sharply employed. Now hold a position within three-quarters of a mile of the railroad between the Coosawhatchie and Tullifinny Rivers. Deserters' reports are conflicting, but agree that Sherman is nearing Savannah.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. G. FOSTER,

Major-General, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH,
Hilton Head, S. C., December 8, 1864.

Major General H. W. HALLECK, U. S. Army,

Chief of Staff, Armies of the United States, Washington, D. C.:

GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your confidential letter of the 13th ultimo. * The instructions contained therein will be carried out in every particular. I had already commenced a demonstration against the enemy, the particulars of which I have sent in another communication.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. G. FOSTER,

Major-General, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH,
Hilton Head, S. C., December 8, 1864.

Major General H. W. HALLECK, U. S. Army,

Chief of Staff, Armies of the United States, Washington, D. C.:

GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 23rd ultimo, in which Lieutenant-General Grant directs that the expenditure of ammunition upon Fort Sumter and Charleston be discontinued, except so far as may be necessary. I have accordingly sent the necessary instructions to the commanding officer of the Northern District of this department.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. G. FOSTER,

Major-General, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH,
Hilton Head, S. C., December 8, 1864.

Major General M. C. MEIGS,

Chief Quartermaster U. S. Army, Washington, D. C.:

GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your confidential communication of the 28th ultimo in regard to supplies sent to this department for General Sherman's army should he make for this coast.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. G. FOSTER,

Major-General, Commanding.

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* See VOL. XXXV, Part II, p. 328.

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