[Inclosure.]

A.

FORT SUMTER, S. C., December 5, 1864.

OFFICER COMMANDING U. S. FORCES ON MORRIS ISLAND:

SIR: Having just been informed by the proper authorities of the continuance of the truce which commenced yesterday, I beg leave to offer an apology for having fired upon the batteries on the northern end of Morris Island this morning with sharpshooters.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

T. A. HUGUENIN,

Captain, Commanding.

B.

HEADQUARTERS U. S. FORCES,
Morris Island, S. C., December 5, 1864.

Captain T. A. HUGUENIN,

Commanding Confederate Forces in Fort Sumter:

SIR: Your communication of this a. m., in explanation of the firing from Fort Sumter, is received. The explanation is satisfactory. The firing from the batteries on this island will be discontinued.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

E. N. HALLOWELL,

Colonel, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH,
Hilton Head S. C., December 7, 1864.

Brigadier-General SCHIMMELFENNIG:

The major-General directs that you proceed at once to Morris Island and assume command of the Northern District. The Delaware leaves this evening. The major-General commanding also directs that Colonel Hallowell, of the Fifty-fourth Massachusetts Volunteers, be ordered to report at once to Brigadier-General Hatch, at Tullifinny Point, to take command of the brigade lately commanded by Colonel Hartwell; 500 troops also to be sent from the Northern District, to report to Brigadier-General Hatch for duty at the front, without delay. Lieutenant-General Grant has ordered that the firing cease from Morris Island until further orders. You will therefore fire no guns unless absolutely necessary. The major-General has ascertained that there are 150 small boats in Charleston which the enemy intend to use in an assault on Morris Island. You are therefore requested to keep a sharp lookout for them, and use all your available force to keep the batteries in perfect order for action.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

W. L. BURGER,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH,
Hilton Head, S. C., December 7, 1864.

Brigadier-General SCAMMON,

Commanding District of Florida:

The major-General commanding directs that 500 troops be sent from your command at once to this place for duty at the front. The base of

42 R R-VOL XLIV