HDQRS. DEPT. OF S. CAROLINA, GEORGIA, AND FLORIDA,
Charleston, S. C., August 29, 1864.

Major General J. G. FOSTER,

Commanding U. S. Forces, Hilton Head, S. C.:

GENERAL: I have the honor to inclose the within letters for your consideration, at the request of the parties interested.

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

SAM. JONES,

Major-General, Commanding.

[Inclosure Numbers 1.]

COLUMBIA, S. C., August 12, 1864.

Major General SAMUEL JONES,

Commanding Southern Army:

SIR: I am one of the unfortunate prisoners of war now confined at this place. I would ask you if there is a likelihood of an early exchange through your department, and, if so, you will cause my transfer to Charleston, so I may be exchanged as early as possible. Truly,

E. G. MARSHALL,

Colonel Fourteenth New York Arty, and Captain U. S. Army.

[Inclosure Numbers 2.]

CHARLESTON, S. C., August 29, 1864.

Major General J. G. FOSTER,

Commanding U. S. Forces, Hilton Head:

SIR: In Major Anderson's reply to my letter of the 11th instant, he says that permission to cross your lines must come from the honorable Secretary of War. I did not understand from this whether I was to make the application or you would do it for me. But supposing that I was to do it, I have written a letter to the Secretary of War which, together with this line, General Jones kindly consents to forward to you. The urgency of my case compels me to trouble you the second time. When a man is conscious that not only the welfare of family friends, but the life of a dear daughter, an only child, is at stake, he must not be blamed for importunity.

Do, my dear sir, permit my letter to the Secretary of War to be forwarded, and interpose your kind offices in my behalf, and speak any kind word you may have it in your power to do, to further my wishes to return home. It will be a word and a deed for humanity's sake, and will be remembered with lasting gratitude by one who has the honor to be, dear sir, your obedient servant,

THOMAS O. RICE.

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

Rear-Admiral J. A. DAHLGREN,

Commanding S. Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Port Royal, S. C.:

ADMIRAL: I have the honor to request that a gun-boat from your squadron be detailed to escort the U. S. steam transport Crescent from her present anchorage in this harbor to Charleston. I wish to