, Ga. Two other parties of prisoners of about 1,000 were started for Charles- ton, but were, for some reasons, not sent through. The officers report that com- munication between Charleston and Atlanta has been interrupted since the 29th ultimo. They also state that a party of 60 U. S. officers effected their escape some- where near Charleston, and will try to get through our lines. I shall do everything possible on my front to meet and assist them, sending out parties on Kiawah, Sea- brook, and Johns Islands. The major-general commanding directs that parties be sent out immediately to their assistance, if possible, on a reconnaissance for that purpose. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, THOMAS J. ROBINSON, First Lient., Twenty-first U. S. Colored Troops, A. A. A. G. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF WEST FLORIDA, Barrancas, August 6, 1864. Maj. GEORGE B. DRAKE Asst. AdJt. Gen., Ildqrs. Dept. of the Gulf: MAJOR: I have the honor to report that Captain Jouett, U. S. Navy, commanding gun-boat Metacomet, arrived at the Pensacola navy-yard this noon. He left Mobile Bay under flag of truce, with the wounded of both sides on board of his vessel, and gives verbally the following glorious news: Admiral Farragut passed the bar yesterday, the 5th instant, at 8 a. in., with his gigantic fleet, comprising four monitors and fourteen additional armed vessels. The admiral directed the movements of his numerous vessels front the maintop of his flag-ship Hartford. When abreast of Fort Morgan, the monitor Tecumseh, Captain Craven, commanding, was bloW)i up with a. torpedo and sunk within a minute. The rest of the fleet passed the fort about 9 oclock, well cut up, and captured, after a most sanguinary fight, the rebel rani Tennessee, with Admiral Thi~ht~iman and all tho officers and crew Page 224 224 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. The gun-boat Selma was chased up the bay 4 miles by the Meta- comet and captu~d, the gun-boat Gaines disabled and run ashore at Fort Morgan. The Phillipp, a small dispatch steamer of ours, attempting to follow the fleet, was burned by the enemys shells. From the monitor Tecumseh oiily 2 officers and 13 men were saved; the gallant Captain Craven lost with all the rest. In addition to this loss, the casualties in our fleet were about 60 killed and wounded. Admiral Buchanan, with his right leg badly shattered at the knee, was brought in, with 55 other wounded from both sides, to the navy-yard hospital; the brave Captain Mullany, commanding the Oneida, among them, with his right arm shot off. The rebel gun- boat Morgan escaped and put to sea. Captain Jouett delivered to the conimauder of Fort Morgan this morning the written demand of Admiral Farragut to surrender the fort, and will call for the answer to-morrow morning. By this brilliant victory our gallant navy have obtained great ad- vantages, and, separating Forts Morgan, Gaines, and Powell, secured for themselves a safe anchorage, with full control of the forts and bay up to the city. The chartered steam transport Merrimac, Capt. Frederick A. Sampson commanding, arrived this morning with one battalion of the Second Maine Cavalry, Colonel Woodman com- manding, and is disembarking at the navy-yard. The steam trans- port Mississippi, with the Second Battalion on board, was left behind yesterday evening, aground at the Southwest Pass of the Mississippi River. I expect her in to-night, and as soon as the Second Battalion is disembarked will start to cross the Perdido an(l coutrol the east shore of Mobile Bay. The horses of the Second Maine Cavalry are in poor condition and the men very sickly, but there is no time at present for recuperation; they will have to move at once. I am, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ASBOTH, Brigadier-General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. 0., August 8, 1864. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Chief of Staff of Armies of United States, Washington, D. C.: GENERAL: The balance of Brig. Gen. William Birneys brigade leaves here to-night and to-morrow morning, having just arrived from Florida. It is stronger than I thought , looking at the returns, br now that the extra-duty men are in it numbers 3,000 effectives. It is a good brigade. I shall do whatever can be done in the way of small raids with the troops that remain. The enemy is strengthened by the arrival of the battalions of militia which have been called out in South Carolina by General Samuel Jones and in Georgia by Gov- ~ ernor Brown. TIPs body of militia, or at least that portion of it that is now daily reporting at Savannah and Charleston, is reported by deserters as being considerable in point of numbers, 500 arriving daily, b~ut very inferior in all that goes to make good soldiers. I have 110 fears of anything they can do against us. They are fearing an attack from us. The health of the (lepartment continues good. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. ~. FOSTER, Major-General, Cornmandin~ Page 225 CHAP. XLVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., August 8, 1864. 225 Maj. Gen. M. C. MEIGS, Quartermaster- General, liT. S. Army: GENERAL: I have received your letter of the 28th ultimo. The Delaware has arrived. The Rescue, Island City, and Planter have not arrived yet. The Philadelphia is thought to be a mistake, as the only boat of that name belongiug to this department is now here undergoing repairs. With respect to the Ben De Ford, I can only say that we want such a vessel, as she would be the only really seaworthy vessel in rough weather suitable to carry freight to Morris aud Folly Islands or to Florida, or to carry troops or dispatches to the North. As to what you say of her cost as a yacht for the commanding general, I beg leave to enter my prQtest in all respects as referring to me. I do not Waiit, neither dol use, nor have I used, any vessel for my ex- clusive use. When I go to any place I take the first vessel that As ready. If she is without freight, I have all, that is to go to the place put on board. On my last trip to Morris Island I had 500 barrels of powder piled against my stateroom. I have, of course, no choice in the matter of vessels, and am only glad to get anything that will serve us. I am satisfied as long as the vessels perform their work and do not suffer shipwreck with a load of troops on board. I cannot, however, suffer it to be understood that I desire any vessel for my own use. Five propellers, the Verona, Beaufort, Collins, James Green, and Trade Wind, leave here to-night and to-morrow, with Brigadier- General Birneys brigade, for For1~ Monroe. The Collins and James Gret~n are then to proceed to New York for repairs. The Verona goes there on her regular trip from here. The Beaufort and Trade Wind are ordered back here. Two broken-down steamers, the Nantasket and Pecouic, will be sent North for repairs as soon as fair weather sets in. The Alice Price is a wreck in the Saint Johns River. I am now commencing the building of two assaulting arks at the yard here. These are to carry 1,000 men each, and are to be pro- pelled by oars. Requisitions for i--inch iron as musket-proof protection for the sides will be sent on, together with plans, as soon as they can be copied. I also propose to build a light-draught iron-clad, and plans are now preparing. This is absolutely required for a partic- ular service where the navy iron-dads cannot go, even if they were willing, on account of their draught of water. I shall ob- tain the iron from the Lake City railroad, in Florida. I wish to know if you cannot have these rolled out into 2-inch plates for me, or exchange them for either 2 or 4 inch plates. Time is a considera- tion, and unless the exchange or the rolling out can be donewithout (lelay I will use the rails as they are. I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER, Major- General, Qorn rt~mnding. 15 R RVOL XXXV, PT I Page 226 226 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. ICHAP. XLVII. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, 5. 0., August 8, 1864. Rear-Admiral J. A. DAHLGREN, Comdg. South Atlantic Blockading Squadron: ADMIRAL: Upon the receipt of your letter of the 6th instant I caused a strict inquiry to be made into all the circumstances of arrest of the working party at Bay Point. The following is the re- suit, viz: First. Colonel Littlefield, superintendent of recruiting, ordered a party of men from the colored battery at this place to search for deserters, of which there are known to be several hundred on Saint Helena and Ladies Islands, and Captain Hennessy, provost- marshal, gave the requisite pass to Bay Point for this party under Sergeant Mitchell, who tried, but failed, to arrest 3 men whom they recognized as deserters from their own company. Second. After dark 13 men came ashore who, they were told, were deserters, and whom. they arrested as such. The sergeant searched for an officer but could find none until the next morning, at which time he reported to him, when, finding the men to be claimed as in his service, the sergeant gave them up. I inclose a copy of the statements of Colonel Littlefield, Lieutenant-Colonel Hall, provost- marshal-general, and Captain Hennessy, also of the sergeant, and if this be not satisfactory to you, I respectfully request that you will forward to me the charges you have to make against any of the par- ties concerned, and I will order their trial immediately. Very respectfully and truly, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER Major- General, (Jominanding. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., August 8, 1864. Maj. Gen. SAMUEL JONES, Commanding Confederate Forces in South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida, Charleston, 5. C.: GENERAL: In reply to a communication from Maj. Gen. L. Mc- Laws, commanding at Savannah, dated J~uly 29, inclosing list of names of females who desire to enter our lines, I have to state that I cannot permit any but the wives of deserters or refugees to come within our lines at this point. All the others will have to cross at Fort Monroe, after receiving the permit to do so. Inclosed you will find a list* of those whom I will allow to cross at Port Royal Ferry when convenient to yourself and I receive timely notice of the same. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER Major- General, Commanding. OFFICE OF CHIEF OF ARTY., DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., August 8, 1864. Maj. Gen. J. G. FOSTER, Commanding Department of the South: GENERAL: I have the hd~ftor to inform you that I have so far coin- plied with your letter of June 11 as relates to the Districts of Beau- * Omitte Page 227 CHAP. XLVILI CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 227 fort and Hilton Head. I found the heavy artillerists at Beaufort well drilled in the manual of the piece, but ignorant of magazine duties, to the important points in which I called the attention of the battery commanders, and directed that immediate attention be given to this most important part of the drill. I found these garri- sons entirely unacquainted with the nomenclature of the piece, and devoted some time to instructing the men as to the names of the dif- ferent parts of the gun, carriage, and chassis. Company D, Twenty-sixth U. S. Colored Troops, garrisoning Battery Buruside, on the second line of intrenchments, was particu- larly well drilled in the manual of the piece. Fort Duane I found garrisoned by different detachments from dif- ferent companies, which from necessity niade poor artillerists of all. I suggested to the district commander that one company be detailed for that special purpose. Targets were being erected for practice, the same having been authorized by the district commander. I am of opinion that the artillerists in this district are able to serve .their guns with effect in case of an attack. The artillerists in the Hilton Head District, those who had drilled at all, were in fair drill. There had been no artillery drills at Bay Point, it being garrisoned by invalids of the second class, Who are fit only for guard duty. General Potter sends an infantry company there to-day and drill will be commenced immediately under a com- petent instructor. The garrison of Fort Welles is well instructed in all the details of their duties. The garrisons at the intrenchments, One hundred and forty-fourth New York, have not drilled at all, as artillery fatigue work and guard duty consume their whole time, as I am told by General Hatch. The garrison at Fort Pulaski is well instructed in the details of their duties. It is my opinion that neither the fort at Bay Point or the intrench- ments could be efficiently served in case of an attack. I have fur- nished battery commanders with the necessary books for instruction and copies of General Orders, No. 42, from War Department, which prescribes the care of field-works and their armaments. I shall go to the Northern District by next boat on a tour of instruction. I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. R. BRAYTON, Cot. 3d R. I. Arty., Chief of Arty., Dept. of the South. HDQRS. NORTHERN DISTRICT, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Morris Island, S. C., August 8, 1864. Col. WILLIAM GURNEY, Gommanding, Morris island: COLONEL: The brigadier-general commanding directs that you cause the boat infantry to place buoys in the channels between Forts Strong, Putnam, Sumter, Johnson, Siinkins Point, and Paines Dock, so that boats may be able to navigate those waters with con- fidence on a dark night, starting from Fort Strong or Putnam, Paines Dock, or Light-House Creek. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, E. W. SCHAUFFLER, Lieutenant and Aide-de-Camp Page 228 228 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. 0., August 8, 1864. Brig. Gen. E. E. POTTER, Beaufort, S. C.: Major-General Foster wishes the Twenty-ninth Connecticut Col- ored Volunteers to embark in time to reach Hilton Head at daylight to-morrow morning. W. L. M. BURGER, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF WEST FLORIDA, Barrancas, August 8, 1864. Maj. GEORGE B. DRAKE, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Hdqrs. Department of the ~Julf: MAJOR: I have the honor to report that the Second Battalion of the Second Maine Cavalry has arrived on the steam army transport Mississippi, and the disembarkment has just been completed at the navy-yard. I will endeavor to ci~oss the Perdido to-morrow with a combined force not over 1,000 strong, to control, as far as possible, the east shore of Mobile Bay, and deprive Fort Morgan also of its land communications. The steam transport Hudson is under orders to take the Seventh Vermont Regiment north, and will leave to- morrow. And the quartermaster steamer Lizzie Davis is declared by its captain and engineer entirely unsafe (please see Captain Han- nas inclosed report). Thus I ani left at the present critical moment entirely without steamers; yet I made arrangements to cross the Perdido near its mouth on a variety of boats, scows, and other small vessels. I would here respectfully request that two small steamers be or- dered here as soon as possible to transport the troops more promptly across and up the Perdido, and to supply them, as no wagon train can follow them. Very respectfully, major, your obedient servant, ASBOTH, Brigadier-General. HDQRS. DEPT. OF S. CAROLINA, GEORGIA, AND FLORIDA, Charleston, S. C., August 9, 1864. Maj. Gen. J. G. FOSTER, tJominanding U. S. Forces, Hilton Head: GENERAL: I have the honor to communicate to yon that Maj. J. F. Lay, assistant adjutant-general of my staff, will meet any officer of your staff whom you may designate, at Port Royal Ferry, om~ Tuesday morning next (16th instant), at 8 a. in. Major. Lay will deliver to him the equivalent of 26 privates, reported by him as due to your Government upon the recent exchange, and will also take down a number of privates in exchange for those now held by you a willingness to exchange whom was expressed by Major Anderson, of your staff. There has been an unavoidable delay in bringing to this place the officers desired for exchange. Very respectfully, y~our obedient servant, SAM. JONES, Mqjor- General, Commandin~ Page 229 CHAP. XLVfl.1 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 229 HDQRS. NORTHERN DISTRICT, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, JVlorris Island, S. C., August 9, 1864. Col. WILLIAM GURNEY, Commanding, Morris Island: COLONEL: The general commanding directs that in employing the fatigue details from Folly Island they be allowed to do any work there is at the dock or elsewhere at the rear and not be invariably sent to the extreme front. The regiments that give these details have had the opportunity lately to get their fair proportion of killed and wounded, such as has not been had by the One hundred and twenty -seventh New York Volunteers, Fifty-second Peunsyl- ~ania Volunteers, and Thirty-second U. S. Colored Troops, on this island, the former of which has not had a man killed during its two years of service. These regiments should as far as practicable do the work at the front. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ED. W. SCHAUFFLER, Lieutenant and Aide-de-Camp. HDQRS. NORTHERN DISTRICT, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Morris I.~dand, S. C., August 9, ~1864. Col. WILLIAM GURNEY, Commanding, Morris Island: COLONEL: The brigadier-general commanding directs that you send a reliable and intelligent man during this night onto the isl- and between Light-House Creek and Sirnkins. This man will re- main there during the day to-morrow and closely observe Fort Sumter and its wharf. He should have a small boat hidden in Light-House Creek and should take some brush along with him to make a shade. There must be a guard kept at Light-House Creek while he is out. I have the honor to be, respectfully, your obedient servant, ED. W. SCHAUFFLER,~ Lieutenant and Aide-de-Camp. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, Jacksonville, Fla., August 9, 1864. Maj. Gen. J. G. FOSTER, c1ommanding Department of the South: GENERAL: I have visited Baldwin, where there are now three regiments of infantry, a battery, and the Seventy-fifth Ohio. Scouts are made from there daily, and the thorough destruction of the rail- road toward Lake City is being completed. We find the job of de- stroying a railroad a much more difficult one than the accounts of the raids in Virginia would lead one to suppose. We will be thorough with this one. I yesterday reoccupied Magnolia, intending it as a point from which to start raids; also as a point for refugees and negroes to reach the river. As soon as the troops arrive I shall commence the movement. With the force at Baldwin I will threaten Lake City to cover the raid, which will sweep through Alachna and Marion and come out at Palatka. I will occupy that point temporarily, after the movement commences. The force that, threatens Lake City will fall back to Magnolia, when no longer needed to cover the movement south, and will occupy a line near the river to preven Page 230 230 S. 0., I~LA., ANt ON TIlE (}A. COAST. [(ThAP. XLVII. torpedoes being laid down and to assist refugees. The troops guarding the railroad to Baldwin will fall back to Camp Finegan when the movement has fairly commenced. I shall not injure the road this side of Baldwin, but will cut that to Cedar Keys in a few places. A great many refugees are coming in or crossing the river above here. To this time over 700 men have taken the oath at this place. I do not despair of raising a regiment of cavalry if I can get the horses to mount them. So far only 15 men are actually enlisted, but if any of the State agents will come here with the bounty money I will have four companies immediately. The men need the money for their families, who come in perfectly destitute. General Birne~ made a requisition for Spencer carbines to arm them. I hope that description of arm will be furnished, as it is found well adapted to this (lamp climate. If you can, please spare me for temporary service the remainder of the Fourth Massachusetts Cavalry. We must depend very much on our cavalry here. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. P. HATCH, Brigadier- General, Commanding. The weather here is horrible; rain half the time, and the sun in- tensely hot in the interval. If the thing had not gone so far I would not recommend attempting it for a month or more. HDQRS. NORTHERN DISTRICT, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH Morris Island, S. C., August 10, 1864. Col. WILLIAM GURNEY, Commanding, Morris Island: COLONEL: The general commanding directs that you cause all the row-boats in your command requiring repairs to be put in good order and serviceable condition as soon as possible, and that you re- port within what time that can be done. I am instructed to inform you that, Captain Edwards having reported the Swamp Angel Bat- tery ready, Captain Grace has received orders to mount a 30-pounder Parrott gun there to-night. The general desires that you will, personally and through your staff, to everything in your power to facilitate and expedite the transportation of ammunition to the front, making sure that all the teams are engaged in it and kept to their work. The general expects to be able to furnish you with more teams soon. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ED. W. SCHAUFFLER, Lieutenant and Aide-de-Camp. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., August 10, 1864. Brig. Gen. JOHN P. HATCH, C~omdg. District of Florida, Jacksonville, Fla.: GENERAL: I am instructed by the -major-general commanding to acknowledge the receipt of your communications of the 4th and 5th instant, and state that your plan of operating from Magnolia as Page 231 CHAP. XLVII.] 231 COI~RESPONDENCE, ETC.IINION. base seems to him not to be quite so desirable as to strike out from Baldwin, and then push down the country, as he thinks the latter plan would not require as many troops as the one you propose; still, he defers the matter to your judgment, as being upon the ground and therefore possessed of full information, and expects you to act ac- cordingly. The major-general commanding directgme to inform you that you must not~ expect any further re-enforceinents at present, but on the contrary to state that you have one regiment, the One hundred and second U. S. Colored Troops, that is only temporarily assigned to you for your present expedition. This regiment belongs in Beau- fort, and will have to be sent back as soon as practicable, as the gar- rison of that place has lately been reduced two regiments, and the force there at present is entirely inadequate for a proper defense of that point. I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servaiit, W. L. M. BURGER, captain and Assistant Adjutant- General. IIDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF WEST Mississi~~i, New Orlewns, La., August 10, 1864. Brig. Gen. A. ASBOTH, comdg. District of West Florida, Barrancas, EVa.: SIR: The operations in the vicinity of Mobile may determine the rebels to make some demonstrations against Pensacola, and the commanding general desires that you be on your guard against any enterprise of this kind. Keep your troops so #ell in hand that your position will be entirely secure. At the same time he wishes such demonstrations made with your cavalry force as will deter the- en- emy from any attempt to re-enforce Fo~ t Morgan froni the eastward of the Mobile Bay. He desires ~ilso that you keep General Granger advised of any movement of the enemy that you may be able to dis- cover. I am sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. T. CHRISTENSEN, Major and Assistant Adjutant-General. WASHINGTON, August 11, 1864. Major-General FOSTER, commanding Department of the South: GENERAL: Lieutenant;General Grant directs that you will send to Washington all the troops you can possibly spare, remaining yourself purely on the defensive. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. W. HALLECK, Major-General, chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. c., August 11, 1864. Brigadier-General HATCH, c~rndg. District of Florida: GENERAL: I have just received your letter of the 9th. I have already written to you in regard to the movement, which I hop Page 232 232 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CRAP. XLVII. will prove a success. I intend to make a movement up Broad River, landing at Hogs Neck or Boyds Neck, to keep the enemy on the qui vive while you are engaged in your operation. I shall require for this all the cavalry now here, which is only 100 in number. There is one thing that I wish done particularly. It is to secure enough railroad iron at Jacksonville or Fernandina to cover an iron- clad that I am about building here. Get all the iron that you can from the Lake City road beyond Baldwin. Do not, however, let this interfere with your raid. If you think the season to be un- favorable for the raid, you can wait until a favorable time occurs. I am not particular that it should be done now; I only want the best occasion to be seized for that purpose. General Birney and his brigade left yesterday. He is to have a division in the Tenth Corps. He regretted the change, however, as he preferred to command in Florida. The brigade was 3,500 strong and mostly effectives. It went off in good style and fine spirits. Yours, truly, J. G. FOSTER, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF FLORIDA~ Capt. W. L. M. BURGER, Jacksonville, Augast 12, 1864. Assistant Ac~jutant-General, Hilton Head, & c.: CAPTAIN: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 10th instant, in which you inform me that no more troops can be sent here. I had supposed that it was the intention of the major-general commanding that I should carry out the plans submitted to him by General Birney. To do this a larger force than I have here will be necessary. I cannot say, however, that I approve the plan of ~he campaign laid down by him, and am not sure that I am forced to abandon it. The same thing attempted six weeks later would be much more complete. I go to-day to Baldwin to make arrangements to commence an extensive raid on Monday next; it will occupy five days, and I con- fidently hope that it will bring into our lines a large number of con- trabands and considerable means of transportation. The loyal citizens are apparently very zealous, and will be of considerable use during the expedition. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. P. HATCH. Brigadier- General, Commanding. The One hundred and second will be returned to Hilton Head immediately on the return of the expedition. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF WEST FLORIDA, Barrancas, Augnst 12, 1864. Maj. C. T. CHRISTENSEN, Asst. Adji. Gen., Hdqrs. Div. of West Mississippi: MAJOR: I have the honor.to report that, having flO Government steamer able to enter the Perdido, I engaged on the 9th instant Mr. Clapps tug to take scows and other small vessels in tow for crossin Page 233 ChAP. XLVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.ENION. 233 the Perdido, with the promise that it would be ready to start the next day. I made all arrangements accordingly, but the tug is not yet at the Barrancas wharf on account of repairs required. The in- closed note just received gives me once more the assurance that the small steamer will be reported to-morrow morning; if so, I will cross the Perdido at its mouth in the evening with 1,000 men, coin- prising infantry, cavalry, and two pieces of artillery, and move along the beach toward Bonsecours Bay the following day. It is now~ more than five months that I have been constantly ap- plying for two small st~amers of 4 to ~5 feet draught, so urgently required for entering the Perdido and all the tributaries of the Pensacola Bay, the Escambia, Blackwater, Yellow Water, and Choc- tawhatchee Rivers. At last one was sent, the Lizzie Davis, entirely unseaworthy and unserviceable, as the inclosed report of Captain Hanna, district quartermaster, shows. I would therefore most re- spectfully request the commanding generals orders for the exchange of the Lizzie Davis for another small steamer answering the require- ments above alluded to. Very respectfully, major, your obedient servant, ASBOTH, Brigadier-General. FLAG-STEAMER PHILADELPHIA, Port Royal Harbor, S. C., August 13, 1864. Maj. Gen. J. G. FOSTER, Comdg. Dept. of the South, Hdqrs. Hilton Head: GENERAL: Yours of the 8th instant, with its inclosures, was received here yesterday morning, immediately on my arrival from the south. After the occurrence complained of at Bay Point, I caused Acting Master Gardner to be arrested as a preliminary to a trial for neglect of duty, if upon examination such should appear necessary. Since that Acting Master Gardner has addressed me a further explanation of the whole matter. With such consideration as the pressure of business permits my giving to the papers, which you were so good as to send me, it ap- pears to me that no order was given, or intention existed, to violate the naval jurisdiction at Bay Point, either by the provost-marshal- general or the provost-marshal at this place, nor by Colonel Littlefield. Still, it is a fact that the guard from Hilton Head did arrest a number of men at Bay Point within the naval jurisdiction; that these men were in naval employ, and had just returned from their work when they were arrested, and that they were not deserters from the army, as the sergeant of the guard was himself satisfied of before giving them up. - Under these circumstances I think you will concur with me that it is eminently proper to prevent the recurrence of such proceedings, because they are prejudical to good order, to the interests of the public service, and are likely to lead to collision, and even to blood- shed, between the subordinate officers and men of the two services. I would therefore request that you would, by general order, make known that the arrests made at Bay Point, within the naval juris- diction, were unauthorized and were unintentional; secondly, that no officer under your command shall attempt to exercise arty author- ity within the naval jurisdiction, or shall send parties of men within said jurisdiction to make any arrests whatever, but that of deserter Page 234 234 ~3. C., PtA., AND ON TIlE GA. COAST. (CHAP. XLVII. from the army or persons not in naval employ who have violateda military law, and shall be within the naval jurisdiction. Applica- tion shall be made to the senior naval officer present, afloat, and he will be instructed by me to use every means in his power for the apprehension and delivery of said person. My belief is that such an order will remove all misapprehension of the arrests made at Bay Point having been sanctioned by yourself, or by those in au- thority under you, arid will prevent the possibility of a repetition. The naval jurisdiction now includes the following localities: Beginning at Lands End, all south of a sine marked C D on the survey of the Fox commissioners, and defining the sonthern limit of the military reservation. Secondly, all that part of Phillips Island known as Bay Point, with the exception of the ground deflnel by the site of the fort, and confined strictly to that line, which I would request may particularly be made known to the commanding officer of the fort, inasmuch as Acting Master Gardner reports to me that the commanding officer at the fort told hint that he had no in- structions as to any naval jurisdiction at Bay Point, and that he was the commander of Bay Poinfi Thirdly, all the firm ground and marsh between Lands End and Bay Point, together with the inter- secting creeks, are occupied for naval purposes, and are within the naval jurisdiction. I think you will admit that this is an extremely moderate extent occupied for naval purposes, when it is considered that the whole of this harbor with the adjoining territory, Beaufort included, was first occupied and held by the navy, and that at no time during the last twelve months have I been able to obtain a house for the accommodation of the sick of the squadron in the whole town of Beaufort, but have been compelled to rely entirely on th~e courtesy of the army medical authorities for the accommodation of 4 or 5 officers, the nature of whose sickness made it desirable that they should reside ashore until cured. I trust, therefore, that you will use this opportunity to make known to your command that they must not trespass upon the limits of the naval jurisdiction, as they are only occupied for the most necessary purpose of keeping the numerous vessels of this command in a condition to meet the exigen- cies of the public service in this squadron. I am much obliged to you, general, for the pains you have taken to have this matter properly examined into, and am, with much respect, your obedient servant, J. A. DAHLGREN, Rear-Admiral, Comdg. South Atlantic Blockading Squadron. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, hilton Head, S. 0., August 15, 1864. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Chief of Staff, Washington, D. 0.: GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your telegram of the 11th, conveying the order of Lieutenant-General Grant, directing me to send to Washington all the troops that I could possibly spare. I h?id already sent Brigadier-General Birneys brigade, which I thought was all that I could safely spare, but being desirous to carry out my orders to the very letter. and to meet th Page 235 CFJAP. XtVItI COt~lfl~SPONP~NOE, I~VC. tY~ION. wishes of the commanding, general, I have so arranged, since the re- ceipt of your telegram, as to send three or four white regiments in addition. Although this will leave me too weak in some points, especially as I have to provide for the security of the prisoners of war that are to be sent here ,y et I believe I can so arrange, by the rapid transfer of troops from one point to another in case of attack, as to meet any emergency that is likely to occur. I trust it will not be longer than the return of cold weather before a sufficient force can be given me to enable me to operate successfully against the enemy in this department. I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully; your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER, - Major-General, Commanding. FLAG-STEAMER PHILADELPHIA, Port Royal Harbor, August 15, 1864. Maj. Gen. J. G. FOSTER (Yomdg. Dept. of Ihe South, Headquarters Hilton Head: GENERAL: I have received your note inclosing extracts from the I~w York Herald, purporting to be from a naval correspondent. I know of no regular correspondent on board of any of the vessels of this squadron. 1 should regret very much that any person under my command should so far forget what was due to the public inter- est as to write for publication any disparaging remarks on the army or its operations. I will endeavor to prevent anything of the kind being done, so far as lies in my power; at the same time it is a matter of notoriety that during the operations against Morris Island, and for some months afterward, the most outrageous lies were penned respecting myself by persons residing within a military jurisdic- tion, and I am not aware that any effort was ever made to suppress them or punish the perpetrators by any of the army authorities. I shall be happy now to extend that measure of justice and courtesy which has been denied to myself. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. A. DAHLGREN, Rear-Admiral, Comdg. South Atlantic Blockading Squadron. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH,, Hilton Head, S. C., August 15, 1864. Maj. Gen. SAMUEL JONES, (iomdq. Couf. Forces in S. C., Ga., and Fla., Charleston, S. C.: GENERAL: I have the honor to inform you that I have received information from the headquarters U. S. Army that 600 Confederate officers, prisoners of war, are to be sent Ihere to be placed under the fire of your guns, the same as those of our officers now in the city of Charleston. I respectfully request to be informed as to the number of U. S. officers now confined in the city of Charleston, S. C. Very re~pectfully, your 6bedient servant, J. G. FOSTER, Major-General, C~ommanding Page 236 286 s. c., PtA., AND ON TIlE GA. COAST. [C~?. XLVII. OFFICE OF CHIEF ENGINEER, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. U, August Th, 1864. [General J. G. FOSTER:] GENERAL: In compliance with your instructions I have the honor to submit the following extract from a report which I made to Gen- eral Gilimore last fall relative to placing a battery on Paines Wharf. The report was made after a careful inspection of the locality: I found it (Paines Wharf) to consist essentially of a floor of heavy planking rest- ing on some foundation of which I could not ascertain the nature, and inclosed by a crib-work of heavy square timbers about 4 feet high, except on the side toward Moultrie and Gregg, where it has been burned away down to the flooring. About 12 feet inside the crib-work is another ~nclosed space about l~ feet high, also com- posed of square timbers. Its sides are parallel to those of the exterior crib-work. This inclosed space is ifiled up flush with oyster shells. In shape it (the wharf) is a hexagon equilateral, but not equiangular. The sides are about 70 feet long; those of the interior polygon about 54 feet long. It lies on the left side of the mouth of the creek and detached about 30 feet from shore. high tide the water overflows the flooring in those places where the parapet was burned. Spring tides probably overflow the greater part of the area filled with shells. In conclusion, I beg leave to state that in my opinion the results to be attained by p lacing a battery in this location are entirely in- commensurate with the time and labor required for its construction. Besides, when completed, it will be often open to a surprise party, as it cannot be supported. In addition I will state that the distance to Sumter froni Paines Wharf is 1~ miles; from the Marsh Battery to Sumter 2~ miles. The line of fire from the Marsh Battery is nearly perpendicular to the gorge wall of Sumter. Paines Wharf lies considerably to the right of this line of fire. The line of communication to Paines Wharf is about one-third longer than to the Marsh Battery, and being by water is often impassable at low tide. The space available on this wharf would be mostly occupied by the battery, as will be seen by the accompanying sketch. The direction indicated for the battery is necessary, otherwise the wQrk would be seen in reverse from James Island. There will be little or no room for building bomb-proof shelters for the supports, hence the difficulty of holding the work. The shore of the harbor to the left of this point is good and firm, so that a surprise party might easily creep along there and surprise the work. Finally, I am afraid the foundation would not be reliable for firing heavy guns. It would probably settle unequally and necessi- tate continual alterations. I think the Marsh Battery decidedly the best location. A 100-pounder would compensate sufficiently the increased range (two-thirds of a mile). The battery may be increased in area by pulling Paines Dock to pieces and towing the timbers to the Marsh Battery; also by using marsh mud in making parapets. 1 think a magazine and bomb- proof could be constructed there. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, CHAS. R. SUTER, Chief Engineer, Department of the South Page 237 CHAP. XLVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 237 Page 238 238 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. Brig. Gen. A. SCHIMMELFENNIG, Northern Dist., Dept. of the South, Morris Island, S. 0. GENERAL: I am instructed by the major-general commanding to direct that you send to this post the Thirty-second U. S. Colored Troops, with all their camp and garrison equipage, as soon as pos- sible. The major-general commanding further directs that you send here one white regiment from your command, to be selected by yourself, with all camp aud garrison equipage. They are to go north. All details of officers and men from the above regiments wjill be imme- diately called in. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. L. M. BUI~GER, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, Jacksonville, August 15, 1864. Maj. Gem. J. G. FOSTER, Gommanding Department of the South: GENERAL: Your letters of the 11th and 12th came to hand last evening. All arrangements are completed, and this morning two parties start on a raid. Colonel Noble, with three small regiments HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., August 15, 1864 Page 239 CHAP. XLVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNLON. 239 of infantry, three pieces of artillery, and 20 cavalry, threatens the enemy at the Little Saint Marys. The Seventy-fifth Ohio burns the bridges over New River, and then marches south. The Fourth Massachusetts Cavalry, moving from Magnolia, make a junction with the Seventy-fifth at Starke to-night. When Colonel Noble has completed his part of the operations h~ will retire upon Magnolia. The cavalry will sweep the country as far as that lying immediately south of Orange Lake, and will come in to Palatka. I expect both commands to be in at the river on Friday. I will send a force to Palatka, covered by a gun-boat, the day before the troops are ex- pected there. Baldwin I do not think it is best to attempt to hold. If the enemy occupy it we can turn them from Magnolia. It is a very unhealthy position, aiid as the road from there to the Little Saint Marys is thoroughly destroyed, I see no importance in it as a military position. We were very unfortunate here with our locomotives. The old one ran off the track the day I arrived here, and was so much in- jured that it has not yet been repaired. The one captured by Gen- eral Birney was deficient in certain parts. We got from Fernandina pieces to replace them, but it has never worked well. As there was no means of bringing in the iron I directed it to be destroyed by burning and twisting. As soon as the locomotive was repaired I brought down all it could haul each day. I will send some up by the Cosmopolitan to-day, and the remainder as soon as possible. The iron is very heavy; I fear too heavy for your purpose. I think four bars make a ton. I suppose I can send up a couple of hundred bars; perhaps more. The enemy in my front have not been re-enforced except by new levies made up of old men and boys. They undoubtedly expect us to advance, aiid are prepared to fall back to the Suwannee. The people believe we have 8,000 men at Baldwin, but their officers, of course, know better. General Jackson, in command, has moved all his heavy artillery to the Suwannee except one piece at Lake City. I hope to remount my cavalry by this raid. The horses are very muc hbroken down. Although the weather is so warm that cam- paigniiig comes very hard on the infantry it is iiecessary to move at once, a~ the peol)le, alarmed, are sending their negroes and hoi~ses out of the country. There has been a kind of depot kept at Fernan- dma; it would be best to break it up, and make the depot either here or at Saint Augustine. This is the proper place, in my opinion. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. P. HATCH, Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. 0., August 15, 1864. Brig. Gen. JOHN P. HATCH, Oomdg. District of Florida, Jacksonville, Fla.: GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 12th instant. I am directed by the major-general com- manding to state that he understood that the extent of your expe- dition would depend entirely on the number of troops you had, and what you thought you could do with them, and thoUght that it was generally understood that no more troops could be sent to Florida Page 240 240 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. The commanding general is perfectly satisfied not to have the move- ment take place in full force with the infantry at this time. This inaction is rendered almost necessary by recent orders received froTh Lieutenant-General Grant, who obliges the general to send more troops to Washington. (This is to be kept a secret.) The major- general commanding thererore directs that you send here, with the utmost dispatch, one white regiment, with all their camp and garrison equipage, to be transferred out of this department. The One hundred and second U. S. Colored Troops will also be re- turned to this place as soon as practicable. The major-general commanding directs me to say that he expects you to do all you can with your remaining force, particularly raiding with the cav- alry. Beyond this, of course, you can do but little, and will have to remain on the defensive, as will also the other districts in this department. You will please be particular to call in all details of officers and men belonging to the white regiment that is to be sent north. The major-general commanding expects you to carry out the original intention of enlisting and organizing the Florida regi- ments, as far as you can, and to keep up a loyal feeling amongst the inhabitants. I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. L. M. BURGER, Assistant Adjutant-Gener~ml. FLAG-STEAMER PHILADELPHIA, Port Royal Harbor, S. C., August 16, 1864. Maj. Gen. J. G. FOSTER, Corn dg. Dept. of the South, Hdqrs. Hilton Head: GENERAL: I incldse you a copy of a communication recently re- ceived from the Navy Department. It will give me pleasure to forward any expression of opinion which you may choose to offer. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. A. DAHLGREN, Rear-Admiral, Comdg. South Atlantic Blockading Squadron: [Inclosure.j NAVY DEPARTMENT, Washington, July 20, 1864. Rear-Admiral JOHN A. DAHLGREN, Comdg. S. A. Blockading Squadron, Port Royal, S. C.: SIR: You will please inform the Department whether any ofL the monitors attached to your fleet can be withdrawn, having due regard to the exigencies of the public service within the limits of your command; whether they are absolutely essential to the holding possession of the Southern coast; whether the blockade of Charles- ton could be maintained without them, and whether Morris Island could be held by the military forces, protected by wooden vessels, in case all or a part of the monitors should be withdrawn. This amid such other information bearing upon the subject as your judgment dictates will be furnished to the Department at your leisure. Th Page 241 CHAP. XLVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 241 opinion of the commanding general, an officer of the U. S. En- gineers, and of great experience would be valuable and the Depart- ment would be gratified if he would address you a letter in answer to these inquiries. Very respectfully, & c., GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. 4 OFFICE CHIEF OF ARTILLERT. NORTHERN DISTRICT, DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Morris Island, 5. C., August 16, 1864. Lient. W. B. DEAN, A. A. A. G., Hdqrs. North. Dist., Dept. of the South: SIR: I have the honor to report the following number of projec- tiles and guns as expended in the bombardment of Fort Sumter from August 3 to August 14, inclusive: Three 200-pounder Parrott guns; 304 30-pounder Parrott shells, 299 200-pounder Parrott shells, 772 200-pounder Parrott shells, 13 300-pounder Parrott shells, 219 10-inch columbiad shells, 1,463 10-inch mortar shells, 108 13-inch mortar shells; total, 3,180. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. AMES, Lieut. Cot. Third 1?. L Artillery, Chief of Arty., North. Dist., Dept. of the South. HDQRS. NORTHERN DISTRICT, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Morris Island, S. C., August 16, 1864. Col. A. S. HARTWELL, Commanding Post, Folly Island: COLONEL: You will have the Seventy-fourth Pennsylvania Vol- unteers relieved and prepared at once to proceed north via Hilton Head. Shelter-tents will be taken, the others turned in. The Rocket Battery company will be sent to join the regiment. The Cosmo- politan will take them to the Head. By order of Brigadier-General Schimmelfennig: W. B. DEAN, Lient., 127th New York Vols., Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., August 16, 1864. Brig. Gen. JOHN P. HATCH, Commanding District of Florida: GENERAL: I received your letter of the 15th and think j~our dis- positions are very good, and I have no doubt that you wil make a good haul of horses, mules, & c. You have by this time received the order to send one white regiment to go to Washington and the One hundred and second [colored] to this place. Of course the pres- ent movements will interfere with the promptitude otherwise attain- able in sending them forward, and I shall be content if you send them as soon as they come in from the raid. The orders are to rest on the defensive, but this dQes not prohibit all the raids being made that promise any adequate results, and I think your safety in Florida 16 R RVOL XXXV, PT I Page 242 242 S. C., FLA.; AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. on the defensive will be to be constantly on the offensive in the way of raids, rapid moves, & c. In the rest of the department the quiet defensive will be observed. General S., on Morris Island, will have his hands full to guard the 600 rebel officers. Please to give the State agents all the facilities practicable. They have money in hand, and all that they eiilist can, as I understand it, be credited to their resuective States, while the recruits themselves can remain in Florida. You are right about the supplies. The basis should be at Fort Clinch and Saint Augustine. Very few supplies should be kept at Fernandina or Jacksonville, and at other points only sufficient for the wants of the troops temporarily at those points. No permanent post must be established. The occupation of the country must be made by movable columns, never stationary for more than a week or two at a time. The reverse policy will surely ensue in one. post after another being surprised and captured by the enemy. The posts of Yellow Bluff and Picolata are, of course, regarded as neces- sary, and have to be garrisoned by a small force, but the least pos- sible amount of supplies should be kept even at those places. The Treasury has shut down on all trade at present. I will, however, have it reopened as soon as possible, and shall in all ways favor the getting the products out of Florida, so as to stimulate the industry of the people. Yours, respectfully and truly, J. G. FOSTER, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS MILITARY DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, Lake City, Augnst 16, 1864. Brig. Gen. JOHN P. HATCH, Comdg. Federal Forces, Jacksonville, East Fla.: SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt by flag of truce of your communication of the 13th instant, with letters for persons within our lines; and also the arrival of Mrs. Sarah A. Hous- ton, and to thank you for courtesy to her. She will at once be permitted to join her friends. The letters will be forwarded to their address. I send some letters for Confederate prisoners and others within your lines, and ask that they may be forwarded; also a small parcel containing some clothes for Sergeant Denham, cap- tured in your lines, now reported to be at Hilton Head, to which I hope you will give such direction that it may reach him; also a pack- age for Surgeoii Wilson, captured by your scouts. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN K. JACKSON, Brigadier- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., August 17, 1864. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Chief of Staff, Washington, D. C.: GENERAL: I have the hohor to inclose herewith copy of a letter received from Mr. Hy. Meyer, acting consul of Prussia at Charles- ton, S. C., requesting permission to allow several hundred aliens t Page 243 CHAP. XLVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 243 come within my lines from the State of Georgia, in order to avoid the draft recently ordered by the Governor of that State; also a copy of my letter in reply to the same. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER, Major- General, Commanding. [Inclosure No. 1.] PRUSSIAN CONSULATE, Charleston, S. C., August 11, 1864. Maj. Gen. J. G. FOSTER, Commanding U. S. Forces, Hilton Head, S. C.: SIR: In consequence of a proclamation issued by the Governor of Georgia, notifying aliens either to perform military duty or to leave the State within ten days, a majority of themprobably several hundred, if not morehave determined to leave this country at once, and have arrived here, waiting for an opportunity to proceed on their voyage. The military authorities here are willing to permit their departure, provided you consent to receive them within your lines. They are mostly mechanics, and amongst them several fami- lies without the proper means to make a long stay here or to under- take a voyage to the North by the way of Richmond. As an act of humanity you will, I hope, allow them to enter your lines uncondi- tionally, and thus forward their views as to their further destina- tion. Requesting the favor of an early aiiswer, I remain, respectfully, geiieral, your obedient servant, the acting consul of Prussia, HY. MEYER. [Inclosure No. 2.] HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton flead, S. C., August 17, 1864. Mr. fly. MEYER, Acting Consul for Prussia, Charleston, S. C.: SIR: Your commuiiication of the 11th instant, stating that a con- siderable number of aliens, who had arrived in Charleston from the State of Georgia, desired to leave the country. and requesting that they might be allowed to pass through our lines, has been received. As the limitation of time does not allow the reference of your letter to the War Department, whence all permissions to cross the lines have, as a general rule, to be obtained, I take the responsibility of admitting all those who are included in the conscription for military service by the Governor of Georgia. For other persons a pass will have to be obtained from the hoiiorable Secretary of War at Wash- ington. