HDQRS. DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH,
Jacksonville, Fla., March 26, 1864.

Brigadier General J. W. TURNER,

Chief of Staff and of Artillery, Department of the South:

GENERAL: Some of the most intelligent and best disposed of the citizens of this place are much exercised lest it may by some possibility by abandoned, as has thrice been the case already. They have sought assurances from me to the contrary.

I shall be glad to give them the highest possible authority that no such abandonment is contemplated or probable, and if you will favor me with definite promises on this point it will be a great service.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

T. SEYMOUR,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

HDQRS. DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH,
Jacksonville, Fla., March 27, 1864.

Colonel W. B. BARTON,

Commanding, Palatka, Fla:

COLONEL: A refugee just in states that on Wednesday last three regiments and some cavalry, comprising Finegan's and Colquitt's command, left for Palatka. Whether this be so or not, your will probably have learned definitely before this will have reached you. With the means at your disposal you are probably quite strong enough to resist any assault upon your works, which, however, you should not fail to strengthen in every manner possible. The ditch of the intrenchments through the oak grove should be dug wide and deep enough (beginning at the water's edge) to be a positive obstacle.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

T. SEYMOUR,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

GENERAL ORDERS,
HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH,

Numbers 46. Hilton Head, S. C., March 27, 1864.

During the absence of Brigadier General J. W. Turner, Lieutenant Colonel C. R. Brayton, Third Rhode Island Artillery, is temporarily appointed chief of artillery of this department, and will establish his office at these headquarters.

By command of Major General Q. A. Gillmore:

ED. W. SMITH,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

ENGINEER OFFICE, HDQRS, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH,

Hilton Head, S. C., March 29, 1864.

Major General Q. A. GILLMORE,

Commanding Dept. of the South, Jacksonville, Fla.:

GENERAL: I have the honor to report to your that one of the officers of the Engineer Regiment new York Volunteers, who had charge of the important engineer depot at Jacksonville, has been abruptly