tunately run aground and knocked a hole in her bottom, is in the river, and cannot be removed until thoroughly repaired. The guns, carriages, ammunition, &c., are now on board the transport Neptune and will be forwarded to Hilton Head forthwith. The batteries and works on Saint John's Bluff are completely destroyed, and, as I have since found it impracticable to remove the corn on the banks of Saint John's River, the object of the expedition has been attained sooner than I had anticipated when writing my last communication.

I have sent an expedition up the river for the purpose of destroying some rebel steamboats said to be concealed some miles from this. It is expected back early to-morrow, October 8, when I shall be ready to return, and merely awaiting the Boston.

Many refugees, with their families, and about 100 contraband have placed themselves under my protection, and it is intention to bring them to Hilton Head on my return.

Since my last communication I have discovered another battery, not yet mounted but ready for the reception of guns. This the gunboats will destroy before leaving the river.

I am deeply indebted to Captain Steedman, U. S. Navy, commanding the gunboats in this river, for his prompt offer of assistance to relieve the transport Cosmopolitan and for his hearty co-operation during the entire expedition.

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

J. M. BRANNAN,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

GENERAL ORDERS,
HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Numbers 46.
Hilton Head, Port Royal, S. C., October 27, 1862.

In consequence of the temporary illness of the major-general commanding Brigadier General J. M. Brannan will assume command of the Department of the South.

By command of Major General O. M. Mitchel:

ISRAEL R. SEALY,

Second Lieutenant, Forty-seventh N. Y. Vols., A. A. A. G.

Abstract from Return of the Department of the South, Brigadier General J. M. Brannan commanding, for the month of October, 1862, headquarters Hilton Head, S. C.

Present for duty

Command Officers Men Aggregate

present

Department staff 38 29 68

Hilton Head and Fort 134 3,508 4,561

Seaward, S. C., and

Graham's Plantation

Beaufort, S. C. 133 3,556 4,957

Fort Pulaksi, Ga., Key 110 2,682 3,251

West, Fla., Fernanding

and Fort Clinch, Fla.

Old Town and Saint

Augustine, Fla.

Grand total 415 9,775 12,837

Command Aggregate Aggregate present and

present and absent at last

absent monthly return

Department staff 70 64

Hilton Head and Fort 5,094 5,230

Seaward, S. C., and

Graham's Plantation

Beaufort, S. C. 5,806 5,826

Fort Pulaksi, Ga., Key 3,462 3,482

West, Fla., Fernanding

and Fort Clinch, Fla.

Old Town and Saint

Augustine, Fla.

Grand total 14,432 14,602