KING'S BRIDGE, December 13, 1864-8 a. m.

General SLOCUM:

I have your report, or note, of last night 8 p. m., and think you can make good use of that boat. Don't attempt too much, for a failure of any kind will lead to a reaction; but if the people of Savannah discover us gaining little by little, but surely, it will have a strong effect. The bridge here is now done and is a considerable affair, and Hazen is passing over. I think Fort McAllister, too, will be found a strong work, and, therefore, depend on another point which is being examined. Forage, &c., is more plentiful over here, but still it is limited. I cannot imagine what the fleet is about; they may be off on some special errand, or may be expecting us elsewhere. I will go to a point where I can see all the Ogeechee country and Ossabaw Sound. I will be home to-night, or in the course of the night.

Yours, truly,

W. T. SHERMAN,

Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI,
In the Field, December 13, 1864.

Major General H. W. SLOCUM,

Commanding, &c.:

DEAR GENERAL: Take a good big drink, a long breath, and then yell like the devil. The fort was carried at 4. 30 p. m., the assault lasting but fifteen minutes. The general signaled from this side to the fleet and got answers, and vessels were seen coming up the sound when Colonel Ewing left.

I am, General, yours, &c.,

L. M. DAYTON,

Aide-de-Camp.

HEADQUARTERS TWENTIETH CORPS,
Near Savannah, GA., December 13, 1864.

Colonel WILLIAM HAWLEY,

Commanding Third Wisconsin:

COLONEL: The general commanding the corps directs that you have all the boats in your charge, or in that of Colonel Bloodgood, on this side of the river by 8 a. m. to-morrow, and in readiness to cross troops. The whole of Colonel Carman's brigade will cross. The general will be there in person.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

H. W. PERKINS,

Lieutenant-Colonel and Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS TWENTIETH CORPS,
Near Savannah, GA., December 13, 1864.

Brigadier General J. W. GEARY,

Commanding Second Division:

GENERAL: The general commanding directs that you seize all the boats in the river near your line, and not allow any persons to cross to the island except under your direction.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

ROBT. P. DECHERT,

Captain and Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.