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER, Major-General, Commanding. JUDGE-ADvoCATES OFFICE, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., August 17, 1864. Maj. Gen. JOHN G. FOSTER, U.. S. Army, Commanding Department of the South: GENERAL: I have the honor to report that ii~ obedience to your instructions of August 6, instant, directing me to accompany Maj Page 244 244 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. J. F. Anderson, aide-de-camp, to Port Royal Ferry, for the purpose of being introduced to Major Lay, of the Confederate forces, as the officer who would in future conduct all exchange of prisoners at this point, I proceeded on the 16th instant with Major Anderson to the designated point, and met Major Lay. In conformity with an arrangement previously made between Majors Anderson and Lay, I took with me 8 Confederate privates and duly exchanged them for the same number of U. S. soldiers. I also delivered to Major Lay Dr. William Wilson, an assistant surgeon of Villepigues battery (Confederate), who was captured recently in Florida, and had been held as a hostage for surgeons of our army, prisoners in the hands of the Confederate authorities. Major Lay delivei~ed to me Dr. William T. Robinson, surgeon One hundred and fourth Pennsyl- vania Volunteers, and Dr. H. S. Turrill, assistant surgeon Seven- teenth Connecticut Volunteers, who had been held by them as pris- oners. It was then agreed between Major Lay and myself that all surgeons and chaplains who might be captured by either army in this department should be released as soon as their profession should be ascertained. In obedience to your verbal instructions, given me on the 14th instant, I asked Major Lay what authority he had in regard to the future exchange of prisoners, and he replied that he was empowered to exchange, man for man and rank for rank, as many prisoners of war as we would deliver to him in this department. He further stated that he was able to exchange a large number of private sol- diers, and was directed to facilitate such exchange by all proper means. I replied that you were personally desirous of exchanging all the prisoners of war whom you properly could, and that you had written to the War Department at Washington, asking instructions ~pon the entire subject of a further exchange in this department. I a 1 so promised that should you receive any instructions authorizing either a partial or general exchange, you would immediately notify Major-General Jones by flag of truce. Major Lay informed me that he had with him about 12 officers and 20 privates whom he was ready to deliver to me upon the con- dition that I would sign a stipulation, in your behalf, to return an equal number of officers and men. Under your instructions to close up the exchanges already agreed upon, and not to make any arrange- ments for future ones until you should receive definite authority from Washington, I was compelled, although with regret, to decline Major Lays offer. In conclusion, I would respectfully state that I am fully satisfied that an exchange of our officers now confined at Charleston, Savan- nah, and Macon can be effected, as also of many of our soldiers who are confined and suffering at Andersoiiville, Ga. The privates re-.~ ceived by me yesterday unite in describing the condition of their late comrades at Andersonville as being pitiful in the extreme. They state that they are but half fed, that they are naked, suffering, sick, and dying. They beg the Government to at least exchange as many of their number as possible, and thus save them from further agony. In their prayer I respectfully concur. I am, general, with great respect, your obedient servant, STEWART L. WOODFORD, Lieut. Cot. 127th N~ Y. Vot& , Acting Judge-Advocate Page 245 CHAP. XLVII] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 245 HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., August 17, 1864. Captain SUTER: As soon as convenient I desire the fort at Beaufort to be staked out and profiled. The quartermaster is ordered to furnish 100 men, carpenters and laborers, to do the work of constructing the fort. Also, Captain Moore will furnish the laborers for the fort at Spanish Wells, which work should be constructed at once. He will also furnish 100 laborers and the carpenters for the construction of the fort at Mitchelville. Yours, & c., J. G. FOSTER, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. 0., August 17, 1864. Brig. Gen~ A. SCHIMMELFENNIG, .Comdg. North. Dist., Dept. of the South, Morris Island~ S. C.: GENERAL I am instructed by the major-general commanding to direct that the investigation into the cause of the failure to support Colonel Hoyt, Fifty-second Pennsylvania Volunteers, in his attack on Fort Johnson, if suspended, be resumed at once, and be continued without delay until completed. I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. L. M. BURGER, Assistant. Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, Jacksonville, Fla., August 17, 1864. Maj. Gen. J. G. FOSTER, Commanding Department of the South: GENERAL: Your instructions to send up a regiment immediately for the north will be carried out as soon as they can possibly be spared. I propose sending the One hundred and fourth [Penusyl- vania] Regiment, which has but a short time to serve. I cannot get them off until the expedition gets in, say on Sunday next. I go to-morrow with four companies of that regiment to Palatka to await the arrival of the cavalry portion of the scout. To bring down the contrabands, & c., I take with me all the steamers ~~re have here, and detain the Island City for the same purpose. If no steamer has been sent to take up the regiment. I would suggest that the Delaware or Canonicus come down for that purpose. The Houghton was formerly assigned to this district. Can the Island City be sent to me to remain permanently? She would be a very useful boat, as it is very easy to land cavalry from her. We must make up for want of cavalry with steamers, which can land them at different points on the river. The prospect for a Florida regiment appears good If you could get about 10,000 of the 100-days men to garrison the islands you have enough old troops to completely take possession o Page 246 246 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII this State and to destroy the railroad to Savannah. That road once destroyed, I think the State would return to its allegiance. I have directed Mr. Yulee to be arrested and brought here if possible. He is one of those beyond the pale of proclamation, but is said to be hostile to Davis, and might be induced to head a movement for a reconstruction if the President would pardon him. I thought it worth trying for. Refugees continue to flock in. We will soon have a large portion of the people of Florida east of the Saint Johns River. Respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. P. HATCH Brigadier- General, Comman~ling. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, Jacksonville, August 17, 1864. Capt. W. L. M. BURGER, Assistant Adjutant-General, Department of the South: CAPTAIN: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of yours of the 15th instant. The One hundred and fourth Pennsylvania Regiment is the one assigned by me to be sent north. It will leave here on Sunday if the movement now being made is at that time completed. I intend to hold Magnolia as a point from which to start out cavalry rakls, as it turns Baldwin. I think its occupation will prevent any movement on this place, and also the occupation of Baldwin by any small force. The cavalry will be used as fully as their horses will allow of. I hope to organize one company of Flor- idians immediately on the return of the present raid. Very respectfully, your~ obedient servant, JNO. P. HATCH Brigadier-General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, Jacksonville, August 17, 1864. Brig. Gen. JOHN K. JACKSON, Commanding Confederate Forces, East Florida: GENERAL: I have the honor t6 acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 14th instant in regard to a Mrs. Price and another lady, supposed by you to have been murdered. If troops of this com- mand are charged with the offenses mentioned by you, it will be my duty to my Government to investigate the circumstances and bring the guilty to punishment. How the matter can officially interest you or your predecessor in command I am unable to say. Mrs. Price was the wife of a loyal American citizen; she and her friend visited this town and were admitted in it as loyal citizens. The case is therefore one solely connected with this command, and cannot be made the subject of official correspondence with you. Believing, however, that you, equally with myself, will endeavor to prevent outrages of this character being committed by our respective forces; I feel it my duty to inform you that facts developed during the in- vestigation lead to the supposition that if these women were out- raged and murdered it was probably done by a Confederate scoutin Page 247 CHAP. XLVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. UNION. 247 party. This is strengthened by the circumstance that, although search has been carefully made in the vicinity of the picket-line for the bodies of the women, they cannot be found. Very respectfully, JNO. ~. HATCH, Brigadier- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. 0., August 18, 1864. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Chief of Staff, Washington, D. C.: GENERAL: I am sending every man that can possibly be spared. This will leave me very weak, but I can take care of the department with what remains, and if the rebels attack us,~which I consider out of the question, I will show them a revised edition of Little Wash- ington. I have thought it my duty to send good and tried regiments. Those sent in this second brigade are all whites and old, well-tried troops, most of them veterans. I hope my active efforts to meet General Grants wishes at this time may be effective in securing me, as soon as cold and healthy weather sets in, a sufficient force to take Charleston and Savannah. I am sure that this can be done at any time that the Government orders it. The regiments sent nowfonr in numberreport as follows, very Ilearly, viz: command. Men. Effectives. 41st New York Volunteers 400 300 103d New York Volunteers 500 370 74th Pennsylvania Volunteers 500 350 White regiment from Florida (?) Total 1,300 About the exchanges I have sent on full documents. The rebels are anxious to exchange. They say that their desire is that two old regular officers like Jones and myself may have charge of the matter, so that it may be fairly done without any political jars and inter- ruptions. They desire to have all exchanged, both officers (1,800) and men (37,000). Although the men are notnow in General Jones command, he can have them sent forward at any time. Jones seems well disposed, so our released prisoners say. He sent an apology to General Wessells for placing the 600 officers undey fire in Charleston. He stated that he did not place them there to be under fire, but that they were merely en route. The truth is they are so short of men as guards that they have no place to put their prisoners in except Charleston and Savannah. If an exchange is authorized I shall specify that those in Charleston be first exchanged, and that no others be placed there. As far as injury to them goes there can be none, for I know their exact position and direct the shells accordingly. As soon as the rebel officers arrive I shall place them immediately on Morris Island between Wagner and Gregg. I wish to say one word about the administration of this depart- ment. I find many glaring abuses which have been in existence for a long time. They are in all the departments, and the United States has been systematically swindled. I am trying to remed Page 248 248 S.C., FLA., A~D ON THE GA. COAST. [CRAp. XLVII. these evils as rapidly as possible, and the smallness of the force will make this easy. I only want a regular officer at the head of each of the three departments, the quartermasters, the commissary, and the medical. I have written private letters to ask for such officers. We have so knocked Fort Sumter that it is almost insupportable to, the small garrison. The closeness of their bomb-proofs, the breach which the sea makes at high tides into the fort, and the abundance of rats and other vermin make the garrison often come out on the open ramparts, exposed to onr fire, in preference to remaining in their casemates. We shall soon render the fort an easy prey. The health of the command is quite good, considering the ex- tremely hot weather. Many officers give out from the heat and sickness, and have to be furloughed. I have full information of the enemys strength and intentions. They are afraid of us, and the brigade brought. from Atlanta at the Johns Island raid is still retained at Charleston, so that our movement resulted in a small permanent reduction of the enemys force at Atlanta. The defenses of Charleston and Savannah are mainly garrisoned by the militia, of which considerable numbers have come in in obedience to the calls of the Governor of Georgia and Maj. Gen. Samuel Jones. There is a growing discontent and misery in the enemys lines. Every one is trying to get out through our lines. I refuse all except refugees and deserters and their immediate families. I have also permitted the arms-bearing aliens to come over the lines, at the request of the acting Prussian consul at Savannah. Very respectfully and truly, yours, J. G. FOSTER Major- General, Comman~ling. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., August 18, 1864. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Chief of Staff, Washington, D. C.: GENERAL: I sent this day, per steamers Arago and Cosmopolitan, two old regiments, the One hundred and third New York Volun teers and the Seventy-fourth Pennsylvania Volunteers, with orders to the commanding officers to stop at Fort Monroe, Va., and tele- graph from that place their arrival en route to Washington. These regiments number in the aggregate some 1,100 men, but in the effective about 680. Still they are old and well-seasoned troops and well officered. I feel confident that they will accomplish as much as new regiments of much larger size. The Forty-first New York Volunteers left here last night in steamer John Rice, with or(lers similar to those given to Colonel Heine. I have been obliged to take the Arago off her usual route, as I have at present no other.~ transportation suitable for the purpose of conveying troops outside. I have the honor to be, general; very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER Major- General, Oomman~1ing. P. S.I find that I cannot get the Seventy-fourth Pennsylvania Volunteers upon the Ara~, owing to the number of discharged convalescent men on board. The Seventy-fourth will be sent on the steamer Cosmopolitan to-night Page 249 ca& ~. XLVII] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. UNION. 249 FLAG-STEAMER HARVEST MOON, Port Royal Harbor, S. 0., August 18, 1864. Maj. Gen. J. G. FOSTER, Gomdg. Dept. of the South, Headquarters Hilton Head: GENERAL: Conformably to the understanding between us, I have caused some 11-inch guns to be landed on Morris Island, and I am told that the platforms and appliances are nearly in readiness to receive the guns, so that it may be possible to open fire next week. Please to inform me whether you still desire that I should send men and officers to work the guns. If so, I will cause a detail to be made for that purpose. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. A. DAHLGREN, Rear-Admiral, Comdq. South Atlantic Blockading Squadron. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, 5. 0., August 18, 1864. Rear-Admiral J. A. DAHLGREN, Oomdg. South Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Present: ADMIRAL: I have received your letter of the 18th in relation to the 11-inch guns for Morris Island. I certainly desire, in accord- ance with our understanding, that you shall furnish men, officers, and ammunition for this battery, and I shall be pleased to know that you can do so. I have given orders to General Schimmelfennig to this effect, and also that the ammunition, & c., shall be transported to the battery from the landing, whether at Light-House Inlet or on the beach. I respectfully suggest that the senior officer ordered to the battery have orders to consult with General Schimmelfennig as to the point to be fired at, general rate of firing, precautions against surprise, & c. In all matters pertaining to the immediate command of his men and guns he will, of course, be upon his own responsi- bility. Being a joint labor it will be better to be in perfect accord, so that the army and naval batteries side by side may only compete in excellence of firing and discipline. Very respectfully and truly, yours, .~. G. FOSTER, Major- General, Commanding. HDQRS. NORTHERN DISTRICT, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Morris Island, 5. 0., August 18, 1864. Maj. Gen. J. G. FOSTER Gommanding Department of the South: GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 16th instant, containing orders in regard to the transfer of two regiments from here north and one regiment to Hilton Head, and in regard to the laying out of a prisoners camp north of Fort Strong. In accordance with your order I have spoken fully on the subject with Lieutenant Robinson, of your staff, and hope that my arrangements will meet your wishes and the necessities of the case. I have ordered to Hilton Head, in order to go north, the Seventy- fourth Pennsylvania Volunteeis and the One hundred and third New York Volunteers, both brave regiments and experienced sol- diers, the greater part of whose men, however, the department woul Page 250 250 ~. 0., PLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. have lost in the fall by reason of expiration of term of service. The loss of these two regiments, the loss of the Thirty-second U. S. Colored Troops, and the employment of the Fifty-fourth Massachu- setts Volunteers for prisoners guard will require considerable changes in my position, excludes all thoughts of even partial and occasional offensive movements, and precludes also the continuance of building new works, & c., as I have no soldiers left for fatigue duty. In regard to the prisoners camp north of Fort Strong, I consider it my duty to state that, in my opinion, the measure is dangerous. Fifty men I could easily guard, but 600 constitutes a force which, even without arms, may by accident prove disastrous when placed between forts and batteries which I cannot consider strictly secure against an assault. The enemys pet project of a surprise and cap- ture of Fort Strong and our front batteries would have more app ar- ent promise of success, especially now that he has a force iiearly double our own opposed to us. Nevertheless, I shall proceed with all the preparations for a prisoners camp, hoping, however, that it may, like our late plan of exposing their officers to fire, result in an arrangement satisfactory to both parties. I have the honor to be, with the highest respect, your obedient servant, A. SCHIMMELFENNIG, Brigadier- General Commanding District. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, 5. C., August 19, 1864. I~ear-Admiral JOHN A. DAHLGREN, Commanding South Atlantic Blockading Squadron: SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your commu- nication of the 16th instant, covering a copy of a letter from the honorable Secretary of the Navy to yourself, nuder date of July 20th, ultimo. In this letter he does me the honor to state that the Navy Department would be pleased to have me address you a com- munication in reply to certain inquiries therein contained, which inquiries are as follows: First. Can any of the monitors attached to your fleet be with- drawn, having due regard to the exigencies of the public service within the limits of your command ? Second. Are they (the monitors) absolutely essential to the hold- ing possession of the Southern coast ? Third. Can the blockade of Charleston be maintained without them ? Fourth. Can Morris Island be held by the military forces, pro- tected by wooden vessels, in case all or part of the monitors shall -~ be withdrawn ? Permit me to express to the Navy Department, through yourself, my sense of the compliment which the h )norable Secretary has thus been pleased to pay me. In all considerations of the amount of force, whether military or naval, necessary to be kept upon this coast, it should be steadily held in view that the foothold already won must be retained. Charleston and Savannah should always be regarded as being sooner or later n~essary objects of attack. Their value as bases from which to strike at the interior lines of the Confederac Page 251 CliAP. XLVIII CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 2b1 is self-evident. I believe that both or either of these places can be taken whenever as large an army can again be sent here from points which are just now more vital as Major-General Glilmore had when he left this department. But of course our present depots and land- ing points must be maintained, hence I earnestly advise the reten- tion, under all circumstances, of such a naval force as will insure our present occupancy of the coast. The land force now under my command is inadequate to make any aggressive movement. I do not even regard it as sufficient to make a successful joint advance should the navy attack Charleston at the present time. Under exist- ing circumstances, therefore, I believe that nothing aggressive can be successfully attempted at this point without an increase of the land forces. Until such additional troops can be sent here, without prejudice to the more important operations now going on elsewhere, I am inclined to the opinion that the naval force can be judiciously reduced to whatever point is consistent with a sure maintenance of the blockade and the undisturbed occupancy of our present position on the coast. The determination of that exact point is, of course, a purely naval question; so important, however, are the positions now held by us, and so great is the value of Government property accumulated. at these points, that, in answer to the first inquiry of the honorable Secretary, I would respectfully suggest that should you advise-any reduction of the monitors in your squadron at least four iron-dads should be retained. This number would allow two for Charleston Harbor and one for Ossabaw Sound, with an extra one to relieve either of the others in case of any accident. In reply to the second question I would state that, in my judg- ment, serviceable iron-dads are in the present reduced condition of my army essential to holding possession of the Southern coast. Third. I think it doubtful whether the blockade of Charleston can be maintained without iron-dads; but in this connection I beg to refer to my answer to the next and last inquiry. Fourth. In case of the removal of all the monitors Morris Island can certainly be held by the military forces, protected by wooden vessels, provided that such wooden vessels are numerous and strong enough to prevent the rebel iron-dads from coming outside of Charleston bar. Should the wooden vessels be unable to prevent the rebel iron-dads from proceeding to sea I still think that my forces could occupy Morris Island until re-enforcements could be obtained, but I should apprehend the danger of a successful attack upon such of our positions as are undefended by regular and strong fortifications, as, for example, Beaufort and the naval and army store-houses and shops at Saint Helena, as I do not regard the forti- fications at the entrance of this harbor as sufficient to prevent the passage of iron-dads. I am, with great respect, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER, Major- General, Commanding. JACKSONVILLE, FLA., August 19, 1864. Major-General FOSTER, Gommanding Department k~ the South: GENERAL: If you have not already sent north iihe troops you intended to send, you will perhaps make some change as to th Page 252 252 S. C., FLA., AND ON TILE GA. COAST. (Cw& i~. XLVII. number wlien I inform you the Seventy-fifth Ohio will be mustered out of service next month; I think on the 5th of the month. This will leave us without any cavalry in Florida. The two companies of the Fourth Massachusetts Cavalry being now killed or prisoners, a white regiment should be mounted as soon as possible and sent here. Without cavalry we will be unable to hold even the country between the Saint Johns and the sea. The number of refugees is constantly increasing. The late procla- mation of the Governor calling all to arms is bringing theni in rap- idly. Boys fourteen years of age are called out. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. P. HATCH, Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., August 20, 1864. Brigadier-General SCHIMMELFENNIG, Commanding Northern District: GENERAL: I am much gratified to find that you were able to spare two of the regiments from your command. The admiral has in- formed me that he will provide officers and men from the navy to take charge of the naval battery now being mounted on Morris Island. This battery, of course, will be subject to your general orders and directions. I have informed the admiral that all trans- portation of guns, implements, ordnance, and commissary stores for the battery will be furnished by the army. I desfre you to give them all proper facilities for this purpose. Arrangements for completing the inclosure for the prisoners are all made, and the lumber will be shipped at once. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER, Major- General, Commanding. HDQR5. NORTHERN DIsTRIcT, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Morris Island, S. C., August 20, 1864. Capt. J. F. GREEN, U. S. Navy: SIR: I have the honor to herewith return the sextant you so kindly loaned me, with my best thanks. Allow me at the same time to con- vey to you the expression of my thanks and appreciation for the various facilities that you have always so readily furnished me. The submarine fuse obtained from you I have found to work admirably. The clock-work torpedoes have in all my experiments proved a fail- ure. I attribute the main cause of this to the fact that the spring which brings down the hammer on the nipple does not exercise fore~ enough to explode the cap. This was proved to be the case in a large number of experiments. Otherwise I think those torpedoes may be made to work, and that some of the mechanics here may so change the machinery as to effect this purpose. If possible, I should like to obtain from you 25 yards more of the submarine fuse and three torpedoes. I have the honor to be, with the highest respect, your obedient servant, A. SCHIMMELFENNIG, Brigadier-General, Commanding District Page 253 CHAP. XLVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 253 HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., August 20, 1864. Capt. GEORGE R. HUELBUT, Corndg. Batt. Fourth Mass. Gay., Hilton Head, S. C.: CAPTAIN: The major-general commanding directs that you use every facility in your power to arrange matters so that your battal- ion can move at the earliest possible notice. You will take all your horses, arms, and equipments and camp and garrison equipage with you. The major-general commanding further directs that you leave behind at this post 1 commissioned officer and 25 enlisted men with the necessary non-commissioned officers for the same. On arriving at Jacksonville, you will immediately report to Brig. Gen. J. P. Hatch, in person. Very respectfully, your obedient servant THOMAS J. ROBINSON, First Lieut., Twenty first U. S. Colored Troops, A. A. A. G. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF WEST FLORIDA,~ Barrancas, August 20, 1864. Maj. C. T. CHRISTENSEN, Asst. Adjt. Gem., Hdqrs. Div. of West Mississippi: MAJOR: I have the honor to submit, in connection with my report of August 12, No. 846, the following additional information received from refugees and deserters There is a force of from 8,000 to 9,000 men at Mobile, mostly con- scripts, boys and old men, enlisted and armed as infantry, but ordered for duty on the fortifications around the city as heavy artil- I ery. They are constructing new obstructi@ns in Mobile Bay, starting at the lower part of the city above Choctaw Point and bringing them in half circle up to the mouth of the Tensaw River, placing new batteries behind them in the marshy ground. They have also two new batteries above the forking of the Apalache and Blakely Rivers, one battery with seven guns and the other with five; one 82-pounder rifled gun in each. It takes one hour to run with steam from the new batteries to the Tensaw Railroad Station, where 350 of a Mississippi infantry regiment and 100 militia are stationed, Colonel Withers comnianding. Along the railroad to Pollard every trestle- work is well guarded. General Maury is in command at Pollard, with 3,000 troops and eight pieces of artillery at his disposal. His advanced guardl, 400 to 500 strong, all cavalry, is encamped this side Silver Spring with commissary stores at Widow Lawsons place and at Pine Barren Bridge. The rebel camps this side Fort Morgan are deserted, all the cav- alry having been ordered from Camp Withers and Powell, partly to Perdido Mill, west side of the river, and partly to Pine Barren Bridge, this side of the Perdido. At Milton there is one company of cavalry scouting down to the Blackwater River. Torpedoes are placed in the Escambia from Cotton Ferry upward and in the Black- water River below and above Milton. The torpedoes were made at Mobile. General Page, in command at Fort Morgan, reported to General Dabney H. Maury that he would hold the fort to the last man, and that it was not with his consent that Fort Powell was eyaouated an Page 254 254 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [cHAP. XLVII. Fort Gaines surrendered. Lieutenant-Colonel Williams, Twenty- first Alabama Infantry, late commander at Fort Powell, is under arrest for evacuating the fort. Very respectfully, major, your obedient servant, ASBOTH, _____ Brigadier-General. CITY PoINT. August 21, 18645 p. m. SECRETARY OF WAR, Washington: Please inform Maj. Gen. J. G. Foster that in no circumstances will he be authorized to make exchange of prisoners of war. Ex- changes simply re-enforce the enemy at once, whilst we do not get the benefit of those received for two or three months, and lose the majority entirely. I telegraph this from just hearing that some 500 or 600 more prisoners had been sent to Major-General Foster. 11. 5. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. Maj. Gen. J. G. FOSTER, WASHINGTON, August 22, 1864. Department of the South: GENERAL: The Secretary of War approves of your course in per- mitting aliens, who are bona fide leaving the rebel States to avoid conscription, to pass through your lines. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. W. HALLECK Major-General and Chief of Staff. HDQRS. DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Jacksonville, August 22, 1864. Maj. Gen. J. G. FOSTER, Commanding Department of the South: GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of August 11, 1864. The One hundre an fourth [Pennsyl- vania] Regiment is sent with the steamer that takes this. The One hundred and second [colored] will be sent by first opportunity. The recent capture of our cavalry will render it necessary that more be furnished me from without the district until I can raise a Florida regiment. You direct that I shall establish no new post. I am now building a post at Magnolia, a small but strong fort. It-~ was my intention to put Colonel Montgomerys regiment there and have him bushwhack. He understands the business, and, assisted by a company of Floridians, would do more to keep tbe enemy from taking the offensive than any other course I can suggest. If, how- ever, you think it best, I will destroy the work and abandon the place. It is completely under the fire of the gun-boats, and one is kept there by the commander of the squadron. Picolata I intend to stren~then materially, and your instructions not to place large amounts of stores at either place will be complied with. It is my intention to strengthen the works at this place ma Page 255 cHAP. XLVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 255 terially, and I hardly think it probable that the enemy will ever think the place of sufficient importance to besiege it regularly. You speak of making Fort Clinch a port of entry. As all the business would be done at Jacksonville, it appears to me that this should be the place. I am inclined to believe that the agents of the Treasury, here and elsewhere in this department, are more desirous of making money for themselves than they are to assist the loyal people of the State. Without sharing in the profits of those who work, they will not assist them. I will address you a letter on the recruiting the raw regiment. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. P. HATCH, Brigadier-General, Commanding. [Indorsement.] All the cavalry that can possibly be spared from the other dis- tricts, in fact almost all in the departnient, is now in Florida. I have even dismounted officers and clerks to send 30 extra horses. No further losses of animals can be replaced. My opinion of the establishment of posts has been given in fetters. I defer to any difference of opinion in the commander of the dis- trict, but he must regard himself as responsible for any unfortu- nate losses arising from variation from my order. As to port of entry, this, wlAen once established, has to be main- tained by the Government for the benefit of all nations. Jackson- ville is not a good defensible point, and the Government will not undertake to hold it as a port of entry. Fort Clinch is a fortified point intended to be held always by the United States. It is the only really proper point for a port of entry in Florida. It has interior water communication to Jacksonville, which will allow the exit of produce. I am willing to recommend Fort Clinch, but no other port in Florida, as port of entry. J.G.F. GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, No. 122. Hilton Head, S. C., August 22, 1864. The number of idle persons, of both sexes, found loitering around the camps and posts of the Districts of Beaufort and Hilton Head is subversive of good order and military discipline, and is a fruitful source of vice and disease. The provost-marshals of these districts are therefore directed to arrest all such persons, either white or black, within the military lines of their respective districts, and to place them on police, sani- tary, or such other duty as the commanding officer of the district may direct. The provost-marshals will also report all colored per- sons arrested under this order to the superintendent of contrabands, and will hold them subject to his orders. The provost-marshal-general of the department will see this order promptly and rigidly enforced. By command of Maj. Gen. J. G~ Foster: W. L. M. BURGER, Assistant Adjutant-General Page 256 256 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., August 23, 1864. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Chief of StaJt Washington, D. C.: GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 11th instant directing me, by order of Lient. Gen. U. S. Grant, to send forward all the troops I could possibly spare. In reply I have to state that I have already sent to Washington, in com- pliance with these instructions, the Forty-first and One hundred and third Regiments New York Volunteers arid the Seventy-fourth Pennsylvania Volunteers. The One hundred and fourth Pennsyl- vania Volunteers will be sent forward as soon as it arrives from the Florida District; it is hourly expected. These are old and well- tried regiments and will do good service. I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., August 23, 1864. Brig. Gen. A. SCHIMMELFENNIG, Comdg. Northern District, Department of the South: GENERAL: I am directed by the major-general commanding to state he has ordered Captain Suter, chief engineer, Department of the South, to proceed to Morris Island for the purpose of consulting with you in regard to the location of the camp for the prisoners of war daily expected in this department from the North. The major- general commanding desires that this camp be placed between Fort Strong and Battery Putnam. If this position is considered too dan- gerous you are authorized to locate the camp wherever yourself and Captain Suter shall deem th~ best and safest from any attack of the enemy. Should it be necessary to have more troops to guard these prisoners (600), another regiment can be sent from this place. Still, it is desired that they may be guarded by the force at present in the Northern District, if it is possible, as we want all the troops at this place that we now have here. I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. L. M. BURGER, Assistant Adjutant-General. HDQRS. NORTHERN DISTRICT, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Morris Island, S. Ce., August 24, 1864. Col. A. S. HARTWELL, Commanding, Folly Island: The general commanding directs that you select 2 commissioned officers and tio men for a special duty. They will proceed as soon as practicable to Long Island and encamp near the fort, where they will receive further orders. They will probably be absent fro Page 257 CHAP. XLVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 257 camp a week and should take rations, & c., accordingly. This party will doubtless be called upon to meet the enemy in boats, and the general wishes you to select them with that view. Very respectfully, W. B. DEAN, Lieut., 127th New York Volunteers, Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF WEST FLORIDA, Barrancas, August 24, 1864. Maj. C. T. CHRISTENSEN, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Hdqrs. Mit. Div. of West Mississippi: MAJOR: I have the honor to submit, in connection with my report of 20th instant, No. 876, the following additional information re- ceived from refugees and deserters relative to the movements of the enemy: All of the Fifteenth Confederate and Seventh Alabama Cavalry at Pine Barren Bridge and this side of the Escambia River, as well as the two companies at Milton, have been ordered to the Tensaw Riverpartially replaced by new militia companies of boys and old men. The news from Atlanta was discouraging to the rebels, and they had given up all hopes of holding the place. Rumors were also prevalent that Grant had been successful at Petersburg. This in- formation dates to the 16th instant. Very respectfully, major, your obedient servant, ASBOTH, Brigadier-General. SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ WAR DEPT., ADJT. GENERALS OFFICE, No. 279. ~ Washington, August 24, 1864. * * * * * * * 3. On being relieved from his duties as depot quartermaster at Memphis, Tenn., Col. A. R. Eddy will proceed without delay to Hilton Head, S. C., and report in person to Major-General Foster, commanding, and enter upon his duties as chief quartermaster of the Department of the South, nuder his appointment of August 6, 1864. * * * * * * * By order of the Secretary of War: E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant- General. HDQRS. DEPT. OF S. CAROLINA, GEORGIA, AND FLORIDA, Charleston, S. 0., August 2~, 1864. Maj. Gen. J. G. FOSTER, Commanding Department of the South, Hilton Head: GENERAL: I received your letter of the 21st instant yesterday. The U. S. soldiers, prisoners of war at Andersonville, Ga., are in no way whatever under my control, and I therefore cannot undertake to deliver them the sanitary stores you desire to send without the 17 R RVOL xxxv, PT I Page 258 258 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CRAP. XLVII. sanction of the officer having charge of the prisoners. I have re- - ferred the matter to him, and feel quite sure that he will not hesi- tate to allow the stores to be sent to them. I cannot permit any prisoner to take charge of the stores and act as quartermaster to distribute them, but if the officer having charge of the prisoners will permit them to be delivered I will designate an officer to re- ceive and receipt to the proper officer of your command for them, and hold him to as strict an accountability for their proper delivery as though they were stores belonging to my Government. I will communicate with you further on this subject when I re- ceive a reply from the officer to whom I have referred your reqpest. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, SAM. JONES, Major-General, Commanding. By an oversight on the part of some one in my office this letter was not forwarded as it should have been by the flag of truce the day after its date. It is now respectfully forwarded. SAM. JONES, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, Jacksonville, Fla., August 25, 1864. Col. W. H. NOBLE, Commanding at Magnolia: COLONEL: The brigadier-gelleral commanding directs the follow- ing disposition to be made of the Seventeenth Connecticut Volun- teers: The regiment will form the garrison at Saint Augustine and Pico- lata. Six companies, including the smallest companies, to take post at Saint Augustine, under the command of the lieutenant-colonel of the regiment; four companies to be stationed at Picolata, under the command of the major of the regiment. You will remain for the present in command of the forces at Magnolia. By order of Brig. Gen. John P. Hatch: EDWARD L. ROGERS, Major 104th Pennsylvania Vols., A. A. A. G. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., August 26, 1864. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Chief of Staff, Washington, D. C.: GENERAL: I inclose some late rebel papers. The late little disas- tem in Florida seems to prove that it is doomed ever to be the land of military misfortnne. The troops there will now remain strictly on the defensive. My force now is very small for the number Gf points to be guarded. I have literally obeyed the order to send every man that I possibly could.~ I have no doubt but I can get along with what I have as long as the ehemys force in frOnt is also weak. The regiment sent on the Fuiton is the One hundred and fourth Pennsyl- vania Volunteers, 900 men, just from Florida. Their time is nearl Page 259 Cnir. XLV1I.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 259 out, but this is the case with all the white regiments here. The Forty-first New York and Seventy-fourth Pennsylvania Volunteers were mainly veterans. I have sent you the last letters from Jones. The rebels are anxious to exchange, probably to obtain men to re-enforce Hood. I have re- ceived no answer to my request to General Samuel Jones to be allowed to send comforts and necessaries to the prisoners at Andersonville. * I shall take the rebel prisoners to Morris Island to-morrow. Very respectfully and truly, J. G. FOSTER, Major- General, Commanding. FLAG-STEAMER PHILADELPHIA, Port Royal Harbor, S. C., August 26, 1864. Maj. Gen. J. G. FOSTER, Comdg. Department of the South, Hdqrs. Hilton Head: GENERAL: In a recent expedition several citizens of McIntosh County, Ga., were brought away, who it appears were not engaged in any hostile operations against the Government, but were pnr~uing their ordinary vocations; 2 of them were small farmers and 5 were engaged in making salt. From what 2 of iAiiem tell me they have never taken an active part at any time, in defending the rebels, and the 2 farmers are men of over sixty yeavs of age. They were found at their homes and were probably brought away as a measure of pre- caution. Will you please inform me whether you have instructions from the Government in relation to persons so situated, and who may fall into your hands. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. A. DAHLGREN, Rear-Admiral, Comdg. South Atlantic Blockading Squadron. FLAG-STEAMER PHILADEPHIA, Port Royal Harbor, August 26, 1864. Maj. Gen. J. G. FOSTER, Uorndg. Department of the South, Hdqrs. Hilton Head: SIR: In compliance with your request a gun-boat will be detailed to convoy to Charleston the vessel with the rebel prisoners. Will you please by signal give me an hours notice, so that the movements of your steamer may not be delayed? Captain Green will also be instructed to keep a vessel of war near the prisoners vessel. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. A. DAHLGREN, Rear-Admiral, Comdg. South Atlantic Blockading Squadron. QUARTERMASTER-GENERALS OFFICE, Maj. Gen. ~. G. FOSTER, Washington U~y, August 27, 1864. G~omdg. Department of the South, Hilton Head, S. C.: GENERAL: Your letter of the 17th instant, inclosing drawings of an assaulting galley which vbu propose to build, and a requisi- tion from J. H. Moore, assistani quartermaster, for quartermasters * See postscript to Jones letter of August 25, p. 258 Page 260 260 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. stores (iron), were referred to Major-General Halleck, Chief of Staff, who returned them with the following indorsement: AUGUST 26, 1864. By direction of General Grant, General Foster has been repeatedly ordered to con- fine himself strictly to the defensive, and to send north all troops not required for holding his present position without offensive operations. Requisition disapproved. H. W. HALLECK, Major-General and Chief of Staff. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, M. C. MEIGS, Quartermaster - General and Brevet Major- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. 0., August 28, 1864. Brig. Gen. JOHN P. HATCH, Oomdg. District of Florida, Jacksonville, Fla.: GENERAL: I am instructed by the major-general commanding to acknowledge the receipt of your letter * of the 19th instant giving the particulars, in part, of the unfortunate affair at Gainesylile, Fla., in which we lost so many officers and men. Your letter * of the 23d instant was received same day, giving further particulars of the disastrous affair, and requesting that a further re-enforcement of cavalry be sent to you from without your district. The major.general commanding directs me to say that all the cavalry that can possibly be spared from the other districts, in fact almost all in the department, is now in Florida. Officers and clerks have been dismounted in order to send you 30 extra horses. No further loss of animals can be replaced. In regard to the establIshment of new posts in your district the opinion of the commanding general has been fully given in former letters to you. The major-general commanding defers to any differ- ence of opinion with the commanding officer of the District of Florida, who must regard himself as responsible for any unfortunate losses arising from variation of orders from these headquarters. In regard to ports of entry, these, when once established, have to be maintained by the Government ai~ all hazards for the benefit of all nations. Jacksonville is not considered a good defensible point, and the Government will not undertake to hold it as a port of entry. Fort Clinch is a fortified point intended to be held always by the U. S. Government. It is the only really proper point for a port of entry in Florida, except it might be Saint Augustine. Fort Clinch has an interior water communication to Jacksonville, which will allow the exit of produce. The major-general com- manding is willing to recommend Fort Clinch or Saint Augustiu~ as ports Qf entry, but no other ports in Florida. In regard to the retention of the Island City the major-general commanding directs me to say that-the Neptune and Wyoming are much better boats add will be sent to replace her. The repeated losses of boats in Florida create a feeling adverse to sending other than the oldest and least valuable boats to that district. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. L: M. BURGER, Assistant Adjutant- General. * See Part I, pp. 427, 429 Page 261 Onip. XLVII.) CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 261 HDQRS. DEPT. OF~ S. CAROLINA, GEORGIA, AND FLORIDA, Okarleston, S. C., August 29, 1864. Maj. Gen. J. G. FOSTER, Commanding U. S. Forces, Hilton Head, S. C.: GENERAL: I have the honor to inclose the within letters for your consideration, at the request of the parties interested. I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, SAM. JONES, Major- General, Commanding. [Inclosure No. 1.] COLUMBIA, S. C., August 12, 1864. Maj. Gen. SAMUEL JONES, C~ommanding Southern Army; SIR: I am one of the unfortunate prisoners of war now confined at this place. I would ask you if there is a likelihood of an early exchange through your department, and, if so, you will cause my transfer to Charleston, so I may be exchanged as early as pQssible. Truly, E. G. MARSHALL, Col. Fourteenth New York Arty. and Capt. U. S. Army. [Inclosure No. 2.] CHARLESTON, S. C., Augu6t 29, 1864. Maj. Gen. J. G. FOSTER, Commanding U. S. Forcs, Hilton Head: SIR: In Major Andersons reply to my letter of the 11th instant, he says that permission to cross your lines must come from the hon- orable Secretary of War. I did not understand from this whether I was to make the application or you would do it for me. But sup- posing that I was to do it, I have written a letter to the Secretary of War which; together with this line, General Jones kindly consents to forward to you. The urgency of my case compels me to trouble you the second time. When a man is conscious that not only the welfare of family friends, but the life of a dear daughter, an only child, is at stake, he must not be blamed for importunity. Do, my dear sir, permit my letter to the Secretary of War to be forwarded, and interpose your kind offices in my behalf, and speak any kind word you may have it in your power to do, to further my wishes to return home. It will be a word and a deed for humanity s sake, and will be remembered with lasting gratitude by one who has the honor to be, dear sir, your obedient servant,, THOMAS 0. RICE. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., August 30, 1864. Rear-Admiral J. A. DAHLGREN, Comdg. S. Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Port Royal, S. C.: ADMIRAL: I have the honor twrequest that a gun-boat from your squadron be detailed to escort the U. S. steam transport Crescent from her present anchorage in this harbor to Charleston. I wish t Page 262 262 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CUAP. XLVII. have this steamer, with the persons on board, moved as near to Fort Wagner as possible, so that she will, be completely in range of the guns of that fort and your gun-boats. The camp which I am preparing for these prisoi~ers is not finished as yet, but will be in the course of a few days, when they will be removed. In the mean time I wish every possible precaution taken to prevent the escape of any of these prisoners. I have the honor to be, admiral, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER, Major- General, Commanding. FLAG-STEAMER PHILADELPHIA, APgust 30, 1864. General FOSTER, Department of the South: GENERAL: As your reply by signal this morning led me to sup- pose that the convoy for prisoners would not be wanted for two or three days, I sent the steamer to her station that had been detained for the purpose, which leaves me without a suitable vessel. All here are more or lessunder repairs, and no one will be ready for a couple of days. Perhaps I may be able to get a vessel sooner from Charleston, of which I will inform you. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. A. DAHLGREN. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, Jacksonville, August 30, 1864. Capt. W. L. M. BURGER, Assistant Adjutant-General: CAPTAIN: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 28th instant. I will for the present retain a command at Magnolia. I have built a very strong work there. ~If it should be necessary at any time to abandon it, the troops could be put across the river under cover of the guns of the Hale. I am gradu- ally strengthening the works at this place, and hope soon to have it in such a condition that no force of the enemy can take it. I have been informed that it is the intention of the enemy to take up part of the railroad west of the Little Saint Marys, and with that iron to complete the branch to connect with the Savannah and Gulf road. This m~y not be true; if it is, it proves conclusively~ that no attack will be made on this p lace for a long time. With reference to making Fort Clinch a port of entry, it did not strike me favorably at first, but if it will enable the loyal citizens on the Saint Johns River to get out the products of their labor, it would be a most excellent thing. The Wyoming is better adapted to the service here than the Island City, and I am glad that she was sent here to replace her. I intend mounting a 3-inch gun on her A Lieu- tenant Gough has frightened a number of Floridians across the line, where we may soon expect to find them in arms against us. He is stationed at Saint Augustii~e, and issued a notice to all citizens t Page 263 CHAP. XLVII.) 263 CORRESPONDENCE, ETO.UNION. enroll themselves for a draft. I have directed him to discontinue the enrollment of Floridians, as they are entitled to be considered as refugees; in fact, most of them are such in letter as well as in spirit. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. P. HATCH, Brigadier- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., August 31, 1864. Col. C. R. BRAYTON, Third Rhode Island Artillery, Chief of Artillery: COLONEL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 17th instant, giving a report of a tour of in- spection through the Northern District, Department of the South, and to state that it was referred to Brigadier-General Schimmel- fennig with your recommendation approved, and returned to these headquarters with the following indorsement: HDQRS. NORTHERN DISTRICT, DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Morris Island, S. 0., August 23, 1864. Respectfully forwarded to department headquarters. Orders had already been given by me (General Orders, No. 48, August 16) that no garrison of a fort or battery should be changed without special authority from these headquarters, unless the troops composing it were ordered away from the district. The garrison at Fort Greene was changed through a mistake. The out- posts near the fort were ordered to be relieved, and the garrison of the fort was re- lieved instead. On discovering the mistake, Colonel Gurney promptly sent back the artillerists of the garrison. Some changes in the garrisons have recently taken place owing to troops being ordered away from the district. A. SCHIMMELFENNIG, Brigadier-General, Commanding District. I have the honor to be, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, THOMAS J. ROBINSON, First Lient., Twenty-first U. S. Colored 7 roops, A. A. A. G. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., August 31, 1864. Lient. JOHN R. MCGINNESS, Chief of Ordnance, Department of the South: LIEUTENANT: The verbal orders of the major-general commarLd- ing, as issued to you this morning, are now submitted in writing, viz: Two guns are to be left in charge of the officer commanding the outposts at Jen- kins Island, with the proper supply of ammunition for same, to be used against the enemy whenever they show themselves at Chimney Point. By command of Maj. Geii. J. G. Foster: THOMAS J. ROBINSON, First Licut , Twenty-first U. S. Colored Troops, A. A. A. G Page 264 264 S. C., PLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLViI. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., September 1, 1864. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Chief of Staff, Washington, D. C.: GENERAL: I have the honor to request that a general officer of experience may be ordered to this department to report to me for duty iii the Northern District, to take the place of Brig. Gen. A. Schimmelfennig, who goes North on this steamer on leave of absence on account of severe indispositioii, and who I fear will never suf- ficiently recover to be able to resume his duties. