fourth, and One hundred and second Regiments U. S. Colored Troops hold themselves in readiness to embark at once. Transports will be sent as soon as possible, and the troops must embark so as to be at Hilton Head before dusk to-morrow evening. Fifteen days' rations will be put on each transport in bulk. The men will carry three days' rations in haversacks, and one pair of socks only in their knapsacks, together with a rubber blanket, if they have one; if not, a woolen blanket or an overcoat. Nothing else must be allowed in either. The officers will be allowed one small hand-bag each for their baggage only. The senior officer of these troops will have command of the brigade, and will receive sealed orders from these headquarters, where he will report immediately on his arrival at this place. The troops to be well supplied with ammunition.

W. L. M. BURGER,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH,
Hilton Head, S. C., July 30, 1864.

COMMANDING OFFICER, EIGHTH U. S. COLORED TROOPS:

SIR: The major-general commanding directs that you have your command on board the steamer designated by the chief quartermaster, Captain John H. Moore, immediately, and that when all are on board you haul off into the stream and await further orders, which will be sent on board to you this p.m.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

THOMAS J. ROBINSON,

First Lieutenant Twenty-first U. S. Colored Troops, A. A. A. G.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH,
Hilton Head, S. C., July 30, 1864.

Major-General FOSTER:

GENERAL: In compliance with your request I would name the following five regiments: Twenty-ninth Connecticut Volunteers (colored), Ninth U. S. Colored Troops, Twenty-sixth U. S. Colored Troops, Thirty-fourth U. S. Colored Troops, One hundred and second U. S. Colored Troops. These, with my present force, ought to be able to accomplish what is needed in Florida, to take all south of the Santa Fe.

Very truly, your obedient servant,

WM. BIRNEY,

Brigadier-General, Commanding District of Florida.

FLAG-STEAMER PHILADELPHIA,

Port Royal Harbor, S. C., July 31, 1864.

Major General J. G. FOSTER,

Commanding Dept. of the South, Headquarters Hilton Head:

GENERAL: Conformable to your request, six 100-pounder Parrotts will be loaned to you, and are at your disposal when it suits your convenience to send for them. I expected to have obtained the