HDQRS. NORTHERN DISTRICT, DEPT. OFTHE SOUTH, FIRST SEPARATE BRIGADE, Morris Island, S. C., February 8, 1865.

Captain G. H. SCOTT,
Commanding Fleet, of Charleston:

CAPTAIN: I am requested by Brevet Brigadier-General Hartwell, through his aide, now commanding U. S. forces, Folly Island, S. C., to ask you to send, if possible, two monitors without delay to Stano to-day for co-operation with the land forces. General Schimmelfenning is on his way to Stono and cannot be referred to in this matter, but feel fully justified in asking you, in his name, to accede to this request. I have the honor to forward a copy of dispatches received fro your information. If possible, please send a navy tug also to Stono without delay to facilitate the transportation of light artillery.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. W. DICKINSON,

Captain and Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

U. S. STEAMER JOHN ADAMS, Off Morris Island, S. C., February 8, 1865.

Captain J. W. DICKINSON,

Morris Island, S. C.:

SIR: Yours of this date is received, and in reply I have to inform you that it will not be possible to send two monitors to Stono as you desire. I do not, in the first place, feel authorized to move them from their anchorage without the admiral's order, and this evening neither the weather nor tide will admit of their going. I have ordered a tug to proceed immediately to Stono and report to the commanding army officer as desired.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

G. H. SCOTT,

Captain and Senior Officer.

HEADQUARTERS DEPATMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., February 8, 1865.

Brigadier General A. SCHIMMELFENNIG,
Commanding First Separate Brigade, Department of the South:

GENERAL: I have received a leave of absence from the War Department, and Major General Q. A. Gillmore, U. S. Volunteers, is now here to relieve me temporarily of the command of the department. In consequence of which I shall not be able to see you again in regard to the demonstration proposed to be made on James Island. I desire that as strong a demonstration be made as possible without loss of life, and that you co-operate with Admiral Dahlgren in connection with the same. General Gillmore will make you a visit as soon as possible after assuming command.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. G. FOSTER,

Major-General, Commanding.

23 R R-VOL XLVII, PT II