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER Major-General, Commarn4ing. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., September 1, 1864. Maj. Gen. SAMUEL JONEs, Comdg. Confederate Forces in S. C., Ga., and Fla.: GENERAL: I inclose herewith a letter for Mr. Hy. Meyer, ~ cting consul of Prussia, in which you will see that authority has been granted me by the honorable Secretary of War to admit all bona- fide aliens that may wish to come into our lines to avoid your con- scription. I have to request that you will give me timely notice when there are any to cross, as I am willing to send a steamer for them up the Savannah River, where they will be received. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER Mqjor- General, Comman~4ing. [Inclosure.] HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., September 1, 1864. Mr. Hy. MEYER, Acting Consul of Prussia at Charleston, S. C.: SIR: I have the honor to state that I have received authority from the honorable Secretary of War to receive irao my lines all bona-fide aliens that wish to leave the Confederate States in order to avoid the conscription. I have informed General Samuel Jones of this fact, and requested him to give me timely notice of his sending them, as I will receive them on a steamer to be sent up the Savannah River for that purpose if there is a sufficient number to warrant me in so doing. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., September 1, 1864. Brig. Gen. A. SCHIMMELFENNIG, C~omdg. Northern District, Dept. of the South: GENERAL: Having granted you a leave of absence for thirty days, in consequence of severe indisposition contracted in the line of your duties, I feel it iiicumbent upon me to express my sincere thanks t Page 265 CnAP. XLVII.1 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 265 you for the able, energetic, and efficient manner in which yon have conducted the command of the Northern District of this depart- meut. I consider you a most excellent officer, of good judgment, and one to be intrusted at all times with the care and management of large bodies of troops and with the details of a campaign. Yonr opinions and suggestions I have always found to be well-timed and to the point. Hoping, general, to see you return to yonr duties again in a short time, with your health fully recovered, I remain, general, very respectfully, yours, ~. G. FOSTER, Major- General, Commanding. SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ No. 319. HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., September 1, 1864. * * * * * * * III. Brig. Gen. R. Saxton, JJ. S. Volunteers, will on receipt of this order proceed immediately to Morris Island, S. C., and relieve Brig. Gen. A. Schimmelfennig, commanding Northern District, Department of the South, making his headquarters at Morris Island, and will iii addition retain command of the District of Beaufort. Before leaving the District of Beaufort he will turn over tIme com- mand to the seuior officer at that post, leaving with him all needful instructions as to the command of same. * * * * * * * By command of Maj. Gen. J. G. Foster: W. L. M. BURGER, Captain and Assistant Adjutant-General. HDQRS. NORTHERN DISTRICT, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Morris Island, S. C., September 2, 1864. Capt. J. F. GREEN, U. S. Navy, Commanding Squadron uff Charleston: CAPTAIN: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 31st ultimo, relative to the firing upon a flag- of-truce, boat by my batteries. In reply allow me to respectfully inform you that my orders from Major-General Foster are to receive no flags of truce in this district, and that in compliance with these orders I have instructed my pickets and batteries, on the approach of a flag of truce, to warn its bearers back by firing twice over their heads and the third time to fire sharp. I must therefore beg that in case the naval forces wish to communicate by flag of truce they will notify me of the same beforehand; otherwise the occurrences of August 30 will certainly be repeated. I herewith have the honor to be, with the highest respect, your obedient servant, -. A. SCHIMMELFENNIG, Brigadier-General, Commanding. Page 266 266 8.C., PLA., A~D ON Tilt GA. COAST. [ChAP. XLVn. HDQRS. NORTHERN DISTRICT, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Morris Island, 5. 0., September 2, 1864. Capt. J. F. GREEN, U. S. Navy: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your favor of this date, inclosing a communication from Admiral Dahigren with re- gard to the rebel prisoners on board a transport off this island. I expect to have the camp for these prisoners finished and to be ready to receive them on shore within two or three days. I am, captain, with the highest respect, A. SCHIMMELFENNIG Brigadier- General, Gommane~1ing. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, Capt. ~. ~. ~. BURGER, Jacksonville, September 2, 1864. Assistant Adjutant-General, Department of the South: CAPTAIN: I have little to report. I am bringing to this point the cavalry from Magnolia to refit. The garrison for the present at that point will consist of the Thirty-fourth U. S. Colored Troopsand 30 of the Fourth Massachusetts Cavalry. On the 5th instant the time of service of the Seventy-fifth Ohio will commence to expire, and continue until November, when the whole will be out of service. This morning a small body of the enemys cavalry came withiii sight of the pickets on the Kings road and proceeded in the direc- tion of Middl eburg. Yellow Bluff has been re-enforced by two coin- panies of the Thirty-fourth U. S. Colored Troops. Major Vignos, with two companies of the One hundred and seventh Ohio, has ar- rived here, being reph~ced at Fort Clinch by a good company of the Third U. S. Colored Troops, well drilled at artillery practice. The present commander at Fort Clinch has the reputation of being a good officer, and I hope the change will prove beneficial. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. P. HATCH Brigadier-General, 0omman~ling. [Indorsement.] SEPTEMBER 4, 1864. The Seventy-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry must be mustered out as their times of service expire. Notice must be given General Hatch that I desire the garrison of Fort Clinch to be of such a char- acter as to make sure of its perfect safety under all circumstances. J. G. FOSTER. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, 5. 0., September 3, I~864. Brig. Gen. R. DELAFIELD, Chief of Engineers, U. S. Army, Washington, D. 0.: GENERAL: I have the hohlLQr to acknowledge the receipt of your indorsement of the 19th of August, 1864, upoil niy letter of the 19th ultimo, desiring me to give the particular defects to which I objecte Page 267 CHAP. XLVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNIO~. 26~ in the plan, & c., of Fort Clinch. In compliance therewith I sub- mit the following as the most important, & c.: First. Fort Clinch is not, in my opinion, located so as to command properly both the anchorage and the entrance channel. This will necessitate the erection of outer batteries to command the channel near the location of the rebel batteries and also of inner batteries to command the harbor. Second. The proximity of a range of sand hills to the fort will afford cover to an enemys advance to erect batteries against the fort or to assault the fort after a breach has been effected. Third. The masonry bastionettes can easily be dQmolished by the rifled guns in use in the army and the flanking arrangements for the ditc~i be thus destroyed. Fourth. The chemin de ronde can also be easily knocked down with rifled guns, and the ascent of the scarp thus be rendered tolera- bly easy to an assaulting column. Fifth. The counter sloping glacis will afford greater facilities to an enemys assaulting column than to the garrison. The above constitute the main defects, to which I thought it my duty to call the attention of the department. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER, Major- General, Commanding. HDQRs. DEPT. OF S. CAROLINA, GEORGIA, AND FLORIDA, Charleston, S. C., September 3, 1864. Maj. Gen. J. G. FOSTER, U. S. Army, Gomdg. Department of the South, Hilton Head, S. C.: GENERAL: About 6 p. m. on the 30th ultimo, an officer of the C. S. Army left Sullivans Island in a small boat under flag of truce to meet a flag-of-truce boat of the United States which was at anchor off Battery Marshall. Whilst passing through Beach Channel, three shots were fired from your Morris Island batteries on our flag of truce. I presume this was done under some misapprehension on the l)art of your subordinates on Morris Island. The matter is brought to your notice for such explanation or action as you may think proper. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, SAM. JONES, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., September 3, 1864. Brig. Gen. R. SAXTON, Commanding Northern District, Department of the South: GENERAL: By direction of the major-general commanding I have the honor to transmit herewith official copies of reports made to and by Rear-Admiral J. A. Dahigren, commanding South Atlantic Blockading Squadron, in regard7to the firing into a flag-of-truce boat by our batteries at Morris Island Page 268 268 s. c., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. The major-general commanding directs that a thorough investiga- tion be made in the matter, and that all these papers be returned to these headquarters with report in the matter. I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, THOMAS J. ROBINSON, First Lieut., Twenty-first U. S. Colored Troops, A. A. A. G. [Inclosure No. 1.] FLAG-STEAMER PHILADELPHIA, Port Royal Harbor, S. C., September 1, 1864. Maj. Gen. J. G. FOSTER, commanding Department of the South, Hdqrs. Hilton Head: GENERAL: I inclose herewith papers just received from the senior officer in Charleston Roads, by which it appears that while a flag-of- truce boat from the squadron was communicating with a boat bear- ing a flag of truce from Sullivans Island the latter was fired at by our batteries on Morris Island. I trust you will at your earliest convenience enable me to say that this was a mistake. Please be so good as to return the papers. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. A. DAHLGREN, Rear-Admiral, qomdg. South Atlantic Blockading Squadron. ~Inc1osure No. 2.] U. S. STEAMER JOHN ADAMS, Qff Morris Island, S. C., August 31, 1864. Rear-Admiral J. A. DAHLGREN, C~ommanding South Atlantic Blockading Squadron: SIR: I inclose herewith copies of communications from Captain De Camp and Acting Ensign McClure in relation to the batteries on Morris Island firing upon a rebel flag-of-truce boat while in transit to meet our flag-of-truce boat in charge of Acting Ensign McClure, anchored off Beach Inlet. I would state that it is unusual for the rebel flag of truce to come from Moultrie Point to meet ours off Beach IiAet; they generally come from the Inlet. I have sent a copy of Acting Ensign McClures statement to Gen- eral Schimmelfennig, with a letter from myself stating simply that it had been forwarded for his information, and making no comment whatever on the proceeding. Very respectfully, your Abedient servant, J. F. GREEN, Captain and Senior Officer, off Charleston. [Inclosure No. 3.] U. S. FRIGATE WABASH, Off Charleston, S. C., August 31, 1864. Capt. J. F. GREEN, U. S. Navy, Senior Officer, Present: SIR: I have the honor herewith to inclose you a communication from Acting Ensign McClure, of this ship. who, went yesterday in charge of a flag-of-truce boat, agreeably to your order, for the pur- pose of delivering a package of letters to the rebel authorities nea Page 269 CUAi. XLVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. UNION. 269 Beach Inlet. You will perceive by Mr. McClures report that the rebel boat bearing a flag of truce, sent from Sullivans Island for the purpose of communicating with us, was fired upon by our bat- teries on Morris Island, a fragment of a shell falling into the rebel boat, and other shells bursting over and about her. Comment from me is unnecessary. I respectfully ph~ce the matter in your hands. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. DE CAMP, Captain, Commanding Outer Blockade, off Charleston. [Inclosure No. 4.] U. S. FRIGATE WABASH, Off Charleston, August 30, 1864. SIR: In obedience to your order I proceeded with a flag of truce in toward Beach Inlet. When within about 2~j miles of the beach I cast off from the Winona and pulled in toward the fort at Beach Inlet. When within about 1~- miles a shot was fired across our bow from the fort, when I immediately anchored. After waiting about an hour I noticed a boat sailing around from Fort Moul- trie, and soon after steering toward us. It was, ho~vjever; too far distant for me to distinguish whether it showed a flag of truce or not. It had not gone far before our forces on Morris Island com- menced firing at it, and I noticed 2 or 3 shells explode directly over the boat. I soon after distinguished a small flag of truce, when I got under way and stood toward it under sail. On communiCating I found the boat in charge of Lient. R. Jones, of General Higgins staff. I delivered the packages to him. He complained very bit- terly of our forces on Morris Island firing at him while on his way out. I told him I was very sorry anything of the kind had occurred, and hoped that everything would soon be satisfactorily explained. Our communication here ended, and I returned aboard ship. Very respectfully, G. M. MCCLURE, Acting Ensign. [Indorsement.] Respectfully submitted to Capt. J. F. Green, senior officer off Mor- ris Island, S. C. J. DE CAMP, Captain, Commanding Outer Blockade. HDQRS. NORTHERN DISTRICT, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Morris Island, S. C., September 4, 1864. Col. WILLIAM GURNEY CommPanding Post, Morris Island: The general commanding directs that you have two Requa bat- teries placed near the camp for rebel prisoners in such a manner that they may be.used at once upon the prisoners in case they should be needed. Captain Grace, acting ordnance officer, will furnish them. Very respectfully, . ~. B. DEAN, Lieutenant, 127th New York Volunteers, A. A. A. G Page 270 2~O S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVIL HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. (if., September 4, 1864. Brig. Gen. JOHN P. HATCH, Comdg. District of Florida, Jacksonville, Fla.: GENERAL: 1 have the honor, to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 2d instant, giving report of operations, & c., in your district. I am instructed by the ma.jor-general command- ing to state that he desires the garrison of Fort Clinch to be of such a character as to make sure of its perfect safety under all circum- stances. The Seventy-fifth Ohio Volunteers must be mustered out of service in accordance with instructions from the War Depart- ment sent to the commissary of musters of this department. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. L. M. BURGER, Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., September ~, 1864. Major-General HALLECK, U. S. Army: GENERAL: I inclose you rebel papers of the 3d. I could get no others by flag of truce. I am informed by released surgeons, & c., that the papers of the 2d contained news of severe fighting at Atlanta. A rebel reporter told Mr. Sawyer, of the Herald, that the reports were finally unfavorable to their cause (rebel). I have secret information that some of the officers in Charleston are to attempt to escape on Wednesday or Thursday night. I shall go up to-morrow and be ready to aid them if opportunity occurs. At any rate, I propose to attack and capture or drive off their picket- boats. I propose also to send a strong boat party to enter Dewees Inlet and landing on the mainland in tI[e rear of Mount Pleasant to search for any escaped prisoners that may have made their way across the Cooper River to Hobcaw Point. Very respectfully and truly, yours, J. G. FOSTER, Major- General, Gommanding. FLAGSTEAMER PHILADELPHIA, September ~3, 1864. Major-General FOSTER, Commanding Department of the South: GENERAL: In reply to your note of to-day, it is possible that boats might issue from Morris Island after dark and spread themselves in the lower harbor, unless the moon be too bright, so that if any of our friends got that far they might be helped. Whether any actual result could be obtained is rather problematical. I am, very respectfulfy, your obedient servant, J. A. DAHLGREN, Rear-Admiral Page 271 CHAP. XLVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 271 / HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., September 5, 1864. Maj. Gen. SAMUEL JONES, Comdg. Confederate Forces, Dept. of S. C., Ga., and Fla. GENERAL: I am informed by an officer recently arrived from Charleston that James Pike, of the Fourth Ohio Cavalry, and Charles R. Gray, of Fifth Iowa Cavalry, are held by you in close confine- ment at the jail tower in Charleston, and kept npon a prison diet of mush and water. Also that these men have been informed that they are held and are to be tried as spies. I fnrther learn that they were captnred on or about Jnne 5 last, near the iliwassee. River, in Sontheastern Tennessee or the northwes..tern part of South Carolina, and that, when taken, they were wearing our uniform and had arm~ in their hands. If their claim in this respect is tine, they are entitled to be treated as prisoners of war. I respectfully ask you to have their case investigated aiid extend to them the treatment usually accorded to prisoners of war among civilized nations. I am, very respectfully, yours, J. G. FOSTER, Major- General, Commanding. OFFICE CHIEF OF ARTILLERY, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., September 5, 1864. Maj. Gen. J. G. FOSTER Commanding Department of the South: GENERAL: I have the honor to make the following report of a tonr of instruction through the District of Florida: The garrison of Fort Clinch consists of two e~mpanies of the One hnndred and seventh Ohio Volunteers and one company of the Third U. S. Colored Troops, recently sent to that post to per~orni the artil- lery duty. This company has had some experience at Jacksonville in artillery, and will, in my opinion, make efficient artillerists, they having competent instructors. The garrisons of the different works at Jacksonville are all in excellent condition, heing well drilled in the manual of the piece and well instructed in the nomenclature of pieces, carriages, imple- ments, equipments, ammunition, and ranges of the different objects in the vicinity of their respective batteries. The garrison of Fort Hatch, Company H, Third U. S. Colored Troops, Capt. S. Conant, is particularly conversant with the above points. I am of the opin- ion that these works are as efficiently garrisoned as any in the de- j~artment~ the ranges of different points having been often verified y actual practice. The garrison of Fort Marion, at Saint Augustine, I found in quite an indifferent condition. The recent raid and absence of a company that had been instructed as artillery left the fort without an efficient garrison. I would respectfully suggest that a company of the Sev- enteenth Connecticut Volunteers be designated to perform the artil -lery duty in this work, and not to be removed unless the regiment leaves the post. The frequent change of garrisons and the substitu- tion of compaiiies unacquainted with their duties at times when the best artillerists are needed for defense perils the safety of the town and fort, and renders impossible to maintain a wellinstructed an Page 272 272 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. efficient garrison. I would respectfully state that Company A, Third Rhode Island Artillery, has been on all the raids in Florida since the battle of Olustee, and its efficiency is impaired by a loss of horses and material and the addition of 60 new men. The battery has had but little opportunity for drill since it was mounted, and I am of the opinion that it needs an opportunity for drill not to be obtained at Jacksonville. I would therefore request, if it is deemed consistent With the good of the service, that Company A, Third Rhode Island Artillery, now at Jacksonville, be relieved by Battery F, Third New York Artillery, from Beaufort, and that Company A, on being relieved, be ordered to Beaufort. I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. R. BRAYTON Colonel, Third Rhode Island Artillery, Chief of Artillery. [IndorsemenL] SEPTEMBER 5, 1864. Recommendations of Colonel Brayton are approved. General Hatch to be written to about the company for Fort Marion. The order for the relief of the battery (light) will be given at once. J. G. FOSTER Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., September 5, 1864. Brig. Gen. R. SAXT9N, Comdg. North. Dist., Dept. of the South, Morris Island, S. C.: GENERAL: Several of the medical offic~ers lately released by the Confederate authorities state that our fire on the city of Charleston should be altered so that the shells will drop from 400 to 500 yards further to the east. They also state that the shells explode too short, and suggest the propriety of lengthening the fuse. The major-general commanding directs that this information be given to your battery commanders, with instructions that they gov- ern their fire accordingly until further orders. By complying with these directions, the quarters of our prisoners of war now confined in Charleston will not be exposed, and the shells will drop in the most populous portion of the city. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. L. M. BURGER, Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., September 6, 1864. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Chief of Staff, Washington, D. C.: GENERAL: I have the honor to report that no military operations of importance have taken place since the date of my last report. The enemy have sent over the lines without exchange a large nu Page 273 CH~. XLVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.~UNION. 27~ ber of surgeons and chaplains whom they had held in custody. This is the result of the correspondence which I had with General Samuel Jones, showing him that these persons were to be considered non-combatants. General Jones has also sent over the lines, with- out exchaiige, 2 enlisted men, a sergeant and a private, who were captured at Port Royal Ferry under the following circumstances: The rebel pickets at that point called to our pickets to send over a boat for them, as they wanted to desert. The sergeant in command of our pickets, credulously believing them, went in a boat with 1 man, and upon their arrival on the opposite shore were taken pris- oners and the boat seized. General Jones returns them without exchange, with the remark that they were captured under circumstances which he cannot ap- prove.~ General Jones refuses to allow our officers, prisoners of war, to take charge of supplies for our prisoners at Charles{on and Savannah, but says he will insure their faithful delivery. He has no jurisdiction over the prisoners at Andersonville, and therefore declines to entertain that part of the proposition. I inclose a copy of the letter. * The health of the department is growing rapidly worse. The number of sick in hospital is increasing, and a large number of the officers have to be furnished with sick leave to prevent permanent disability. I have no idea, however, that it is more than the usual malarious epidemic and disease peculiar to the climate this season of the year. It will not enfeeble the strength of the command beyond a proper limit of strength. I can get along very well with the force I now have until the enemys strength is very much increased. I have been forced to almost entirely stop the fire upon Fort Sum- ter for want of ammunition, the requisitions upon the ordnance de- partment having been entirely unfilled, and, on the contrary, large Qrders having been received to send ammunition from this depart- ment to Fort,Monroe. We had reached a point in the demolition of the fort beyond which the enemy could not have held out many weeks in their occupancy. Since the gradual cessation of fire they have exerted every effort to pile earth upon the parts which were being laid bare by the force of our fire. I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully J. G. FOSTER, Major- General, Commanding. GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE SouTH, No. 130. Hiltbn Head, S. 0., September 6, 1864. It having been officially reported to these headquarters that quite a number of small boats and dugouts are now in the hands of, and used by, both white persons and negroes in this department, there- fore, in order to carry out more fully the provisions of General Or- (lers, 122, current series, from these headquarters, and to prevent the possibility of said boats and dugouts from being used for the purpose of carrying deserters or smuggling goods to the enemy, it is hereby ordered: I. That all small boats, of whatever description, now in the hands of any person in this department7 not used for military purposes by *See p. 257. 18 R RVOL XXXV, PT Page 274 274 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. the provost-marshal of any post or district, shall be immediately taken charge of and guarded in a secure place by the provost-mar- shal of the district or post in which the boats are found. II. All sailing boats, such as are now used between Hilton Head and Beaufort, shall be registered at the office of the provost-marshal of each district or post where said sail-boats ply. These boats must also have the regular permit to trade between those points. Said permit mnst contain the names of the crew and the purpose for which such boat is used. All boats of this description that have not been properly registered, in accordance with the provisions of this section of the order, within ten days after the date of the same, shall~- be immediately seized and confiscated to the U. S. Government. III. The practice of allowing negro women to wander about from one plantation to another and from one post or district to another, on Government transports, for no other purpose than to while away their time or visit their husbands serving in the ranks of the army, is not only objectionable in every point of view, both to the soldiers and to themselves, but is generally subversive of moral restraint, and must be discontinued at once. All negro women in future found wandering in this manner will be immediately arrested and compelled to work at some steady employment on the plantations. By command of Maj. Gen. J. G. Foster: W. L M. BURGER, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. 0., September 6, 1864. Maj. Gen. SAMUEL JONES, Comdg. Confederate Forces, Dept. of S. C., Ga., and Fla.: GENERAL: I have carefully examined the list of 39 prisoners who were released by you as non-combatants on the 3d instant, and can officially assure you that they occupy the position recognized by you on their discharge, with the following exceptions. I refer to these exceptions by the numbers given on the rolls exchanged be- tween the officers who respectively represent us: No. 2. Bates, H. B., First Massachusetts Cavalry. No. 8. Crossman, J. J. H., McLaughlins Squadron Ohio Cavalry. No. 21. Russell, G. H., Fifth Indiana Cavalry. No. 23. Sackett, L. M., Ninety-third Indiana Infantry. No. 32. Whitney, B., One hundred and fourth Ohio Infantry. No. 39. Higgins, J. D., One hundred and twenty-third Ohio In- fantry. Of these, Messrs. Bates, Crossman, Russell, and Sackett were act- ing assistant surgeons when captured, although they are mustered as hospital stewards in their respective commands. Hospital stew- ards are, however, recognized as non-combatants, and as these men were, besides, doing actual duty as surgeons, I have decided that their claim to be released is clear, although needing this explanation. Rev. Mr. B. Whitney was, for several months before his capture, acting as chaplain of his regiment, in which he was, however, an enlisted man. He holds an appointment as chaplain, but has never been mustered as such. I. retain him at this point until I can ascer- tain from you whether you still regard him as a non-combatant and entitled to release. If you do not, and require an equivalent for him, I will send you a private in his stead Page 275 CHAP. XLVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 275 Mr. J. D. Higgins, of the One hundred and twenty-third Ohio Infantry, is not an assistant surgeon, but a lieutenant. He states that his being regarded as a medical officer is not the result of any active deception on his part, but arose from an accidental error com- mitted by one of your officers in making out the prisoners roll, of which error the lieutenant, in his desire to escape, silently took ad- vantage. I have also detained him at this place. I xviii, according to our previous agreement, in case you so elect, return him, upon the understanding that he shall not be submitted to punishment for his apparent deception, which seems, as I have explained, to have been unpremeditated. I prefer, however, to give you his equivalent in privates under the cartel. Awaiting your decision upon these two cases, I am, very respect- fully, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTI~, hilton Head, S. C., September 6, 1864. Capt. C. R. SUTER, Chief Engineer, Department of the South: CAPTAIN: You will conduct a reconnaissance into Dewees Inlet and to the mainland at or near Fullers Station. Reaching this point you will throw out scouts, as far as safety will admit, toward Hobcaw Point, on the Cooper River, and endeavor to aid any Union officers that may have tried to escape in that direction. Continuing the reconnaissance at this place as long as is safe, you will then reconnoiter in succession all the inland bays as far as Bulls Bay, keeping a sharp lookout on the mainland for refugees and escaped prisoners. The reconnaissance should continue until Saturday morning. One company, at least, of good marksmen will be taken on each boat, the Plato and the Island City, and each boat will tow a naval launch with howitzer. Show these orders to General Sax- ton and to the senior naval officer on the station. Very respectfully, J. G. FOSTER, Major- General, Commanding. HDQRS. NORTHERN DISTRICT, DEPT. Ol~ THE SOUTH, Morris Island, September 8, 1864. General J. G. FOsTER: GENERAL: I have the honor to report that on yesterday the rebel prisoners were all safely landed and placed in the stockade in front of Fort Strong. I found on my arrival here that General Schim- melfennig had already detailed the Fifty-fourth Massachusetts Regi- ment, Colonel Hallowell, to guard the prisoners, and as I was ex- pected as far as possible to carry out his plans I have not changed the detail. I believe that no better officer than Colonel Hallowell can be found in whose hands to place their safe-keeping, and thus far the duty has been well performed. Last night .was so dark an Page 276 276 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVIL the weather so stormy that the navy boats did not report for duty at Paines Dock. My boat brigade was out, but saw nothing unusual. The navy detail have reported this morning, and no exertions will be spared to carry out successfully the objects of the expedition. I am, very respectfully, R. SAXTON Brigadier- General, Commanding. MORRIS ISLAND, September 8, 1864. Maj. Gen. J. G. FOSTER, Commanding Department of the South: GENERAL: In accordance with your directions, I have since my arrival here been endeavoring to make myself master of my posi- tion. I find there is a great deal of work to be done to place the works here and this command in the condition they should be, even for - tolerable defense. When this is accomplished there is, with a little extra work, an excellent opportunity for offensive operations even with a small force. I have passed considerable time each day since my arrival in experimenting with the fire on Charleston, and not- withstanding the poor materials at hand for working the one gun (a 100-pounder Parrott), whiqh is the only one available for operating on the city, I am convinced that Charleston can be destroyed. With a sufficient number of Parrott guns, 30, 100, and ~200 pounders, well sighted, with good iron carriages capable of giving an elevation of 40 degrees, with time-fuses of fifty-three seconds, or good percussion- shells, with plenty of grease for the projectiles and a careful super- intendence of the firing, and Charleston is at your mercy. I would recommend the~ putting of twenty, or better thirty, 100-pounder Par- rott guns in position on our most advanced works, providing 600 or 700 rounds of ammunition for each gun, and when the naval battery is ready to operate, letour forces open on Charleston and fire until ordered to cease. If then the navy could be induced to sail in, I am confident the city would be completely destroyed or surrendered to our arms. I have no faith in the impregnability of Charleston, and I trust that our Government will determine ere the fall campaign is over the headquarters of the Department of the South shall be in Charles- ton, or where it was. I am, general, very truly, yours, R. SAXTON, 4 Brigadier-General. P. S.The enemy fired 2 shots at Fort Putnam from Charleston yesterday. They fell short. R.S. [Indorsement.] Write letter approving the idea. Instructions just received direct us to remain strictly on the defem~sive, hence the fire on Sumter afid the city cannot be increased at this time. The batteries can be en- larged and more guns mounted, ready for future work. J.G.F Page 277 CHAP. XLVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 277 ENGINEER DEPARTMENT, Washington, September 9, 1864. Maj. Gen. J. G. FOSTER, Comdg. Dept. of the South, Hilton Head, S. C.: GENERAL: Understanding from the chief of staff that you will have no present use for the two bridge trains recently ordered by you for Hilton Head, Mr. Trowbridge has been directed to retain them in New York, subject to the wants of the general service. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, RICHARD DELAFIELD, Brigadier-General and Chief of Engin~eers. [Indorsement.] Acknowledge receipt. J.G.F. ENGINEER DEPARTMENT, Washington, September 9, 1864., Maj. Gen. J. G. FOSTER Hdqrs. Dept. of the South, Hilton H~ad, S. C.: GENERAL: There is at New York a bridge of ten corrugated iron pontoons, just completed and ordered by General Woodbury for use in a Southern climate. In consequence of the death of Gen- eral Woodbnry and the resulting derangement of his special plans in connection with this bridge, there seems now no necessity for its being sent to Key West. I desire to learn whether you can receive these pontoons and have them tested, as to the comparative advan- tages of wooden and metallic boats, in the climate in which you are operating. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, RICHARD DELAFIELD, Brigadier-General and Chief of Engineers. HDQRS. NORTHERN DISTRICT, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, ]Iliorris island, S. C., September 9, 1864. Capt. W. L. M. BURGER, Assistant Adjutant- General, Dept. of the South: CAPTAIN: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your let- ter of September 3 with regard to the fire of our gun on Charleston. In reply I have to report that I fully appreciate the importance of the snggestions therein contained and hope that you will call the attention of the major-general commanding to the fact that we have no fuses longer than forty seconds, while we require forty-three seconds, and when we splice them they do not answer. Thus far I have not found the percnssion-shells reliable. There is needed here immediately a large number of 43-second fuses and grease for the projectiles, as I am informed there is none at the post, and it is very bad to fire without lubricating the shell or shot. There is a great deal needed here to make the ordnance department efficient, and as it is our main dependence for present operations, I beg that you will call the commanding generals early attention to the subject. I am, captain, very respectfully, R. SAXTON, Brigadier- General, c~ornmanding Page 278 278 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE OA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. HDQRS. NORTHERN DISTRICT, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Morris Island, 5. C., September 9, 1864. Col. WILLIAM GURNEY, 127th N. Y. I7ols., Comdg. Post, Morris Island, S. C.: COLONEL: I have the honor to inform you that the brigadier-gen- eral commanding has given his consent that blankets be issued to the destitute rebel officers, prisoners of war. You are authorized to make demand upon the post quartermaster for them, the blankets to be turned over to the quartermaster by the provost-marshal when the prisoners are removed from the island. I am, colonel, with great respect, your obedient servant, STUART M. TAYLOR, Assistant Adjutant- General. U. S. BARK HOUGHTON, September 10, 1864. Rear-Admiral DAHLGREN, Commanding South Atlantic Blockading Squadron: SIR: I have the honor to report that the firing from this ship last night was occasioned by trying to bring a sloop to, in the act of violating the quarantine regulations of this port. He paid no atten- tion to us until r fired the second shot; he then lowered his sail. I then dispatched the Larkspur (sent here to condense water for the ship) to bring her under our guns, but in the darkness she escaped. The Larkspur searched for her nearly an hour. She is not in sight this morning. I also report that Acting Master E. G. Furber is still sick and unable to attend to duty. Very respectfully, GEORGE R. BAILEY, Acting Ensign, U. S. N., Executive Officer. [Indorsement.] SEPTEMBER 10, 1864. Forwarded for the perusal o,f General Foster, the vessel referred to not being known to be within naval jurisdiction. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. A. DAHLGREN, Rear-Admiral. HDQRS. DEPT. OF S. CAROLINA, GEORGIA, AND FLORIDA, Charleston, S. C., September 10, 1864. Maj. Gen. J. G. FOSTER, U. S. Volunteers, Commanding Department of the South, Hilton Head: -~ GENERAL: In reply to your letter of the 5th instant in regard to James Pike and Charles R. Gray, I have to say that they were arrested in Edgefield District of this State. They were not in U. S. uniform when captured, and had about their persons certain papers which warranted the belief that they were spies. They are confine~1, as is usual in such cases, and will be accorded a fair trial. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, SAM. JONES, Afojor-General, Commanding Page 279 CHIP. XLVIII CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.U NION. 279 HDQRS. DEPT. OF S. CAROLINA, GEORGIA, AND FLORIDA, Charleston, S. C., September 10, 1864. Maj. Gen. J. G. FOSTER, U. S. Volunteers, Comdg. Dept. of the South, Hilton Head, S. C.: GENERAL: I concur with you in the opinion that Hospital Stewards Bates, Crossman, Russell, and Sackett, of the U. S. service, men- tioned in your letter of the 6th instant, who when captured were acting assistant surgeons, are entitled to their discharge from con- finement as prisoners of war. I do not think B. Whitney, of the One hundred and fourth Ohio Infantry, can be regarded as a non- combatant. His military status should be determined by the muster-rolls. He was discharged under the belief that he was a chaplain, but you tell me he was not mustered as such, but was acting as chaplain of the regiment in which he was an enlisted man. I will, however, accept a private in exchange for him. If you will accept an officer who could be guilty of such conduct as that by which Lieut. J. D. Higgins, of the One hundred and twenty- third Ohio Infantry, procured his release, and will give in exchange for him the nuniber of privates stipulated in the cartel as the equivalent of a lieutenant, I will very willingly make that exChange. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, SAM. JONES, Major- General, Commanding. HDQRS. DEPT. OF S. CAROLINA, GEORGIA, AND FLORIDA, Charleston, S. C., September 10, 1864. Maj. Gen. J. G. FOSTER, U. S. Volunteers, C~ommanding Department of the South: G~ENERAL: I have reason to believe that a number of C. S. officers, prisoners of war, are at present confined in a stockade on Morris Island, between and very near Batteries Gregg and Wagner. I have respectfully to ask if such is the case, and, if so, what shelter is provided for them, and if they receive in all respects, save loca. tion, the treatment accorded to prisoners of war among civilized nations? I make this inquiry because I believe you are retaliating on those officers for a supposed disregard of the usages of civilized warfare in the treatment extended to U. S. officers, prisoners of war, now in this city. Those officers are comfortably housed and receive the treatment due prisoners of war, and I will repeat what I have before had occasion to say to you, that I shall greatly deplore any necessity you may force on me to direct any change in their treatment. If by the 15th instant I receive no reply, I shall be justified in the conclu- sion that my supposition is correct and act accordingly. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, SAM. JONES, Major- General, Commanding. OFFICE OF AGENT OF EXCHANGE, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., September 10, 1864. Maj. Gen. JOHN G. FOSTER, - Commanding Department: GENERAL: I have the honor to report that on the 3d instant IL met Maj. John F. Lay, Confederate agent of exchange, under Page 280 280 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. flag of truce, at Charleston Harbor. He delivered to me 39 sur- geons, assistant surgeons, chaplains, and hospital stewards, whom General Jones released as non-combatants; also 2 soldiers recently captured at Port Royal Ferry, S. C., whom General Jones released without equivalent, stating through Major Lay that they were cap- tured by a deception which he disavowed. These released officers proved on examination to be of the rank accepted by General Jones, except in seven instances. Five of these were mustered as hospital stewards, but were acting when captured as assistant surgeons. Since, however, hospital stewards are non-combatants and as such entitled to their discharge, the error is unimportant. The sixth, Rev. Mr. B. Whitney, One hundred and fourth Ohio Volunteers, was released as a chaplain, but was in fact a private, who had been acting as chaplain for several months previous to his capture. The seventh, Lieut. J. D. Higgins, One hundred and twenty-third Ohio Volunteers, is a line officer, but by an error of the Confederate prison officer in making out his rolls was put down as an assistant surgeon. Of this error he silently took advantage. When the exchanges were effected at Port Royal Ferry on August 16, to close up the balance of the exchange at Charleston Harbor of August 3, we supposed that we had delivered all the Coilfederate prisoners then in our hands, except a few who had been captured by our colored troops in Florida and who were held for exchange for colored prisoners. Major Lay, however, then stated that some of the prisoners held by us as having been captured by colored troops were in fact captured by the Seventy-fifth Ohio Mounted Infantry (white). He asked whether, should his statement on examination prove correct, we would exchange them. Supposing that you had authority under General Hahlecks letter of July 19 to do so, and believing that an assent to Major Lays request would, as it did, assist the negotiations in regard to surgeons, chaplains, & c., then progressing between us, I agreed to it. I omitted to refer to this in my written report to you of August 17. An examination subse- quently ordered by you and made by Lieutenant-Colonel Hall, pro- vost-marshal-general of this department, showed that Major Lays statement was correct in the case of Lieutenant Packard, Second Florida Cavalry; Quartermaster Sergeant Carroll, Villepigues bat- tery, and 4 privates. At our interview of September 3, I in- formed Major Lay of the result of the investigation, and he imme- diately tendered me Lieutenant Lay, One hundred and seventeenth New York Volunteers; Mr. Parkman, captains clerk, U. S. Navy, and Sergeant Burkhardt, Fourth Michigan Cavalry, offering to re- ceive the Confederate officer and men above referred to on Septem- ber 8, at Port Royal Ferry. He stated that Mr. Parkman was offered in fulfillment of a former promise of his to Major Anderson, of your sta1~. I did not feel at liberty to decline to carry out myj promise made, as above stated, on August 16, and accordingly ac- cepted tho proffered officers and sergeant, agreeing to deliver to him Lieutenant Packard and the other Confederate prisoners on September 8. On my return to Hilton Head Rear-Admiral Dahlgren, at Mr. Parkmans request, sent 4 Confederate privates to the provost- marshal-general of the department to be delivered to the Confeder- ate authorities in exchango for Mr. Parkman, thus relieving you from furnish{ng equivalents for a naval officer Page 281 Cu~. XLVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 281 On September 8, I took Lieutenant Packard, Sergeant Carroll, and the 4 privates so furnished by Admiral Dahlgren to Port Royal Ferry and delivered them to Capt. A. L. Campbell, Third South Carolina Cavalry, who represented General Jones on the occasion. The matter of exchange in this department is now closed, with the exception of Rev. Mr. Whitney, One hundred and fourth Ohio Vol- unteers, and Lieut. J. D. Higgins, One hundred and twenty-third Ohio Volunteers, of whose cases I have already made a full explana- tion. If Yhave in this last matter of exchanging Lieutenant Pack- ard, & c., violated your orders or those of the department, it has been done unintentionally. Whatever of blame there is herein is mine, and should in no respect affect yourself. I could neither break my word as given on August 16, nor permit Lieutenant Lay, Mr. Parkman, and Sergeant Burkhardt to return to their bondage after they had been brought down by Major Lay on the assurance that they should be exchanged if your investigation of Lieutenant Packards case proved the majors statement as to their capture correct. Major Lay, at the close of our interview on September 3, instant, stated that the Confederate authorities were still ready to exchange, rank for rank and man for man, all the prisoners whom they held in General Jones department. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, STEWART L. WOODFORD, Lieut. Col. 127th New York Vols., Agent for Exchange. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. 0., September 11, 1864. Rear-Admiral J. A. DAHLGREN, Oonidg. S. Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Port Royal, S. C.: ADMIRAL: In my letter of the 2d instant, in answer to your favor of the 1st instant, concerning the batteries on Morris Island firing into the flag-of-truce boat sent to communicate with the navy, I informed you that I had referred pour letter to Brigadier- General Saxton, commanding Northern District, for investigation and a report. I have just received the report, and find that the officer in command of the battery was acting under orders which I gave some time since to the officers commanding the different dis- tricts of the department, viz, to allow no communication with the enemy at any other point than Port Royal Ferry. I informed Major-General Jones of this order, and there has been no attempt on his part to communicate with the army forces at other points. It seems from Captain Greens report that the enemys flag-of- truce boat came from an unusual place, which undoubtedly caused r the officers of the batteries to be suspicious of it, as they did not know that it was the intention of the senior naval officer to commu- nicate by flag of truce. I would respectfully suggest that in future, when you desire to send a flag-of-truce boat to the enemy at such points as are covered by our batteries, that you will notify the com- manding officer of the district of your intention in time for him to give the necessary orders. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER, Major- General, Commanding Page 282 282 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, HiltQn Head, S. C., September 11, 1864. Maj. Gen. SAMUEL JONES, Comdg. Oonfederate Forces in S. C., Ga., and Fla.: GENERAL: I would respectfully call your atteutiou to the follow- ing-named medical officers and non-combatauts who are confined within your department, aud request that they be released in accord- ance with the cartel aud by the precedeuts established betweeu ourselves: Dr. Nickerson, assistaut surgeon, Sixteenth Connecticut Volun- teers; captured at Plymouth, N. C., April 20, 1864. Dr. Denny, Second Massachusetts Artillery, assistant su~rgeon. John I. Wilkins, assistant surgeon, Fourteenth Illinois Cavalry. John A. Mendenhall, hospital steward, Second Indiana Cavalry. Joseph Albert Doane, sutler, Sixteenth Connecticut Volunteers. Edward C. Johnson, assistant sutler, Sixteenth Connecticut Vol- unteers. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., September 11, 1864. Brig. Gen. R. SAXTON, Comdg. North. Dist., Dept. South, Morris Island, S. C.: GENERAL: I am directed by the major-general commanding to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 8th instant, making suggestions for offensive operations against Charleston, & c. The major-general commanding directs me to state that your suggestions are approved by him, but as instructions have just been received here from the War Department directing him to remain strictly on the defensive, the fire on Charleston and Sumter cannot be increased at this time. The batteries, however, may be enlarged and more guns mounted, ready for future work. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. L. M. BURGER, Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF WEST FLORIDA, Barrancas, September 11, 1864. Maj. C. T. CHRISTENSEN, A. A. G., Hdqrs. Mil. Division of West Mississippi: MAJOR: I have the honor to submit, in connection with my report of August 24, No. 892, the following additional information re- ceived from refugees and deserters relative to the movements of the enemy: There are about 12,000 troops at Mobile, and about 10,000 contra- bands working on the fortifications. General Frank Gardner is in command of the troops ami General Higgins in charge of the forti- fications. Colonel Maury, Fifteenth Confederate Cavalry, is concen- trating a force between the Perdido and Mobile Bay. The camp Page 283 cHAP. XLVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 283 are at Greenwoods and H. Sibleys, and number 2,000 to 3,000 in- fantry, 700 cavalry, and four pieces of artillery. They are expect- ing re-enforcements from Blue Mountain, Ala. The railroad from Mobile to Pollard is well guarded by an additional force of 5,000, with headquarters at Pollard, and a small force at Pine Barren Bridge with an advanced post at Gonzales. Between the Yellow and Red Rivers there is one company of cavalry, Dr. Brady com- manding, and one company of infantry, collecting deserters and driving negroes northward. At Montgomery there was, on 1st in- stant, but one company of infantry. The city is intrenched all around from river to river and several hundred negroes ~vere work- ing on the fortifications. There are sixteen heavy guns on the arsenal and twelve field pieces, 6 and 12 pounders, in an open block on Washington street. The height andthickness of ramparts is 5 to 6 feet, the depth of the ditch 4 feet, and 6 feet wide. The magazines are near the Alabama River, made of brick, gnarded, and believed to be full of ammunition, but not bomb-proof. There is a large amount of quartermaster and commissary stores collected and de- posited in store-houses in the middle of the city. Major Calhoun is in command of the works and Major Wagner in command of the arsenal. The Alabama River is navigable at present for smaR boats only of 5 or 6 feet draught, while in the winter it will admit boats of 12 to 15 feet draught. There are no armed boats of any kind near the city. The Montgomery, Opelika and West Point Railroad was repaired but again partially destroyed by Shermans force. When my informant left on the 1st instant, Hoods army num- bered not more than 30,000, the larger portion of which had already retreated to Macon, leaving only two brigades as rear guard at At- lanta, which place was shortly after his departure entered by Sher- mans army. It is the general impression among the people that the South will shortly succumb and the militia forced lately to take arms will not fight. The veteran troops are also much demorahzed. On the northern portion of my district there are in and around Marianna the following troops, in charge of Colonel Montgomery, commanding district: 300 infantry (militia) and 100 cavalry, Captain Poe in the city; one small company of cavalry at Chipola Spring, Captain Chissen; one company below Hickory Hill, Captain Gida; one at Vernon, Captain Jones, and one at Sweetwater, on the Saint Andrews road, Capt. William H. Milton. Their strength averages 80 men. - At Marianna there are several hundred prisoners confined. They have commenced to fortify Marianna and expect artillery. The ne- groes of the neighborhood are placed at work on the fortifications. Very respectfully, major, your obedient servant, ASBOTH, Brigadier-General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. 0., September 12, 1864. Rear-Admiral J. A. DAHLGREN, Gomdg. South Atlantic Blockading Squadron: ADMIRAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of a com- munication from George R. Bailey, acting ensign and executiv Page 284 284 S. C., PtA., AND ON TILE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. officer of the U. S. bark Houghton, which was forwarded by you for my information. A previous report had reached these head- quarters and I caused an immediate investigation in the matter. A copy of the letter,* with the indorsements thereon, is respect- fully furnished for your information. There does not appear to be any knowledge whatever of this sioop on this side of the harbor. