out, but this is the case with all the white regiments here. The Forty-first New York and Seventy-fourth Pennsylvania Volunteers were mainly veterans.

I have sent you the last letters from Jones. The rebels are anxious to exchange, probably to obtain men to re-enforce Hood. I have received no answer to my request to General Samuel Jones to be allowed to send comforts and necessaries to the prisoners at Andersonville.* I shall take the rebel prisoners to Morris Island to-morrow.

Very respectfully and truly,

J. G. FOSTER,

Major-General, Commanding.

FLAG-STEAMER PHILADELPHIA,

Port Royal Harbor, S. C., August 26, 1864.

Major General J. G. FOSTER,

Commanding Department of the South, Hdqrs. Hilton Head:

GENERAL: In a recent expedition several citizens of McIntosh County, Ga., were brought away, who it appears were not engaged in any hostile operations against the Government, but were pursuing their ordinary vocations; 2 of them were small farmers and 5 were engaged in making slat. From what 2 of them tell me they have never taken an active part at any time in defending the rebels, and the 2 farmers are men of over sixty years of age. They were found at their homes and were probably brought away as a measure of precaution. Will you please inform me whether you have instructions from the Government in relation to persons so situated, and who may fall into your hands.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. A. DAHLGREN,

Rear-Admiral, Commanding South Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

FLAG-STEAMER PHILADELPHIA,

Port Royal Harbor, August 26, 1864.

Major General J. G. FOSTER,

Commanding Department of the South, Hdqrs. Hilton Head:

SIR: In compliance with your request a gun-boat will be detailed to convoy to Charleston the vessel with the rebel prisoners. Will you please by signal give me an hour's notice, so that the movements of your steamer may not be delayed? Captain Green will also be instructed to keep a vessel of war near the prisoner's vessel.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. A. DAHLGREN,

Rear-Admiral, Commanding South Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

QUARTERMASTER-GENERAL'S OFFICE,

Washington City, August 27, 1864.

Major General J. G. FOSTER,

Commanding Department of the South, Hilton Head, S. C.:

GENERAL: Your letter of the 17th instant, inclosing drawings of an "assaulting galley" which you propose to build, and a requisition from J. H. Moore, assistant quartermaster, for quartermaster's

*See postscript to Jones' letter of August 25, p. 258.