the people of the Confederate States, and especially those of South Carolina, ever known and felt what the people of Georgia know and feel now, no hostile shot would ever have struck the sacred walls of Sumter. I am willing and ready now, as I know my Government always has been, to enter at once into any fair exchange of prisoners. I will consult with Major-General Sherman on the subject, and give you his decision at the earliest possible moment.

Thanking you, General, for your kind attention to one of my officers, and for returning to me a book high prized,

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. KILPATRICK,

Brigadier-General, U. S. Army.

HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY COMMAND,
December 13, 1864.

Major-General SHERMAN:

GENERAL: Lieutenant B. H. Chadwick, of the----, is with me. He says this is the best possible point to land our stores. We have here at all times twelve feet of water, and eighteen feet at most points. He will send any message to our fleet you may desire. Our gun-boats are all up with Foster. I can have a dispatch sent to Admiral Dahlgren by daylight to-morrow morning.

J. KILPATRICK,

Brigadier-General, Commanding Cavalry.

HDQRS. SECOND BRIGADE, THIRD CAVALRY DIVISION,
In the Field, December 13, 1864.

ASSISTANT ADJUTANT-GENERAL, 14TH ARMY CORPS:

By command of General Kilpatrick by brigade of cavalry will march at 9 a. m., to cross the Ogeechee River at King's Bridge.

Most respectfully, your obedient servant,

SMITH D. ATKINS,

Colonel, Commanding Brigade.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH,
Steamer Nemaha, Savannah River, December 13, 1864.

Major-General SHERMAN:

GENERAL: I am rejoiced to hear from Captain Duncan of your successful march. I hope you will wipe out Savannah, which, I think, you can readily do. The enemy's force is about 15,000, about one-third veterans. Only a few scattering regiments have come from Virginia; none, I believe, from Lee's army. It has been gathered from Wilmington, Charleston, and Augusta. The enemy's forts on this coast are Fort Jackson, Batteries Lee, Savannah, Lamar, and Maine, guarding the Savannah River in the vicinity of Fort Jackson. the batteries are believed to be open at the gorge, with the exception of Fort Jackson. Fort Bartow, thirty guns, inclosed, is three miles east of Savannah, guarding both Saint Augustine Creek and Savannah River. Thunderbolt Battery, strong, nine guns, is situated near Wassaw, guarding the