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., September 12, 1864. Maj. Gen. SAMUEL JONES, Commanding Confederate Forces: GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 3d instant, complaining that the batteries on Morris Island on August 30 fired upon your flag-of-truce boat while passing through Beach Channel. In reply I beg to state that this firing was caused by a misapDrehension on the part of the officer commanding our advance batteries at Cummings Point. Having received my orders to allow no communication by flags of truce at other points than Port Royal Ferry, except upon my special direc- tion, and not having been informed of the intended communication with you by senior naval officer, the comniandaut of the fort thought it his duty to attempt to cause your boat to turn back by firing over it. I have desired the admiral commanding our naval forces to notify the commanding officer at Morris Island of any future at- tempt to communicate with you under a flag in time to prevent any repetition of this occurrence. Regretting that it should have happened, I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER, JlJiojor- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., September 12, 1864. Brig. Gen. R. SAXTON, Comdg. Northern District, Department of the South: GENERAL: I send you a recapitulation of the verbal orders you received when I was at Morris Island, with a few additions. You will cause a shot to be fired into the city of Charleston every fifteen niinutes, each one carefully pointed so as not to endanger our pris- oners, say at the middle steeple, and elevated and charged so as to range to the upper part of the city. An occasional shot will be fired~ at Sumter from our batteries on Cummings Point. The Swamp Angel will be fired at night in order to prevent the discharge of supply vessels or steamers at Sumter. The other batteries will regu- late their fire by the enemy, generally answering all their shots, gun for gun. Carpenters will be sent at once, with all the engineers that can be spared, to complete the palisading and stockade about the front batteries. I find by careful inquiry that the steamer Philadelphia cannot be used to advantage through the inland *See p. 278 Page 285 CHAP. XLVII.] 285 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.tTNION. passages and shoal water of your district, and have therefore ordered the Houghton and General Hooker to be assigned for the present to your department. These boats are small, but owing to their light draught of water will be of more service to you than the Philadelphia, as they can go either outside or inside. The colum- biads should be removed from Coles Island to Fort Delafield, and the 30-pounder Parrotts from Long Island to Morris or Folly Island. Light guns should be substituted for the columbiads on Coles Island and for those taken from Long Island. Your particular attention will be given to the care of the prisoners of war on Morris Island, and the utmost vigilance exercised on the part of the guards. I desire that detailed orders may be given to every regiment and detachment in your command as to their rallying points and their duties, in case of an attack by a party of the enemy in boats with the design of liberating the rebel prisoners. These detailed orders should be concise and clear, and be thoroughly understood by every officer and man. Very little dependence must be placed upon the firing from Fort Strong on parties of men while-on the island; all such must be attended to by infantry and light artillery. The rations of our officers, prisoners of war in Charleston, have been ascertained to be as follows: Fresh meat, three-quarters of a pound, or one-half pound of salt meat; rice, one-fifth pint; one-half pound hard-bread or one-half pint of meal; beans, one-fifth pint. I de- sire that in rationing the prisoners of war now in your hands you be governed accordingly, making sure that they receive no more than the above except what salt or vinegar may be necessary for them. You may, whenever it is deemed advisable, issue molasses to them in lieu of any of the articles mentioned. Our officers con- - fined in Charleston are obliged to cook their own food, and I desire that the prisoners in our hands be made to do the same, unless you consider it more convenient or safe to do their cooking by soldiers detailed for the purpose. If you conclude to have the prisoners do their own cooking, details must be made from each detachment for the purpose, and the cooking must be done within the limits of the prison camp, and care must be taken to see that the cooking places are thoroughly cleansed after each meal. The printed orders issued by Colonel Gurney for the government of the camp must be modified accordingly. I have the honor to be, general, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER, Major-General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF WEST FLORIDA, Barrancas, September 12, 1864. Maj. GEORGE B. DRAKE, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Hdqrs. Department of the Gulf: MAJOR: I have the honor to report that owing to information re- ceived and forwarded yesterday, under No. 1045, I am to start on a cavalry raid into the northeastern portion of West Florida. Going up the Santa Rosa Island and swimming the horses across the East Pass to the mainland, I will proceed to Point Washington and from thence to Marianna and vicinity;returning via Saint Andrews Salt- Works. My object is to capture the isolated rebel cavalry and infantry in Washington and Jackson Counties, and to liberate th Page 286 286 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. Union prisoners confined at Marianna, to collect white and colored recruits, and secure as many horses and mules as possible. All the infantry will remain here for the safety of Barrancas and surround- ings. Very respectfully, major, your obedient servant, ASBOTH, Brigadier-General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., September 13, 1864. Maj. Gen. SAMUEL JONES, Corndg. Co~~federate Forces, Dept. of S. C., Ga., and Fla.: GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 10th instant, in reply to mine of the 5th, in regard to James Pike and Charles R. Gray, now confined in the jail tower at Charleston. You state therein that they were arrested in Edgefield District, S. C.; that they were not in U. S. uniform when captured, and had about them certain papers which, in your judgment, war- ranted the belief that they were spies. These statements are at vari- ance with information in my hands. I desire to acknowledge your assurance that they shall have a fair trial, and have the honor to request that when they are tried you will furnish me with a copy of the proceedings, and also of their sentence in case they are convicted. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER, llifajor- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH Hilton Head, S. C., September 13, 1864. Maj. Gen. SAMUEL JONES, Comdg. Confederate Forces, Dept. of S. C., Ga., and Fla.: GENERAL: I would respectfully invite your attention to the incon- venience of exchanging flags of truce at either Port Royal Ferry or at Charleston Harbor. The position of the ferry makes it unsuita- ble for the delivery or the reception of persons or of packages de- signed for the prison~~rs on either side, while in rough weather boats cannot safely meet in Charleston Harbor. I would suggest the Savannah River, off Jones Island, as a suitable place for all future exchange of flags of truce between us. It is alike easy of access to both of us, and is sheltered from all but the most violent storms. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER, Major- General, Commanding. HDQRS. DEPT. OF S. CAROLINA, GEORGIA, AND FLORIDA, Charleston, S. C., September 13, 1864. Maj. Gen. J. G. FOS~VER, U. S. Volunteers, Commanding Department of the South, Hilton Head: GENERAL: The officer to whom I referred your letter of the 21st ultimo, concerning sanitar.y and clothing stores for prisoners of war, has replied that the prisoners will be allowed to receive them. It will be more convenient for me to receive theni in this harbor tha Page 287 CHAP. XLVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 287 in the Savannah River, and they will be received at the point in the onter harbor agreed npon by Major Lay, of my staff, and Lieutenant- Colonel Woodford, of yours, for the meeting of flag-of-truce boats, on any day you may designate. If this arrangement suits you, my boat will take position at the designated hour, when the stores will be received. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, SAM. JONES, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, Jacksonville, Fia., September 13, 1864. Capt. W. L. M. BURGER Assistant Adjutant- General, Department of the South: CAPTAIN: On the 11th in,stant a flag of truce caine to our advanced pickets under a Maj. H. Goldthwaite, assistant inspector-general. It covered a number of women and children whose husbands and fathers were within our lines. All who desired to remain perma- nently within our lines and who were willing to take the oath of allegiance to the Government were allowed to enter. Two ~woffien who desired to return were informed that under such circumstances persons were not allowed to enter the lines. They returned. Refu- gees coming in inform me that the rebels are engaged in rebuilding the railroad, having quite a strong force engaged on the work. Negroes are being sent out of the State in large numbers. I neglected to say that Surg. John Ingram, of the Seventy-fifth Ohio Volunteers, taken prisoner at Gainesville, returned by the flag. He states that he was well treated by the rebel authorities. I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. P. HATCH, Brigadier-General, U. S. Volunteers, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., September 15, 1864. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, U. S. Army, Chief of Staff, Armies of the United States: GENERAL: I have the honor to transmit herewith a true copy of the statement of Charles Harris, a deserter from the C. S. Navy at Charleston, and who belonged to the gun-boat Chicora, T. T. Hunter commanding, now stationed in Cooper River. I respectfully re- quest that the matter may be brought to the notice of the Navy Department at Washington. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, r J. G. FOSTER, Major- General, 6~ommandi~g. [Inclosure.] Examination of Charles Harris. HDQRS. NORTHERN DISTRICT, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Morris Island, S. C., September 7, 1864. I belonged to the gun-boat Cfricora. There are about 60 men and officers on board; T. T. Hunter is commander. There are four guns, two 9-inch Dahlgren and two 7-inch Brooke rifles. The men are arme Page 288 288 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. with rifles, pistols, revolvers, swords, & c. There are four row-boats on board the Chicora. We lay up in the Cooper River not quite as high as the receiving ship. The Palmetto State, Charleston, and the Columbia are in the Charleston Harbor; they are all iron-dads. The Palmetto State has four guns, two 9-inch Dahlgren and two 7-inch Brooke rifles. The Charleston has six guns. I do not know their caliber; the two pivot guns are 7-inch. The Columbia is pierced for eight guns; she is not yet ready for sea. She is built so long that her bow and stern settle in the water and leave her middle high up. I do not think they will ever use her. These boats all lay up the Cooper River nearly opposite the Northeastern Railroad depot. One of these boats goes on picket every night between the city and Fort Johnson. The Charleston is the flag-ship. She is the fastest; she can steam about 4 miles an hour. The Palmetto States boilers are out of order. She goes very slowly. The Chicora will sail about 3 miles an hour. On board the receiving-ship there are about 150 North Carolina conscripts. The blockade-runners are the Stag (she went in night before last), Fox, Druid, Syren. I heard that the General Whiting was sunk. There are, I think, about eight torpedo-boats, 8 feet in diameter and 50 feet long; they come to a point at either end and propelled by steam. These boats all have torpedoes, some 15 or 16 feet in front of the bow. The iron-dads all have torpedoes, with between 60 and 150 pounds of powder in each, placed in front of their bows. They carry four or five to each boat and keep them in their magazines, which is forward near the bow. The plating is of 2-inch plates all over except the deck, which is one-half inch. I heard on board my boat that they were going to fit out all the blockade-runners as privateers with two or three guns on each, and run the blockade and prey upon our commerce. The captain of the Chicora will have command of the Stag. Some nine orten days ago the Tallahassee ran into Wil- mington, N. C. They are fitting up all the blockade-runners there also. Captain Brown, of the Charleston, is going with several other officers to Wilmington, N. C., to take command of some of the ves- sels; if they get out, I think they will do something desperate. They also talk of making a raid to Point Lookout for the purpose of lib- erating their prisoners at that place. Our rations are 14 ounces hard bread and ii pounds fresh beef, sometimes salt beef. This last week we received 6 sacks each coffee and sugar. We have passes into the city once in awhile. I was there two weeks ago. I landed at Calhoun street wharf. There are no guns upon it; there was one, but it has been removed. The Blakely gun is on Frazers wharf. On the battery or parade ground there are some six or eight guns. The shells from Cum- mings Point are doing a good deal of damage. I was born in Ireland; am twenty-five years of age; have been hr this country fourteen years. I resided nine years in New York. V was on board a steam-boat on the Mississippi till all the boats stopped running, and then I came to Charleston and tried to run the blockade on the steamer Macaroni, but could not get out and they compelled me to enlist in the Navy about two years ago. I was never paid, but got a little money now and then. They think that if Lincoln is re-elected there will be a revolution in the West; if Mc- Clellan is elected they think he will recognize.the Confederacy and there will be peace; that is their only hope. There is a gun-boat up near Columbus, Ga., which they are trying to fit out. I think the Page 289 CHAP. XLVII.] 289 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. are determined to do something desperate if these boats get out. I do not know anything of Fort Sumter. I heard that some 600 or 700 prisoners were confined in Charleston. I jumped off the boat last night and sWam to Morris Island. They heard me and sent a boat after me, but I eluded them. ENGINEER DEPARTMENT, Washington, September 15, 1864. Maj. Gen. JOHN G. FOSTER, - Coindg. Dept. of the South, Hilton Head, S. C.: GENERAL: Your letter of the 3d instant, particularizing the most important defects to which you object in the plan, & c., of Fort Clinch has been received and I am greatly obliged therefor. If your time will permit you to furnish an outline sketch or written description of the corrections for these defects, it will be very ac- ceptable to the department. Captain Sears (in charge of the fort) will furnish any plan of the grounds that you may reqnire. The plans in this office indicate no favorable ground for establishing batteries that will command the terre-plein of the work or its scarp. A new survey will be ordered. Respectfully, your obedient servant, RICHARD DELAFIELD, Brigadier- General and Chief of Engineers. HDQRS. NORTHERN DISTRICT, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, lkliorris Island, S. C., September 15, 1864. Rear-Admiral DAHLGREN, U. S. Navy, Commanding South Atlantic Blockading Squadron: ADMIRAL: I have the honor very respectfully to request that, if consistent with the interest of the service, a navy launcl~i, manned and armed with a rifled 12-pounder howitzer, may be placed on picket service in the creeks opposite Long Island and in Stono and Folly Rivers. Such a boat will be of very great service there. I am, admiral, with great respect, your obedient servant, RUFUS SAXTON, Brigadier- General, Commanding. GENERAL ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS NORTHERN DISTRICT, DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, No. 56. ) Morris Island, S. C., September 15, 1864. General instructions fqr the guidance of this command in case of an alarm: In case of an alarm at this post, a rocket will be sent up from Fort Shaw and one gun fired from the same place. At this signal the long-roll will be sounded, and tli~ entire command will be formed under arms at once. Two rockets and two guns from Fort Shaw will be the signal for the command to assemble at the place of rendezvous, which is on the beach, in rear of Fort Shaw, fronting the water. The regiments will move to the place of rendezvous at double- quick step, and will form in line of battle in the following order: 19 R RvQL xxxv, PT I Page 290 290 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. First, on the right, the Fifty-sixth New York Volunteers; second, the One hundred and twenty-seventh New York Volunteers; third, the Fifty-second Pennsylvania Volunteers; fourt U. S. Colored Troops. h, the Twenty-first The One hundred and twenty-seventh New York Volunteers will act as a reserve and hold Fort Shaw. The Fifty-fourth Massachusetts Volunteers will join that por- tion of the regiment guarding the rebel prisoners. The light battery will form in rear of the line of battle. Each regimental commander will send an officer to re~port his command in line to the post commander, who will at once pro- ceed to the place of rendezvous with his staff, to superintend the formation of the line. At the first signal every officer and enlisted man in this com- mand, except the sick excused by the surgeon, will turn out under arms, and, if mounted, with his horse. District staff officers will repair at once to the district headquar- ters and report to the brigadier-general commanding. Post staff officers will, in like manner, report to the post com- mander. All mounted orderlies will report mounted. The quar- termaster will see that all his means of transportation by land and water are ready to move at a moments notice, and the medical department will have its ambulances and other appliances for the sick in readiness. The most prompt and thorough compliance with these instruc- tions will be required, and no negligence or failure to respond to the above-mentioned signal call will be overlooked. R. SAXTON Brigadier- General, Commanling. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., September 13, 1864. Brig. Gen. JOHN P. HATCH, Corn dg. District of Florida, Jacksonville, Fla.: GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 13th instant, stating that certain persons had been allowed by you to pass into our lines under a flag of truce. In reply, I have to state, by direction of the major-general command- ing, that no women will be admitted within our lines who have no relatives on this side to take proper care of them. Generally only the wives and families of deserters and refugees are admitted; and they cannot return over the lines again, under any circumstances. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. L. M. BURGER, Assistant Adjutant- General. HDQRS. DEPT. OF S. CAROLJNA, GEORGIA, AND FLORIDA, Charleston, S. C., September 16, 1864. Maj. Gen. J. G. FOSTER, C~ommanding U. S. Forces, Hilton Head, S. C.: GENERAL: In reply to your communication of the 10th instant, I have the honor to say that it will not be convenient to me to receive the 5 privates you mention in the Savannah River off Jones Island Page 291 CHAP. XLVII.] 291 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. I would receive them at Port Royal Ferry at the day and hour named, but as you have given permits to some ten families to enter your lines, and as in your communication of the 11th instant you express a desire to send boxes of supplies, & c., to the Federal pris- oners of war, I will send a boat to the appointed place of meeting in the outer harbor of Charleston on Friday, the 23d of September, at 10 a. in., if notified by you, upon receipt of this communication, that this arrangement meets your approbation. Should the day ap- pointedprove too rough for the meeting, the following day at the same hour can be understood as appointed for the meeting. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, SAM. JONES, Major- General, Commanding. HDQRS. DEPT. OF S. CAROLINA, GEORGIA, AND FLORIDA, Charleston, S. C., September 16, 1864. Maj. Gen. J. G. FOSTER, Commanding U. S. Forces, Hilton Head, S. C.: GENERAL: In reply to your communication of the iiith instant, I have the honor to say that by the next flag of truce I will r~tnrn to you all medical officers confined in this department, in accordance with the cartel and the precedents established between ourselves, but I do not understand that sutlers and assistant sutlers are coin- prehended in This arrangement (see article 3, Cartel, General Orders, 142, War Department, Washington, Septeniber 25, 1862). I will, however, exchange them for citizens captured recently in McIntosh County, Ga., by your naval forces. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, SAM. JONES, Major- General, Commanding. HDQRS. DEPT. OF S. CAROLINA, GEORGIA, AND FLORIDA, Charleston, S. C., September 16, 1864. Maj. Gen. J. G. FOSTER, Commanding U. S. Forces, Hilton Head: GENERAL: In reply to your communication of the 13th instant, I have the honor to say that it will not be convenient to substitute the Savannah River off Jones Island as a place of meeting for flag of truce between us. For ordinary purposes of communication Port Royal Ferry is convenient, and where transportation is required the appointed place in Charleston Harbor, although liable to some inter- ruption from rough weather, seems to me equally convenient and eligible to both parties. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, SAM. JONES, Major- General, Commanding. ENGINEER OFFICE, DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., September 16, 1864. Maj. Gen. J. G. FOSTER, Commanding Departmen.t. of the South: GENERAL: In accordance with your instruction~, I started froi~i this post with the armed transport Island City about 2 a. m. of th Page 292 292 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLYII. 7th of September, arriving at Light-House Inlet about 9 a. m. A heavy gale from the northeast set in about 4 a. in., and blew steadily for three days, keeping me shut up in the inlet. On the morning of the 8th, the armed transport Golden Gate arrived at Light-House Inlet and reported to me. From her I learned that the Plato had attempted to join us, but had been obliged to put back. At 3 p. in., September 10, I took on board my two steamers two companies of the One hundred and twenty-seventh New York Vol- unteers, numbering in the aggregate 120 men, with 6 officers. Cap- tains Little and Weston were in command. I also took on board some cask buoys. The hay bales on board the steamer were arranged on the promenade deck, to serve as a breast-height for infantry and to protect the pilot-house. Having got everything on board, I left the inlet and communicated with Captain Green, U. 5; Navy, com- manding in Charleston Harbor. He referred me to Captain De Camp, of the Wabash, which ship I reached about sundown. Cap- tain De Camp gave me two large launches, which we took in tow. About an hour afterward two armed launches reported to me, one from the U. S. steamer Nipsic, and the other from the U. S. steamer Winona. They were also taken in tow. At early daylight we sailed for Dewees Inlet. It being dead low water when we arrived, the steamers were afraid to go in. I therefore put all the men I could into the two boats of the Wabash and into thetwo ships boats and rowed over the bar. The channel was easily found, and we got in without any trouble. One company, nuder Captain Weston, landed on Long Island, and explored it for about a mile and a quarter. They found the tracks of a cavalry picket who had made off at our approach. There were no roads, nor any signs of the island being inhabited. It is heavily wooded. The other company lauded on Dewees Island, and explored for about a quarter of a mile back from the beach. There are three houses on the shore of Dewees Inlet. They were all deserted, and had been so apparently for some time. Some mens tracks were seen, but we could not find any one. In the nieanwhile the two steamers had entered the inlet, but I sent them ou~t again, as I did not wish to be hampered with them or run the risk of losing them. They were ordered to buoy out the channel and wait off the ~bar until 5 p. in., and then proceed to Capers Inlet and wait for us to join them. Haviug in view the rescue of escaped prisoners and refugees, I did not think it advisable to approach the mainland with any show of force. I therefore directed the lieutenant commanding the boat from the Island City to proceed cautiously in the direction of Fullers house, concealing his movements as well as he could. His orders were to approach near enough to examine the landing and ascertain whether there were any troops there. In case it was unoccupied he was to land, but not to venture into the country. He was also directed to take; soundings as he went along. I desired him if possible to come back by the channel laid down on the map as running from Fullers toward Capers Inlet. If this could not be done he was to return by way of Dewees Inlet. The boat from the Golden Gate was left on picket in Dewees Inlet to warn him of danger on his return. In case the enemy should attempt to prevent their returning by way of Dewees both boats were to come out by Capers. The first boat reached a point within 100 c~r 200 yards from Fullers house. The intervening space was occupied by a mud fiat over which his boat would not float, In endeavoring to discover a channel he was see Page 293 CHAP. XLVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. UNION. 293 and fired on by the enemy, who occupied the place in considerable force. There are large salt-works here. The channel, having about :} fathoms of water, turns off into Copahee Sound at this point. Near the end of the sound a heavy work could be seen on the shore of the mainland. The line of works across Christ Church Parish probably rests on this work. It being impossible to get into the channel I had indicated the boat returned the same way it had come. The two boats then crossed the bar and joined their respect- ive steamers. A few cavalry came down on the point of Long Island as they were going out. The steamers then went to Capers Inlet and anchored off the bar. In the meanwhile I proceeded with the other boats into the open water behind Dewees Island. We found there an average depth of one fathom~ no channel was found. We attempted to penetrate the belt of islands which traverse this sheet of water, but without suc- cess, as the water was too shallow. We got far enough, however, to see that mud fiats extended to the shore with only a few inches of water on them. The shore was strongly picketed. I then con- tinued across the sound and turned down into Capers Inlet. We lauded near the upper end and attempted to explore, but the under- brush was too thick. The houses were deserted, but had beeu occu- pied within a month by rebel soldiers. No inhabitants could be found. We remained here several hours, and then re-embarking, pulled down to the mouth of the inlet. A stiff breeze was blowing and the sea broke heavily over the whole bar. As it would have been unsafe to go out, we encamped for the night on the point of Capers Island. I had it explored for about three-fourths of a mile, but could find no recent signs of the enemy. Some old picket sta- tions were discovered. The next morning, the wind having gone down, I communicated with the steamers and directed them to proceed to Prices Inlet. They were to land troops and examiue the inlet and buoy out the channel. This was done. Meanwhile I started for Prices Inlet. I took the channel uearest Capers Island, thinking it the deepest. In this supposition I was correct. It can be divided into three parts indi- cated on the map, the average depth of which are, respectively, 3 fathoms, lj, and 2 fathoms. The open water lying between this channel and the mainland i~ very shallow. It was all bare when I saw it. We landed once during this trip on Capers Island, where we found a good landing-pier. We finally reached Prices Inlet, where the other boats were waiting for us. I sent out word to the steamers to enter the inlet and buoy out the channel. This was done. I then embarked the troops and started to return. We left the boats at their respective ships and lauded the troops on Morris Island. I then pushed on for the Head, where I arrived about 11 p.m. Dewees Inlet bar has 9 feet of water at dead low tide. Tho chan- nel is peculiar, resembling that at Saint Augustine. After crossing the bar the water deepens at once to 2 or 3 fathoms. The most water is found close to the breakers. After once entering the inlet the lead gives about 5 fathoms. The stream leading up toward Fullers had about 3 fathoms up to the point where it turns into Copahee Sound. The two channels leading behind Dewees Island are about 4 fathoms deep. Across the fiats we had about 1 fathom. Capers Inlet has about 3 fathoms, but the bar is impassable to any yessel. From Capers to Prices Inlet there is a good channel. Th Page 294 294 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. middle part is rather narrow and crooked, but there is never less than 1-j fathoms. The outer portions are fine, wide streams, having 3 and 2 fathoms of water, respectively. Prices Inlet is large and roomy, nearly twice as wide as Dewees, which is about the width of Light-House Inlet. We found no bottom at 5 fathoms. The bar is good and the channel unusually straight. We found about 1 fathom on the bar at low water. A large, fine stream forms the connection between Prices Inlet and Bulls Bay by way of Sewee Bay. It looked very deep, but I did not have time to explore it. We may therefore assume safely that there is a good water communication, having at least 6 feet of water at the lowest tide, extending from Bulls Bay at least to the end of Copahee Sound, if not further; also that Dewees and Prices Inlets are perfectly practicable for blockade-runners of considerable draught of water. There seems to be no good place to approach the shore, which ap- pears guarded by extensive mud flats; it is also strongly picketed. I could see fires burning along the shores of the mainland at short intervals. The sea islands have only a few people on theum, who are there probably to signal to the mainland and to blockade-runners. All these islands are heavily wooded. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, CHAS. R. SUTER, Chief Engineer, Department of the South. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., September 17, 1864. General RICHARD DELAFIELD, Chief of Engineers, U. S. Army, Washington, D. C.: GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 9th instant in relation to the proposed trial of the new pontoon-boats built for General Woodbury. I shall be happy to have these boats sent to this department, and will see that a fair trial is made of them, and a proper report prepared by Captain Suter, U. S. engineer. Although the wood emi pontoon train has been denied to us, we shall be able, by means of the old boats that can be repaired and by the new boats that are rapidly being built in the engineer yard, to provide a sufficient wooden pontoon train to insure a fair trial of the two constructions. Respectfully, yours, J. G. FOSTER Major- General. Comman4ing. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., September 18, 1864. Maj. Gen. SAMUEL JONES, Commanding Confederate Forces, Charleston, S. C.: GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the recepit of your communication of the 16th instant, stating that it will not be conven- ient to you to receive in the Savannah River the 5 privates due you upon former exchange between us, and appointing the outer harbor of Charleston, on Friday, the 23d instant, at 10 a. in., as the time an Page 295 Ca& r. XLVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 295 place for their delivery. As these men are due to you I must accede to your selection of time and place, as also to your further sug- gestion that should the day appointed prove too rough for the meet- ing, the following day at same hour shall be understood as appointed. I will at the saiine time receive the families holding my permits to enter our lines, and will also turn over to your staff officer some boxes sent to me by their personal friends for U. S. officers, prisoners of war, in your hands at Charleston. These boxes contain such ar- ticles as clothing, writing paper, smoking material, and books. I have directed the batteries on Morris Island to cease firing from 8 on the morning of the 23d instant until after your flag-of-truce boat has returned to Charleston. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH,. / Hilton Head, S. C., September 19, 1864. Brig. Gen. GEORGE D. RAMSAY, Chief of Ordnance, U. S. Army, Washington, D. C.; GENERAL: I have the honor to inclose you extracts from a letter received this day from General Saxton, columanding Northern Dis- trict, which I forward to you for your information. The representa- tions made by General Saxton are confirmed by my personal obser- vation, and I feel satisfied that the ammunition expended in this department is all turned to the best possible account. My object in calling your attention to this matter is to explain my reasons for making what may appear large requisitions for ordnance stores. We are about out of ammunition for the guns in the front batteries of Morris and Folly Islands, and have been obliged to reduce the fire so as to almost entirely stop it, thereby giving the enemy oppor- tunities of repairing Sumter, which they have taken advantage of with great energy. I also inclose you extracts from General Saxtons letter concerning telescopic rifles. I think there is no place where from ten to fifty of these rifles could be used to better advantage than in the front works of Morris Island. I would respectfully suggest that from ten to fifty of these rifles be sent here. I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER, M~jor- General, Commanding. [Inclosure.] The shelling from the enemys mortars was severe this morning in cur front works, and having but little mortar powder, we were un- able to reply effectually. The mortars were very much needed to-day. I regret that our ordnance supplies are so scanty that I cannot make a decent defense of this important post. No powder, for the mortars; no suitablQ. fuses for the fire on Charleston; no shells for the 30-pounder Parrotts, a most useful gun for silencing the enemys fire; n~ material for making cartridge bags, or grease for lubricating the projectiles. I shall do all in my power with what Page 296 296 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. LORAP. XLVIL have, but these deficiencies in material, which are of such vital im- portance to successful operations, I deem it my duty to call your attention to the subject in the hope that they may be soon supplied. More ammunition for the 300-pounder, the most useful guns in these works, is also very much needed. * ~* * * * * * Within the last two days the work on this battery (naval battery) has been greatly interfered with by a corps of sharpshooters which the enemy has stationed on Fort Sumter. The bullets came in very thick when I was at the front this morning. I hope if there are any telescopic rifles in the department or any can be procured they may be sent to me at once. I think I can use them to great advantage. FLAG-STEAMER PHILADELPHIA, Port Royal Harbor, S. C., September 19, 1864. Maj. Gen. J. G. FOSTER, Comdg. Dept. of the South, Hdqrs. Hilton Head: GENERAL: The il-inch guns bave been mounted and ready to open for a week, but are unable to do so, as the parapets, traverses, bomb-proofs, & c., are not completed. I have no doubt you desire that the battery should be at work at the earliest possible date. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. A. DAHLGREN, Rear-Admiral, Comdg. South Atlantic Blockading Squadron. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., September 119, 1864. General SAXTON, Commanding, & c., Morris Island: GENERAL: I received your letter and have made the necessary requisitions by this steamer both for the ammunition and the tele- scopic rifles. I have directed Captain Suter to proceed at once to Morris Island to see that the engineer work is properly commenced and pushed forward to completion. The materials for this work are waiting transportation at this time. There is also a large amount of ammunition awaiting transportation. We have been constantly sending up colored recruits and trust they will be of serv- ice to you, and that you see them properly put to drill as well as fatigue. Yours, respectfully and truly, J. G. FOSTER Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., September 19, 1864. Brigadier-General SAXTON, Commanding, & c., Morris Island: GENERAL: I like your General Orders, No. 55, * very much in itself, but very much fear that some one of the printed copies will find its way into the enemys camp. It should have been strictly confiden * Reference is probably to General Orders, No. 56, p. 289 Page 297 Ca& r. XLVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. UNION. 297 tial, and in such cases it [is] never safe to print. I have known for some time that we have spies among us, who have not as yet been detected, hence the necessity for extreme caution. In addition to the above order I would like you to give detailed orders to each of the advanced batteries, Putnam. Chatfield, Seymour, and Strong, as to what their garrisons, both ordinary and increased (as at night), shall do in case of attack. The main and vital point in all the latter instructions will be to do the best under all circumstances, but under no circumstances to forget that their imperative duty is to hold their own work beyond perttdventure. Every officer and man in any work of ours who may be surprised or taken will be held in the lowest possible estimation thereafter, and will be condemned for extreme inefficiency or cowardice. These latter orders had better perhaps be given in manuscript. Yours, respectfully and truly, J. G. FOSTER, Major- General, Commanding. P. 3.Let the orders be, in case of attempted escape or rescue, to shoot down every rebel found outside the stockade. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, Jacksonville, September 19, 1864. Capt. W. L. M. BURGER, Assistant Adjutant-General: CAPTAIN: The scouts sent by me into Georgia five weeks since returned this morning. They report that in Clinch County de- serters and others are banded to resist being placed in the rebel army. Daily conflicts take place between them and the militia. A captain of militia was lately killed in one of these fights. They also report that there are at present but 600 men at Savannah for its defense. They also report 600 at Altamaha bridge. Several hundred of our prisoners are reported as confined in Savannah. An expedition from Darien could destroy the Altamaha bridge, threaten Savannah, and then destroy the road toward Thomasville, retreating to the mouth of the St. Marys River. The scouts are very anxious I should march from here direct via Kings Ferry and destroy the road. I have not, however, the troops to do it. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. P. HATCH Brigadier-General, Commanding. [Indorsement.] Letter of acknowledgment for signature. Cannot send troops to do what he suggests. Am ordered to stand strictly on the defensive. J. G. F7 HDQRS. NORTHERN DISTRICT, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, ikforris Island, S. C., September 20, 1864. Col. C. H. VAN WYCK, Fifty-sixth N. Y. Vols., ~orndg. Post of Morris Island, S. C.: COLONEL: The brigadier-general commanding has received in- formation that a flag of truce will communicate with the enemy i Page 298 298 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. LCHAP. XLVII. Charleston Harbor on Friday next, 23d instant. I am instructed to direct that you will cause our batteries to suspend firing on that day from 8 a. m. until after the flag-of-truce boat of the enemy has returned to Charleston. Should the weather prove too stormy, the flags wilt meet the following day at same hour. I am, colonel, with great respect, your obedient servant, STUART M. TAYLOR. Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, 5. C., September 21, 1864. Rear-Admiral J. A. DAHLGREN, Comdg. S. Atlantic Blockading Squad., Port Royal, 5. C.: ADMIRAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication bearing date of September 19, stating that the 11- inch guns have been mounted and ready to open fire for a week past. I have sent some engineers as a re-enforcement to those now at Morris Island, in order to hnrry up the work on the traverses, bomb-proofs, and parapets of all the front batteries, and gave orders to have work finished as early as practicable. I would much desire that the battery should be at work as soon as practicable, as my supply of powder for the front batteries is getting low, and in con- sequence I have had to slacken fire, which gives the enemy a good opportunity to repair damages in Fort Sumter and in the other batteries. I have the honor to be, admiral, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER, N~ajor- General, Commanding. FLAG-STEAMER PHILADELPHIA, Port Royal Harbor, September 21, 1864. Maj. Gen. J. G. FOSTER, Comdg. Dept. of the South, Hdqrs. Hilton Head: GENERAL: I am much obliged by yours of the 20th, inclosing an extract from a report by Captain Suter with regard to the draught of water in Dewees and Prices Inlets, and the practicability for blockade-runners. In May I caused these inlets and those above to be examined. The officer remained inside on the 23d, 24th, and 25th, passing through all the interior passages from Long Island to BulVs Bay, where he issued and went on board the U. S. vessel ~tation~d there. It was on this examination that I was disposed to enter these places with gun-boats and act in concert with any movement in that quarter. Blockade-runners might enter there, but could not pass inside of Sullivans Island, nor perhaps get out of reach of the rifled cannon of the vessels. There is, I believe, no doubt that those which have entered passed in by Maffitts Channel, and each has been noted at the time ; two have run aground and were lost not long since. I have not lately caused these inlets to be entered, as I consider it advisable not to draw attention to the fact that it is feasi- ble, until we wish to take a decisive measure, lest the rebels should Page 299 Ca& ~. XLVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 299 as they always do, take steps to make it difficult. The possession of Long Island would secure us entirely in this direction, arid if at any time you feel disposed to land there I will act with you. Very respectfully, your obedieirt servant, J. A. DAHLGIREN, Rear-Admiral, Comdg. S. Atlantic Blockading Squadron. HDQRs. DEPT. OF S. CAROLINA, GEORGIA, AND FLORIDA, Charleston, S. C., September 22, 1864. Maj. Gen. J. G. FOSTER, Commanding U. S. Forces, flulton Head. GENERAL: I have been informed that you have in your custody a man named J. M. Burnett, a citizen of Georgia, who was seized and carried away from his home by a raiding party from one of the ves- sels of the blockading squadron off this coast, and that he is to be tried on charges setting forth that he fired into the boats of the Paul Jones and other boats near Belle Point, Ga. I do not know how you regard this man, whether as a Confederate prisoner of war or as a captured citizen, but I claim for him all that is due ~hini in either capacity, and have to request that if proceedings are had against him you will inform me of the result. In justice to him, I inclose papers marked, respectively, A, B, C, and D, bearing on his case. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, SAM. JONES, Major- General. Commanding. [Inclosures.] A. ON BOARD TIlE BLOCKADER, Saint Simons Sound, Ar~gust 27, 1864. To the citizens of Glynn County: I am a prisoner on board this blockader, and the commander says Stockwell has made an affidavit that I was the Burnett that fired at the Paul Jones boats and killed 2 of their men when the railroad bridge was burnt. Also that Mrs. Goldens little boy made affidavit that I was one of the citizens that fired at their boats near the salt- works at Belle Point, and that I will be sent to Port Royal in a few days, and that I must clear myself of these charges. I want the citizens to clear me of these false charges through General Jones and General McLaws. I wish some of my friends to go and see the generals commanding without delay, and have such papers as are necessary to clear me of the charges sent by them to the admiral at Port Royal. Stockwell certainly made a mistake in names, and he will make the correction, unless he did it maliciously. And as to the firing on the boats at the salt-works, you all know that it was done by the Confederate cavalry and a few of the umilitia. The commander of those cavalry and militia will clear me of the state- ment made by the little boy. My friends, I hope you will lose no time in getting me sent back to my distressed and destitute family. Your distressed fellow-being, J. M. BURNETT. Do see that my poor, distressed family is taken care of, and do all you can for me to come home as quick as possible Page 300 300 S. C., FLA., AND ON TilE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. [Indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS, Savannah, Septe~aber 16, 1864. Respectfully forwarded. The within-jiamed Mr. Burnett was taken prisoner by a raiding party from the Federal navy on the Georgia coast, and it is reported that he was being tried by the naval authorities for firing into their boats, he not being in the Confederate service. The within affidavits have been forwarded to clear him of that accusation. Very respectfully, L. McLAWS, Major- General, Commanding. B. STATE OF GEORGIA, Giynn County. Personally appeared before me, John M. Tison, a justice of the inferior court in and for said county, George W. Stockwell, who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith that he never knew until last evening that the boats of the Paul Jones were fired into when they went to burn the railroad bridge in said county; that he was on Cumberland Island at the time that it is stated that the boats were fired upon, and therefore could know nothing of the parties that did so; that he never had any conversation with the Federal officers relative to the subject, and that if they have an affidavit that sets forth that he stated to any officer in the Federal service, or other person, that Julien M. Burnett fired into these boats at the time above specified, or at any other time, that such affidavit is a forgery. G. W. STOCKWELL. Sworn to and subscribed to before me this 31st day of August, 1864. J. M. TISON, Justice Inferior Court, Glynn County. C. STATE OF GEORGIA, Glynn County: Personally appeared before me Mrs. B. Golden, and swears to the following; The boy Garrett Golden is her son. He is eleven years of age, and from sickness his mind is much affected. B. GOLDEN. Sworn to before me this 1st day of September, 1864. JAMES ROSTELLE, Justice of the Peace. D. I hereby certify that, to my knowledge, the boy Garrett Golden was not within 4 miles of the pickets (which engaged the enemy at Demery Hammock about the 30th July, 1864) at the time of the en- gagement, and therefore could not know who was in the engagement. JAMES POSTELL, Orderly Sergeant, Co. E, Second Battn. Georgia Vols. The above sworn to before me this 31st August, 1864. JOHN M. TISON, Justice Inferior Court Page 301 CHAP. XLVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 301 HEADQUARTES DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, Jacksonville, Fla., September 22, 1864. Maj. Gen. J. G. FOSTER, Commanding Department of the South: GENERAL: It would be difficult for any regiment to replace the Seventeenth Connecticut in this district, but still I must say that the regiment would be a good one for the purpose. It has still a year to serve. The colonel has applied for a short leave of absence which I have indorsed favorably, and if the Governor was written to that the regiment was to be made an artillery regiment, he would, I have no doubt, make an effort to fill it up to 1,200, particularly if the colonel went himself with the application for the men. The Third U. S. Colored Troops, on duty at this post as guard for the intrenchments, is very well drilled as an artillery regiment, but will not, I hope, be taken from me, as their long practice at the guns here has fitted them well for the defense of this post. Colonel Doubleday has received his appointment as colonel of a new colored regiment. He is a most excellent artillery officer and will have a good regiment. As it a p pears the policy of the Government to give us colored troops, would it not be well to request that his regiment be sent here? He desires to come. I have recommended him a leave of absence for twenty days. He will in person give you his reasons for asking it; they are, I think, good. Colonel Littlefield should be sent here, or some mustering and disbursing officer appointed with funds. I am now moving again about the Florida cavalry. I send a handbill. The State agents all went away and we had no bounty money. An agent from the city of New York is now here with money. Colonel Littlefield nearly spoiled the whole thing by giving authority to persons to raise companies. The men were not those whom Florida men desired to serve under, and they would not en- list. The really loyal men of Florida are the most earnest men I have seen, and can be intrusted with the selection of their own offi- cers. They will have none but good and competent men. Can you send me Spencer or Sharps carbines for them and furnish the quar- termasters department with money to buy the horses? The quar- termasters department is fiat bruken here. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. P. HATCH, Brigadier-General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., September 24, 1864. Rear-Admiral J. A. DAHLGREN, Commanding South Atlantic Blockading Squadron: ADMIRAL: I have received the accompanying letter* from General Jones, containing four inclosures and relating to J. M. Burnett, who is stated to be in our custody. As he was captured by a boat from your squadron and has not been in my possession, I have the honor to refer this letter and inelosures to you. I have notified General Jones of this reference. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER, Major- GeneAral, (Jommanding. * See p. 299 Page 302 302 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., September 24, 1864. Maj. Gen. SAMUEL JONES, Comdg. Confederate Forces, Charleston, S. C.: GENERAL: In reply to your communicatidn of the 22d instant in relation to the case of J. M. Burnett, and containing four inclosures pertaining thereto, I have the honor to say that he is not, and has not been, in my custody. You state that he was captured by a raid- ing party from one of the vessels of the blockading squadron. He may be, therefore, in the custody of Rear-Admiral Dahigren, com- manding the squadron, to whom I have accordingly referred your letter with its inclosures. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER, Major- General, Commanding, HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, Jacksonville, Fla., September 25, 1864. Maj. Gen. J. G. FOSTER, Commanding Department of the South: GENERAL: I am informed by deserters, and also by one of my scouts, that there is at Camp Piuckney, on the Saint Marys River, 5,000 barrels of resin and 7Q barrels of turpentine. This is barreled, and there is in vats 2,000 barrels of soft turpentine. On the north side of th~ Satillo River, only a few miles from Jefferson, there are three plantations on which there are 500 negroes. If you do not object I propose getting in the resin and turpentine immediately, and shall also send a scout through Nassau County to arrest and bring into our lines as prisoners every able-bodied man. By the call of the Governor of Florida, all men capable of bearing arms are in service and should be held as prisoners for exchange when- ever taken, although they may not be actually under arms at the time of capture. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. P. HATCH, Brigadier-General, Commanding. GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, No. 139. Hilton Head, S. C., September 26, 1864. In honor of some of the brave officers who have served in this department, the most of whom having lost their lives in the present rebellion, the new works lately erected will hereafter be known by the following names: The works within the intrenchments at Hilton Head will be known as Fort Sherman, after Brig. Gen. Thomas W. Sherman, U. S. Vol- unteers, formerly commanding this department. The work at Mitchelville will be known as Fort Howell, after Brig. Gen. Joshua B. Howell, formerly colonel of the Eighty-fifth Penn- sylvania Volunteers, killed at Petersburg, Va., September 14, 1864. The work at Beaufort, S. C., will be known as Fort Stevens, after Brig. Gen. I. I. Stevens, U. S. Volunteers, killed at the battle of Chantilly, Va., September 1, 1862 Page 303 C~p. XLVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 303 Tho work at Spanish Wells will be known as Battery Holbrook after First Lient. Henry Holbrook, Third Rhode Island Volunteer Artillery, killed on Morris Island, S. C., August 21, 1863. By command of Maj. Gen. J. G. Foster: W. L. M. BURGER, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH Hilton Head, S. C., September 27, 1864. Maj. Gen. SAMUEL JONES, Commanding Confederate Forces, Charleston, S. C.: GENERAL: I have been officially informed that yellow fever exists at the present time in Charleston, and that there is good reason to suppose that it also prevails in Savannah. I have therefore the honor to notify you that none of the civilians who have heretofore received permits to enter the lines of this department will be received by me until the first day of November, 1864. May I request you to have suitable notice of this given to all such persons? Their permits have passed through your headquarters. Very respectfully, yours, J. G. FOSTER, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, Jacksonville, Fla., September 27, 1864. Col. A. L. HARRIS, C~omdg. Seventy-fifth Ohio Volunteer Mounted Infantry: COLONEL: The bad condnct of the troops under your command on the Gainesville raid has been reported to me from several different sources. In positive violation of my orders just issued, your men disgraced their country by their lawless pillaging. That troops so little under discipline meet with a disgraceful defeat is not surpris- ing. You will be held strictly accountable for the acts of your men on the expedition on which you are now starting. Colonel Noble has instructions to execute immediately any man found pillaging and to report to me the general conduct of your command. Very respectfully, JNO. P. HATCH, Brigadier-General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, Jacksonville, Fla., September 27, 1864. Col. WILLIAM H. NOBLE, Commanding, Magnolia, Fla. : - COLONEL: I have the honor herewith to transmit a copy of a com- munication* just received from Colonel Wilcoxson. The general commanding desires that you tak& such steps as are necessary. A force of 100 cavalry has been ordered to report to you at Saint * Not found Page 304 304 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. Augustine. The general Commanding suggests that the expedition ~hould be of Cavalry and infantry combined, and that you may take such portion of infantry as you Choose from Magnolia. I have the honor to be, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, THORNDJKE D. HODGES, Captain and Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, Jacksonville, Fla., September 27, 1864. Col. WILLIAM H. NOBLE, Commanding District South of Saint Augustine: COLONEL: In marching through the country you will exercise the greatest vigilance in protecting its people from those bad soldiers who disgrace the arms of their country by pillaging. Immediate trial and execution of the offenders on the spot where the offense is committed will be resorted to if other means fail. