HDQRS. OF THE ARMY, ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE, Washington, January 20, 1862.

Brigadier General T. W. SHERMAN,
Commanding, &c., Port Royal, S. C.:

SIR: Your letter of the 4th instant, inclosing the official report of Brigadier General I. I. Stevens, U. S. Volunteers, of his expedition, the object of which was to seize and destroy the enemy's batteries on the main opposite Port Royal Island, and to bring away the guns and other property, has been received.* The General-in-Chief has read the reports with much satisfaction, and desires that his thanks may be conveyed to General Stevens and the troops engaged. In the words of the general, he is gratified at their celebration of New Year's Day.

I am, sir, &c.,

L. THOMAS,

Adjutant-General.

[6.]

HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY,
Washington, January 30, 1862.

Brigadier General JOHN M. BRANNAN:

GENERAL: So soon as arangements have been perfected for the necessary supplies and ordnance you will please proceed at once to your destination, and on your arrival assume command of the Department of [Key West]. Your first and most important duty will be to place Forts Jefferson and Taylor on the war footing and in a thorough condition for defense, assigning the troops and distributing the guns and material at your disposal between the forts to the best of your judgment, and constructing such temporary batteries and defenses as, upon consultation with the engineer officer, may seem advisable. Cause your men to be well instructed in the service of heavy guns. Preserve the strictes vigilance as to the admission of vessels of all kinds into the harbors, and allow no persons to visit the forts, except those in Government employ, without a pass from the commanding officer. Repress all disunion movements in Key West, arresting any citizens whose presence is manifestly dangerous to the Government or who may give aid and comfort to the rebels, if necessary sending them under guard to the North. In fine, exercise all the vigilance and precaution usual in time of war, bearing in mind that your greatest danger is from surprise, and that you are not likely to receive warning of the breaking out of hostilities. You will please afford such protection as may be in your power to the Light-House Board in re-establishing and maintianing thelights most necessary for navigation in those wates, and over the opeations of the Coast Survey so far as may be done without risk. Should the commanders of Forts Pickens and Ship Island call upon you in an emergency you will lend them such assistance as you can without risk to the security of your own posts. Should the state of affairs render it advisable to occupy Tampa for the purpose of procuring supplies of fresh beef for the army and navy forces in the Gulf, you are authorized to seize and hold it, calling upon the naval commander in the vicinity for the necessary assistance. I hope to send you at an early day at least one steamer and one or more schooners. When you have transportation you must use your discretion as to any movements upon Cedar Keys or Apalachicola. No movement on the former would be necessary, unless

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*See VOL. VI, pp. 46, 47.

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