him to command all troops sent from South Carolina, as a division. Congratulate the troops on their victory, and return them the general's heartfelt thanks.

THOMAS JORDAN,

Chief of Staff.

CHARLESTON, S. C., February 22, 1864.

Brigadier General W. B. TALIAFERRO,

Lake City, Fla.

(Through Brigadier-General Gardner):

General Gardner, having reported with his troops at Lake City, and being your senior, will be in chief command. Please transfer to him your instructions or orders from these headquarters. he will assign you to command of all the troops sent from South Carolina, as a division.

G. T. BEAUREGARD.

CHARLESTON, S. C., February 22, 1864.

Brigadier General WILLIAM M. GARDNER, or

COMMANDER OF FORCES MIDDLE FLORIDA,

Lake City, Fla.:

As soon as Colonel Anderson's regiment shall arrive Colonel clinch will be directed to return to the command of his sub-district, to protect the railroad with four companies of his cavalry; other troops will be there under his orders, also for same purpose.

THOMAS JORDAN,

Chief of Staff.

HEADQUARTERS SIXTH MILITARY DISTRICT,
Adams' Run, S. C., February 23, 1864.

Brigadier General THOMAS JORDAN,

Chief of Staff:

GENERAL: In obedience to instructions from department headquarters requiring "a report of the circumstances attending the destruction of the powder" in Messerry's house, at Rantowles, I beg leave to forward you the inclosed reports to Lieutenant-Colonel White, Lieutenant Edwards, and Corporal Gravett as furnishing the fullest account of the affair within my power to give. They state all the circumstances of the case, and what information I have has been derived from their reports.

Very respectfully, &c.,

HENRY A. WISE,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

[Inclosure Numbers 1.]

HDQRS. HEAVY ARTILLERY, SIXTH MIL DISTRICT,
Verdiers, February 17, 1864.

Captain J. H. PEARCE,

Assistant Adjutant-General:

CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that on the 8th instant, Lieutenant Postell informed me by note dated the 6th that on the