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. P. HATCH, Brigadier- General, Commanding9 MORRIS ISLAND, S. C., September 28, 1864. Major-General FOSTER, Commanding: GENERAL: I inclose for your information two communications, which were intercepted to-day. I propose to give General Beanie- gard a salute in Charleston this evening from my 200-pounders. Yours, sincerely, R. SAXTON, Brigadier-General. [Inclosures.] (Battery Bee to Beach Inlet.) Lieutenant ROBERTS, Captain ALDRET, Steamer Rebel: As soon as stores are discharged report the steamer to Major Var- dell, at Kinlochs Landing. PRING~E, ]llajor. (Beach Inlet to Battery Bee.) R. NORTH: Captain Smith requests that you will let us know when General Beauregard crossed the bridge. FAN, Lieutenant, Adjutant of Post Page 305 CHAP. XLVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.IJNION. 305 (Battery Bee to Beach Inlet.) Lieutenant ROBERTS, Capt. R. P. SMITH: General Beauregard is at Sullivans Island wharf. R. NORTH. WASHINGTON, September 29, 1864. General J. G. FOSTER: Mv DEAR GENERAL: I am greatly obliged for the photograph you sent me, giving the condition of Sumter on the 1st instant. We have Gillinores photographs, or rather sketches, at two former periods and produced by guns of different calibers and from different distances. It is now of much interest to know the exact distances of the different batteries, caliber of guns, and number of rounds fired from each. The question and subject is important that we may guard against exposing such masonry to such artillery for such periods, and it is desirable to learn how long such masonry is at all reliable for any particular period. If through your engineer and artillery officers you can give me detailed information and forward me several copies of the best photograph of the actual condition of Sumter, taken with the best light upon it, you will still further oblige me, and promote the interest of our service. Should you find time to make it an official paper, it would be very acceptable. The report from Petersburg for August says 8,275 rounds of siege ammunition were fired, 1,605 from guns and 6,670 rounds from mortars, making a total of about 160 tons of iron duriug the month. Corresponding facts with results in relation to Sumter would be very satisfactory. Respectfully and truly, yours, RICHARD DELAFIELD, Brigadier-CI?nerat and Chief of Engineers. HDQRS. NORTHERN DISTRICT, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Morris island, S. 0., September 29, 1864. Colonel HARTWELL, Commanding Post, Folly island: COLONEL: I am directed to say to you that the suggestion of Major Wales, commanding outpost on Long Island, S. C., that the position of the several posts under his control be changed so as to deceive the enemy should the two deserters inform as to their locality, meets with the entire approval of the brigadier-general command- ing. They should be changed without delay. I am also instructed to state that Brigadier-General Saxton deems it advisable that col- ored soldiers be ordered to relieve those men of the Fifty-fourth New York Volunteers, on duty at Long Island and elsewhere at the outposts of Folly Island, who are not considered trustworthy. Sol- diers about whom there is the slightest doubt as to their fidelity should not be placed in positions where the temptatioii may be offered them to quit their post or desert to the rebels. I am, colonel, with great respect, your obedient servant, STUART M. TAYLOR, Assistant Adjutant- General. 20 R RYOL xxxv, PT I Page 306 306 S. C., FLA., AND ON TIlE (IA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, 5. C., September 30, 1864. Rear-Admiral JOHN A. DAHLGREN, Comdg. South Atlantic Blockading Squadron: ADMIRAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 29th instant, answering General Joi~es letter of the 22d, concerning a prisoner in your custody, and returning his letter with its four inclosures, marked A, B, C, and D. By the next flag of truce I will send a copy of your letter to ~General Jones, ac- cording to permission contained therein. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER, Major-General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., September 30, 1864. Maj. Gen. SAMUEL JONES, Gomdg. Gonfederate Forces, Charleston, S. C.: GENERAL: I have the honor to inclose a copy of a letter* this day received by me from Admiral Dahlgren, in reply to the inquiries in your letter to me of the 22d instant. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER, Major-General, Commanding. HDQRS. DEPT. OF S. CAROLINA, GEORGIA, AND FLORIDA, Charleston, S. C., September 30, 1864. Maj. Gen. J. G. FOSTER, Commanding U. S. Forces, Hilton Head: GENERAL: In accordance with your request expressed verbally by Lieutenant-Colonel Woodford, of your staff, to Captain Souk, assist- ant adjutant-general of my staff, I have authorized Major Lay, of my staff, to receive under flag of truce in this harbor, ~n Monday, the 3d of October, such packages as you may desire to deliver for the use of the Federal prisoners confined in this department, and to renew the assurance formerly giveii you that they shall be distrib- uted in accordance with your wishes. I have the honor to forward~ for the use of our prisoners confined in your department certain packages (an invoice of ,which will ~e rendered) sent to them by their friends, and to request that you will receive them and give such orders as may insure their safe delivery to the officers to whom they are sent. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, SAM. JONES, Major- General, Cvommandind. * Not found Page 307 CHAP. XLVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 307 FLAGSTEAMER PHILADELPHIA, Port Royal 1Iarbor, 5. C., October 1, 1864. Maj. Gen. J. G. FOSTER, Comdg. Dept. of the South. Hdqrs. Hilton Head: GENERAL: I send you some deserters from Battery Marshall, who ~vi11 give you some account of the works there. By their account, st)Ine 200 or 300 Union troops are working near Battery Marshall for the sake of getting clothing and shoes to wear, being nearly destitute. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. A. DAHLGREN, Rear-Admiral, Comdg. S. Atlantic Blockading Squadron. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., October 3, 1864. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Chief of Staff, Armies of U. S., Washington, D. C.: GENERAL: I have the honor to furnish a~i extract from a report made by due John Van Dailey, a deserter from Clinchs Light Bat- tery, which is statk~ned at Camp Isle of Hope, southeast of Savannah The whole dependence of the South is upon the election, in the success of a man of peace principles, it being openly avowed in the streets of Savannah that if Lincoln is re-elected they will of necessity at once have to yield, and they are only awaiting the election in the North. I hav~ the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., October 3, 1864. Rear-Admiral J. A. DAHLGREN, cvomdg. S. Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Port Royal, S. C.: ADMIRAL: Referring to the subject of the jurisdiction of Bay Point I have the honor to propose the following, viz: To remove the garrison from Fort Seward and turn it over to your jurisdiction after removing the guns and carriages, which it is understood are not desired by you and will be of value to me in arming the new field forts at this place and Beaufort. I thus turn over the whole .jurisdiction of Bay Point and as much of Phillips Island as you de- sire, with the distinct understanding, hdwever, that whenever the Engineer Department of the United States requires the site for the erection of permanent fortifications for the defense of the harbor it shall be yielded up for that purpose. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER, Major- General, Commanding. FLAG-STEAMER PHILADELPHIA, Port Royal Harbor, October 3, 1864. Maj. Gen. J. G. FOSTER, ~~omdg. Dept. of the South, Hdqrs. Hilton Head: GENERAL: I have received yours of to-day in relation to Fort Seward and Phillips Island. I accept of the proposition mad Page 308 308 S. C., FLA., AND ON THI~ GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. therein, and whenever the Engineer Department may choose to re- sume the site thus conditionally ceded, it will be relinquished at once. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. A. DAHLGREN, Rear-Admiral, Oomdg. S. Atlantic Blockading Squadron. [Indorsement.] OCTOBER 3, 1864. Issue orders to the ordnance department to remove the guns and carriages from Fort Seward at once. The guns are to be used to arn~ Forts Sherman, Howell, and Stevens, the selection of the gnns for each beiiig made by Captain Suter. The present garrison of Fort Seward will help dismount and load the guns, and will then rejoin their regiment. J. G. FOSTER, Major- General, Commanding. GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OFTHE SOUTH, No. 143. Hilton Head, S. C., October 3, 1864. Brig. Geti. E. P. Scammon, U. S. Volunteers, having reported in accordance with Special Orders, No. 301, current series, from the War Department, he is hereby assigned to the command of the Northern District of this department, and will relieve Brigarilier-Gen- eral R. Saxton without delay. Brig. Gen. R. Saxton, on being relieved, will resume command of the District of Beaufort. By command of Maj. Gen. J. G. Foster: W. L. M. BURGER, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., October 3, 1864. Brig. Gen. E. P. SCAMMON, Comdg. Northern District, Dept. of the South: GENERAL: In taking command of the Northern District and re- lieving General Saxton, I desire to call your attention to the foNow- ing points which seem to be of the most importance, viz: After making yourself thoroughly acquainted with the troops of your command, their condition, positioii, & c., you will next exam7 me into the condition and position of the different batteries. The chief of artillery, Lieutenant-Colonel Ames, will be able to give you the necessary information concerning these batteries, with the details in relation to their condition, armament, & c. It will be necessary to visit them all in person, accompanied by the chief of artillery, and I recommend that this be done at once, as soon as you are settled in your quarters. The batteries on Long Island, Coles Island, a~nd Black Island, being the advanced picket batteries toward the enemy, need not be visited immediately upon your arrival, but should be inspected by you as soon as practicable in order for you to obtain a perfect knowledge of their condition and position. I wish all th Page 309 CHAP. XLVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 309 troops to be reviewed and inspected as soon as the work and the weather will permit you to do so. The orders given from these headquarters respecting the work now going on on Morris Island are to the effect: First. To build a new palisading all around Fort Putnam, includ- ing the recent addition of the six-gun naval battery; ~to complete this battery and to provide proper flanking (lefense for its face, bomb-proofs, & c. The reverse of this battery is to have a stockade with loop-holes for infantry. As many more 200-pounders as room can be found for will also be placed in this battery, for the treble object of firing on the city, Fort Sumter, and Sullivans Island. Second. To renew or repair the palisading around Batteries Chatfield and Seymour so as to connect the two. More guns and mortars are also to be placed in these batteries where room can be found by connecting the two. The most important part in re- gard to these batteries at present is to have the palisading around them made so strong and perfect as to prevent the possibility of the enemy taking these batteries by a surprise or boat attack. The objects of the fire of these batteries at the front are, generally, Fort Sumter, the channel, or rather such blockade-runners ~which may attempt to run in or out, and the city. Occasionally a few shots will be fired at the enemys batteries on Sullivans Island, when the fire of the enemys batteries becomes too annoying. Gen- erally, however, these batteries at the extreme front are to be hus- banded for future work, and therefore placed and maintained in perfect repair and efficiency. Generally, Fort Strong will return the fire from the enemy, gun for gun, from 100-pounder Parrotts. Third. Fort Strong. This is regarded as the citadel of the works on the upper end of Morris Island. It is strongly armed and will be so maintained and also strongly manned. Care must always be taken that its palisading round it is kept in perfect repair, and that its garrison is good, well instructed, and vigilant. Fourth. The remaining batteries on Morris Island and the other islands have all peculiar duties, but do not require general directions except the general one that the garrisons must be kept in good con- dition and well instructed. The forts at Light-House Inlet have orders to return the fire from the forts of Secessionville gun for gun. Here it is necessary to make a general remark. The forts and bat- teries must have as experienced artillerists as it is possible to obtain, but as the artillery force proper is very small and diminishing very fast by the expiration of the term of enlistments of the men it is necessary to use infantry for this duty. Great care must be taken to select the best regiments and best men and officers for this duty, and when infantry thus selected become good artillerists they must be continued on that duty as long as their conduct is satisfactory. Fifth. The rebel prisoners of war in the palisades will require the utmost care and attention as regards their security; the Fifty- fourth Massachusetts Volunteers are now guarding them and I rec- ommend that they be retained on that duty so long as their conduct is satisfactory. I have written General Saxton full instructions as to the necessity of having detailed instructions given as to the duties of each regiment and detachment in case an attempt be ma(le by the enemy to escape, or by their frieuds to rescue them. I believe Gen- eral Saxton has given all the orders necessary f& r the present, but constant vigilance will be necessary on your part to see tha Page 310 310 S. C., FLA., ANI) ON THE GA. COAST. C~1AP. XLVII. they are obeyed. Modifications will be necessary from time to time in accordance with the circumstances. Jn order to give an oppor- tunity to have the camps searched from time to time two schooners are anchored in Light-House Inlet, to which the prisoners may be moved when necessary. While upon these schooners increased vigi- lance should be used to prevent the escape of the men by their jumping overboard an4 swimming to the shore. For this purpose, iii addition to the guards on board, boats well armed must row guard all night long around the vessels. A vigilant guard will be kept on each shore near the vessels, and a good watch kept froig the fort on each side the anchorage, and the guns kept charged with grape. A cable must be kept on each vessel, and all the steamers in the inlet must have a sufficient guard on board to prevent any possibility of their being captured by a boat attack by the enemy Ii avin gfor its object the rescue of the prisoners. All row-boats not needed by the boat infantry for night service as picket-boats or fer- riage across the inlet must be taken to the lower end of Folly Jsl- arid and placed in a secure position, if it has not already been done. In fine, every means must be taken to provide for every emergency and to insure perfect safety. Sixth. As to the rate of firing, that upon the city is usually on an average of 1 every fifteen minutes, but this may be varied accord- ing to circumstances. The firing on Fort Sumter is very slow at present, owing to a want of ammunition, but when a sufficient sup- ply arrives, a slow fire, principally shells from mortars, will be kept up whenever there is an appearance of working parties being en- gaged. The Marsh Angel will fire dark nights all night long at irregular intervals, and upon light nights sufficiently to prevent their landing supplies on the dock on the left flank. All details connected with your conunand will be obtained from the file of or(lers from these headquarters in the adjutant-generals office of the Northern District. Soon as you send a list of maps in the office the duplicates of those we have will be sent you to complete your list. The commanding general, haviiig great confidence in your judgment and ability, leaves much to your discretion, feeling con- fident that everything will receive your prompt and careful con- siderati on. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER Major- General, Commaneuling. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Izijiton Head, S. C., October 5, 1864. Brig. Gen. J. P. HATCH, Commanding District of Florida, Jacksonville, Fla.: GENERAL: The yellow fever is now more or less prevalent at New Berne, N. C., and within the rebel lines along this coast. The major-general commanding directs that immediate steps be taken to prevent its appearance within this department. You will therefore please see that the camps and all buildings and grounds within your district are inYmediately and thoroughly policed and cleansed, and that lime is profusely used, particularly about the sinks. The major-general commanding further directs that instru Page 311 CHAP. XLVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 311 tions be given to the officers commanding outposts to admit no de~ serter~ or refugees until they have been strictly and rigidly quaran~ tined. You are requested to keep this matter as quiet as possible. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. L. M. BURGThR, As8istant Adjutant- Generat. HI~ADQUARTERS Fr~sT SEPAt~AT1~ II3I~IGADI~, NORTHERN DISTRICT, DEPT. OF THE SOUT11~ Aliorris Island, S. C., October 6, 1864. Major-General FOSTER, Commanding Department; GENERAL: The day before yesterday Brigadier-General Saxton went with me to the front batteries toward Charleston. I found everything in apparently good condition. The earth-works are ex- cellent. The new pahsading around Fort Putnam, including the recent addition of the six-gun navy battery, is nearly completed. The flanking arrangement for the latter is such as you desire.. The palisading is complete with the exception of looping. In reference to palisading between Batteries Chatfield and Seymour, I would state that the material does not arrive as fast as it ought, and I beg that the officers having the matter in charge may send what is re- quired with the utmost promptitude. To-day I review the troops at this place. To-morrow I propose to visit Folly Island, and will then give you a detailed report of the condition of my command. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, E. P. SCAMMON, Drigadier- General, Commanding. HDQRS. NORTHERN DISTRICT, DEPT. OP THR Sourril, Morris Island, S. C., October 6, 1864. Colonel HALLOWELL, In Charge of Prisoners Camp: COLONEL: I am instructed to inform you that the brigadier-gen. eral commanding consents that the rebel officers, prisoners of war, now in your hands, located on Morris Island, be permitted to~ purchase such articles, not contraband, from the sutler as they may from time to time desire. These purchases are to be made under the superintendence of Capt. Thomas Appleton, Fifty-fourth Massa- chusetts Volunteers, provost-marshal, Northern District. I am also charged to direct that you cause this communication to be read to the prisoners for their benefit, in order that all who desire it may avail themselves of this privilege. Those officers who maybe in need of money will be afforded facilities for obtaining it. Lights will also be permitted them, to be extinguished, however, at such an hour of the evening as you may see fit to designate. The candles can be purchased from the sutler. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, STUART M. TAYLOR, Assistant Adjutant-General Page 312 312 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. HDQRS. NORTHERN DISTRICT, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Morris Island, S. C., October 6, 1864. Colonel HALLOWELL, In Charge of Prisoners Camp: COLONEL: The brigadier-general commanding instructs me to direct that you will please make requisition at once on the quarter- masters department for a sufficient amount of lumber to build proper sinks for the use of tl~e rebel officers, prisoners of war in our hands, now located on this island. These sinks should be inside of the dead line, and the vault dug to such a depth that they will not be rendered offensive. I am directed to inform you that the brigadier-general commanding is not desirous that the prisoners should be employed to empty their sink tubs, our own officers in the hands of the rebel authorities not being subjected to this indignity, but the general intends to extend to them such treatment as the general is informed, and knows from personal experience, is given to the officers of the U. S. Army now in possession of the enemy. Hence this desire that the custom now in force of using sink tubs be dispensed with, and that proper arrangements be promptly made by you to render their lot less unpleasant to the prisoners in this particular. If upon in- vestigation you find that the plan would be impracticable, on account of water coming up too high, or in any other way objectionable, you will please report the fact to these headquarters in order that other measures may be adopted. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, STUART M. TAYLOR, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS FIRST SEPARATE BRIGADE, NORTHERN DISTRICT, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Morris Island, S. C., October 8, 1864. Colonel VAN WYCK, 56th N. Y. Vols., C~omdg. Post, Morris Island, S. C.: COLONEL: The brigadier-general commanding directs that you cause a competent medical officer to visit daily the camp of the rebel officers, prisoners of war, and extend to those confined there such medical treatment as they may from time to time require. I am, colonel, with great respect, your obedient servant, STUART M. TAYLOR, Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., October 10, 1864. Maj. Gen. SAMUEL JONES, Oomdg. Confederate Forces, Charleston, S. C.: GENERAL: In reply to your letter of the 30th ultimo, requesting me to receive certain packages for the use of your prisoners con- fined in this department, and to give such orders as would insure their safe delivery to the ~officers to whom they were sent, I have the honor to state that they have been safely (lelivered to such officers under the personal superintendence of Lieutenant-Colone Page 313 CHAP. XLVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.~~ION.. 313 Woodford, of my staff. They were received from your staff officer on the 3d instant and delivered to your prisoners on the 5th. I have the honor to inclose a copy of a receipt taken from your officers upon the delivery of the packages to them. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER, Major-General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., October 12, 1864. Brig. Gen. R. DELAFIELD, Chief of Engineers, U. S. Army, Washington, D. C.: GENERAL: I have the honor to inform you that I have, in com- pany with Captain Suter, U. S. Engineers, made an inspection of Fort Clinch and its surrOniRlings. We arrived at a definite con- clusion as to the changes that should be made in the plan in order to render the work efficient. The short interval before the sailing of the Fulton will not allow time to prepare a full report. I will, however, say that the proposed changes embrace the following points, viz First. The abolition of the chemin~ de ronde, the closing up of its loop-holes, and the removal of the parapet forward to it as a scarp wall. Also raising the parapet. Second. The removal of the heavy guns from the bastionettes, the substitution of a flanking center pintled howitzer in its place, and the covering of it~ parapet with 2 feet of earth. Third. The substitution of a counterscarp of masonry for the countersloping one of earth, the narrowing of the ditch, and the introduction of a wet ditch 15 feet in width next the counterscarp, leaving a beam of 20 feet width next the scarp. The wet ditch to be 6 feet in depth at high water. Fourth. The changing the entrance either to the left flank or the left face of the work. Fifth. The construction of the magazines nuder the parapet or rampart at each salient, with entrances from the galleries leading to the lower stories of the bastionettes. Sixth. The formation of three casemated traverses on each face and flank and on the gorge. Seventh. The construction of only one or two of the officers quar- ters inside the fort, and to make these only two stories high, the other quarters to be erected outside on the beach. A more complete statement will be prepared for the next steamer. The maps received from the engineer office represent a portion of the sand hills which command the terre-plein of the work, favorable for the establishment of batteries, to which you refer in your letter. The originals ought to be in the office. The hill with the summit (reference at [391) is not yet removed or leveled, although those nearer the fort have been partially so. Beyond this about 250 yards, and extending to the distance of 1 mile, good beaching dis- tance with rifled cannon against masonry, are ranges of sand hills extremely favorable to the estThlishinent of breaching batteries of such magnitude as to require the labor of 1,000 men for six month Page 314 314 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [C1!AP. XLVII. to level them. The fort, therefore. should be made capable of with- standing the battering of breaching batteries and still be secure against assault. Its isolated positiou on the sonthern coast makes this the more important. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedieut servant, J. G. FOSTER Major- General, Gomman~1ing. HEADQUARTERS FIRST SEPARATE BRIGADR, NORTHERN DISTRICT, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Morris Island, S. U, October 13, 1864. Col. A. S. HARTWELL, 5~5th Massachusett.q Vols., Oomdg. Post of Folly Island: COLONEL; By direction of the brigadier-general commanding I have the honor to invite your attention to the following extract from the report of October 13, instant, of Capt. Thomas L. Appleton, Fifty-fourth Massachusetts Volunteers, provost marshal, Northern District, Department of the South: The whole force on Long Island is, commissioned officers, 6; enlisted men, 192; which is not enough to do the duty as it ought to be done. The island is 3 miles long and I oniy found six posts at the front, where there should have been double that number. The brigadier-general commanding directs that you will cause the nnmber of posts to be increased if it can be done without detriment to the service, and that you will report your action iu the matter xvithout delay to these headquarters. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, STUART M. TAYLOR, Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS FIRST SEPARATE BRIGADE NORTHERN DISTRICT, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, illorris Island, S. U, October 19, 1864. Col. P. P. BROWN, Gorndg. Post, llliorris Island, S. C.: COLONEL: The brigadier-general commanding dir~cts that our boat pickets in the creek and river in the direction of James Island will be instructed to be particularly observant and active, reporting anything that comes under their notice. Some slight movements of the enemy at other points require us to be on the alert. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, THOS. J. ROBINSON, First Lieutenant and Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen. HEADQUARTERS FIRST 8EPARATE BRIGADE NORTHERN DISTRICT, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Morris Island, S. U, October 20, 1864. Capt. THOMAS L. APPLETON, Provost-Marshal, Northern District, Dept. of the South: CAPTAIN: I am ordered by-the brigadier-general commanding to inform you that the rebel prisoners of war are to be transferred to Fort Pulaski, Ga., and the One hundred and fifty-seventh New Yor Page 315 ChAP. XLVII.] 315 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. Volunteers to go as a guard. You are directed to see that everything is carried out in as quiet a manner as possible and that they be placed on board the prison schooner in good time to-morrow morning (early). You will consult Colonel Hallowell and have everything as regards transportation placed at his disposal in order to carry out the instrnctions given him. By order of Brigadier-General Scammon: THOS. J. ROBINSON, First Lieutenant and Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., October 20, 1864. Brigadier-General HATCH, Commanding District of Florida, Jacksonville, Fla.: GENERAL: On the 26th September .1 wrote requesting you to allow no persons to come here from your district of the refugee class unless it is upon an absolutely military necessity. Yesterday a Mrs. Hutchins arrived from Florida by your permission, applipd to me for a free pass North, which I am unable to give her; and if it was in my power to furnish her transportation, the following extract from a letter received from General Halleck by last mail would oblige me to detain her in the department unless she desires to re- turn to her friends in the rebel lines: The War Department does not sanction such passes (permission to go North) unless issued by the Secretary himself. The reason is obvious. The very worst traitors and spies we have in the Northern States are these very pretending Unionists of Northern birth who have assisted the rebellion for the last three years, and who are now permitted to leave the rebel States simply because they can be of more use to them within our lines. Nearly every one permitted to come North is now acting the part of copperhead and traitor, and the women are the worst of all. I would respectfully call yonr attention to my request conveyed in the letter of the 26th of September concerning these persons, and in future shall expect you to allow none of them permission to leave Florida. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER, Major- General, Commanding. ENGINEER DEPARTMENT, Washington, October 22, 1864. Maj. Gen. J. G. FOSTER, C~ommanding Department of the South: GENERAL: I thank you for your communication of the 12th in- stant relative to the recent inspection made by you of Fort Clinch. The interesting and instructive ideas it contains will be of much im- portance in maturing some definite plan for the modification of that work. I look with interest for the more complete statement you promise by the uext steamer. Respectfully, your obedient servant, RICH. DELAFIELD, Brigadier-General and Chief of Engineers Page 316 316 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP XLV!!. HEADQUARTERS FIRST SEPARATE BRIGADE, NORTHERN DISTRICT, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, ]iforris Island, S. 0., October 25, 1864. Capt. W. L. M. BURGER, Asst. Adjt. Gem., Department of the South: CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that nothing important has occurred in this Command for the last ten days. The work up to the front is progressing as rapidly as my means will allow; it could be more promptly done had we the means of transportation. The naval battery on Cummings Point is fast approaching completion, and every possible exertion is being made to have this work finished. Fatigue parties are at work both night and day. I have made some changes in the disposition of the troops on Folly and Long Islands, by placing three companies of the Fifty-fifth Massachusetts Vol- unteers as a permanent force on Long Island. This has been done at the suggestions of the chief of artillery, to enable the men to become proficient in artillery drill. The Fifty-fourth New York Volunteers changed their camp this week from their former position near Stono Landing, nioving to new ground near to and on the right of the white house on Folly River. The medical reports show the health of the command to be good; 3 men died from disease aild 1 from wounds within the last seven days. We have one casualty from the sharpshooters on Sumter. I would earnestly recommend that some twenty-five or thirty tele- scopic rifles be sent to this district for use at the front, as the eneniy can be very annoying at any time. On the morning of the 23d instant, a side-wheel steamer was seen ashore almost opposite Battery Rutledge, Sullivans Island; she was painted lead color and looked to be a fine, large steamer. In- closed I furnish a report made by the chief of artillery, giving par- ticulars and number of rounds fired. * We have found out the name of the steamer to be Flamingo, and that she was running into Charleston when headed off by some of our picket-boats and run aground. She now lies a total wreck. I have the honor to be, very respectfully. your most obedient servant, E. P. SCAMMON, Brigadier- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS FIRST SEPARATE BRIGADE, NORTHERN DISTRICT, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Morris Island, S. 0., October 26, 1864. Capt. J. F. GREEN, U. S. Navy, Commanding Naval Forces off Cha~rleston: CAPTAIN: I would respectfully make application to be furnished with 3,000 feet submarine fuse if you can spare it. I have made application to the commanding general of the department to be sup-. plied, but find we have noiie on hand, and he has directed me to apply to you for it. I desire this for another attempt at Sumter, and *See Part 1, P. 108 Page 317 CHAP. XLVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.IJNION. 317 have all my arrangements made, only waiting the fuse. I can ns~ the galvanic cable, but think it too cumbersome. If you can accommodate me with this, my ordnance officer will receipt for it. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, SCAMMON, E. P. Brigadier- General, Commanding. SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, No. 371. ~ Hilton Head, S. C., October 26, 1864. I. Brig. Gen. E. E. Potter, U. S. Volunteers, is hereby assigned temporarily to the command of the Northern District, Department of the South, during the illness of Brig. Geii. E. P. Scammon, who will, when relieved by General Potter, proc~ed without delay to Hilton Head, S. C., and report in person to the major-general corn- manding the department. II. Col. P. P. Brown, Jr., One hundred and fifty-seventh New York Volunteers, will, during the temporary absence of Brigadier- General Potter, assume command of the District of Hilton Head, Fort Pnlaski, Saint Helena, and Tybee Islands, and will i~nake his headquarters at Hilton Head, leaving Lieutenant-Colonel Car- michael, One hundred and flfty-sevent~i New York Volunteers, in command at Fort Pulaski. * * * * * * * By command of Maj. Gen. J. G. Foster: W. L. M. BURGER, Captain and Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., October 27, 1864. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Chief of Staff, Washington, D. C.: GENERAL: I have the honor to inform you that the recent informa- tion obtained from deserters and refugees is to the following effect: First. Lient. Gen. W. J. Hardee is in command of the rebel Department of South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida, with head- quarters in Charleston. General Samuel Jones, upon being re- lieved, set out for Richmond for assignment to an active command. Second. The force of the rebels is 4,000 men in and around Charleston, 4,000 men at different points on the railroad to Savan- nah, and 7,000 men at Savannah. The latter are, however, mostly conscripts, a part of whom are being drilled and got ready to be foi- warded to Hoods army. The recent sweeping conscription is said to have produced in South Carolina and Georgia between 30,000 and 40,000 men and boys, the most of whom are being forwarded to re- enforce Hood. The remainder is retained for garrison duty on the coast, in addition to the artillery force, which is wholly composed of veterans. The rebel readers intend introducing a law into their next Congress authorizing the conscription of all men under sixty. Those between fifty and sixty are expected to be able to perform the quartermaster, commissary, and other light or bureau duty. Third. The rebel preparatiohs for defense still continue with un~ abated activity; working parties are constantly engaged upon their old batteries in repairs and upon the construction of new ones. O Page 318 318 S. C., ELk, AND ON THE GA. COAST. tOHAP. XLVII. these latter one is on James Island, near Fort Johnson; one on Sul- livan~s Island, one at Mount Pleasant, and several in the city itself. Those in the city are arranged to sweep the principal streets. A new work has been built near Caustens Bluff, on the Savannah River, and several works commenced on Wilmington and Skidaway Isl- ands to better guard the approaches in that direction. The old fort at Georgetown, S. C., has been repaired, enlarged, and manned. A formidable wooden gun-boat is building on the Great Pedee. Three torpedoes are provided to be placed on the Georgetown Bar. One very large torpedo, to contain over 1,000 pounds of powder, is now made and ready to be placed in the position designated for it, which is nearly midway between Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie. Fourth. The yellow fever still prevails in Charleston, with over 20 deaths per day reported. It has also broken out in Savannah. I am informed that it also prevails at Wilmington, N. C. The Union officers and men prisoners of war in the hands of the rebels are distributed as follows, viz: The officers at Columbia, S. C., and vicinity; 16,000 men in a stockade at Florence, S. C.; over L5,OOO men at Savannah, who are to be soon removed to Millen, Ga., about 100 miles from Savannah, and placed in a stockade at that place, which is now being built. The stockade at Florence, S. C., is in a field near the junction of the railroads, and separated from the junction by a skirt of Woods, as seen in the marginal sketch. Our men are permitted to build huts and brush shelters with ma- terials obtained from the adjacent wood. They are treated very kindly by Colonel Harrison, who commands the depot and guard of 1,000 men. They are, however, destitute of blankets and proper clothing. Generally their condition is much better than at Ander- sonville. No military defenses are as yet erected at this depot. It is expected that all the officers and men now at Columbia, S. C., and vicinity will very 500k be brdught to Florence, increasing the whole number at that place to 25,000 men and officers. The ration issued to the prisoners at Florence consists of one pound corn meal, one-half pound of fresh meat, or one-quarter pound bacon daily. Sometimes a little molasses or vinegar is added. To check the prevalence of scurvy issues have been made of chopped sweet potatoes soaked in vinegar. The capability of the country to furnish supplies to the army and the people seems from reports to be adequate to the absolute necessities of both. There is a suffi- ciency of corn and meat; of other supplies they have a limited amount, and of luxuries none. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS HILTON HEAD DISTRICT, October 28, 1864. Capt. W. L. M. BURGER, Assistant Adjutant-General, Dept. of the South: CAPTAIN: In reply to the communication of the major-general commanding of the 24th instant, I have the honor to submit the fol- lowing report: The order to shoot any prisoners who might attempt to escape, which I have sinc& learned was given to my predecessor in charge of the prisoners, was not transmitted to me. I first re- ceived the order from the major-general commanding on the even Page 319 Caw. XLVIII CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 319 ing of the day on which the attempt was made, and the attempt was made before I could reach the fort and communicate the order to the officer in charge. When I placed the prisoners on board the ves- sels in Light-House Inlet I gave general instructions to the 2 officers in charge to prevent at all hazards the escape of any prisoners, and as both officers had been in charge of the prisoners, and were better acquainted with the prisoners and the best method of securing them than I was, I left the details to those officers, having the utmost confidence in their fidelity and efficiency. They were both fully aware that they were authorized to shoot any one should they in their judgment find it necessary. In this particular instance the 3 men were in thQ water, and as soon as discovered, the captain says, made no further attempt to escape, and that he considered them completely within his power, and that consequently to secure them it was not necessary to shoot them. I have the honor to be, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, P. P. BRO WN, JR., Colonel 157th New York Vols., Comdg. District. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., October 31, 1864. Brjg. Gen. JOHN P. HATCH, Corndg. District of Florida, Jacksonville, Fla.: GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs me to state that he wishes you to allow no more women or children to come within your lines from the rebels if you can possibly avoid it. Those who do get in must not be allowed to leave Florida under any considerations withOut authority from these headquarters. The major-general commanding further directs, in consequence of the fact of the Floridians not responding to the call for Florida troops as it was expected they would do, that you discourage as muc as ossible all males from entering your lines unless they agree at once to take the oath of allegiance and are willing to bear arms. The majority of the refugees in Florida have apparently done us more harm than good. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. L. M. BURGER, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., October 31, 1864. Brig. Gen. JOHN P. HATCH, Commanding District of Florida, Jacksonville, Fla.: GENERAL: I have just received the report of Lieutenant-Colonel Marple, Thirty-fourth~U. S. Colored Troops, of the fight near Brad- leys Creek on the 24th instant, which resulted in a defeat, besides the loss of 20 or 30 men and a large number of horses. This late disaster has resulted as I predicted when you established the post at Magnolia against my wish. I have always been opposed to the establishment of a post at that point, and have repeatedly so stated in letters to you. - In my letter of August 10, I stated that your plan of operating from Magnolia is not considered so desirable as from Baldwin Page 320 320 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. - Again, on the 16th of the same month, I stated that no permaijent post must be established. Again, on the 19th, I wrote: Be sure and not disseminate your force by dividing them among too many posts. On the 28th of August, in reply to your letters giving the particulars of the disaster at Gainesville, the letter states: In regard to the establishment of new posts in your district the opinion of the commanding general has been fully given in former letters to you. The major- general commanding defers to any difference of opinion with the commanding offi- cer of the District of Florida, who must regard himself as responsible for any unfor- tunate loss arising from variation of orders from these headquarters. In consequence of this last defeat, I now desire that Magnolia be evacuated as soon as the supplies and material be removed, and that a post be established on the west side of the cut Iunning from the Saint Johns River to Fernandina to guard that passage from any attempt of the enemy to close it. Captain Suter will be sent shortly to Florida to lay out a work at that place. Cavalry raids in Florida so far have resulted in no benefit to the Government. In fact, they have only resulted in furnishing the rebels with fine arms and horses, and encouraging the men to plunder and pillage and causing them to be demoralized and ineffi- cient. In view of -this fact I have concluded to dismount the Seventy-fifth Ohio Regiment and return it to its original arm of the service as infantry. You will therefore send all the horses now used by the Seventy-fifth Ohio Regiment at once to Hilton H& ad, and also the surplus horses of the Fourth Massachusetts Cavalry. In your last tn-monthly of the 17th instant, you report the Fourth Massachusetts Cavalry as having an aggregate of 112 enlisted men and 183 serviceable horses. Every available horse is now required here and in the Northern District. In the latter place battery horses have had to be used for transportation and are flow rendered almost useless. As no~ more horses are promised from the North I must collect all that I can, to be used by those who understand the care or them. I cannot have any more captured by the enemy. I shall expect at least 17~5 or 200 horses from your district. The quarter- master will send transportation for them at once. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, jI G. FOSTER, lJlajor- General, Commanding. Abstract from return of the Department of the South, Maj. Gen. John G. Foster, U. S. Army, commanding, for October, 1864. Present for -~ ~ Pieces of duty. ~ artillery. _______ ~ ______ Command. ~ ___________________ C ~ General headquarters 49 80 131 139 Northern District (General Potter) 148 4,611 5,481 6,705 81 12 District of ileaufort (General 5axton) 70 1,887 2,466 2,849 7 District of Hilton Head (Colonel Brown) 71 2,252 8,023 3,853 66 1? District of Florida (General Hatch) 90 2,262 2,969 4,232 (a) (a) Total 428 11, 14,070 17,778 .147 30 a Omitted from district return Page 321 CHAP. XLVII.] COP~RESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 321 Troops in the Department of the South, AIaj. Gen. John G. Foster, U. S. Army, commanding, October 31, 1864. NORTHERN DISTRICT. Brig. Gen. EDWARD E. POTTER. MORRIS ISLAND.* Col. EDWARD N. HALLOWELL. 54th Massachusetts (colored), Lieut. Col. H. Northy looper. 56th New York, Lieut. Col. Rockwell Tyler. 52d Pennsylvania, Maj. Thomas B. Jayne. 21st U. S. Colored Troops, Lieut. Col. Augustus G. Bennett. 3d Rhode Island Heavy Artillery, First Battalion, Capt. John M. Barker. 3d New York Light Artillery, Battery B, Capt. Thomas J. Mesereau. 1st New York Engineers, Company G, Lieut. Nathaniel M. Ed- 1st New York Engineers, detachment Company I, ~ wards. FOLLY ISLAND.t Col. EUGENE A. KOZLAY. 55th Massachusetts (colored), Lieut. Col. Charles B. Fox. 54th New York, Maj. Stephen Kovacs. 33d U.S. Colored Troops, Maj. Charles T. Trowbridge. 4th Massachusetts Cavalry (detachment), Lieut. George F. Davis. 3d New York Light Artillery, Battery B (section), Lieut. George C. Breck. - DISTRICT OF BEAUFORT4 Brig. Gen. RUFUS SAXTON. 127th New York, Maj. Edward H. Little. 26th U.S. Colored Troops, Col. William Silliman. 102d U.S. Colored Troops, Col. Henry L. Chipman. 3d Rhode Island Heavy Artillery, Company A, Lieut. E. Augustus Waterhouse. 2d U.S. Colored Light Artillery, Battery G, Capt. Jeremiah S. Clark. 1st New York Engineers, Company I (detachment), Capt. George Edwards. DISTRICT OF HILTON HEAD. Col. PHILIP P. BROwN, Jr. 144th New York, Lieut. Col. James Lewis. 25th Ohio (nine companies), Capt. Carrington E. Randall. 32d U. S. C& lored Troops, Col. George W. Baird. 1st New York Engineers, First Battalion, Capt. Vincent W. M. Brown. U. S. Veteran Reserve Corps (detachment), Lieut. Alexander Cameron. 157th New York,II Lieut. Col. James C. Carmichael. DISTRICT OF FLORIDA. Brig. Gen. JOHN P. HATCH. 17th Connecticut, Lieut. Col. Albert H. Wilcoxson. 75th Ohio, Col. Andrew L. Harris. 107th Ohiq, Capt. Edward S. Meyer. 3d U.S. Colored Troops, Col. Benjamin C. Tilghman. 34th U.S. Colored Troops (eight companies), Lieut. Col. William W. Marple. 35th U.S. Colored Troops, Col. James C. Beecher. 4th Massachusetts Cavalry, Second Battalion, Capt. Charles E. Keith. 3d New York Light Artillery, Battery F, Lieut. Edgar H. Titus. * Or First Separate Brigade. ~ Or Third Separate Brigade. j Sub-post of Morris Island. At Fort Pulaski. ~ Or Second Separate Brigade. Or Fourth Separate Brigade. 21 R RVOL XXXV, PT I Page 322 S. C., HA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. 322 HEADQUARTERS FOURTH SEPARATE BRIGADE, DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Jacksonville, Fla., November 1, 1864. Capt. W. L. M. BURGER, Asst. Ac~jt. Gem., Hdqrs. District of Florida: CAPTAIN: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of the letter of October 31 from the major-general commanding the de- partment. I know that the establishment of the post of Magnolia was, in the opinion of the general, not desirable, but he deferred to my judgment in the matter, holding me responsible for any disaster that should result from its establishment. No disaster has yet oc- curred which makes me doubt the judgment exercised in establish- ing it. The loss of a portion of the Fourth Massachusetts Cavalry confirms me in the opinion that the establishment of that post was beneficial. It shows the enemy keep a large force of troops in that vicinity, who would otherwise be closely investing this place or making forays across the river froni Volusia. The post will be immediately aban- doned as directed. Our main trouble has been that we have not had sufficient cavalry here, not that we have too much. The horses of the Seventy-fifth Ohio will be sent up as soon as they can be collected. The cavalry force left in the district consists, of the remnant of the battalion of the Fourth Massachusetts Cavalry, 7 officers and 48 enlisted men for duty, 50 men sick, and some 12 Florida volunteers not yet mounted. As this force is eimtirely inadequate for the protection of the country between the Saint Johns and the sea-coast, we may ex- pect forays to be constantly made by the enemy into the counties of Volusia and Saint Johns. The close investment of Jacksonville, similar to the condition of affairs when General Gordon was in com- mand, can be confidently looked for as soon as the enemy learn that Magnolia is abandoned and the cavalry gone. I inclose with this a report of the operations of a small detach- ment of cavalry sent to collect cattle for the post of Fort Clinch. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. P. HATCH, Brigadier-General, Commanding. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPAR~MENT OF THE SOUTH, No. 378. Hilton Head, S. 0., November 1, 1864. * * * * * * * V. Brig. Gen. E. P. Scammon, U. S. Volunteers, is hereby assigned to the command of the Hilton Head, & c., District, and will relieve Col. P. P. Brown, jr., One hundred and fifty-seventh New York Volunteers, without delay. Colonel Brown on being relieved well proceed to Fort Pulaski, Ga., and resume command of his regi- ment. * * * * * * * By command of Maj. Gemi; J. G. Foster: W. L. M. BURGER, Gaptain and Assistant Adjutant- General Page 323 CHAP. XLVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 323 HEADQUARTERS FIRST SEPARATE BRIGADE NORTHERN DISTRICT, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Morris Island, S. 0., November 2, 1864. Col. E. N. HALLOWELL, Commanding Fifty-fo arth Massachusetts Volunteers: COLONEL: The brigadier-general commanding desires me, in the name of the major-general commanding the department, to tender YOU his sincere thanks for the prompt and efficient manner in which you an(l all the officers and men of your command discharged their (luties while guarding the rebel prisoners of war. Your close ob- servance of order and vigilance have attracted the attention of the major-general commanding. This letter will be read to your com- mand at dress parade. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, THOS. J. ROBINSON, First Lieutenant, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF WEST FLORIDA Barrancas, November 4, 1864. Lient. Col. C. T. CHRISTENSEN, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Military Division of West Mississippi: COLONEL: I have the honor to report the following statement of movements of the enemy in my vicinity, which I consider perfectly reliable, dated November 2, 1864: Six companies of the Fifteenth Confederate Cavalry have gone in the direction of Milton, Fla. A portion of Forrests and Maurys command are at Pollard. There are three regiments of infantry at Blakely; destination not known, supposed to be Pollard or Mil- ton. One cavalry regiment from Mobile was ordered to report at Greenwoods plantation yesterday. The number of men in these regiments is not known. The entire force at Greenwoods is 1,000 men aiid four pieces of artillery, but there is some talk of their moving above Blakely for fear they may be cut off by forces from Pensacola, and there is one company of men (100 strong) at Mont- rose. There is one set of pickets at Stick River and one at Hol- mans, on the Perdido River. At Mobile there are about 8,000 old men and boys. Two couriers are stationed at H. I. Heltons, while he acts as a spy for them. At Blakely there is situated one battery, mounting eight gunstwo large and six small ones. Colonel Maurys movements seem to be rather mysterious. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. BAILEY, Brevet Brigadier-General, Commanding. GENERAL ORDERS, ~ HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE S~UTH, No. 152. Hilton Head, 8. C., November 5, 1864. I. Brig. Gen. John P. Hatch,- U. S. Volunteers, is, hereby relieved from the command of the District of Florida and ordered to take command of the Northern District, relieving Brig. Gen. E. E. Pot- ter, U. S. Volunteers Page 324 324 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. II. Brig. Gen. E. P. Scammon, U. S. Volunteers, is relieved from the command of the Hilton Head District and will take command of the District of Florida. III. Brigadier-General Potter, on being relieved by Brigadier- General Hatch, will assnme command of the Hilton Head District. IV. Capt. E. S. Jewett, acting assistant inspector-general of the Hilton Head District, will (lischarge the duties of the acting assist- ant inspector-general of the department during the temporary ab- sence of Captain Gouraud. By command of Maj. Gen. J. G. Foster: W. L. M. BURGER, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. 