encampe the corps at that place to-morrow night. I shall use the Michigan Engineers to twist the railroad iron; the infantry to pile and burn. If this your views please inform me, that I may make the necessary orderes.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

A. S. WILLIAMS,

Brevet Major-General, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS TWENTIETH CORPS, Blackville, S. C., February 9, 1865.

Colonel J. L. SELFRIDGE,
Commanding First Brigade, First Division:

COLONEL: The general commanding directs that you make a reconnaissance with your brigade to-morrow, starting at 7 a. m., to Dunca's Bridge over the Edisto River, at the head of Young's Island. General Slocum is very anxious to ascertain the condition of the crossing at that point, the force of the enemy there, if any, the state of the roads,&c. If possible General Sherman wishes the Left Wing to cross there. Major Parks will accompany you; more detailed instructions have been given him for transmittal to you. Lieutenant Ludlow, chief of engineers, Left Wing, will also accompany you.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

H. W. PERKINS,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS TWENTIETH ARMY CORPS, Blackville, S. C., February 9, 1865.

Brevet Major-General GEARY,
Commanding Second Division:

GENERAL: In accordance with directions from Major-General Slocum, your division is to remain at this place to-morrow to protect the trains of the corps, which are to be left here to await the result of a reconnaissance which will be made to-morrow by Colonel Selfridge's brigade toward Duncan's brigade. The general commanding desires that you will send one of your brigades at an early hour in the morning to take the position on the north side of the railroad, now occupied by the First Brigade of the Third Division. The balance of your troops will be disposed so as to protect the trains. Your orderly has been detained here to await this dispatch.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

H. W. PERKINS,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

SPECIAL
HEADQUARTERS SECOND DIVISION, FIELD ORDERS
TWENTIETH ARMY CORPS, No. 10.
Near Blackville, S. C., February 9, 1865.

This command will move to-morrow at 7 a. m. Order of brigades: Third, First, Second. Colonel Mindi will leave two regiments as rear guard to cover the trains.

By command of Bvt. Major General John W. Geary:

W. T. FORBES,

Assistant Adjutant-General.