This application was made with the sancation of General Sherman. I have also applied for the detail of Brigadier General William Birney to relieve Brevet Major-General Saxton of all duties in this department.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. G. FOSTER,

Major-General, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTYMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., February 9, 1865.

Bvt. Major General RUFUS SAXTON, U. S. Volunteers,
Inspector of Settlements and Plantations:

GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 5th instant in reply to mine of the 4th and would state in answer that, being about to go North on leave of absence, I have turned over your requests, an contained therein, to Major-General Gillmore, who relieves me, for his action.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. G. FOSTER,

Major-General, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., February 9, 1865.

(Via Pocotaligo.)

Brigadier General JOHN P. HATCH:

Telegram received. I telegraphed you that it was necessary to follow up the enemy and destroy as much of the railroad as possible. This was in answer to your dispatch stating that the enemy had fallen back from your front, and had his main force at Adams' Run. I have been granted a leave of absence and shall leave on the Arago to-morrow. Major-General Gillmore relieves me.

J. G. FOSTER,
Major-General, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., February 9, 1865.

Brigadier General E. E. POTTER, Beaufort, S. C.:

Major-General Foster authorizes Brigadier-General Hatch to take troops from your district for the purpose of building a tete-de-pont at Port Royal Ferry. Two companies have been ordered there for that purpose from Beaufort. No other authority has been granted to General Hatch.

W. L. M. BURGER,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, S. C., February 9, 1865.

Brigadier General E. E. POTTER, Beaufort, S. C.:

Prepare to go to the Northern District to take charge of an offensive operation. I will send the Coit for you. Come down here as soon as she arrives at Beaufort. Leave the command of the district teamporarily in the hands of the next senior officer.

Q. A. GILLMORE,
Major-General, Commanding.