0., November 3, 1864. Brig. Gen. JOHN P. HATCH, Comdg. District of Florida, Jacksonville, Fla.: GENERAL: I have received your letter of the - 1st, expressing the opinion that the changes directed in my letter of the 31st ultimo will be injurious to the service, and also stating that you desire to be relieved from your duty, the policy of which you cannot approve. I do not see the probability of the predictions which you make as to the consequence of the changes directed. The cavalry force thus far has met with constant losses. By dismounting a r~giment the regiment is not taken from the command, but remains to be of more effect, perhaps, if the legs of the men be used instead of those of horses. The post of Magnolia was a positive weakness, causing a dissemination of force on a relatively weak point which the enemy could take by a determined attack. Moreover, in such an event, cavalry could avail nothing in the defense of either Magnolia, Jack- sonville, or Yellow Bluff. It has been repulsed in nearly every en- gagement with the present force of the enemy in Florida, and we cannot reasonably expect better results with an increased force of the enemy, sufficient to attack our fortified positions. Furthermore, the military position at Magnolia was very faulty, both as respects the location of the fort and the character of the river bank at that point; the site, being flat and covered within musket range of the fort with woods, would enable the enemy to approach under cover and unobserved. The bend of the river shore presents two promi- nent points, above and below the landing-place, from which batteries erected by the enemy may drive off the gun-boats and keep the gar- rison in a state of siege until it surrenders. This work will in no - way increase the security of Jacksonville, for in a determined attack .~- on that place the enemy would either capture or isolate Magnolia. With respect to the other point, viz, the exposure of the country east of the Saint Johns, I do not anticipate the result you predict. With the same force on foot I think more efficient action may be expected against any force of the enemy that may cross the river than from the same force mounted, for this reason, that the force of the enemy which crosses this river will probably be on foot, espe- cially if it be in force. If our soldiers are taught to undertake long marches they will accomplish far more in the swamps east of the river than will a mounted force, A certain number of mounte Page 325 CHAP. XLVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNIOX. 325 men is always necessary for vedettes and scouts, but a mounted force larger than is necessary for this purpose, but still too small to do effective fighting, had better be reduced to the effective limits for scouts, & c., and reliance for fighting be placed entirely upon the in- fantry. This is more especially necessary when, as at present, the orders are to stand strictly on the defensive. Besides the above, it is necessary to prepare to defend the inland passage from the Saint Johns River to Fernandina in anficipation of the opening of that port. With the occupation of Magnolia in anything like sufficient strength your force, after garrisoning the really necessary points, will not be sufficient for this new work. As to the interest you properly take in the prosperity of the people of Florida, I must say that, although one of the necessary things to be considered by a commanding officer, still it is not the most important, and must not, in fact, be allowed to take precedence of the military interests of your command. The estimation of the importance of considera- tions relating to the extent of country to be protected is really very much lessened by the fact that, after all the urgent appeals that have been made to them, only a very small number of the in- habitants of your district have come forward to take up arms and fight for us. Military reasons, therefore, should govern the dispo- sition of troops. With regard to what you say of your intention to be relieved from duty in the department, I must say that I should be sorry to have you do so. I highly appreciate and esteem your qualities as a sol- dier and a gentleman, and as an officer of lengthened and distin- guished service. If, however, you really desire to serve in another part of the country, it will not be necessary to use outside influence; but if you address a letter to that effect to the General-in-Chief, and seiid it through this office, I shall be happy to forward it with an in- dorsement which I can truly make in testimony of the many excel- lent qualities possessed by you. Observing, however, from your letter that you found this desire upon your objection to the policy of my orders, the responsibility for the effect of which you are not willing to bear, I propose at once to order General Scammon to relieve you, and to assign you to the command of the Northern District. This change is rendered necessary by the state of General Scam- mons health, with reference to which all the surgeons earnestly recommend a transfer to Florida, and the necessity of having an officer of experience and great military knowledge in commarn4 of the Nqrthern District, ~y1~ich is re~l1y th& mqst important jn th~ de- partment. At the tiiiz~e Gemieral ~caYiinioii aujved, I f~hIdh1Q es- sity of calling you from Florida to take that command, tearing that General Scammons health would not be sufficient for the hard labor and exposure. Feeling, however, a great reluctance to take you from the command in Florida in which you took such interest, and as General Scammon was willing to undertake the trial, I or- dered him to that command. Now that his health has proven inad- equate to that exposure and labor, I am compelled to make this change. Very respectfully, your ol~edient servant, J. G. FOSTER, Major-General, Commanding Page 326 326 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. FLAGSTEAMER PHILADELPHIA, Port Royal Harbor, S. C., November 9, 1864. Maj. Gen. J. G. FOSTER, U. S. Army, Gomdg. Dept. of the South, Hdqrs. Hilton Head: GENERAL: I have received yours of the 7th instant, requesting that Captain Stone be instructed to remove the chain cable that is now across the Savannah River, in order to avoid the time and trouble of transferring the sick and wounded soldiers who are ex- pected from the North, & c. I shall send an order to Captain Stone to that effect. At the same time, I wish to draw your attention to the advisableness of doing nothing that, by inference or otherwise, can enlighten the rebels as to the nature of the obstructions that remain there, or the facility with which they may be passed, because it is with difficulty that 1 am able to blockade the different entrances. along the coast, and the force at Savannah River would be quite insufficient without the obstructions, which may be much less real than supposed. I should have recommended the use of the Wilming- ton River and Saint Augustine Creek for the purpose of exchange, which are quite as convenient for access by water to Savannah. There the blockade is made strong by an iron-clad, and will bear any notice which the rebels might have an opportunity of bestow- ing. The steamers could meet at Wilmington Island. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. A. DAHLGREN, Rear-Admiral, Gomdg. South Atlantic Blockading Squadron. U.S. FLAG-STEAMER PHILADELPHIA, November 9, 1864. Major-General FOSTER, Gommanding Department of the South: GENERAL: Mr. Ward was a resident of Kingstree, on the North- east Railroad, S. C., where he owned considerable property. Says he was always a Union man, and fled now in order to avoid the con- scription. He took the oath of allegiance, and represents that the country between Santee and Pedee contributed large supplies to the rebel army; that a suitable force could easily occupy and hold the ground between the rivers ; that he knows all the roads and coun- try perfectly, and was willing to act as a guide. Thinking that this knowledge could be turned to account, and that he could best tell his own tale, I concluded to send him to the Navy Department. The chief value was his own reliability, if it was deemed serviceable. These were the principal facts which lie had to communicate. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. A. DAHLGREN, Rear-Admiral. [Indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., November 12, 1864. Respectfully referred to Capt. C. R. Suter, chief engineer, Depart; ment of the South, for his information and file in his office. By command of Maj. Gen:J. G. Foster: W. B. DEAN, Lient., 127th New York Volunteers, A. A. A. G Page 327 CH~. XLVLL] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 327 HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., November 10, 1864. Lieut. Gen. W. J. HARDEE, Oomdg. Gonfederate Forces, S. C., Ga., and Fla.: GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your favor of the 7th instant,* in which you state that my proposition in my letter of the 2d instant meets with my (your) approval. Without wishing to be considered hypercritical, I deem it proper to bring to your notice that such expressions are ordinarily used by superiors in reference to acts or propositions of an inferior officer, and are objectionable in communications between officers of equal command. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., November 12; 1864. Lient. Gen. W. J. HARDEE, ~Jomdg. C~onfed~rate Forces, S. C., Ga., and Fla.: GENERAL: In reyily to-your letter of October 13, proposing an exchange of the prisoners of war in our several departments, I have the honor to inform you that I have received information from Washington that no exchanges will be made (except on the field of battle, as provided in the cartel) without special authority therefor from the War Department. I have the honor to remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER, Major- General, 1ommanding. HEADQUARTERS FIRST SEPARATE BRIGADE, NORTHERN DISTRICT, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Morris Island, S. C., November 12, 1864. Capt. W. L. M. BURGER, Assistant Adjutant- General, Department of the South: SIR: I have the honor to forward, for the information of the major-general commanding, the following extracts from morning reports received this day at these headquarters: Captain Nutt, Fifty-fifth Massachusetts, commanding at Long Island, reports: The cars were running in and out of Charleston constantly during th~ night. Several musket shots were heard in the direction of Secessionville. Captain Pope, Fifty-fourth Massachusetts Volunteers, command- ing at Black Island, reports: The bells in Charleston were ringing for nearly an hour in the first part of the night. About 9, considerable musketr~ firing took place at the upper end of- James Island, within the enemys lines. * Not found Page 328 328 5. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. These reports, coming from different sources, would seem to show that there was considerable Commotion last night within the enemys lines, to what cause to be attributed I cannot say. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, EDWARD E. POTTER, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Major-General FOSTER, WASHINGTON, November 13, 1864. Hilton Head, S. U: GENERAL: Major-General Sherman expects to leave Atlanta on the l6thjnstant for the interior of Georgia or Alabama, as circum- stances may seem to require, and may come out either on the Atlantic coast or the Gulf. If the former, it will probably be at Savannah, Ossabaw Sound, Darien, or Fernandina. Supplies are being col- lected at Hilton Head, with transports to convey them to the point required. Supplies are also collected at Pensacola Bay, to be trans- ported to any point he may require on the Gulf. Should Sherman come to the Atlantic coast, which I think most probable, he expects to reach there the early part of December, and wishes you, if possi- ble, to cut the Charleston and Savannah Railroad near Pocotaligo about that time. At all events a demonstration on that road will be of advantage. YOu will be able undoubtedly to learn his move- ments through rebel sources much earlier than from these head- quarters, and will shape your action accordingly. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. W. HALLECK Major-General, Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., November 13, 1864. Lient. Gen. W. J. HARDEE, Comdg. Confederate Forces, S. C., Ga., and Eta.: GENERAL: I have the honor to inform you that I have received instructions from Washington prohibiting for the present the trans- mittal across the lines of nioney or other supplies to prisoners of war. It is understood that General Grant and General Lee have made such arrangements for the supplies of prisoners of war on both sides as will shortly be put in operation for the benefit of both parties. I have the honor to remain, respectfully, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER, -~ Major-General. Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., November 14, 1864. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, U. S. Army: GENERAL: I have the hdhor to inclose to you a Savannah pa er of the 12th instant, brought in by the flag-of-truce boat.The exchange is progressing favorably, I believe, under Colonel Mu Page 329 CHM~. XLVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 329 fords direction. Reports frorii Morris Island represent that there are appearances of commotion among the rebels in Charleston and on James Island. I shall go up there to-night to see what is the matter. I hope and trust that it may be caused by the approach of General Sherman in the rear. Such a movement would be the finest of the war, and would capture Charlestou and Savannah with all their stores of cannon, ammunition, and material, and open bases of supplies from which with his army he could utterly destroy and devastate the whole State of South Carolina. The health of the department is good, and with the precautions taken, and the late- ness of the season, I apprehend no cases of yellow fever, even with the intercourse by flags of truce. Eight officers of the U. S. Army, escaped prisoners from Columbia, arrived here to-day. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER, Major-General, Commanding. - CON~EDERATE CORIRESPONDENCE, ETC. CHARLESTON, S. C., March 1, 1864. General SAMUEL COOPER, A5i~jutant and Inspector General, Richmond, Va.: General Beauregard left the 28th ultimo for Florida. General Gardner, in command there, reports that General Gillmore is now in chief command; that he is being re-enforced; has retired to Jacksonville, which he is fortifying, but appearances all indicate another attempt to advance in heavier force soon. Large number of transports reported at Saint Johns Bar with troops. We reoc cup a dwin. THOMAS JORDAN, Chief of Staff. CHARLESTON, S. C., March 2, 1864. (Received 10.40.) General SAMUEL COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General, Richmond, Va.: All the movements of the enemy on this front indicate that he is sending re-enforcement~ hence to Florida. No 1~te uews from ow forces there. THOMAS JORDAN, Chief of St4. ROYALLS HOUSE, March 2, 1864. Brigadier-General JORDAN, Chief of Staff: I have the honor to inform you that Captain Behr6, post commis- sary, reports the failure of the meat issue for to-day, and probable failure of it on to-morrow, as Major Molloy, commissary of sub- sistence in Charleston, informs ine that lie has none on hand. JOHNSON HAGOOD, Brigadier- General, Commanding Page 330 ~go 5. 0., FIJA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP~ XLVII. HDQRS. FOURTH MIL. DIsT. OF SOUTH CAROLINA, Georgetown, iLIiarch 2, 1864. Brig. Gen. THOMAS JORDAN, Chief of Staff, & c., Charleston, S. C.: GENERAL: The enemy yesterday landed a party of 2() or 30 men at a point a few miles below Battery White, drove in the pickets poste dth ere, and remained about a half hour. The party then re- turned to their gun-boat, which proceeded down the bay again to her anchorage. Their object may have been nierely to ascertain whether or not any batteries were in process of construction there, and, again, it may have been to make a reconnaissance, with a view to ulterior operations. I have deemed it my duty to report the cir- cuiustance ta department headquarters. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. H. TRAPIER Brigadier- General, C~omman~ling. CHARLESTON, S. C., March 3, 1864. General G. T. BEAUREGARD, C~ommanding, & c., Baldwin, Fla.: Movements of troops still seen toward the south from the islands in this vicinity. Scouts report arrival of some negro regiments from New Berne at Hilton Head. Private information from Nassau states that the enemy is planting large number of mortars on Morris Island with which to open fire on Sullivans Island, under cover of which to attempt passage into harbor with iron-dads. THOMAS JORDAN Chief of Staff. HDQRS. DEPT. OF S. CAROLINA, GEORGIA, AND FLORIDA, Charleston, S. C., March 3, 1864. Capt. W. J. GAYER Provost-Marshal, Charleston: CAPTAIN: I am directed by the commanding general to desire you to forward to these headquarters a descriptive list of the negro pris- oners that you have handed over to the St~te authorities since the 1st of January, 1864, with a statement, if possible, setting forth the mode and time of capture, with the names and residences of the negroes. Respectfully, your obedient servant, H. W. FEILDEN, Captain and Assistant Adjutant- General. CHARLESTON, March 4, 1864. (Received 8.30.) General S. COOPER: Enemy has retired under cover of gun-boats to Jacksonville, where he is fortifying. Force estimated at 12,000, with re-enforceinent Page 331 O~r. XLVII.] CO~R~SPoNDENCE,~TCC0~FEDERATE. arriving from New Berne, it is said. Troops are being sent evidently hence to some point. Our troops occupy position in rear of MeGirts Creek. Our total loss in battle at Ocean Pond reported 800; that of ei~my at least 2,000 killed, wounded, and prisoners. Our troops fought with great gallantry against twice their number in the open woods. THOMAS JORDAN, Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS IN THE FIELD, Near Baldwin, Eta., March 4, 1864. Whereas by representation made to these headquarters it appears that in the district of the country south of the Withlacoochee River on the west, and of the headwaters of the Saint Johns River on the east, embraced in the fourth and fifth commissary districts of Flor- ida, there are a number of persons, deserters from the Army of the Confederate States and others, liable to military service, who evade, by concealment and sometimes by open resistance to the constituted military authorities, the duty which they owe to their country; and it has further been represented that many of these persons have families so entirely dependent upon them for a support that much suffering might result by compelling them at present to military service in localities remote from their homes, and that many are willing to do such service to the Confederacy as they may and rQmain in proximity to their families: By reason of these representations a general amnesty and pardon is hereby proclaimed to all such persons in said districts, excepting only those who have, in conjunction with the enemy~ taken up arms against the Confederate States, or taken the life of any citizen or officer or soldier of the Confederate States; on condition, however, that within forty days after the publication of this proclamation those in the fourth commissary district shall report to Maj. A. G. Summer, commissary of subsistence and commissary for that dis- trict, and those in the fifth district to Capt. James McKay, com- missary agent for the fifth district of Florida, and upon condition further that all surplus beef-cattle owned by such persons shall be furnished the Confederate Government at schedule prices. Those resident of said districts who report within the time prescribed will be employed by the said Maj. A. G. Summer, Capt. James McKay, commissary agent, as detailed men, in gathering cattle, fishing, & c., for the Government, for which they will receive the compensation allowed by law to detailed men. Such as do not belong to any organization will be allowed, until further orders, to join companies for local defense, from which they will be detailed, if they so elect, for service with the said commissary and commissary agent. To all who refuse, or fail without satisfactory reason therefor, to avail themselves of this proclamation it is announced that the com- manding general will at an early day visit upon them the most con- dign punishment by the adoption of such measures as will effect- ually rid the country of their presence. G. T. BEAUREGARD, General, Commanding Page 332 332 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. ROYALLS HousE, ]Jlarch 5, 1864.. Brigadier-General JORDAN, Chief of Staff: Colonel Simonton reports no change of importance on the front. Taking advantage of the clearness of the atmosphere to-day I care- fully examined the outworks of the enemy. They have nearly com- pleted a battery on Horse Island at the foot of the bridge from Bat- tery Island. Their causeway between Dixons and Horse Islands is finished. The battery on this end of Dixons Island is nearly fin- ished. The causeway leading from this battery to Dixons Arm is about half done. It is a broad, substanti~il road. They either are about to build another battery on the end of Dixons Arm adjoining Schooner Creek or they have a pretty strong picket at that point. They have two batteries guarding the bridge and causeway from Dixons Arm to Long Island, one on each island. JOHNSON HAGOOD, Brigadier- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS TN THE FIELD, MeGirts Creek, Fla., March 5, 18642.30 p. m. Brig. Gen. H. W. MERCER, Commanding at Savannah, Ga.: Send Twelfth Georgia Battalion to Tallahassee without delay. Make whatever dispositions may be necessary to replace temporarily that battalion. G. T. BEAUREGARD. GENERAL ORDERS, rHDQRS. DEPT. OF S. C., GA., AND FLA No. . March 5, 1864.] I. The temporary division heretofore commanded by Brigadier- General Taliaferro will cease from this date and the commanding officers of the brigades composing this division will hereafter re- port directly to the general commanding the forces in the field. II. When Brigadier-General Gardner shall have been relieved of the command of the forces in the field he will returii, according to his req~iest, made on account of his physical condition, to thp coinman~l of hi~ ~b-d~str~ct. To thi~ will b~ add~j a ge~ipr~l supp!vi~iqn o~ all the tv~uspovtation and supplies of thi~ district under ~nst~ii~tions from Major-General Anderson. By command of General Beauregard: HENRY BRYAN, Assistant Adjntant-General. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPT. S. C., GA., AND FLA., No. . f In the field, Mc Girts Creek, Fla., March 5, 1864. I. The Twenty-sixth Vif~inia Regiment, now in the brigade com- manded by Brig. Gen. Joseph Finegan, is hereby transferred from said brigade to that commanded by Col. George P. Harrison, jr Page 333 CHAP. XLVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 333 II. The Fifty-ninth Virginia Regiment, now in the brigade c& m- manded by Col. George P. Harrison, jr., is hereby transferred from said brigade to that commanded by Brig. Gen. Joseph Finegan. III. The First Georgia Regulars, now in the brigade commanded by Brig. Gen. Joseph Finegan, is hereby transferred from said bri- gade to that commanded by Brig. Gen. A. H. Colquitt. IV. Capt. J. J. Dickison, of the Second Florida Cavalry, will pro- ceed at once with his company to Palatka, Fla., and take post there as heretofore. He will call upon the commanding officer of the Fourth Georgia Cavalry for such support as may be necessary. V. The commanding officer of the Fourth Georgia Cavalry will furnish Capt. J. J. Dickison with such assistance as he may require for the post of Palatka, and hold himself in readiness to support Captain Dickison with his whole command if found necessary. VI. Brigadier-General Gardner will re-establish the military posts from Clay Landing on the Suwannee River to Tampa, garrisoning these posts with the troops heretofore occupying them under the or- ders of Brigadier-General Finegan. By command of General Beauregard: HENRY BRYAN, Major and Assistant Adjutant- Genrrai. MARCH 6, 1864. Maj. H. C. GUERIN, Corn. of Sub., State of South Carolina: MAJOR: By direction of the commanding general I have the honoi to inform you that the followiiig commands have been transferred from the several districts named in the State of South Carolina to Florida, viz: First Military District, Eighteenth South Carolina Volunteers and Holcombe Legion. Second Military District, Fifth Regiment Georgia Cavalry and Villepigues battery. Third Military District, Thirty-second Regiment Georgia Volun- teers. Sixth Military District, Twenty-sixth and Fifty-ninth Virginia XTolunteers Seventh Military District, Sixth, Nineteenth, Twenty-third, Twenty-seventh, and Twenty-eighth Georgia Volunteers (Colquitts brigade), Eleventh South Carolina Volunteers, Wheatons battery light artillery, and one company South Carolina Siege Train. I am further instructed to say it is not probable that the present force in this State will soon be augmented. Respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. M. OTEY, Assistant Adjutant-General. CAMP AT MOGIRTS CREEK, FLA., March 6, 18646 a. m. General S. COOPER, Richmond, Va.: My estimate of enemys forces at Jacksonville is less than that of several generals here, and the same as that of the rest. Those forces came from South Carolina and North Carolina. He cannot be driven out of Jacksonville with our present means Page 334 334 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. CO,AST. [CHAP. XLVII. Had the gap between Lawton and Live Oak been filled by a line of railroad connecting those two points, as urged by me more than a year ago, the re-enforcements I was sending at the very moment I was being asked to send 10,000 men to General Johnston would have arrived in time to co-operate in the action at Ocean Pond, and the enemy would at once have been driven out of Florida. But as it was, two entire days were lost in the passage through the gap of a portion of the re-enforcements, and we had to fight the enemy one to two. Our victory, it is true, was complete, but as we were not in sufficient force of good troops to pursue the enemy vigorously, he had time to fall back on Jacksonville, where he has been at work ever since, extending his intrenchments, and, with the assistance of his gun-boats, rendering the place inaccessible to such forces as we can dispose of. If, however, the Department be of opinion that under such circumstances, and with the means at hand, another officer can expel the enemy from Florida by prompt and decided measures, I will be most happy to surrender the command to him. G. T. BEAUREGARD. [First indorsement.] MARCH 21, 1864. Respectfully referred to General Bragg. S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General. [5econd indorsement.] MARCH 23, 1864. No action seems to be called for by the public interests. BRAXTON BRAGG. [Inclosure No. 1.] CAMP GARDNER, March ~, 1864. Maj. HENRY BRYAN, Assistant Adjutant-General: MAJOR: Not having been present at the time the enemy made his advance on Lake City, and only having arrived here after he had taken shelter under his gun-boats and behind his works at Jackson- ville, I have had no other means of estimating his forces than those upon which the general officers present have based their estimates. As their opinions of his numbers so nearly concur, I have no reason to doubt the correctness of their estimates. On the point of expelling the enemy from Florida, it can now be done only by seizing favorable points on the Saint Johns below Jacksonville, and so fortifying them as to prevent the force at Jack- sonville from being re-enforced and supplied, or by carrying the works at that place by assault. Either method involves difficultie& ~ readily appreciated; the latter, perhaps, under the circumstances, being the more feasible of the two. The spirit of our troops and the demoralization of those7 of the enemy, growing oiimt of his late defeat at Ocean Pond, would, in my opinion, enable us to carry the works around Jacksonville by storm. Of course it would be at great sacrifice of life, and to no purpose, since his gun-boats would prevent us from holding it. I am, major, very resPectfully, your obedient servant, PATTON ANDERSON, Major- General Page 335 CHAP. XLVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 335 [Inclosure No. 2.] HEADQUARTERS BRIGADE, March 5, 1864. General G. T. BEAUREGARD, Comdg. Dept. of S. Carolina, Georgia, and Florida: GENERAL: In reply to your inquiry as to my opinion of the strength of the enemy and the propriety of attacking him in his de- fenses at Jacksonville, I have the honor to say that in the recent battle of Ocean Pond his forces were not less than 8,000 or 10,000. The following regiments were ascertained to have been upon the field: White regiments of infantry, Forty-seventh, Forty-eighth, and One hundred and fifteenth NeW York, Sixth and Seventh Con- necticut, First and Twelfth Massachusetts, and Seventh New Hamp- shire. Black regiments of infantry, Sixth and Eighth Penusylva- ida and Fifty-fourth Massachusetts, one battalion of cavalry, and Fortieth Massachusetts Mounted Infantry. Artillery, Batteries B and M, and Hamiltons battery of regulars. From nearly all of these commands prisoners were taken, and letters found upon the field gave specifically the denomination of the forces which constituted the expedition. The negro regiments weiz~e full, numbering 1,000 men or more, and from the best information I could get the white regiments averaged 700. To what extent the enemy has been re-enforced since his retreat to Jacksonville I can only form an opinion. The facts and circumstances relating thereto have been communicated to me only in casual conversation with superior offi- cers. There seems to be no doubt that re-enforcements have arrived. I do not think it safe to calculate the present strength of the enemy at less than 12,000 effective men. I have no hesitation in saying that an assault upon the fortified position of the enemy with our present forces would be attended with disastrous consequences. If it should prove successful the cost would be greater than the advantage gained. Very respectfully, A. H. COLQUITT, Brigadier- General. [Inclosure No. 3.] HEADQUARTERS FINEGANS BRIGADE, In the Field, ]Ifarch 5, 1864. Maj. HENRY BRYAN, Assistant Adjutant-General: MAJOR: In reply to questions submitted to me from your office in reference to my opinion of the enemys force, I have the honor to say that, judging from the number of troops we met in action at Ocean Pond, and the number of re-enforcements said to have been received (according to the most reliable information), I do not think there can be less than 10,000 or 12,000 troops in Jacksonville, at the lowest es- timate, at this time. Flanked as Jacksonville is by two creeks, and with their gun-boats in their rear, and being fortified in front, as they doubtless are, it seems to me entirely impracticable to take the place by assault without a very great loss to us, even if taken at all. The estimate above given of the strength of the enemy has been gathered from v~riou~ sources, such as prisoners, citizens from town Page 336 336 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. & c., and I think cannot be far from correct, and does not include the number lost by them in the late engagement, which cannot be less than 2,500. Respectfully, your obedient servant, JOSEPH FINEGAN, Brigadier-General, Commanding Brigade. [Inclosure No. 4.] HDQRS. HARRISONS BRIG., ARMY OF EAST FLA., In the Field, ]llarch 5, 1864. Maj. HENRY BRYAN, Assistant Adjutant- General: MAJOR: By request of Captain Chisoim, aide-de-camp, I have the honor to make the following report relative to the strength of the enemy in our front: My estimate of his force in the action near Ocean Pond is be- tween 8,000 and 10,000. This opinion is based on my observations on the battle-field, and coincides with the statements (making due allowance for exaggeration) of prisoners and loyal citizens at that time within the enemys lines. From the best information gath- ered from scouts, prisoners, and citizens recently from Jacksonville, I am satisfied he has received such re-enforcements as, added to those engaged at Ocean Pond and the force left to protect communication with his base, would make his number at present reach nearly, if not quite, 14,000 of all arms. From the same source I learn that the enemy has been actively employed fortifying the land approach to Jacksonville for a sufficient length of time to have rendered the position of such formidable strength that afi assault with our present force would be, in my opinion, not only extremely hazard- ous, but decidedly inexpedient. Respectfully submitted. GEO. P. HARRISON, JR., Colonel, Commanding. [Inclosure No. 5.] HEADQUARTERS FORCES IN FLORIDA, In the Field, .Miarch 5, 1864. General G. T. BEAUREGARD, Commanding Department: GENERAL: In reply to the request, made through your aide-de- camp, that I would communicate all information in my possession and also my opinion as to the forces of the enemy, I have the honor to say that, from the best information which I have been able to gather, the enemy had in the fight at Ocean Pond not less than 9,00O~ men. I presumed that not less than 2,000 were retained in rear at Jacksonville to guard his lines of communication, and that since that date he has received not less than 5,000 in re-enforcemeuts. I estimate the forces now in and around Jacksonville at not less than 12,000; probably from that number to 15,000. We have satisfac- tory information that the enemy has intrenched himself strongly within his lines around Jacksonville, supported by his gun-boats. I do not believe with our present force that the place can be suc- cessfully carried by assault Page 337 Ca~. XLVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 337 I will add that among the captured negroes there have been rec- ognized by intelligent and reliable gentlemen negroes known to have been the property of friends in North Carolina, and who are reported to belong to a North Carolina regiment now upon this coast. Also, many of the ammunition boxes found upon the field were marked New Berne, N. C. I append a list of regiments so far as ascertained from reports of scouts and examination of citizens and prisoners. Very respectfully, general, your obedient servant, W. M. GARDNER, Brigadier- General, Commanding. List of forces of enemy in and around Jacksonville. Cavalry: Fortieth Regiment Massachusetts Mounted Infantry, First Battalion Massachusetts Cavalry. Infantry: Six negro regimentsFirst, Second, and Third South Carolina, a North Carolina regiment, the Eighth U. S. Colored Regiment, and others not known by name; One hundred and fifteenth, Forty-seventh, and Forty-eighth New York Volunteers (white), First and Twelfth Massachusetts Volunteers (white), Sixth and Seventh Connecticut Volunteers (white), Seventh New Hamp- shire Volunteers (white). Making two commands of cavalry and fourteen regiments in- fantry, white and black, and four batteries artillery, twenty-four pieces. The names of other regiments we have not been able to ascertain. Very respectfully submitted. W. M. GARDNER, Brigadier- General, Commanding. [Inclosure No. 6.] CAMP NEAR MCGIRTS CREEK, FLA., March 5, 1864. Captain CHISOLM, Assistant Adjutant- General: CAPTAIN: I have the honor to state that from the best evidence I could procure the force of the enemy at the battle of Ocean Pond, and that left to protect his rear, was at least 11,000 men. This estimate is based, first, upon the declaration of the enemys cor- respondents from Hilton Head, which show that 11,000 troops em- barked at that point for Jacksonville; second, from the declara- tions of intelligent citizens of Jacksonville, to the effect that in addition to those arriving from Hilton Head, a regiment has been transferred from Saint Augustine and troops from Fernandina to Jacksonville; third, upon the statements of our officers and men of the number engaged at Ocean Pond, and, fourth, upon the state- ments of prisoners taken in that battle. This force has been reduced, in my opinion, by the casualties of the action of Ocean Pond to 8,500 or 9,000 men, and has been re- enforced since that action, from information derived from intelli- gent citizens, by between 4~000 or 5,000 men, leaving over 13,000 men now in Jacksonville. The ~itizens of the country who have had access to the town generally state that the enemys re-enforcements have reached 10,000 men, and that they claim to have now 20,000, 22 R RVOL xxxv, PT I Page 338 338 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVI1. but as they give the number of brigades (three) which have arrived since the fight, and the iiumber (two) and names of the general officers, I believe between 4,000 and ~,000 would cover the re- enforcements. Second. I was informed by negro prisoners captured that they were from New Borne, N. C., and all the ammunition boxes which I saw were marked New Berne, leaving no doubt in my mind but that part of the force at Ocean Pond was from New Berne. Third. I am of opinion that the enemy is too strong and too strongly intrenched at this time to be successfully attacked at Jack- sonville. He has certainly many more troops than we have. He has for ten days past directed all his energies to fortifying the neck by which that point is approached, and mounting gulls, of which material the navy furnishes all that are needed. His gun-boats occupy positions which enfilade the approaches. There is no cover to conceal or protect an advance, and timber felled for abatis would offer serious resistance. I have the honor to be, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. B. TALIAFERRO, Brigadier-General. [Inclosure No. 7.] HDQRS. FORCES IN THE FIELD, ARMY OF FLORIDA, March 6, 1864. General G. T. BEAUREGARD, Gommanding Department: GENERAL: I have the honor to state, as ~he result of the best in- formation I have beeii able to obtain from all sources, that the enemys land forces in and around Jacksonville are not less than 12,000 men of all arms; and the probability is that they exceed this number. This force is supported by not less than four gun-boats. The position of Jacksonville is a very strong one naturally, as in- dicated by map and by statements of persons familiar with the locality. These advantages, as we are informed and believe, have been strengthened materially by artificial works around and in front of the town. To do this they have employed several thousand negro troops. Against such works, defended by such odds, with the aid of their gun-boats, which command the approaches to their works, I am of the opinion that it would not be prudent, with the forces and means at your disposal at this time, to attempt to dis- lodge him. I am, very respectfully, D. B. HARRIS, Golonel and ~iJhief Engineer of Department. [Inclosure No. 8.] lUist of regiments composing General Seymours command at battle of Ocean Pond, as represented by prisoners. Forty-eighth New York. One hundred and fifteenth New York. Forty-seventh New York. Fifty-eighth New York. One hundred and twenty-seventh New York Page 339 CHAP. XLVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. ~339 One hundred and fifty-eighth New York. One hundred and twenty-third New York. One hundred and eighteenth New York. One hundred and eleventh New York. Sixty-eighth New York. One hundred and thirteenth New York. Fourth New York. Seventh New York. Seventh New Hampshire. Sixth New Hampshire. Seventh Connecticut. Fortieth Massachusetts. Fifty-fourth Massachusetts (negro). Fifty-fifth Massachusetts (negro). Fifty-sixth Massachusetts (negro). Fifty-eighth Massachusetts (negro). Sixty-sixth Massachusetts (negro). Eighth Pennsylvania (negro). Seventeenth Pennsylvania. Third United States. Eighth United States. Third Rhode Island. First North Carolina (negro). Batteries: First United States, 16; Third United States, 12; total, 28 [guns]. G. T. B., General, Commanding.. (Indorsement on jacket] HDQRS. DEPT. OF S. CAROLINA, GEORGIA, AND FLORIDA, Camp Gardner, Fla., March 7, 1864. Respectfully referred to the War Department for its information. Special attention is called tb the communication of Col. D. B. Har- ris, chief engineer of this department. The position of Jacksonville is naturally very strong, easily made much stronger, and with the five gun-boats now in the Saint John~ s is susceptible of being made impregnable except by regular approaches. G. T. BEAUREGARD, General, Commanding. CHARLESTON, S. C., March 7, 1864. General G. T. BEAUREGARD, Commanding, Lake City, Fla.: I take for granted you want river torpedoes, and will send them quickly as possible. None were ready, but will be started Wednes- day at latest. The 32-pounder will be placed on car to-day, but car- riage not ready for two days. Orders given to accumulate 10-inch mortar shells. All is quiet in this quarter and at Hilton Head, ap parently. - THOMAS JORDAN, Chief of Staf Page 340 340 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. MILITARY DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, No. 1. . Camp Milton, March 7, 1864. I. Col. George P. Harrison, jr., commanding brigade, will order one regiment from his command to move and take position on the Jacksonville road as near Camp Finegan as practicable, within 1 mile in rear of the command of Col. R. H. Anderson, to act as sup- port for the cavalry, and to co-operate with him upon his order or request in holding his position against the enemy. II. In obedience to instructions from headquarters Department of South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida, the camp now occupied by this army on McGirts Creek will be hereafter known and designated as Camp Milton. III. Lient. Col. C. C. Jones, chief of artillery, will order one sec- tion of howitzers to report to Col. R. H. Anderson, commanding forces in the front; also one section of Napoleons to report to the commanding officer of infantry (support ordered from Colonel Har- risons brigade by paragraph I, encamped 1 mile in rear of cavalry force in the front). * * * * * * * VII. In obedience to instructions from the headquarters Depart- ment of South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida, the Sixty-fourth Georgia Regiment will report to Col. George P. Harrison, jr., commanding brigade, in place of the Twenty-sixth Virginia RegP ment, which will report back to Brigadier-General Finegan. VIII. Brigadier-General Finegan, commanding Sub-District No. 2, will, in compliance with Special Orders, No. , paragraph VI, department headquarters, occupy the posts from Clay Landing, on the Suwannee River, to Tampa Bay, on the Gulf coast, with such number and commands as he may think proper. * * * * * * * By command of Major-General Anderson: WM. G. BARTH, Assistant Adjutant- General. CAMP MILTON, NEAR MCGIRTS CREEK, FLA., March 8, 186410 a. m. Brig. Gen. THOMAS JORDAN, Chief of Staff, Charleston, S. C.: Should enemys movements indicate operations against Charleston or Savannah telegraph me immediately, and call on War Depart- ment for loan of one or two brigades from North Carolina, whence part of the enemys forces has come. G. T. BEAUREGARD. GEORGETOWN, S. C., March 8, 1864. His Excellency Governor BONHAM: SIR: It is a patent fact that the Confederate tax in real estate, alone on the immediate banks of the Waccamaw, Pedee, Black, and Sampit Rivers, within tide water, will not fall short of half a million of dollars. In addition these alluvial lands, l)rovided ade- quate protection against the inroads of the enemy be afforded, wil Page 341 CITAP. XLVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 341 yield breadstuffs alone sufficient for the support of ~0,00O men. N~ow, what protection has thus far been afforded to this region of country, so capable of furnishing not only the sinews of war, but, what perhaps is even more essential, the means of subsistence? Pay an army ever so well, if you dont feed it, there is no need for the prophets vision to foresee the length of its service. The protection against naval expeditions vouchsafed to us up to this time consists of an earth-work, well constructed and of ample dimensions, but so feebly armed that it may be considered but little better than a scarecrow. It is well situated, too, at the gorge which divides upper from lower Winyah Bay, where the width of the channel does not exceed 1,400 yards. Its site likewise is com- manding, having some 20 feet elevation above the ordinary high water, but were it a Gibraltar, it would be useless in a conflict with plated vessels, armed as it is at present. This armament consists of three (old) rifled 32-pounders and eight other guns of still smaller caliber. Experience has demonstrated that against iron-dads it would simply be a waste of ammunition to contend with such guns as these. It must not be supposed that we are secure against the at- tack of such vessels by reason of the shallowness of the water at the bar to the entrance. Such is not the fact. It is well khown that the enemy has carried his iron-dads into the Stono River, and there is more water on this bar than on that to the Stono. Successfully to combat these vessels we require the heaviest guns used in our serv- ice; we want the 10-inch columbiad. Give us but three of these, and so far as the water approach is concerned, this section of coun- try will have adequate protection. The approaches by land are exceedingly defensible. Nature has done much for us in this respect, and the engineers art has supplied her deficiencies in great part. One thousand men behind the in- trenchments which have been constructed would be more than a match for five times their number. Is not the saving of this district from the hands of the enemy worth three 10-inch guns and one regi- ment of infantry soldiers? The question is respectfully submitted to the consideration of Your Excellency and your influence in obtain- ing the desired means and material earnestly invoked. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. H. TRAPIER, Brigadier-General. [First indorsement.] EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, Columbia, March 29, 1864. Respectfully forwarded to the Secretary of War, whose attention is earnestly requested to the very important subject-matter of this communication. M. L. BONHAM. [5econd Indorsement.] APRIL ~, 1864. To Ordnance Bureau, for consideration and remarks. J. A. S., Secretary. 1 Page 342 342 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. [Third indorsement.] APRIL 9, 1864. Respectfully retnrnedNo the Secretary of War. The guns can be furnished whenever definite orders are resolved on. General Beauregard intimates on a previous paper that he has no troops to defend such works. In that case so heavy an armament would be captured. I have written to General T. asking whether 8-inch siege guns on traveling carriages would not answer his pur- pose. J. GORGAS. NAVY DEPARTMENT, C. S. A., Richmond, March 8, 1864. Hon. WILLIAM PORCHER MILEs, M. C., Richmond, Va.: SIR: Herewith I return the papers * left with me relative to the Torch. This boat was transferred, upon the application of Gen& ral Beaure- gard by this department to the army to be fitted as a torpedo-boat by Captain Lee, together with the iron necessary to shield her, and I will be glad to render such further aid in altering and preparing her for service as the materials on hand and the condition of the work in progress under this department will permit. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, S. R. MALLORY, Secretary of the Navy. [Indorsement.] HDQRS. DEPT. OF S. CAROLINA, GEORGIA, AND FLORIDA, Charie8ton, S. C, April 2, 1864. Respectfully referred to Commodore Ingraham, for his informa- tion and remarks. I should be pleased for him to state also in what condition was the Torch when turned over to the army for the purpose indicated, in what condition when returned to the navy, and what amount of iron plating belonging to the navy, but imported by the army, was trans- ferred back to the navy. G. T. BEAUREGARD, General, Commanding. CHARLESTON, S. C., March 8, 1864. Brig. Gen. W. S. WALKER, Pocotaligo, S. C.: General Gillmore is reported to have left Jacksonville soon as General Beauregards arrival in his front was known. Cannot your scouts get accurate information of what is going on on the islands and at Beaufort? THOM4S JORDAN, Chief of Staff. *Not found Page 343 CHAP. XLVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 343 HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, Camp Milton, near Jacksonville, March 8, 1864. General S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General, Richmond: GENERAL: I have the honor to report that the Florida volunteers in this district are at present organized into four battalions and three unattached companies, and to request that, as far as practicable, they may be organized into regiments. An application has some time since been forwarded to the War Department for the organiza- tion of a regiment by amalgamating the Sixth Florida Battalion, Lieutenant-Colonel Martin, seven companies, with the three inde- pendent companies of Captains Eichelberger, McNeill, and Reynolds, making ten companies, to which I would respectfully call your at- tention. There would then remain the following battalions: First Florida Battalion Infantry, Lieutenant-Colonel Hopkins, six com- panies; Second Florida Battalion Infantry, Lieutenant-Colonel Bre- yard, six companies; Fourth Florida Battalion Infantry, Lieuten- ant-Colonel McClellan, five companies. A more effici~nt organization would exist if these battalions were combined into two regiments, which can readily be effe~ted~ by making companies from the men who might be transferred from the stronger companies, and I have the honor to request that I be au- thorized to do this, the details to be subject to the approval of the commanding general of the department and of the War Department. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, PATTON ANDERSON, Major- General, Commanding. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. MILITARY DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, No. 2. * Camp Milton, March 8, 1864. * * * * * * V. Col. R. H. Anderson, commanding cavalry force in the front, will cause Capt. J. J. Dickisons company (H), Second Cavalry, to move immediately to Palatka, on ~he Saint Johns River, and take position as formerly. Further instructions will be sent him here- after. He will report to Lieutenant-Colon~l Harris, Fourth Georgia Cavalry, at Waldo, and call upon him for any support needed. * * * * * * * By command of Major-General Anderson: WM. G. BARTH, Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY. ARMY OF FLORIDA, March 8, 1864. Capt. W. CALL, A. A. A. G., Mil. Dist. of Florida, Camp Milton: CAPTAIN: I have the honor very respectfully to acknowledge the receipt of the order requiring Captain Dickison to move with his troops to Palatka, and to make the following statement to the major- general commanding: Captain Dickisons troop was attached to Major Scotts battalion for special service, and is now doing important outpost duty. I Page 344 ~344 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. (CHAP. XLVII. my command is weakened I must respectfully request to be relieved from all responsibility in the event of any surprise or disaster. I have now only 948 privates for duty to cover a line 9 miles in length from Hogans Landing to Trout Creek, and the men and horses are now being worked to the utmost. My line is now thinner than I would like to have it, and I would suggest that, if possible, a troop from the Fourth Georgia Cavalry, now at Starke, be ordered to Pa- Iatka in lieu of Dickisons troop. The necessary guides could be furnished from Dickisons troop. One of my scouts, Massey, returned this afternoon from Saddlers Point. He reports the gun-boat that went up the river yesterday morning returned in the afternoon with about the Same number of meix visible on deck as when she went up. He heard from a woman (the mother of one of his scouts) whom he considers very reliable, who is living in Jacksonville, and who came out to see him yester- day, that the enemy received re-enforcements on Sunday (day before yesterday) to the amount of two or three brigades. The enemy are now repairing the saw-mills and wharves and the build- ings in town, and have opened a good many stores.4 Mrs. Seymour and several of the officers wives have arrived: She also says that the enemy have masked batteries in front of Three-Mile Branch, in front of which they have stretched wire for the purpose of tripping cavalry; also that a large vessel loaded with supplies was wrecked coming over the bar some three or four days ago. She says the enemy say that the expedition was not ordered by Gillmore, but by Congress and the Secretary of War, and that they are daily expect- ing Rosecrans, when another attack or advance will be made. I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, R. H. ANDERSON, Colonel, Commanding. [Indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, Camp Milton, March 8, 1864. Respectfully forwarded, for information of general commanding. PATTON ANDERSON, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS MILITARY DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, Camp Milton, March 8, 11864. Officer commanding Detachment from Fourth Georgia Cavalry, ordered to Clay Landing: SIR: The major-general c~nimanding directs that you proceeds with your detachment to Clay Landing, on the Suwannee River, and arrest a man named Rigdin and bring him to these headquarters. You will first Droceed to the residence of Col. James W. McQueen, who will give you useful information. You will also arrest desert- ers, and give such other protection to the people of vicinity as may be in your power while among them. You will report back to your command as soon as the detachment or company from No. 4 shall reach their station on the river, and will make a written report to these headquarters Page 345 CHAP. XLVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETO.CONFEDERATE. 345 Private A. H. Martin, of Company A, Sixth Battalion Florida Volunteers, is ordered to report, through Colonel Harris, to you as a guide. