be forwarded here, in less than three days we could be in Charleston. I consider this point the great key to Charleston, and trust this point will meet with your immediate consideration, as time may be everything to us in the premises.

I am, general, very respectfully, your most obedient servant,

HENRY MOORE,

Colonel, Commanding Post.

L. THOMAS,

Adjutant-General, Washington, D. C.

FEBRUARY 15, 1862.-Action at Venus Point, Ga.

REPORTS.

No. 1.-Brigadier General Thomas W. Sherman, U. S. Army.

No. 2.-Brigadier General Egbert L. Viele, U. S. Army.

No. 1. Report of Brigadier General Thomas W. Sherman, U. S. Army.

HEADQUARTERS EXPEDITIONARY CORPS,
Port Royal, S. C., February 17, 1862.

SIR: A rebel steamer, the Ida, ran by our battery on the Savannah River on the 14th instant for Fort Pulaski. The guns had not been worked nor the ranges obtained. On the next day she attempted to return, and four of Tatnall's gunboats came down from Savannah to cover her. They were all sent back to their places of departure, and one of them seriously crippled.

I inclose herewith the copy of General Viele's report on the subject.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

T. W. SHERMAN,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

The ADJUTANT-GENERAL U. S. ARMY,

Washington, D. C.

No. 2. Report of Brigadier General Egbert L. Viele, U. S. Army.

HEADQUARTERS U. S. FORCES,
Savannah River, February 6, 1862.

SIR: I have the honor to report that the batteries on Venus Point were attacked at 3 o'clock p.m. on yesterday by four rebel gunboats with a view of effecting a passage from Fort Pulaski for the rebel steamer then at that place. After an engagement of one hour the rebels were driven off, the flag steamer being disabled and taken in tow, and the steamer that attempted the passage of the river returning to Fort Pulaski. The guns were manned by the Third Rhode Island