large a number of Confederate generals and field officers as they can procure of ours. From the fact of the enemy's being so anxious for an immediate reply I am led to believe the whole thing a ruse, or at least only a threat not yet carried out.

I am, general, very respectfully,

A. SCHIMMELFENNIG,

Brigadier-General, Commanding District.

[Inclosure.]

HEADQUARTERS FIRST MILITARY DISTRICT, DEPT. OF SOUTH CAROLINA, GEORGIA, AND FLORIDA,
Charleston, June 13, 1864.

General SCHIMMELFENNIG,

Commanding U. S. Forces, Morris and Folly Islands, &c.:

GENERAL: I have the honor to inclose, for transmission to the commanding general of the U. S. forces on this coast, a letter from Major General Samuel Jones, commanding this department.

The letter informs him that 5 generals and 45 field officers of the Federal army, prisoners, have been ordered to be confined in Charleston. These officers have been placed under my charge, and will be provided with commodious quarters, in a part of the city occupied by non-combatants, the majority of whom are women and children.

It is proper that you should know, however, that the portion of the city in which they are located is, and has been for some time, exposed day and night to the fire of your guns.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

R. S. RIPLEY,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

[Sub-inclosure.]

HDQRS. DEPT. OF S. CAROLINA, GEORGIA, AND FLORIDA,
Charleston, S. C., June 13, 1864.

Major General J. G. FOSTER,

Commanding U. S. Forces on coast of South Carolina, C. S.:

GENERAL: Five generals and 45 field officers of the U. S. Army, all of them prisoners of war, have been sent to this city for safe-keeping. They have been turned over to Brigadier-General Ripley, commanding the First Military District of this department, who will see that they are provided with commodious quarters in a part of the city occupied by non-combatants, the majority of whom are women and children. It is proper, however, that I should inform you that it is a part of the city which was has been for many months exposed day and night to the fire of your guns.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

SAM. JONES,

Major-General, Commanding.

PRIVATE.] HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH,

Hilton Head, S. C., June 15, 1864.

Brigadier-General BIRNEY,

Commanding District of Florida:

GENERAL: I am led to believe, from all the information I have received, that the force in Florida opposed to you is very small. If this be so, you will be able to make a movement past Baldwin and