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. CALL, Assistant Adjutant- General. CHARLESTON, March 9, 1864. Brig. Gen. THOMAS JORDAN, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: I would respectfully call your attention to the accom- panying copy of communications, the originals of which I have re- tained. I have also sent a copy to Flag Officer Tucker. I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your ob& dient servant, FRANCIS D. LEE, Captain of Engineers. [Inclosure No. I.] CHARLESTON, March 8, 1864. Brig. Gen. THOMAS JORDAN, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: It is reported that on Saturday night. March 5, 1864, En- gineer Toombs, C. S. Navy, in charge of the cigar torpedo steamer David, struck an armed vessel of the enemy in the North Edisto, but failed to destroy her in consequence of the torpedo not exploding. As this occurrence may disturb the confidence heretofore felt in the torpedoes prepared by me, I deem it due to myself to state that about 10 days since I saw Engineer Toombs, and in the presence of Mr. Theodore Stoney distinctly told him that the torpedo then on the David could not be relied upon, it having been exposed for the last six months to every vicissitude of weather and climate. I fur- ther told him that I would furnish to the vessel a new torpedo, thoroughly tested, and that could be relied upon. Notwithstanding this advice, Mr. Tooinbs went on the expedition above reported without the slightest knowledge on my part, and carrying the old torpedo. U~ider these circumstances it is scarcely necessary to ask why the expedition proved fruitless. The most common precau- tion indispensable to i~he proper use of all fire-arms, i. e., not to rely on a charge of long standing, has been here neglected. With the facts as above stated it may readily be determined whether the disaster may be most fairly attributed to a failure of the torpedo prepared by me, or to a willful disobedience to common- sense instructions on the part of Engineer Toombs. I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, FRANCIS D. LEE; Captain of Engineers. [Inclosure No. 2.] CHARLESTON, March 9, 1864. I deem it proper for me to state that the above letter was sub- mitted to me on the morning of the 8th of March by Capt. Francis D. Lee, and upon its perusal I did state that the facts therein r Page 346 346 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. ported were correct, whereupon Captain Lee forwarded the letter to its destination. Upon the subject being again brought to my attention this day I cannot recollect in the conversation alluded to in the above letter that Captain Lee directly condemned the tor- pedo, but that he advised Engineer Toombs to use one of his new torpedoes that he conceived far more perfect. To the best of my knowledge and belief Captain Lee had no conversation with Mr. Toornbs on the dimensions of charges of gunpowder necessary to obtain the best results. THEODORE STONEY. CHARLESTON, March 9, 1864. As the only witness to the conversation above alluded to was Mr. Theodore Stoney, I deemed it proper before forwarding my letter of March 8 to submit it to Mr. Theodore Stoneys inspection, in order to ascertain if his recollection of the facts therein stated agreed with mine. Not until he confirmed my report did I forward the letter. As Mr. Stoney now believes himself in error, and as consequently I am not sustained in my recollection of so much of the conversation as refers to my directly condemning the torpedo used by the David, I deem it proper to withdraw so much of my letter as bears upon that point. FRANCIS D. LEE, Captain of Engineers. General SAMUEL COOPER, CHARLESTON, S. C., March 10, 1864. Adjutant and Inspector GenerGi, Richmond, Va.: The two companies, A and B. composing squadron horse artil- lery, commanded, respectively, by Captains Trenholm and. Magee, are stationed at Coosawhatchee, Third Military District, South Caro- lina. Aggregate present and absent, 265. THOMAS JORDAN, Chief of Staff. CAMP MILTON, FLA., March 10, 1864. Brigadier-General JORDAN, Chief of Staff, Charleston: All quiet here. Am preparing to erect battery on Saint Johns River, few miles above Jacksonville, to prevent enemys transports passing up to operate in lower Florida. Telegraph this to depart- ment. Send me moss or hair saddle cloth instead of felt. G. T. BEAUREGARD. HEADQUARTERS, & c., March 10, 1864. H. J. LEARY, EsQ., Marietta, Ga.: SIR: I am directed by the commanding general to inform you that it was the torpedo-boat H. L. Hunley that destroyed the Fed- eml man-of-war Housatonic, and that Lieutenant Dixon commande Page 347 CRAP. XLVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 347 the expedition, but I regret to say that nothing since has been heard either of Lieutenant Dixon or the torpedo-boat. It is therefore feared that that gallant officer and his brave companions have per- ished. Respectfully, your obedient servant, H. W. FEILDEN, Captain and Assistant Adjutant-General. SPECIAL ORDERS, ADJT. AND INSP. GENERALS OFFICE, No. 59. Richmond, March 11, 1864. * * * * * * * XXVIII. Brig. Gen. N. G. Evans, Provisional Army, C. S., will forthwith proceed to take command of his brigade in the Depart- ment of South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. By command of the Secretary of War: JNO. WITHERS, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS MILITARY DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, Camp Milton, March 11, 1864. Brig. Gen. JOSEPH FINEGAN: GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs that you have three days cooked and two days uncooked rations prepared for your whole brigade as promptly as possible, and hold your command in readiness to move at a moments notice. You will, however, report in person to these headquarters for specific instructions whenever you receive the order to move, the present being only to hold your- self in readiness. Ammunition will be brought up to 100 rounds per man, 40 in cartridge-boxes and 60 in reserve. WM. G. BARTH, Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS MILITARY DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, Camp Milton, March 11, 1864. Lieutenant-Colonel HARRIS, Commanding C. S. Forces, Waldo, Fla.: COLONEL: The major-general commanding directs you to send a courier to Mr. Beckham, in charge of hands engaged in repairing telegraphic line to Waldo and Gainesville, with the inclosed commu- nication. You are notified that, if possible, instruments will be sent to Waldo and telegraphic communications opened to these head- quarters from that point on to-morrow, by which you can forward your communications, which require urgent dispatch. You will keep the commanding general constantly advised of the enemys movements. Respectfully, your obedienV servant, W. CALL, Assistant Adjutant-General Page 348 348 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. HEADQUARTERS MILITARY DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, Camp JIIilton, March 11, 1864. Col. R. H. ANDERSON, Commanding Cavalry, Army of East Florida: COLONEL: Lieutenant-Colonel McCormick, Second Florida Cav- alry, was called on some time since for an explanation relative to the affair at Camp Finegan. The explanation as furnished failed to satisfy General Beauregard, and further information as to certain points was called for. This has not been received, and General Beau- regard is very desirous that it be furnished at once. The major-gen- eral commanding desires that you impress upon Lieutenant-Colonel McCormick the necessity of his immediate compliance with the call. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. G. BARTH, Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS MILITARY DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, Lieutenant-Colonel HARRIS, Camp lIfilton, March 11, 1864. Commanding Cavalry, Waldo, Fia.: COLONEL: Your dispatch of this days date relative to the landing of the enemy at Palatka is received. I am directed by the major- general commanding to notify you that a brigade of infantry and a battery of artillery is now in readiness to move to your support as soon as necessity may require. Meanwhile you will watch the move- ments of the enemy, skirmish with him and retard his movements, if he moves out prom Palatka toward the interior, and keep the major-general commanding fully informed of anything you can dis- cover as to his movements and intentions. In conducting this op er- ation you will be careful not to so weaken or contract your picket- lines and scouting parties as to endanger his flanks. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. G. BARTH, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS MILITARY DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, Camp Milton, March 11, 1864. Lient. Col. C. C. JONES, Commanding Light Batteries: COLONEL: The major-general commanding directs that you have a battery of light artillery put in immediate readiness to move, with full complement of ammunition. Three days cooked rations and ten days uncooked will be required, and prepared as promptly as pos- sible. I am, & c., WM. G. BARTH, Assistant Adjutant-General. CAMP MILTON, March 11, 1864. Capt. DANIEL BIRD, J. L. SIMPKINS, J. M. MARVIN, JAMES S. RUSSELL, ROBERT SCOTT, and others, Monticello, Fla.: GENTLEMEN: Your communication of the 8th instant, in relation to the depredations by deserters in Taylor and Jefferson Counties Page 349 C~. XLVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 349 has been handed me by Mr. Simmons, and I avail myself of his kindness to transmit my reply. The main facts connected with these depredatioiis had reached the general commanding and myself through him previons to the recep- tion of your communication, and such steps had been taken to re- press them as the means in his hands woni d allow. Brigadier-General Gardner, commanding the sub-district in which the operations of these outlaws have been carried on, has been in- structed to make use of such means as may be in his power to arrest them and bring them to punishment, and to use every effort to p re- vent the recurrence of similar acts of lawlessness and plunder. Troops have been placed at his disposal for this purpose. In view of the condition of affairs in this portion of the State the general commanding has not deemed it prudent to withdraw just now any of the troops from in front of Jacksonville for the purpose of oper- ating in Taylor and Lafayette Counties, but the hope is entertained that at an early day this emergency will have passed, and such dis- position of forces may be made as will give entire security to the regions now threatened by the deserters. I will not close this communication without invoking my neigh- bors and friends, to whom it is addressed, to preserve that ~calrn courage and self-sacrificing fortitude in the present emergency which is so essential to success, and which has characterized our people in other regions overrun and devasted by the foe. The re- cent example of the civilians of Richmond flying to arms at the first alarm of approaching danger, marching to the front, and success- fully repelling a formidable organized raid upon the capital of our Confederacy, is not only worthy of imitation, but instructi~e in its lessons. It teaches us what a few cool and determined men can ac- complish when thrown upon their own resources and uninfluenced by panic. The recent raids in your immediate vicinity were doubtless so unexpected as to find the citizens unprepared for resistance, but the confident belief is entertained both by the general commanding and myself that any attempt at- a repetition of such outrages by a force of deserters so insignificant in numbers will be met by such vigorous resistance as will result in discomfiture and defeat to those outlaws and villains. Hoping that no emergency of the kind, however, may arise, I am, gentlemen, very respectfully, your obedient servant, PATTON ANDERSON. CHARLESTON, S. C., March 12, 1864. General SAMUEL COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General, Richmond, Va.: All quiet in Florida. General Beauregard proposes to erect a battery on Saint Johns River, few miles above Jacksonville, to prevent enemys transports from passing into lower Florida. Ap- pearances indicate re-establishment of forces of enemy in this State. Number of vessels at Hilton Head restored to about same as before movement to Florida. THOMAS JORDAN, Chief of Staff Page 350 350 S. C., FLA., AND ON TIlE GA. COAST. [CH~. XLVII. HEADQUARTERS MILITARY DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, Camp Milton, Near Jacksonville, March 12, 1864 General S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General, Richmond, Va.: GENERAL: I have the honor to report that the infantry of the Florida volunteers in this district is at present organized into four battalions and three unattached Companies, and to request that as far as practicable they may be organized into regiments. An appli- cation has some time since been forwarded to the War Department for the organization of a regiment by amalgamating the Sixth Florida Battalion, Lieutenant-Colonel Martin, seven companies, with the three independent ~ompanies of Captains Eichelberger, MeNeill, and Reynolds, making ten companies, to which I would respectfully call attention. There would then remain the following battalions: First Florida Battalion Infantry, Lieutenant-Colonel Hopkins (six companies); Second Florida Battalion Infantry, Lieutenant-Colonel Brevard (six companies); Fourth Florida Battalion Infantry, Lieu- tenant-Colonel McClellan (five companies). A more efficient organization would exist if these battalions were combined, which can be readily effected by making companies from the men who might be transferred from the stronger companies, and I have the honor to request that I be authorized to do this, the details to be submitted to the approval of the commanding general of the department and of the War Department. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant PATTON ANDERSOI~, Major-General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS MILITARY DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, Cramp Milton, March 12. 1864. Brigadier-General GARDNER: GENERAL: The report of Captain Thigpin, relative to the cases Df William Marr and Stillman Smith, has been submitted to the major-general commanding, who directs that you instruct Captain Thigpin to notify William Budd, commanding U. S. naval forces, Saint Georges Sound, that these men (Marr arid Smith) were not arrested but shot while attempting, with arms in their hands, to escape from our troops; that we do not acknowledge any right on his part to grant passes within our lines, and that any harsh or violent proceedings of his against either Messrs. Ormand and Rouan or any other persons, either military or civilians, entitled to the pw- tection of the Confederate States, will be proniptly and sternly ret~l- iated. The major-general further directs that you cause Messrs. Ormand and Rouan to be at once arrested and removed to a safe point in the interior. I return the original papers in this case, as requested in your indorsement. I am, general, youi~ obedient servant, G. BARTH, Assistant Adjutant-General Page 351 C~. XLVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 351 HEADQUARTERS MILITARY DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, Camp Milton, March 12, 1864. Brigadier-General GARDNER, Commanding Sub-District, Quincy, Ma.: GENERAL: The commaiiding general is desirous of procuring a copy of the circular of Major White, Commissary of subsistence, which is supposed to have attracted the attention of the enemy, and learning you had seen it alluded to and copied in a New York journal, he requests that you will procure and send to him a copy at this place. Also forward copy direct to department headquar~. ters. All quiet here except reported landing of five Yankee regiments at Palatka on the 10th instant. Necessary arrangements to [meet] them, should they attempt to penetrate to the interior, have been made. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, PATTON ANDERSON, Major- General, Commanding. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. MILITARY DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, No. 5. Clamp Milton, March 12, 1864. * * * * * * * IX. The major-general commanding directs that you move with your regiment in advance of your present position to a point to be designated to you by Col. R. H. Anderson, commanding cavalry, which position will be in and over the railroad and plank road near Colonel Harts plantation. X. Brig. Gen. W. M. Gardner, commanding Sub-District No. 1, will at once assume command of the forces guarding the railroad bridge over the Suwannee River, with the defense of which he is hereafter intrusted. Brigadier-General Gardner will make such disposition of Captain Wimberlys company, and the other troops composing the bridge guard, as he may deem most conducive to the pub in eres . * * * By command of Major-General Anderson: WM. G. BARTH, Assistant Adjutant-General. CAMP MILTON, FLA., March 13, 18648 a. m. Brig. Gen. H. W. MERCER, Commanding, & c., Savannah, Ga.: Order torpedoes replaced under range of batteries, and should any demonstration be made by enemy call directly on War Department for assistance from North Carolina, then send copy of dispatch to Charleston. G. T. BEAUREGARD Page 352 352 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. HDQRS. FOURTH MIL. DISTRICT OF SOUTH CAROLINA, General S. COOPER, Georgetown, llliarch 13, 1864. Adjutant and Inspector General, Richmond, Va. (Through General G. T. Beauregard, commanding Department of South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida): GENERAL: I beg leave most respectfully to invite the attention of the War Department to the imperiled condition of this section of the Confederacy, because of the exceeding poverty of our present means of defense, not only in material but in men. This military district embraces the line of coast lying between the North Carolina line on the one side and Bulls Bay on the other. Within its coast limits are embraced the entrances to Winyah Bay, the two Santee Rivers, and Bulls Bay, besides a number of smaller inlets. Immediately back of the coast line lies the richest belt of alluvial lands (all until recently in the highest state of cultivation) anywhere to be found in the State, stretched along the banks of the Pedee, Waccamaw, Black, Sampit, and the two Santee Rivers, the portals to all which are the entrances above referred to. It is estimated that the agricultural productions of this aihivial belt alone will subsist not less than 75,000 men, provided defenses at all commen- surate with its importance be afforded. In the spring of 1862 the almost total withdrawal of all defense led to the abandonment of at least three-fourths of the lands then in cultivation, the planters flee- ing for safety, with their slaves, far into the interior, and yet the product of the fourth that still remained under cultivation has, in spite of the adverse circumstances produced by the close proximity of the enemy, contributed largely to the support of soldiers families in this and adjoining districts, besides helping tQ no inconsiderable extent to feed not only the troops in this military department, but those also of General Johnstons army, as I am informed. But it is not only as a source for furnishing subsistence to our armies and our people that I am impell~d by a high sense of duty earnestly to solicit the attention of the War Department to this sec- tion of the Confederacy. Its possession by the enemy would afford him decided military advantages. Once firmly established in this town or vicinity he would constantly threaten the lines of railroad which traverse the country from Wilmington to Charleston and Co- lumbia, and to give anything like reasonable security to which would require five times the force necessary to enable us to hold our position here. Incidentally, it may not be amiss for me to mention that upon our defenses here rests the safety of the Confederate navy-yard at Mars Bluff. Should the enemy break through our line of defense, 50 or 100 cavalry landed on the banks of the Pedee would in a few hour~ reach the navy-yard, complete the work of destruction there, and return without encountering any serious obstacle, because there would not be time to throw any in their way, if they moved promptly. The requisition which I have had the honor quite re- cently to submit for heavy guns, & c., will, I feel confident, when supplied, effectually close the water approach. The other avenue of approach is very feebly held, and it is to the alarming fact that I have not a single infantry~soldier attached to this command that I desire most especially to invoke attention. With a coast line to observe and guard more than 70 miles in length, intersected by three deep and wide rivers, my command con Page 353 Cau. XLVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 353 sists at present of seven companies of cavalry, one battery and a section of light artillery, and one company of heavy artillery, show- ing by the latest returns a total effective present of 558 men. Five hundred and fifty-eight men to defend a country 70 miles in extent, and that country abounding in agricultural resonrces, besides offer- ing other temptations to the enemy! No argument is necessary to show that our tenure here is most uncertain and dependent entirely upon the forbearance of the foe and his ignorance as to our true con- dition. We are here on sufferance. Upon no one point could I con- centrate in less than twenty-four hours, even under the most favor- able circumstances, more than 300 men. The main position, the decisive point in the field, is a very defensible one. It is strong by nature, and the art of the engineer has been called into requisition to give to it still greater strength. But material obstacles are not of themselves sufficient. I regret the necessity for this communication, but duty to the sec- tion of the country with the defense of which I am immediately intrusted, duty to our cause, and a proper, I trust, sense of my own responsibilities, all unite and conspire to forbid my withholding longer from those whose responsibilities are weightier than mine, though not so immediate, the statements which I have had the honor above to submit for their consideration. In conclusion, it may be proper that I should disclaim any design to reflect upon the general commanding the military department of which this district is a portion. He has repeatedly acknowledged the importance of the interests here at stake and the necessity of affording them protection, but has declared his inability to do so without endangering other points which he deemed more vital. I have the honor to be , general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. H. TRAPIER, Brigadier- General, Commanding. [First indorsernent.] HDQRS. DEPT. OF S. CAROLINA, GEORGIA, AND FLORIDA, Charleston, S. C., March 25, 1864. Respectfully referred to the War Department, for its favorable consi era ion I fully concnr in the remarks of General Trapier relative to the importance of this district and of its exposed condition, which will become still more so when Colonel Whites cavalry shall have left for Virginia, as lately ordered. G. T. BEAUREGARD, General, Commanding. [Second indorsement.] Major MELTON: Let the commanding general of the Department of South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida be informed that this order cannot be changed, and that it is for him to dispose of the force left him so as to effect- ually guard his most important points. C. 23 R RvOL xxxv, PT I Page 354 354 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE ~A. COAST. [OfIAP. XLVII. [Third inclorsernent.] APRIL 15, 1864. The true solution of this matter is in a nutshell, I think. It is a question of relative importance of the several armies of Generals Lee, Johnston, and Beauregard. The department has determined that the greater importance, relatively, of General Lees army re- quired the movement of certain forces from General B. s command. This point can only be determined by the War Department from a view of the whole field, and the War Department has determined it. This force removed, it devolves on General Beauregard so to dispose of his remaining force as to effectually guard the most im- portant points in his command. With this paper, then, the War Department has nothing to do, except I would respectfully suggest that General Trapier has a com- mand by no means commensurate with his grade. SAML. W. MELTON, Major, Assistant Adjutant-General. MARCH 13, 18648 p. m. Instructions to Maj. Gen. Patton Anderson: First. Telegraph Captain Pearson to repair by shortest route to Orange Springs for the protection of that point. Enemy supposed to be advancing up the Ocklawaha River in barges, from Welaka. Second. Order a train to go down for the company sent toward Cedar Keys, to be brought back on railroad to point nearest Orange Springs. They will make a forced march for the protection of that point from enemys boat expedition up the Ocklawaha River. Third. Send by express two companies of infantry froni here to a point on the railroad nearest Oraiige Springs; they will make a forced march for the protection of that point from boat expedition up the Ocklawaha River. Fourth. Should the enemy have reached Orange Springs before the forces named, the forces named will unite and march to some favorable point on the river where they can cut off the retreat of the enemy. Fifth. Order an intelligent and active officer acquainted with that part of the country to take command of the whole. Sixth. Order a section of light artillery to accompany the whole. Orders will be issued in accordance with the above notes. Order some of the inhabitants (by telegraph) to cut down trees into the River Ocklawaha, both above and below theexpedition, using their negroes if necessary. Seventh. Send to Captain Pearson the companies ordered to Bay Port, Wacasassee, & c. By command of General Beauregard: HENRY BRYAN, A& ~istant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS MILITARY DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, Camp Milton, Jllarch 13, 1864. Brigadier-General GARDN1~R: GENERAL: In reply to your communication of the 9th instant, the major-general commanding directs me to say to you that.the exige Page 355 CHAP. XLVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 355 cies of the service will not at present admit of corn pliance with your request as to Scotts battalion. Capers battalion hasb eeii ordered to report to you, and will obviate the necessity for Bonauds battal- ion. A detachment of the Siege Train has been ordered to report to you to guard the Aucilla trestle. No troops can possibly be spared from this point, but the hope is entertained that with Capers battal- ion, Wimberlys cornpany, the two infantry cornpanies at the Su- wannee bridge, and the detachment of the Siege Train, you will be able to prevent further depredations in Middle Florida. The major-general commanding directs me to call your attention to the fact that many officers commanding detachments do not date their communications from any known locality, and requests that you will correct this evil in your district. Very respectfully, WM. G. BARTH, Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS MILITARY DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, Lieutenant-Colonel HARRIS, Gamp M~lton, March 13, 1864. Commanding Georgia Cavalry, Waldo, Fla.: COLONEL: I am directed by the ma.jor-general commanding to state for your information and guidance that in case of a general advance of the enemy upon our front it is very desirable to have the co-operation of your entire cavalry force. To accomplish this it will be necessary for you, upon the receipt of such information in relia- ble shape, to fall back in the direction of Baldwin, either by the Middleburg and Baldwin road or such other road as may accomplish the march in the shortest time. Your forces will be expected to operate and unite with the cavalry force on our right wing, under Col. R. H. Anderson. It will be (lesirable that you shall not wait to concentrate your forces before moving, but will order those forces nearest to Middleburg and Baldwin to move independently and re- port as soon as practicable at the point named, and with the remain- der of the command niore distant you will follow. That you may more readily comprehend the movement, it is explained to you that the cavalry forces intended to operate upon the right flank of the army, and with which you will unite your forces, under Col. R. H. Anderson, commanding cavalry, will retire, in case of the nec- essity referred to, from their present position by the Black Creek road to its crossing of McGirts Creek, which it will defend, and if compelled to retire, then by sending one company down the Black Creek road, toward its crossing of Black Creek, to watch any move- ment of the enemy in that direction. He will continue to retire by a road leading from that road to the New River road, and then along its course upon the right flank of the army in the direction of Baldwin. The intersection of the Middleburg and Baldwin road with the New River road, below Lows house, near the Yellow Water, is the point at which you had best aim, and from which you can readily unite with Colonel Ajiderson. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. F. LAY, Major and Assistant Inspector-General Page 356 356 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. HEADQUARTERS MILITARY DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, Camp Milton, March 13, 1864. Lieutenant-Colonel HARRIS, Commanding Fourth Georgia Cavalry, Waldo: COLONEL: Send by express to Major Hamilton, quartermaster at Gainesville, the following order for Captain Pearson, now en route from Gainesville to Tampa Bay, to be sent forward, in haste: Repair at once, by shortest route, to Orange Springs for protection of that point Enemy suVposed to be advancing up the Ocklawaha River in barges from Welaka. Other troops are ordered to co-operate with you. Communicate with and order any troops accessible to follow after and co-operate with you. By command of Maj. Gen. P. Anderson: WM. G. BARTH, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS MILITARY DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, Camp Milton, March 13, 1864. Lieutenant-Colonel HARRIS, Commanding Fourth Georgia C~avalry, Waldo: Send following dispatch to Major Hamilton, quartermaster at Gainesville, by express: Order train down towards Cedar Keys to bring back by rail Captain McNeill~s company to point nearest Orange Springs, with the following order to the officer in command: Make forced march for protection of Orange Springs from enemys boat expedition up the Ocklawaha. Captain Pearson and others will co-operate. By command of Maj. Gen. P. Anderson: WM. G. BARTH, Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS MILITARY DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, Camp Milton, March 13,~1864. Major BUIST, Commanding Heavy Artillery: MAJOR: The major-general commanding directs th~ you order the detachment of 85 men under your command now at Madison to be armed with small-arms and posted without delay at the Aucilla bridge as a guard for its defense, leaving the siege pieces and a suffi- cient number of men to guard the guns and take care of the horses at Madison. Major Daniels, commanding at Madison, will be noti- fled of the movement of these troops, and they will report through him to Bug. Gen. W. M. Gardner for instructions. I am, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant WM. G. BARTH, Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS MILITARY DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, Camp Milton, March 1~3, 1864. Lieutenant-Colonel MARTIN, Sixth Florida Battalion: COLONEL: The major-general commanding directs that you pro- ceed with the troops ordered to report to you, by rail, to the point nearest to Orange Springs, and thence by forced marches to th Page 357 Ciiip. XLVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 357 most favorable locality for intercepting the boat expedition of the enemy now supposed to be operating on the Ocklawaha River, using your discretion as to the details of your operations, which are to be directed to the capturing or destroying the enemys expedition. Pearsons, Westcotts, and McNeills companies have been ordered to co-operate with you, and will be under your command whenever they join you, as will any other troops that may be in your vicinity. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. G. BARTH, Assistant Adjutant- General. CHARLESTON, S. C., March 14, 1864. General SAMUEL COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General, Richmond, Va.: General Beauregard reports one brigade of enemy gone in trans- ports with barges to Pal atka. He hopes to defeat object. Spies report to General Maury movement from New Orleans in force by sea steamers against Florida; not very probable, but if so, of course, for descent on Gulf coast about Saint Marks. THOMAS JORDAN, Chief of Staff. CHARLESTON S. C., March 14, 1864. General G. T. BEAUREGARD, Balduin, Fla.: General Maury telegraphs spies report 1~,000 troops sent from New Orleans in sea steamers for Floridafor example, 2,000 in one steamer drawing 18 feet of waterand that Sherman was in New Orleans on 4th instant; not very reliable, I fancy. Send your saddle cloth by express in morning. All quiet. THOMAS JORDAN, Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS THIRD DISTRICT OF SOUTH CAROLINA, Pocotaligo, March 14, 1864. Brig. Gen. THOMAS JORDAN, Chief of Staff: A boat expedition of 120 men was organized under the command of Captain Magee to attack the headquarters of the enemys outposts on Broad River on the 11th instant. The ground was thoroughly scouted. No reserves or gun-boats within reach. There was every chance of success; no element that I could see of failure. Owing to the rawness of some of the oarsmen and some other contretemps, the expedition did not arrive at the east side of Broad River till 4.30 a. m. Tide too low for the heavier boats to land and daylight too near for the requisite secrecy. The expedition returned. It is doubtful whether the enemy heard us or not. There was some talk- ing when the boats got aground. Upon a given signal by Captain Magee (firing of a rocket to be carried round to Port Royal Ferry Page 358 358 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVI!. by discharge of fire-arms), a feint was to be made of an attack at Port Royal Ferry by Captain Bachman with his battery of artillery. By some mistake the signal was supposed to have been made, and Captain Bachman opened upon the enemys pickets between 12 and 1 oclock at night. The visit of the gun-boats was no doubt caused by this demonstration. From what I can learn along my line I do not believe the enein y are in any force. They are comparatively weak and disposed to be on the defensive. I will endeavor to keep up the appearance of strength by availing myself of such opportunities of attack as my scouts may develop. As you are aware, however, it is very difficult to get at them, with their command of the water, with the certainty of getting off. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, yours, W. S. WALKER Brigadier-General, Comman~4ing. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, Camp Milton, March 14, 1864. Lieutenant-Colonel HARRIS, Commanding Cavalry, Waldo: Make an immediate and careful reconnaissance of the enemys position at Palatka with a view to ascertain if he is still in force there and report the result by telegraph. WM. G. BARTH, Assistant Adjutant-General. N. B.Telegraph operator at Baldwin will be on hand and pre- pared for prompt receipt and transmittal of dispatches both night and day, and will notify the operators with whom he corresponds throughout the district to the same effect. By order of Major-General Anderson: WM. G. BARTH, Assistant Adjutant-General. HDQRS. DEPT. OF S. CAROLINA, GEORGIA, AND FLORIDA, Camp Milton, Fla., March 14, 18641.4~5 p. m. Major-General ANDERSON, Commanding, Florida: GENERAL: The general commanding directs that you will cause the troops to be made acquainted with their positions in time, with- out delay. He also directs you to order your cavalry near Palatka~- to make a reconnaissance with a view of ascertaining if the enem1y are still there in force. If not already done, he directs that you wi 1 instruct your chief quartermaster to be constantly informed of and report to your headquarters and to the chief quartermaster of the department all injuries to the railroads in your district which are likely to interfere with the movements of troops and supplies. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, HENRY BRYAN, Assistant Adju7tant-General Page 359 CUAP. XLVIII CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 359 HEADQUARTERS MILITARY DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, Camp Milton, March 14, 1864. Brigadier-General COLQUITT, Commanding Brigade: GENERAL: You will move your brigade to the position assigned it to the right of the railroad. The major-general commanding would call your especial attention to the necessity of requiring the strict use of sinks, and of adopting a thorough system of police in this camp. By order of Major-General Anderson: J. F. LAY, Major and Assistant. Inspector-General. HEADQUARTERS THIRD MILITARY DISTRICT, Pocotaligo, March 15, 1864. Brig. Gen. THOMAS JORDAN: GENERAL: I have recently had closely reconnoitered, by my scouts, a blockader that has been lying for a year past at the mouth of the Ashepoo River. Private Crowel, of the signal corps, a half brother of Captain Hartshorne, served 9 years in the U. S. Navy. He got within a mile and a half of her with a tolerable glass. He pro- nounces her a corvette of about 800 tons burden, with four guns on a sideprobably two more as bow and stern chasers. Top of bulwarks about 12 feet from water line; complement of crew, 250 men. Her position is half a mile ~vest of Otter Island. This precise position she has kept for months past. A pilot-boat is anchored a half mile up the river; it is supposed with reference to guard against torpedoes. The intermediate streams would be navigable from Charleston as far as mouth of Mosquito Creek by one of the Davids. Whether that creek would bQ navigable for such a boat at high water I am not sure, but my impression is it would be. This would carry her to Bennetts Point, the end of what is marked on the map as Bear Island. Coal could be brought from the Jacksonborough depot to this point. From this point it would be 9 miles by the channel between Otter Island and Fenwicks Island to the corvette. It would be necessary to come from Saint Helena Sound in order to avoid the tender on guard on the river side, and to insure greater secrecy by an attack from an unexpected quarter. By taking ad- vantage of a flood tide, she could easily get to a position of safety after doing her work. If the plan is considered feasible, I will have any further information obtained that may be considered desirable. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. S. WALKER, Brigadier-General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS MILITARY DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, Camp Milton, March 15, 1864. Maj. A. B. NOYES, Chief of Subsistence: MAJOR: The major-general Commanding directs that you take active measures to supply fQr an indefinite period at least 12,000 troops in this district, and to keep constantly on hand not les Page 360 360 S. C., FIA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. than ten days rations of meat and breadstuffs. Your supplies should be priiicipally accumulated on the line of the Peninsula and Georgia Railroad, between Quincy and the Suwannee River, most of them at Madison, Monticello, & c., only keeping enough on the Apalachicola River to supply the troops now there, and but slight supplies in South Florida, suitable for the small forces in that region. To accomplish this object (the supply of the army in Middle and East Florida), Major Noyes will bring to his assist- ance such officers of the subsistence department as may be found in this district who are not absolutely needed on other duties, and also such agents as may be necessary. In selecting your assistants you will not employ on this service nor, except in the most urgent cases, interfere with such commissaries as may be properly on duty with troops in the field; and in all cases where you need the services of an officer of your department you will make a written call for him through these headquarters. As soon as practicable you will make a return of all officers of the subsistence department under your control, showing on what duty and where they are employed, suggesting also such changes or modifications of their duties as you may deem advisable. You will hold all under you to a strict accountability in their proper spheres, and will from time to time report to these headquarters any remissness or derelictious of duty among those charged with the important trust of supplying the troops. lam, major, your obedient servant, WM. G. BARTH, Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS MILITARY DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, Lieutenant-Colonel HARRIS, Camp Milton, March 15, 1864. Commanding, Waldo, Fla.: COLONEL: Your communications of this date are received and have been submitted to the major-ge~neral commanding. Your course relative to the expected raid up the Ocklawaha is approved. In the event of Colonel Andersons falling back from his present position, you are expected to join him with all the cavalry under your command, including Captain Dickisons company. The general declines acceding to your proposition relative to sending your dismounted men to get horses, but will consider special applications in these cases. In forwarding such applications you will indorse your opinion as to the probability of the mans procur- ing a horse if the furlough is granted. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. G. BARTH, Assistant Adjutant- General. MEDICAL PURVEYORS OFFICE, Charleston, S. C., March 15, 1864. Brig. Gen. THOMAS JORDAN, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: Having to make a requisition in a few days on the medical purveyor at Columbia, S. C., for medical and hospital sup Page 361 O~. XLVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. CONFEDERATE. 361 plies, I liave to request you will inform me of the number of men on the coast, along the line of the Charleston and Savannah Rail- road, and in the vicinity of Georgetown. I am, general, your obedient servant, THOS. LINING, Surgeon and Medical Purveyor. CHARLESTON, S. C., March 16, 1864. General SAMUEL COOPER, Ac0utant and Inspector General: Yesterday the enemy reopened on Fort Sumter, firing 143 shots from two 100-pounder and one 200-pounder Parrotts, wounding 5 soldiers, not dangerously, and 1 negro, dangerously. Resumed fire to-day for short time. General Beauregard reports arrival of addi- tional troops of euemy yesterday at Jacksonville. THOMAS JORDAN, Chief of Staff. CAMP MILTON, Near Jacksonville, Fla., March 16, 186412.30 p. m. Maj. Gen. D. H. HILL, Charleston, S. C.: I regret to hear of your ill success. What do you propose doing now? I cannot return as soon as I expected, and must have an officer in command in South Carolina. G. T. BEAUREGARD. HDQRS. DEPT. OF S. CAROLINA, GEORGIA, AND FLORIDA, - Charleston, S. C., March 16, 1864. THOMAS LINING, Medical Purveyor, Charleston: SIR: In reply to your communication of the 15th instant, I have the honor to inform you that the number of troops present and absent serving in the State of South Carolina is 22,750, and am instructed to sa~ that your estimate for the medical and hospital supplies should be made out for that number. Respectfully, your obedient servant, J. M. OTEY, Assistant Adjutant-General. CAMP MILTON, Near Jacksonville, Fla., March 16, 186111 a. m. Maj. Gen. J. F. GILMER, C~orndg. District of Georgia, Savannah, Ga.: Resume command in G ~orgia and Third Military District of South Carolina. Keep me advised of .enemys movements. All quiet here. One brigade of enemy is at Palatka. Some additional troops ar- rived yesterday at Jacksonville. G. T. BEAUREGARD Page 362 362 S. C., FLA., AND ON TIlE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. CAMP MILTON, Near Jacksonville, Fla., March 16, 186412 m. Brigadier-General JORDAN, Chief of Staff, Charleston, S. C.: All quiet here. One brigade of enemy at Palatka. Some addi- tional troops arrived yesterday at Jacksonville. His present force in Florida estimated at 15,000. Place General Evans on duty, but order Generals Hill, Gilmer, and Trapier to investigate his case as provided by law. 12.30 P. M. Should General Hill assume command in South Carolina, cannot Maj. Hutson Lee be assigned to him and Major Willis to depart- ment? I may wish to transfer my headquarters to Savannah in course of spring, which might not suit former. G. T. BEAUREGARD. HEADQUARTERS MILITARY DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, Camp Milton, March 16, 1864. Maj. E. C. SIMKINS, Chief Quartermaster: MAJOR: The major-general commanding directs that you take measures as promptly as practicable to concentrate enough railroad transportation in telegraphic reach to move a brigade of infantry from Baldwin to any point on the Florida Railroad where their serv- ices may be needed. As the concentration of the rolling-stock at any one point would interfere with the supply of the troops, you are instructed to make your arrangements with the view of being able to move the troops promptly, and interfering as little as possi- ble with the transportation of supplies. By order of Major-General Anderson: WM. G. BARTH, Assistant Adjutant- General. RICHMOND, VA., March 17, 1864. General G. T. BEAUREGARD, Charleston, S. C.:, The First South Carolina Cavalry and Second South Carolina Cavalry have been ordered to South Carolina. The Fourth South Carolina Cavalry, Colonel Rutledge, the Fifth South Carolina Cay- aIry, Colonel Dunovant, the Sixth South Carolina Cavalry, Colonek- Aiken, the Seventh Georgia Cavalry, Colonel White, the remaining companies of Colonel Millens (Georgia) battalion, and the cavalry companies of Captains Tucker, Wallace, Boykin, Trenholm, and Magee have been ordered to Virginia. Prepare them for movement without delay in light marching order with their wagon trains; the heavy baggage will come by railroad. Orders sent by mail. Gent- eral Hampton will superintend the movement. S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General Page 363 CHAP. XLVII.1 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 363 CHARLESTON, S. C., March 17, 1864. General G. T. BEATJREGARD, Tallahassee, Fla.: But four monitors are off harbor; one was taken off in tow yes. terday. Farragut is not in command of fleet. THOMAS JORDAN, Chief of Staff. CHARLESTON, S. C., March 17, 1864. General G. T. BEAUREGARD, Tallahassee, Fla.: All remains quiet. Number of vessels at Hilton Head but sixty- nine, of which thirty-six are schooners. General Cooper ordered Captain Otey to Richmond with papers to show strength of all iegi- ments in department; sent him to-day with the information. Am pushing the completion of the David torpedo-boats. Can employ Maj or Cooke here. THOMAS JORDAN, Chief of Staff. GENERAL ORDERS, ~ HEADQUARTERS, N~o. 6. Savannah, March 17, 1864. Major-General Gilmer resumes the command of the Military Dis- trict of Georgia and Third Military District of South Carolina, headquarters as heretofore, at Savannah. By commarnd of Major-General Gilmer: J. H. ALEXANDER, Assistant Adjutant-General. DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS, Camp Milton, Fla., March 17, 1864. Maj. HENRY BRYAN, Assistant Adjutant-General: MAJOR: From reports of scouts and examination of deserters, the following facts with reference to the movements of the troops of the enemy in the direction of Palatka would seem to embody the truth: That on Wednesday, the 9th of March, 1864, an expedition left Jacksonville for Palatka, consisting of two gun-boats and three transport steamers, having aboard about 1,400 men, constituting three regiments of infantry (white) and five negro companies, with seven pieces of field artillery, with horses, & c., but no cavalry, the whole force under the command of Colonel Barton. These troops reached Palatka on Wednesday night or Thursday morning, and on Friday commenced work on intrenchments and rifle-pits. One of the gun-boats left, whether up or down is not positively known. Lieutenant-Colonel Harris, on Sunday, March 13, reported a move- ment in the direction of Orange Springs, or Silver Springs, to meet which prcmpt measures were taken. This report has as yet not been verified, nor have we any news from the expedition. Respectfully, JNO. F. LAY, Major and Assistant Inspector- General Page 364 364 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. CHARLESTON, S. C., March 18, 1864. General G. T. BEAUREGARD, Tallahassee, Fla.: You are ordered by General Cooper to send to Virginia Rutledges, Dunovants, and Aikens regiment~, and five other companies, includ- ing Trenholms (South Carolina) cavalry, and Whites new regiment, and rest of Millens companies, Georgia Cavalry, and in their place will receive First and Second Regiments South Carolina Cavalry, from Virginia. Cant you guess source of this raid on your cavalry? THOMAS JORDAN, Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS, In the Field, Camp Milton, Mc Girts Creek, Fla., March 18, 18641 p. m. General BRAXTON BRAGG, General-in-Chief, Richmond, Va.: Please read my letters of January 26 and February 5 last, * to Adjutant-General, and obtain action thereon. If comp]iance with requests therein contained were denied, the intei~ests of the country, my own self-respect, nay, a proper regard for my reputation, wonld require that I should ask to be relieved from the command of this military department. G. T. BEAUREGARD. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT, In the Field, Camp Milton, East Fla., March 19, 1864. General S. COOPER, Richmond, Va.: Cavalry ordered to Virginia will be sent at once, although consid- ered indispensable to guard country and railroad from Charleston to Savannah and to defend this military department. Scouts near Jacksonville report enemys forces reinforced by 2,500 men on 16th and 17th instant. G. T. BEAUREGARD. CHARLESTON, S. C., March 19, 1864. General G. T. BEAUREGARD, Baldwin, Fla.: I telegraphed you last night of orders received from Richmond of sweeping away four regiments and eight conipanies of cavalry from your department. It will be needless to apply, then, for delay of Millens battalion. Some prominent Carolinians will interpose, but I doubt their success. THOMAS JORDAN Chief of Staff. *~e Part I, pp. 543, 566; aLso Braggs action thereon March 22, ibid, p. 571 Page 365 365 CHAP. XLVII.]. CORRESPONDENCI~, ETC.CONFEDERATE. HEADQUARTERS, In the Field, Camp Milton, East Fla., March 19, 1864. Brig. Gen. THOMAS JORDAN, Chief of Staff, Charleston, S. C.: Send to Virginia cavalry ordered by General Cooper, and make best disposition meanwhile of remaining troops to meet present emergencies. All qniet here; 2,500 men, re-enforcements, reported received by enemy in Jacksonville on 16th and 17th instant. G. T. BEAUREGARD. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT, & C., Camp Milton, Fla., March 19, 1864. Brig. Gen. THOMAS JORDAN, Charleston, S. C.: Send two Napoleons and two 12-pounder howitzers for Abells battery, for which requisition has been made. Send also two 12- pounder howitzers to snbstitute for one section of Villepignes bat- tery. Enemy is quiet in our front and at Palatka. G. T. BEAUREGARD. HDQRS. DEPT. OF S. CAROLINA, GEORGIA, AND FLORIDA, Charleston, S. C., March 19, 1864. General G. T. BEAUREGARD: DEAR GENERAL: To-day received dispatch in answer to Long- streets communication by Lieutenant Goree, and have sent it on as directed, by telegraph. * He has sent another letter, a copy of which I shall send you as well as my answer thereto. I telegraphed last night the purport of a dispatch from General Cooper sLripping this department of three regiments of cavalry and five companies from South Carolina, and one regiment and three companies from Georgia. I recognize Braggs work in this. I am not wrong. I saw two of the new Davids tried in the harbor to-day with most satisfactory results. Three are now ready and7L am pushing them by going to see them every day. As soon as dark nights set in they shall be put to work. Hampton is to come here to superintend the movement of the cavalry. If this cavalry does go to Virginia it portends another campaign across the border, but possibly when ready they niay be sent to Longstreet. Brisk fire of enemy to-day into the city. An explosion at the arsenal this morniiig in the rocket room killed 2 and wounded a number of persons slightly. It might have been very much worse. An intercepted dispatch from the fleet the other day showed con- clusively that Farragut is not in command of the fleet off this harbor. I have not alluded to your great bereavement, of which the tele- graphic wires give us an account, which I fear is true. Words can do nothing to assuage such a sorrow, or fill again for you the cham- bers emptied of delight. And I need not assure you how deeply I sympathize with you at such a time. Sincerely, your friend, THOMAS JORDAN. * See Longstreet to Beauregard, March 7, and Beauregards reply, March 18, Vol. XXXII, Part III, pp. 590, 649 Page 366 [Cxu~. XLYII. 366 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. ROYALLS HOUSE, March 19, 1864. Brigadier-General JORDAN, Chief of Staff: Lieutenant-Colonel Yates, commanding at Fort Johnson,reports that on firing the 6.40 Brooke gnu at Battery Simkins to-day it burst, about 111 inches of the muzzle breaking off. This gun has been fired between 1,700 and 1,800 times. JOHNSON HAGOOD, Brigadier- General, Commanding. