HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH,
Hilton Head, S. C., June 12, 1863.

Major General H. W. HALLECK,

General-in-Chief, U. S. Army, Washington, D. C.:

SIR: I have the honor to report my arrival here yesterday.

Major-General Hunter relinquished, and I assumed, command yesterday.

I have conversed freely with Major Duane and with several navy officers in reference to the recent attack on the forts in Charleston Harbor, and the present condition of affairs in that direction.

The concurrent testimony is that the defenses on Morris Island have undergone a material change within the last three weeks, much to the advantage of the enemy.

I shall visit that vicinity to-morrow, and make a full report by next steamer.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

Q. A. GILLMORE,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

GENERAL ORDERS,
HDQRS. DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Numbers 48.
Hilton Head, Port Royal, S. C., June 13, 1863.

The following-named officers are hereby announced on the staff of the general commanding, and will be respected and obeyed accordingly:

Colonel John W. Turner, aide-de-camp, and chief of staff.

Major Ed. W. Smith, assistant adjutant-general, and commissary of musters.

First Lieutenant Israel R. Sealy, acting assistant adjutant-general.

Lieutenant Colonel R. H. Jackson, assistant inspector-general.

Lieutenant Colonel J. J. Elwell, chief quartermaster.

Lieutenant Colonel M. R. Morgan, chief commissary of subsistence.

Surg. C. H. Crane, U. S. Army, medical director.

Major Dwight Bannister, chief paymaster.

Captain John W. Todd, chief of ordnance.

Major James C. Duane, chief engineer.

Captain John Hamilton, Third U. S. Artillery, chief of artillery.

Captain T. B. Brooks, aide-de-camp.

First Lieutenant Henry M. Bragg, aide-de-camp.

First Lieutenant Franklin E. Town, chief signal officer.

By order of Brigadier General Q. A. Gillmore:

JNO. W. TURNER,

Colonel, and Chief of Staff.

SPECIAL ORDERS,
HDQRS. DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Numbers 345.
Hilton Head, Port Royal, S. C., June 14, 1863.

Brigadier General Rufus Saxton is, at his own request, hereby relieved from command of the post of Beaufort, S. C.

Colonel W. W. H. Davis, One hundred and fourth Pennsylvania Volunteers, will relieve Brigadier-General Saxton and assume command of the post.

By order of Brigadier General Q. A. Gillmore:

ED. W. SMITH,
Assistant Adjutant-General.