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. MILITARY DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, No. 12. Gamp Milton, March 19, 1864. I. Colonel Tabb, Fifty-ninth Virginia Regiment, will proceed to Waldo without delay and assume command of all the troops, either infantry, cavalry, or artillery, now reporting to Lieutenant-Colonel Harris, Fourth Georgia Cavalry, at or near that place. Colonel Tabb will operate vigorously against the enemy in that section. He will obstruct the navigation of the tributaries of the Saint Johns by felling timber, & c., and will use every means at his dis- posal to protect the region of country in which he operates from the incursions of the enemy. Colonel Tabb will communicate direct with these headquarters, and will promptly notify the major-general commanding of all movements of his own troops or those of the eneniy. Before leav- ing Baldwin he will turn over the command of his regiment to his second in command. * * * * * * * By command of Major-General Anderson: WM. G. BARTH, Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS IN THE FIELD, Camp Milton, Fla., March 20, 1864. Maj. Gen. PATTON ANDERSON Comdg. Dist. of Florida, Gainp Milton, Mc Girts ~Jreek, Fla.: GENERAL: Having to return temporarily to Charleston sooner than I had intended, I desire giving you herewith my general views as to future probable operations against the enemy now occupying Jacksonville with about 12,000 or 15,000 men, and Pa]atka with about 1,500 men, as reported by scouts, deserters, & c. Your present available, forces (less than 8,000 men) are not sufficient to enable ou to drive the enemy out of Jacksonville, fortified and supported four or five gun -boats, as the place is at preseiit. The task with regard to Palatka would be less difficult if you could detach on such an expedition to iiisure its success a sufficient force from the troops at McGirts Creek. But this might be attended with more danger than the object in view would warrant. Your present de- fensive line in rear of McGirts Creek a is only for a temporary purposethat is, until the works around Baldwin b shall be suffi a Twelve miles from Jacksonville. b Twenty miles from Jacksonville Page 367 CHAP. XLVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 367 ciently completed to enable you to give battle at that point, with all the chances of success in your favor, riotwithst& nding the dis- parity in numbers. I have ordered Colonel Harris to prepare posi- tions on those works for the guns of the Siege Train and the 32- pounder rifled intended for the new battery ordered on Flemings Island. Should the enemy advance upon you from Jacksonville, you should retire on Baldwin slowly, drawing him after you. About one brigade will take position in the lines there, with some cavalry on the left; the other two brigades and main body of cavalry will take position on the right, ready to take the enemy in flank and rear by advancing between the Little and Big Cypress Swamps, should lie attack the lines in front. In the event of his again being defeated, he should be pursued vigorously by the cavafry on his flanks and the infantry on his rear. Should the enemy divide his forces by re-enforcing strongly those already at Palatka, the proposed battery at Flemings Island on the Saint Johns should be constructed at once, and torpedoes put in the river so as to prevent its naviga- tion. Should the enemy, after fortifying strongly Jacksonville and Palatka, leave those two places with only a strong garrison in e~ch, a battery should be put up at once near the mouth of Trout Creek, a few miles below Jacksonville, to cut off its communication with the mouth of the river; this would insure the fall or evacuation of both p laces. Col. D. B. Harris, chief engineer of the depart- ment, will remain with you for the present; and has received my general instructions relative to the works referred to. As soon as you shall be able to dispense with his services, you will send him to make the necessa~y examinations about Saint Marks and Talla- hassee to guard those important points from any attack by the Gulf. Capt. E. Pliny Bryan, assistant adjutant-general, is in charge of the torpedoes to be put in the Saint Johns River. He must consult Colonel Harris as to their location. Captain B. is also a very good signal officer, capable of reading the enemys signals; he would be a good inspector of that branch of the service. You will please keep me well advised at Charleston of all the movements of the enemy in your district; a telegram should be sent at least every other day. I will endeavor to rejoin you as soon as practicable, especially should the enemy intend any offensive move- ment in your front. Look well to your means of transportation, your ammunition, and commissary supplies. Respectfully, your obedient servant, G. T. BEAUREGARD, General, Gommanding. [First indorsement.] HDQRS. DEPT. OF S. CAROLINA, GEORGIA, AND FLORIDA, Charleston, S. C., March 26, 1864. Respectfully referred to the War Department, for its information. G. T. BEAUREGARD, General, Commanding. [5econcl indorsernent.] ORGANIZATION OFFICE, April 6, 1864. Respectfully submitted to th& Secretary of War. SAML. W. MELTON, Major and Assistant Adjutant-General Page 368 368 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. [Third indors@ment.] APRIL 15, 1864. Respectfully referred to General Bragg, for his information aiid consideration. J. A. SEDDON, Secretary. [Fourth indorsement.] APRIL 16, 1864. The enemys forces appear to me largely overestimated, and our own operations too entirely defensive. BRAXTON BRAGG. WAR DEPARTMENT, C. S. A., Richmond, Va., March 21, 1864. General G. T. BEAUREGARD, Charleston, S. C.: Private reports from the North represent launches, some twenty- five or forty in number, as preparing to be sent to Charleston for the purpose, as alleged, of a night attack on the city. The launches will hold about 40 men. The report is given without full reliance, but from abundant caution. J. A. SEDDON, Secretary of War. GENERAL ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS, No. S. Savannah, March 21, 1864. The major-general commanding regrets the necessity which com- pels him to call the attention of commanding officers to the depreda- tioiis committed by the soldiers upon private property in the Military District of Georgia and Third Military District of South Carolina. These acts of robbery and theft, while they are in direct violation of all civil and military law and a gross outrage upon the rights ~f patriotic citizens, are beyond measure deleterious to the discipline and efficiency of the army, and must at all hazards be stopped. To this end commanding officers will hereafter hold their immediate subordinates strictly responsible. District commanders will be accountable to these headquarters. They in turn will look to brigade or sub-district commanders and to all those reporting directly to them. In this manner each superior will hold responsible his immediate inferior until the commanders ot~ companies are reached. These must determine who among their men have offended or be themselves subject to punishment for neglect of duty. Good officers will take such precautions and secure such discipline as will, in almost every case, prevent depredations by their men. In those instances where bad soldiers transgress these officers will dig- play such activity in discov.ering and presenting for punishment the guilty parties as must relieve them from the penalties otherwise incurred. Bad officers alone will suffer, as it is intended they should Page 369 C~. XLVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 369 All persons interested are called upon to give information to corn- man~iing officers of all cases of spoliation that may come under their notice, and, if possible, the names, company, and regiment of the men engaged in such acts, with all other facts in any Way connected with the matter. Should their complaint, lodged with a command- ing officer, fail to elicit a rigid investigation and summary punish- ment of the guilty, they are requested to call directly upon these headquarters for redress. Renewed vigilance is enjoined upon all officers, and it is made their duty, and they are hereby called upon to assist the major- general commanding in the thorough execution of an order which so nearly concerns tfle public good. By order of Major-General Gilmer: GENERAL ORDERS, No. 15. J. H. ALEXANDER, Major and Assistant Ac~jutant-General. HDQRS. FIRST MILITARY DISTRICT, Mount Pleasant, March 21, Y864. The undersigned, in accordance w~tli instructions from the head- quarters of the department, assumes command of the First Military District. N. G. EVANS, Brigadier- General, Commanding. CHARLESTON, S. C., March 22, 1864. Brig. Gen. WILLIAM B. TALIAFERRO, Comdg. Seventh Military District, James Island: GENERAL: Please report the particulars of the capture of our pickets at Legar6~s place. By order: H. W. FEILDEN, Captain and Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS MILITARY DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, Camp Milton, March 22, 1864. CoL W. B. TABB, Commanding, Waldo: COLONEL: Your note of the 20th instant, making inquiry as to movements of Lieutenant-Colonel Harris cavalry command in the event of the enemy advancing from Jacksonville, has been submitted to the major-general commanding, who directs me to say that should such a contingency arise the original order will be strictly carried out. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant - WM. G. I~ARTH, Assistant Adjutant-General. ~4 R RVOL XXXV, PT I Page 370 370 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAR XLYII. CHARLESTON, S. C., March 23, 1864. Geiieral SAMUEL COOPER, Adjutant. and Inspector General, Richmond, Va.: Have returfied here to make best disposition practicable incident to the departure of the cavalry ordered to Virginia. It has become more urgent than ever to have an efficient officer of higher rank than brigadier -general to command in South Carolina. General Hill has not entered on duty; ho is awaiting an answer to his communication to you from this place. G. T. BEAUREGARD. CHARLESTON, S. C., March 23, 1864. Brig. Gen. W. B. TALIAFERRO, Corndg. Seventh Military District, James Island: Please have a 12-pounder bronze howitzer at Battery Tatom sent, with implements and ammunition, to Captain Ingraham, central ordnance depot in this city. By order: THOMAS JORDAN Chief of Staff. CHARLESTON, March 24, 1864. (Received 4.10, 27th.) General S. COOPER: I wrote on the 4th and 17th, declining the position tendered until the promise given me of a clear record shall be complied with. With great respect, D. H. HILL. HEADQUARTERS THIRD MILITARY DISTRICT, Pocotaligo, March 25, 1864. Brig. Gen. THOMAS JORDAN, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: I inclose the report of my ordnance officer, calling attention to the deficiency of cartridges. Maj. N. R. Chambliss is in error if he supposes that 28 cartridges are a sufficient supply for a command to go into a fight. If we had acted upon this impression we would have lost many of the battles during this war, that of Pocotaligo among them, where the average expenditure of cartridges was 60, some men expeiiding 80. Without a reserve supply of am-~- munition I cannot propose to hold this line, especially for small arms. I would here call attention to the impracticability of carrying out the orders from headquarters of the Ordnance Department at Rich- mond to draw the loads till ball screws are furnished upon the requi- sitions sent in. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. S. WALKER Brigadier- General, Commanding Page 371 C~. XLVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.--CONFEDERATE. 371 [Inclosure.] ORDNANCE OFFICE, THIRD MILITARY DISTRICT, Pocotaligo, March 21, 1864. Brig. Gen. W. S. WALKER: GENERAL: I respectfully beg leave to report that there is a great want of Enfield cartridges in this district. I have made every effort to obtain them but have failed, the requisitions being returned by Maj. N. R. Chambliss, commanding arsenal, disapproved, with the remark that 28 rounds per man was sufficient. The companies recently sent from Georgia are very badly supplied, 60 men having only 600 cartridges, other companies having more than 28 rounds. I see no way of equalizing the number unless they are taken from one company to supply the others, thereby rendering the company from which they are taken less efficient. I would also state that there are no Enfield cartridges in the store-house, in case of a fight, to supply the command with any extra. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, Ordnance W. W. ELLIOTT, Officer, Third Military District. [First indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS, Savannah, March 27, 1864. Respectfully forwarded, calling special attention to the deficiency represented by General Walker. It should be supplied without delay. J. F. GILMER, Major- General, Commanding. [Second indorsement.] MARCH 29, 1864. Respectfully rererred for information and remarks of Colonel Waddy, chief ordnance officer. By command of General Beauregard: H. WEMYSS FEILDEN, Captain and Assistant Adjntant-General. [Third indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS ORDNANCE DEPARTMENT, Charleston, March 31, 1864. Respectfully returned to department headquarters, reiterating my indorsement of 14th instant, viz, inclosing copy of a letter from Lieut. Col. H. L. Clay, of Adjutant and Inspector Generals Office, Richmond, dated 22d June, 1863; also copy of a letter from Colonel Gorgas, of 10th December, 1863, under whose instructions the com- mander of the arsenal here is obliged to act. These instructions being in direct conflict with paragraph III, General Orders, No. 126, from department headquarters, series 1862, and in compliance with which requisitions are made upon me, I respectfully refer the whoh~ subject to the commanding general, for his information and further action, earnestly hoping he will have this subject decided as soon as possible. - J. R. WADDY, Lientenant-G1olonel and Chief Ordnance Officer of Dept Page 372 372 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. [Inclosures.] CIRCULAR.] ADJT. AND INSPECTOR GENERALS OFFICE, Richmond, June 22, 1863. By directidn of the Secretary of War, the following circular is addressed to army and department commanders for their guidance: 1. The practice of issuing on the eve of an expected engagement 20 rounds of ammunition to the infantry, over and above the capacity of the cartridge-boxes, will be discontinued, except on the special order of the general commanding an army or department. 2. Issues of cartridges, except to cover expenditures in battle, will be limited to 3 cartridges per man per month, for the whole effective strength of any army or of the forces serving in any de- partment. Supplies to cover expenditure in battle will be furnished on separate requisitions, specifying the battle in which the ammu- nition to be replaced was consumed. 3. The Chief of the Bureau of Ordnance will give instructions to the several arsenals charged with the supply of troops under the circular of March 31, 1863, approved by the Secretary of War, to regulate issues accordingly. All issues are to be made on requisitions approved by the chief of ordnance of the army or department requiring the supplies, except in cases of evident emergency. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. L. CLAY, Lieutenant- Colonel and Assistant Adjutant- General. ORDNANCE OFFICE. Maj. J. T. TREZEVANT, Richmond, December 10, 1863. Gommanding C. S. Arsenal, Charleston, S. C.: MAJOR: Your present stock of lead must be husbanded to the utmost. It will be well to reduce your laboratory operations, and on no account exceed the consumption of 10,000 pounds per month, no matter from what source derived. The issues to armies must be limited to 3 rounds per man per month, as directed in a late circular from the War Department. Accounts must be opened against each separate command, and chief ordnance officers notified. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. GORGAS, Colonel, Chief of Ordnance. P. S.Place one-sixth of all the small-arms cartridges manufac. tured in permanent reserve, not to be issued except on special orders from this office. WAR DEPARTMENT, C. S. A., Hon. ~. ~. MILES, Richmond, Va., March 25, 1864. Richmond, Va.: SIR: The telegram submitted by me to General Bragg at your re- quest h~is been returned, with the statement that the order with- drawing a portion of the cavalry froni General Beauregards com- mand was given by the President himself, after mature d~liberatio Page 373 CHAP. XLVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 3,73 that the policy and justice of putting into active service those troops which have been long stationed near their honies, without hardship or much exposure, and replacing theni by veterans, worn and exhausted, is approved by him. The old regiments, it is be- lieved, will thus be speedily recruited. General Bragg adds that in his opinion enough cavalry will be left for the defense of the department, if properly posted and judiciously used. Including those ordered to that department, there will be at the command of General Beauregard over 4,000 effectives. Before the transfer re- cently directed no army had as much cavalry in an effective condi- tion as General Beauregard. I am requested to mention as extraordinary that the Presidents order for the movement of troops should have been furnished to citizens who had no knowledge of the necessities of the service or the reasons operating, and their remonstrance forwarded and ap- proved by the chief of staff of a military department through a member of Congress. Such a course is thought to be injudicious and calculated to demoralize the troops. Permit me to express, in conclusion, my conviction that the troops to be substituted, from their superior experience, will prove nearly, if not quite, equal to those removed. Very respectfully, your obedient servaiit, JAMES A. SEDDON, Secretary of War. CHARLESTON, S. C., March 25, 1864. Brig. Gen. B. H. ROBERTSON, Green Pond, S. C.: You must not withdraw your line of pickets until actual orders have been received for your cavalry to march; all must, however, be kept in readiness for marching, in other respects. H. W. FEILDEN, Assistant Adjutant- General. Hon. JAMES A. SEDDON. RICHMOND, March 26, 1864. Secretary of War: SIR: Yours of the 25th has been received, in which you state that the telegram laid before you by me has been submitted to General Bragg, and been returne(l by him, with the information that the order with reference to the cavalry drawn from & eneral Beaure- gards command was given by the President, after mature delibera- tion, and indicating that the order would not be reconsidered or modified. As General Bragg further expresses it, as his own opinion, that enough cavalry will be left for the defense of the department if properly posted and judiciously used, I presume it will be vain (especially after the interviews I have had with yourself and Gen- eral Bragg) for me to make any further appeal on the subject; and, indeed, I had presented the cas~so fully personally; and it had been so forcibly presented in the telegrams from some of the most promi- nent citizens of Charleston, which I had the honor of laying befor Page 374 [CHAP. XLVII. 374 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. you, that I would not have deemed it necessary to address you the present communication were it not for the concluding paragraph of your letter~ This seems t~ me to require some notice. It is but justice to General Jordan to say that I have not the least idea that in ended to communicate with the War Office through me or that he intended officially to forward the telegram marked by him approved. All telegraphic messages touching military operations or movements are required to be submitted to General Beauregards headquarters, and the indorsement approved was merely the per- mission to the telegraph operator to transmit the message. The in- ference that the Presidents order for the movement of troo s should have been furnished to citizens, & c., seems to me too hasti y drawn. It is almost impossible for troops to receive orders to move and begin to prepare to do so without its being ve~ry speedily known to intelligent citizens in the immediate locality, especially those whose property and families the troops have been protecting. I cannot suppose that in the use of the words through a member of Congress, at the conclusion of the sentence in your letter to which I am directing your attention, you meant to imply that citi- zens had not a right, or that they were guilty of any impropriety in so doing, to communicate, through their immediate Representative in Congress, with any branch or department of the Government, on any matter touching their interests as they might conceive them to be affected by the action of the Government. I have deemed it due to General Jordan, to my constituents, and to myself to make the explanations and express the views herein set forth. I trust sin- cerely that the withdrawal of so large a portion of the cavalry, upon which the security of two of our most important railroads and a very large portion of food-producing country has hitherto depended, may not lead to any disaster, but I confess I feel great uneasiness. Regretting that the earnest appeal of the citizens of Charleston who signed the telegram addressed to me, but which I deemed it my duty to lay before you, has failed to produce any effect, I am, with high respect, your obedient servant, WM. PORCHER MILES. [First indorsement.] MARCH 29, 1864. Referred to General Bragg, as the explanation given by the Hon. W. P. Miles respecting the approval given by General Jordan to the telegram of the citizens may be due to that officer. This letter is in answer to one written by myself in pursuance of the suggestions of your letter. J. A. SEDDON, Secretary of War. [Second indorsement.] MARCH 31, 1864. Both Mr. Miles and General Jordan* fail to meet the main objeG- tion to the course pursued in this matter. By the official action at department headquarters, information most valuable to the enemy, and which the department here would not have intrusted to the tel- *For Jordans explanation, see March 27, p. 379 Page 375 CHAP. XLVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 3 75 egraph except in cipher, has gone forth to the enemy with official sanction. They are virtually invited to take advantage of it. I can- not agree with Mr. Miles that the public good may thus be jeoparded that the private interests of his constituents may be represented. BRAXTON BRAGG, General. CHARLESTON, S. C., March 26, 1864., Brig. Gen. B. H. ROBERTSON, Ashepoo, S. C.: The cavalry commands in your district directed to proceed to Vir- ginia by Special Orders, No. 65, Adjutant and Inspector Generals Office, March 18, 1864, will not move until express orders from these headquarters are received. THOMAS JORDAN, Chief of Staff. (Copy sent to Brig. Gen. H. A. Wise, Adams Run, S. C.; Maj. Gen. J. F. Gilmer, Savannah, Ga.; Brig. Gen. W. S. Walker, Poco- taligo, S. C., and Brig. Gen. W. B. Taliaferro, Royalls, James Island.) HEADQUARTERS SECOND MILITARY DISTRICT, DEPT. OF SOUTH CAROLINA, GEORGIA, AND FLORIDA, March 26, 1864. Brig. Gen. THOMAS JORDAN, Chief of Staff, Charleston, S. C.: GENERAL: The execution of paragraph 29, Special Orders, No. 65, from Adjutant and Inspector Generals Office, * leaves me in a most deplorably destitute condition. I telegraphed yesterday to you for instructions. As a military necessity, I have determined to retain 2 couriers from Davis company, Fifth South Carolina Cavalry, at my headquarters until some arrangement can be made by which I can communicate with my command. These will be the only mounted men I have in the entire district. I also consider it vitally important to keep Saunders (my scout), as he is the only man I have acquainted with the neighboring islands. Tife interests of the service alone prompt me to make these repre- sentations, and I do so with the hope that the commanding general may authorize me to retain these 3 men, even temporarily, and order them to join their companies as soon as relieved by others. My line of defense is not yet completed, and the necessary suspen- sion of work will materially delay operations upon the important work now being erected at Burnetts, on Combahee River. It can be completed by 50 workmen in twenty days, and I would therefore urgently request that this number be sent me from Charleston if possible. As situated at present, I cannot spare a single man for this purpose, and it is believed the citizens of this district have already furnished more than their just proportion of labor. As I * Ordering the Seventh Georgia and Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth South Carolina Cay- airy Regiments, and battalion of Twentieth Georgia, to Army of Northern Virginia Page 376 876 S.C., FLA., A~ ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. shall place the men of Aikens regiment to be transferred under the command of one of my own staff (having no other available officer), I respectfnlly ask that immediate disposition be made of them. Awaiting your early response, I remain, most respectfully, your obedient servant, B. H. ROBERTSON Brigadier- General, Oornman~ling. HDQRS. POST COMMAND, CHIEF ENROLLING OFFICE, FIFTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT, S. C., [General THOMAS JORDAN:] Greenville, S. C., Jliarch 26, 1864. GENERAL: I have the honor to inclose you a copy of a communi- cation received this morning from Col. J. B. Palmer, commanding Western District of North Carolina, informing me of the manner and points at which he had ~tationed troops to protect his district from the approach of the raiding parties of the enemy, from the neighborhood of Knoxville, Tenn., who have twice invaded it and devastated and destroyed the produce, mills, agricultural imple- ments, & c., of the inhabitants of that section of North Carolina. Colonel Palmer and myself have been in communication for the last several months with a view of co-operating together on the approach of danger. Should the enemy get the advantage of him and whip his forces they will undoubtedly advance into this State, with the view of des1~oyiiig the railroads at this place, Walhalla, Pendleton, Anderson, Belton, and Williamston, as well as the State ar~iory located here, and the numerous large merchant mills, ~nd Govern- ment workshops, cotton factories, & c., covering the infdrior of these upper districts. That 1~hey will advance raiding parties in the event that General Longstreets forces uncover us in East Tennessee, which there are indications now will be done, I have not a solitary doubt. By casting your eye upon a map you will observe that there is not perhaps in the whole Confederacy a prettier field for a dashing raid of vandals, or one in which more serious damage or disaster could be inflicted outside of our large towns and cities than the one herein indicated. That the enemy are making exaniinations and recon- naissances for this purpose I have abundant testimony to convince even the most incredulous. Deserters and disloyal men who for months past have been secreted in the mountains have been in com- munication with the enemy in and around Knoxville, and only ~ few days ago a detachment of some 20 men under my command sprung a covey of some ten or dozen of these parties in one of the most inac- cessible ravines of the mountains, some 30 miles from this place, which was - surrounded with caves and deep ravines, and fired a number of shots at the party as they fled over the crags and preci- pices, wounding 2 of them, and capturing their blankets; knap- sacks, & c. This party was headed by a U. S. officer in full uiiiform, who, though a number of shots were fired at him, escaped unhurt. This, as stated, occurred in 30 miles of this place, and in the mount- ains between the two celebrated turnpikes, Saluda and Jones Gaps: The women (who are all disloyal) informed my men that this U. S. officer was on recruiting seAnce. I have no doubt myself (though this is speculation) that he was making a reconnaissance, and belongs to the engineer corps of the enemys army at or near Knoxville Page 377 ~7.7 CHAP. XLVII.] CORRESPONDENC1~, ETC.OONFEDV~RATI~. Having prefaced thus far, I beg leave to call to your attention and that of the commanding general the ntter inadequacy of the force here to meet and repel an attack of the enemy if made in any force at all. You are well aware of the fact that Boykins Mounted Riflesless than 100 effective menis the only reliable force that I have to co-operate with Colonel Palmer or to act independently in our own defense. It is true that I have a military patrol of about 45 men in this district, 25 in Pickeus, 25 in Spartanburg, and 10 each in Anderson and Union. These men are mounted and armed with double-barreled fowling pieces, but are iiot drilled or officered, except by persous designated by myself, under the instructions of the War Department of the 24th June and 28th July last, as a mili- tary patrol, for the purpose of arresting deserters, stragglers, and evaders of conscription. They are totally unfit for field service, and cannot, unless armed and equipped properly, be made available or effective. No reliance can be placed upon them in a fight, and I have urged in vain upon the authorities at Richmond and the Governor of the State the importance of so doing. I would now most earnestly avid respectfully suggest and request, general, that you would give this subject-matter a calm and thoughtful consideration. There are numerous approaches, even for artillery, into this field of operations if the enemy choose to avail themselves of an opportunity. In Pickens the Raiborn Gap and Stump House mountain rQads from Sevierville, Tenii., via Franklin, N. C., presents a good road for cavalry or artillery along the line of the Blue Ridge Railroad; again, down by Table Rock and C~sars Head, along the banks of the Slicking and the lieadwaters of the South Saluda; again, into this district, along the Jones and Saluda Gap turnpikes; and still again, along the Howard and Hickory Nut Gaps. All are splendid turnpikes, and each one could be defended by a single piece of artillery against ten times its force to man it, but each one of them can be traversed with whole batteries of artillery. To protect this section from these raids the commanding officer here should have at least~00 mounted men, armed with long-range guns. One company should be posted in the vicinity of Walhalla to guard the n~ountain passes just above; another near this place, and about equi-distant between here and the banks of the Saluda, and in striking distance of Table Mountain, Cai~sars Head, Jones and Saluda Gaps, and the third on the headwaters of the Three Tigers, about the dividing line between this and Spartanburg districts, and in full view and striking distance of the Howard and Hickory Nut Gaps. Daily communication should be kept up between these com- panies by couriers and the military patrol thrown and kept by detachments constantly in the mountains. A battery of at least two pieces ought to be located about the center of the command, to be moved to any threatened point. By thus stationing such a force they would be able to concentrate at any point threatened at least two companies and the battery in the space of six hours. I would respectfully offer another suggestiow touching myself personally. I am fearful of the responsibility of this command if the troops are sent. I have no experience in the field, and do not think I am capable of handling and fighting the men. Whilst I am willing to undertake the accomplishment of any order of my superiors, it is but just and proper to say~that my whole life has been spent in the civil departments of goverumemit, and I do iiot think it would be wise for me to take the responsibility of directing military move Page 378 378 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. ments. I will accompany and share the danger, and offer any and every suggestion in my power, and from my thorough knowledge of the geographical position of the country, the roads, & c., might be of service, but I would respectfully and earnestly urge that an offi- cer of military experience in the field be put in charge, and I know iione whom I think would prove more efficient than Captain Boykin, whom I have posted between this and the Saluda River ready at a moments notice to strike the enemy on the Jones or Saluda Gap turnpikes, or near the Table Mountain or C~3esars Head roads. I have at the risk of boring both yourself and the commanding general given at great length these views. They have impressed me as being of the utmost importance to this section of the country, and in fact to the whole Confederacy. Outside of Boykin s com- pany I have not two rounds of ammunition in the world, and the patrol under my command have been supplied entirely for months past by the generosity of private individuals. I am so seriously convinced that the enemy will make a raid upon us that nothing but the evidence of the future will change my conviction. My duty has now been discharged to my country, and if it has taxed your patience too far to read this, pray attribute it to my interest in the cause, and not to a desire to occupy your time unnecessarily. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. D. ASHMORE, 3lia,jor, Commanding Post. [First indorsement.] HDQRS. DEPT. OF S. CAROLINA, GEORGIA, AND FLORIDA, Charleston, S. C., April 2, 1864. Respectfully forwarded to the War Department, for its informa- tion, and such instructions as it may judge proper in the case. I fully concnr i~i the views expressed and recommendation made by Major Ashmore, who is an intelligent, zealous, and reliable offi- cer; but it is entirely out of my power to ~end him any re-en- forcements of cavalry or infantry, especially since about one-half of- the former arm of the service has been ordered to Virginia. All my available movable infantry is still in Florida. G. T. BEAUREGARD General, Commanding. [5econcl indorsement.] ORGANIZATION OFFICE, April 14, 1864. Respectfully referred to the Adjutant and Inspector General. SAML. W. MELTON, Major and Assistant Adjutant-General. [Third indorsement.] ADJUTANT AND INSPECTOR GENERALS OFFICE, April 15, 1864. Respectfully referred to General Bragg. By order of Adjutant and Inspector General H. L. CLAY, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 379 3Z9 Cw~. mviii CORRESP0~DENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. [Fourth indorsement.] MAY 8, 1864. The only -available forces have been ordered to Colonel Palmers district. . BRAXTON BRAGG, General. [Fifth indorsement.] Major RIELY: This comes so late (two months after date) that no. action is re- quired. H. L. CLAY. [Inclosure.] HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF WEST NORTH CAROLINA, Asheville, March 19, 1864. Maj. J. D. ASHMORE, Gommanding Post, Greenville:. MAJOR: I have just returned from the southwest portion of my district. The Federals lately in Cherokee and Clay left just before I reached there. I have established a permanent post ~t th~ mQuth of Tuckaseegee, in Macon County, and have also stationeTd a battalion in Cherokee and Clay. My great difficulty is going to be the pro- curing of forage and breadstuff s. I trust you will afford such assistance as you consistently can to my commissary and quarter- master agents who may visit Greenville and Walhalla to procure supplies. I shall write to you soon on the subject of the defense of the southwest portion of my district, a subject of some interest to your section of South Carolina. Respectfully, your obedient servant, J. B. PALMER, Colonel, Commanding District. HEADQUARTERS MILITARY DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, Camp Jlifilton, ]Iiliarch 26, 1864. Col. R. H. ANDERSON, Commanding Cavalry: COLONEL: Your communication, dated 9 p. in., has been submit- ted to the major-general commanding, who is of the opinion that the mission of the tug-boat to Reads Wharf was only a pretext to reconnoiter that point, and that great vigilance will be needed to guard the scout there against a surprise that may very probably be attempted. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. G. BARTH, Assistant Adjntant-General. CHARLESTON, March 27, 1864, (Received 9.40, 28th.) Hon. JAMES A. SEDDON: My approval to telegram of certain gentlemen to Colonel Miles some days ago was simply done at their request when refused trans- mission by telegraph. I conceived I had no right to prevent com- munication between the principal citizens of commmnity and their member of Congres.s. That telegram was not transmitted until afte Page 380 380 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. order directing troops to be in readiness to move had been neces- sarily distributed to all affected, which I did promptly and was gen- erally done. THOMAS JORDAN, Brigadier-General, Chief of Staff. HDQRS. FOURTH MILITARY DIST. OF SOUTH CAROLINA, Georgetown, Jfliarch 27, 1864. Brig. Gen. THOMAS JORDAN, Chief of Staff, & c., Charleston, S. C.: GENERAL: I beg leave, very respectfully. to invite and to urge attention to the fact that the recent orders for the movement of troops from this military district will leave in the district but two conipanies of cavalry, one company and a section of light artillery, and one company of heavy artillery. Under these circumstances it is obvious that a portion of the district may of necessity be aban- doned to the enemy. The question arises, which shall it be? The center of the position (Winyah Bay) must of course be held; to abandon it would be tantamount to the abandonment of the whole. If we with4raw from Waccamaw Neck, we throw open wide the entire line of coast from Winyah Bay to the North Carolina line. There will not be so much even as a sentinel throughout its entire ex- tent, not to speak of the very large amount of property which would thus be left at the mercy of insignificant bands of marauders, sent ashore from the enemys blockading fleet, and the consequent aban- donment of one of the largest and most valuable grain-producing sections of this State, which will, as a measure of ordinary precau- tion, inevitably ensue immediately. There is very great danger that the navigation of the Pedee and Waccamaw Rivers will be obstructed by field batteries held in the vicinity of the latter. Again, the navy-yard at Mars Bluff would, in the event of the abandon- ment of Waccamaw Neck, be entirely uncovered. The arguments against the abandonment of the right of the position, the section of country west of the Santee River and lying between that river and Bulls Bay, are almost equally strong. Within its limits are em- braced al~o much valuable grain-producing land, extensive salt- works, and a harbor (McClellanville), now resorted to by steamers engaged in blockade-running The question is respectfully submitted for the coiisideration of the commanding general. With the lights before me, I incline to the abandonment of McClellanville and vicinity rather than Wac- camaw Neck. He may be in possession of information which would lead to a different decision. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. H. TRAPIER, Brigadier- General, Commanding. [First indorsement.] HDQRS. DEPT. OF S. CAROLINA, GEORGIA, AND FLORIDA, Charleston, S. C., March 29, 1864. Respectfully referred to the War Department, for its information. So long as the troops sent to Florida remain there, it is impossible to re-enforce the Fourth IlVLilitary District fro~i any troops in this department. G. T. BEAI~IREGARD General, Commanding Page 381 Ca~i. XLVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 381 [Second indorsement.] APRIL 19, 1864. Respectfully referred to General Bragg. By order of Adjutant and Inspector General: H. L. CLAY, Assistant Adjutant-General. [Third indorsement.] APRIL 20, 1864. The department commander should send two companies of cavalry to this district from his nearest force, and on the arrival of the old regiments sent from Virginia, make the necessary disposition. BRAXT ON BRAGG, General. [Fourth indorsement.] - APRIL 21, 1864. Respectfully returned to Maj. Gen. Samuel Jones, commanding. By order of Adjutant and Inspector General: H. L. CLAY, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS MILITARY DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, Camp ikIilton, ]Jiliarch 27, 1864. Col. W. B. TABB, Commanding, Waldo: COLONEL: The major-general commanding is desirous of ascer- taining whether the enemys occupation of Palatka is designed only to be of a temporary character, or whether he intends holding it. To this end he directs that in the next reconnaissance made there special endeavor be made to discover whether lie is erecting any permanent works ~ merely temporary (lefenses. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. G. BARTH, Assistant Adjutant- General. CHARLESTON, S. C., March 28, 186411 a. m. Generai SAMUEL COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General, Richmond, Va.: No important change reported from Florida. General Gilmer telegraphs from Savannah: Cavalry guarding Ogeechee, Isle of Hope and other points in this vicinity, must not move until replaced by others. I have informed him order must be obeyed regardless of consequences. I have no other a~/ailable cavalry to send him. G, T. ~EAIREGARD Page 382 382 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CHAP. XLVII. CHARLESTON, S. C., March 28, 186411 a. m. Maj. Gen. W. H. C. WHITING, Corn manding, & c., Wilmington, N~ C.: Will keep you advised of enemys movements much as practicable. Will afford you whatever assistance I can, but am again being weakened for other points. Having my cavalry in good order and condition seems to be a criminal, offense. G. T. BEAUREGARD. CHARLESTON, S. C., March 28, 1864--il a. m. Maj. Gen. J. F. GILMER, Gommanding, & c., Savannah, Ga.: Cavalry order must be obeyed regardless of consequences. I have at present no other cavalry to send you. Make best disposition of that you have left. Your telegram Will be referred to War Depart- ment. G. T. BEAUREGARD. MARCH 29, 1864. General TRAPIER: GENERAL: I am directed by the commanding general to inform you that your communication of the 27th instant, referring to the necessity of abandoning a portion of the Fourth Military District, has been received and forwarded for the information of the War Department. In the mean time you must make the best disposition you can of the troops left in your district for the protection of the whole, if practicable; otherwise of those parts most vital to the interests of the State and Confederacy. The disposition you pro- pose General Beauregard considers judicious. Whenever the troops now in Florida return it is hoped one battalion of infantry maybe spared for your district. H. W. FEILDEN. 0 Col. A. J. GONZALES, CHARLESTON, March 29, 1864. Chief of Artillery: COLONEL: Agreeably to your orders I have the honor to report my inspection upon Sullivans Island. Battery Bee, upon the western extremity, is not yet quite com~ pleted, though a number of laborers are engaged upon it. Its arm ament is in an effective condition, the guns all working well and protected by merlons. The magazines are dry and kept with neat- ness. The ammunition in them, as far as could be judged without ex- amining each cartridge, is in good order; the implements new. There are three chambers which have no cannon, which, I presume,. will be furnished when necessity or opportunity requires. Battery Marion, connected with Battery Bee, is neatly policed. The platform for the 7-inch Brooke gun has settled from its true position; the parapets in one or two places have a disposition t Page 383 CHAP. XLVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 383 slide on account of the shifting character of the sand. Dampness begins to ooze through one place in the passage, not as yet sufficient to affect the ammunition, which is in good order. Colonel Butler complains of a defect in the powder sent from the naval ordnance bureau with or for the Brooke gun, saying experi- ence has proven it to be defective in strength. To the eye it appears good; analysis can only disclose the reported defect. The same offi- cer requests that efforts be made to procure for the guns in his com- mand a small quantity of bar steel to repair the eccentrics of the columbiad carriages, which repairs, when necessary, can be made at the island. The battery is connected with Fort Moultrie by a sally-port. Fort Moultrie, next in order upon the island, has now no quarters inside, which gives a good parade within its walls. It is weJl pro- tected by a system of traverses and the guns in effective condition. The magazine is in good order and neatly kept. In the rear of the fort are a number of broken canister, which might be removed for renewal to Charleston. The ammunition in good order. Battery Rutledge in good order, with its ammunition dry aiid well cared for. The batteries from Bee to this one constitute one contin- uous parapet, well protected with traverses and spacious, well ar- ranged bomb-proofs, and in some instances with amputating rooms for the medical bureau; these of course were not visited Nos. 1, 2, 3, and 4, two-gun batteries extending along the south beach at an average distance of about 500 yards apart, covering the space between Forts Beauregard and Marshall and intended seem- ingly as a protection against boat assaults, are small open~ works with no traverses. There being no magazine in this cordon of works, the ammunition is kept in chests, exposed to the weather. Some of the chests need repairs and tarpaulins as a protection. The parapets of No. I could be improved, if it had more superior slope, so as to admit of firing closer under the.battery. The parapet of No. 4 has~ to some extent, been blown away by the winds. These works, being built of sand, should be sodded in order to preserve them, and, if possible, iron traverse circles should be given these guns, some of them being without them. One of the guns in No. 3 works badly from a defect easily remedied. A bolt in the axle-tree of the carriage rests upon the tongue of the chassis, creating much friction. The carriage could be dismounted from the chassis and the head of the bolt chipped so as to make it work free of obstruction. You will ob- serve a great disproportion between the cartridges and projectiles in each of these works. If it should be determined to remedy this dis- proportioii by the withdrawal of projectiles rather than by an in- crease of cartridges it would probably be advisable to leave the grape, canister, and shell. Battery Marshall, at Beach Inlet, is as yet in an incomplete con- dition, though the guns are all in working order. A large bomb- proof, in addition to those already complete, has been commenced, upon which a force is now at work. One of the 12-pounders has wheels of different sizes, and in another the cheeks of the carriage are not upon a level. These two defects in these two carriages should be remedied. The magazines are in good order, and dry, as well as the ammunition, but roaches, by which they are infested, cut the cartridge-bags. It wouhl therefore be as well to keep the powder in the boxes and barrels until a necessity ai~ises for use, so that the bags may be preserved. I noticed the passage-way to on Page 384 384 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COASL [Ca& p. XLVII. of the magazines much encumbered with shell. A room constructed for such projectiles is decidedly to be preferred; There are some field pieces (6-pounders) upon the island, apparently not under com- man dof any one as yet, as I could not learn anything connected with them from two or three officers with whom I conversed. A 32-pounder banded rifle not mounted is lying upon the beach. In addition to the batteries in position upon the south shore of the island, a sec- tion of light artillery is each night brought from the main to pro- tect the beach. Lacquer and paint would improve the appearance of the batteries, and preserve both guns and carriages. In some of the magazines upon Sullivans Island there was bedding, some of the men sleeping in them. I do not know if there be any necessity, but presume there must be reasons for it, without which the coni- manding officer would scarcely permit a custom so unusual. I nien- tion this fact only in connection with the inspection. Upon the main, Battery Gary has two 8-inch colnmbiads its mag-~ azine dry, and ammunition in good order. Here also you will notice a large excess of projectiles, most of them being round shot. As this battery commands the bridge leading from Sullivans Island to the main, it should be amply provided with canister and grape, of which latter they have only four stands per gun. Th~ battery re- quires new sponges. It should have an additional elevating bar. Battery Kinloch is entirely out of order, with a damp magaziRe, and the implements and tackling for working the gun much abused. In your absence it has been recommended to department headquar- ters that the ammunition be removed, as well as the gnu tackles. It is unple~asant for me again to report the want of care which infantry guards at batteries have displayed since I have been upon inspect- ing duty in this department, and beg leave again to suggest the assignment of a non-commissioned officer of artillery at all batteries not garrisoned. The parapet is low, by reason of the character of the carriages used, but not injured. 4As the battery is not as impor- tant as those upon the island, I would not recommend the applying of labor there, if such is to be taken from other works in the harbor. Continued unfavorable weather and other circumstances beyond my control have prevented my inspecting the light batter~s upon the main, which shall be done at the first opportunity. Respectfully submitted by your obedient servant, G. U. MAYO, Major of Artillery. P. 5.I append a report of the ammunition in each of the bat- teries named in the above report. Each separate cartridge was not examined, but from the general inspectiou noiie of them were found damp or caked. Respectfully, G.U.M. -~ [First indorsementi HEADQUARTERS CHIEF OF ARTILLERY, Charleston, March 30, 1864. Approved and respectfully forwarded to department headquar- ters. If the 32-pounder rifle lying on the beach is a leaky one it has beeu previously recommended to have it sent to the arsenal for repair, ~gid the rQcommeudation is beliCved to h~ivo been approved Page 385 385 C~. XLVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. The 24-pounders smooth-bore at works Nos. 2 and 4, Sullivans Island, it is very desirable to have mounted on siege carriages so that they may be withdrawn from battery and run again into battery as may become desirable; a view concurred in by the chief engineer. Requisition for a number of 24-pounder siege carriages was made long since on the Ordnance Department. They are very much needed in several works where for the want of them we have guns mounted on barbette. The idea is suggested for the consideration of the commanding general to remove from Sullivans to James Island the nine 10-inch sea-coast mortars, and so place them in as many separate and as distant batteries as practicable as to cover a field of fire ranging from Black Jsland,through the Swamp Angel Battery and Wagner, to Battery Gregg. The deficiency in cartridges within reported should be made up to the quantum ofprojectiles. A. J. GONZALES, Colonel and Chief of Artillery of the Department. P. 5.The field pieces mentioned within, if not belonging to a field battery, should be put in positioii in suitable works and in charge of an officer and detachment to use them in a night attack. If not wanted on Sullivans IslaDd, they should be sent in depot, thereafter to be transferred to positions on the coast, where such guns can be of much service. A. J. GONZALES, Colonel and Chief of Artillery of the Department. [second indorsement.] HDQRS. DEPT. OF S. CAROLINA, GEORGIA, AND FLORIDA, Charleston, S. C., April 5, 18t4. This 32-pounder is intended for one of the middle batteries of that island, and is now being put in position. It is certainly desirable this should be done, but only after niore important work shall have been executed. Call the attention, however, of the Chief of Ord- nance to the necessity of having as many siege carriages for 24- pounders made as practicable. This is disapproved. The order has been given, on the contrary, to increase the number of mortars on Sullivans Island from nine to eleven, and to reduce those on James Island from eight to six, con- centrating the latter at or about Fort Johnson in order to obtain the fire of those seventeen mortars at as close a range as possible on Morris Island from Cummings Point to Battery Wagner. G. T. BEAUREGARD, General, C~ommanding. [Third indorsement.] CHARLESTON, April 15, 1864. Since the rendition of this report the greater part of the cartridges from. Battery Kinloch has been removed for its better preservation, as recommended, to Battery Gary, leaving only about twenty-seven for an emergency. The charges for the gun at Kinloch, a 32-pounder 25 H HVOL XXXV, PT I Page 386 386 S. C., FLA., AND ON THE GA. COAST. [CaAP. XLVII. of 33 hundredweight, should be reduced to 4.5 pounds as its maxi- mum. The recent high tides have affected Battery Kinloch and the exterior slope of Battery Palmetto. Rqspectfully, G. U. MAYO ]Ifajoni and Assistant Inspector of Artillery. [Fourth indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS CHIEF OF ARTILLERY, Charleston, April 15, 1864. Respectfully forwarded, with the following explanation and re- marks upon the foregoing indorsement: Major Mayo, desiring to make the statements contained above, in lieu of doing so by letter to me, which I would have1 gladly for- warded as a supplementary statement to previous leport, called at Adjutant-Generals Office for this paper, obtained it, and wrote the above indorsement before I was aware of the transaction. The whole is irregular, and Major Mayo has been duly notified of the fact. It is respectfully requested that no papers be given to my subordinates except when given them for me, when action will be had as required by the rules of the service and in accordance with a system of subjection to superior authority which is to be expected in these matters. A. J. GONZALES, Colonel and Chief of Artillery of the Department. [Inclosure.] 6 1: 0 0 11-inch Dahigren 10-inch columbiad 4 10-inch columbiad rifle 8-inch columbiad, 2 banded and rifled. 8-inch columbiad 8-inch shell guu 7-inch Brooke 32-pounder, banded and 1 rifled. 32-pounder, rifled 32-pounder, smooth- bore. 24-pounder, smooth- 2 bore. 12-pounder, rifled 12-pounder, smooth- bore. 4-inch Blakely, oh navy slides. 8-inch sea-coast how- itzer. 10-inch sea-coast mortar I 32-pounder (33 cwt.) 11-inch shot 11-inch shell 10-inch shot 660 10-inch shell 269 10-inch grapo 10-inch canister 10-inch spherical case 33 10-inch bolts 10-inch rifle shell Battery. 0 .0 0 6 0 4 1 6 0 0 1 1 1 2 I 2 2 3 24i 97 671 435 -50 25 6 5 261 - ~23 2 3 .i06 3 aS 0 0 Two-gun batteries. 6 z 6 z 6 z 6 z 3 1 2 2 3 396 125 7 26 II 58 22 2 2 Page 387 CHAP. XLVII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 4 0 0 [~4 10-inch mortar shell 8-inch shot 8-inch shell 8-inch grape 8-inch canister 8-inch shell, strapped and filled. 8-inch shrapnel 8-inch rifle shell 8-inch rifle bolts 190 8-inch shell, filled - - 7-inch rifle shell 7-inch wrought and cast iron bolts. 7-iiich hollow shot 32-pounder shol~ 32-pounder shell 274 32-pounder grape 32-pounder canister 32-pounder rifle bolts... 120 32-pounder rifle shot a 32-pounder rifle shell 24-pounder shot 553 24-pounder shell--- 24-pounder grape 24-pounder conical smooth-bore shell. 24-pounder canister 89 12-pounder shot 12-pounder grape 12-pounder canister 12-y~ounder conical rifle 12-~ounder conical rifle 4-inch Blakely shell 4-inch Blakely grape 4-inch Blakely canister 11-inch cartridges (18 pounds). 11-inch cartridges (15 pounds). 10-inch cartridges (16 pounds). 10-inch cartridges (15 330 pounds). 10-inch cartridges (13 120 pounds). 8-inch cartridges (10 215 pounds). 8-inch cartridges (8 140 pounds). 7-inch cartridges, navy (17 pounds). i-inch cartridges, navy (14 pounds). 7-inch cartridges, navy (12 pounds). 7-inch cartridges (16 pounds). i-inch cartridges (14 pounds). i-inch cartridges (12 pounds). 32-pounder cartridges (7 175 pounds). 32-pounder cartridges (6 220 p