being unfortunately captured. I at once deployed a heavy line of infantry skirmishers and occupied the ground from which the pickets had been driven, of course materially altering the position of the latter. The loss of these men was in a great measure owing to the imperfection of their mount and equipments. I trust to do better with the mounted force I am now organizing, under command of Captain Shaw, One hundred and fifteenth New York Volunteers, an officer with some cavalry experience.

The defensive works here are very [much] pushed forward and will soon be entirely complete. I am organizing a thorough system of scouting, which, I think, will be useful and reliable.

I have the honor to be, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. B. BARTON.

Colonel Forty-eighth New York Vols., Comdg. Brig.

Capt. P. R. CHADWICK,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

MARCH 25, 1864.-Affair at McClellansville, S. C.

Report of Capt. Christopher Gaillard, Santee (South Carolina) Light

Artillery).*

HEADQUARTERS POST,

McClellansville, S. C., March 25, 1864.

CAPTAIN: I respectfully report that about 7.30 o'clock this morning Lieut. P. C. Drake reported to me that the three barges laden with Federal troops had approached the steamer Little Ada and had taken possession of the vessel. I immediately ordered Company M under arms and placed my section of artillery in the most available position, distant about 1,200 yards from the vessel. I soon discovered that they were making preparations to carry the vessel out, and I ordered the guns to be fired upon them, with such effect as to compel them to abandon the vessel. Twenty-one shots were fired, 5 of which took effect.

During the engagement the chief engineer of the vessel was slightly wounded in the head and leg by splinters from the side of the vessel, and 1 of the enemy was wounded in the head and captured. The vessel was not materially injured, and as soon as I could send a detachment on board they went in pursuit of the enemy, but did not succeed in overtaking them.

The result of to-day's firing has convinced me that vessels entering at this place can be successfully protected by rifled guns, and I respectfully ask that the application for my rifled section at Mount Pleasant be made again.

Respectfully,

Capt. WILLIAM GREENE,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

*For report of Lieut. Commander Aaron W. Weaver, U. S. Navy, see Annual Report of Secretary of the Navy, December 5, 1864.

MARCH 31, 1864.—Skirmish at Palatka, Fla.

Report of Col. William B. Barton, Forty-eighth New York Infantry, commanding U. S. Forces.

HEADQUARTERS U. S. FORCES,

Palatka, Fla., March 31, 1864.

CAPTAIN: I have had the honor to receive the communication of Lieut. R. M. Hall, acting assistant adjutant-general, under date of March 30, which I presume to have been written by direction of the brigadier-general commanding the district, although there is nothing therein to indicate this with certainty. In compliance with its directions, I am having the ground surveyed for the erection of a small intrenchment on the heights. In my judgment, however, it will be rather a disadvantage than otherwise. If placed sufficiently near the river on the left to render its not being surrounded certain the line for its garrison will be a difficult one.

My scouts returned yesterday, having learned that it is the general belief among the troops in our front that it is designed to attack this place at an early day with an infantry force of some 8,000 men and all the artillery that can be spared, and that the forces for this or some other purpose are being massed upon the Micanopy road. Statements to this effect I have also received from several other sources. I am inclined to doubt their correctness, but, of course, shall act in my preparation for defense as if they were entirely authenticated. The woods and underbrush are being rapidly cleared away wherever they can afford cover to the enemy, and everything possible is being done to strengthen our line of works. I have taken the responsibility of directing that the houses in front of our left be so prepared that they can be destroyed in a moment if it becomes necessary, and this destruction will do away with a serious objection to that part of the line. Inclosed I send, for the information of the commanding general, copy of a circular issued yesterday detailing more fully than I had previously done my disposition for defense. I have added the re-enforcements ordered to report to me to the reserves. In my judgment at least one additional gun of not less range than 30-pounder Parrott should at once [be] sent here. The artillery I now have, with the exception of the 18pounder, is light, and I am laboring under difficulties with respect to ammunition for them, which I have requested Captain Langdon, chief of artillery, to explain on arrival at headquarters. If the enemy should bring artillery of corresponding range I should be in a position to fight them with the same. Not less than 100 more axes should also be sent at once. A requisition has been sent by this mail for coal, for the reason that vessels habitually come here with but one or two days' supply. The Hunter, for instance, has only sufficient to last for two days, and in case of difficulties between here and Jacksonville would be of little use. The gun-boat may also run short from the same cause. The arms called for should, I think, be sent up to-morrow night. I should be glad if the five companies of the Fifty-fifth Massachusetts Volunteers now at or near Jacksonville could be ordered to rejoin their regiment here. Colonel Hartwell is exceedingly anxious to have his regiment together, and I would like to have it all here. In expectation of a dash by the enemy's cavalry upon our pickets, I yesterday and to-day ambushed

a small force of infantry in range [with] the mounted vedettes. The looked-for attack was made this p. m., and a brisk skirmish ensued, with no casualties on our side, but with some, I trust, on the part of the enemy.

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

W. B. BARTON,

Colonel Forty-eighth New York Volunteers, Comdg.

Capt. P. R. CHADWICK,
Assistant Adjutant-General.

MARCH 31, 1864.-Affair at Spring Island, S. C.

Report of Col. Charlton H. Way, Fifty-fourth Georgia Infantry, commanding sub-district.*

HEADQUARTERS HARDEEVILLE SUB-DISTRICT,

March 31, 1864.

CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report, for the information of the general commanding, that at 11 o'clock to-day one gun-boat and a tug proceeded up the Colleton River as far as the upper end of Spring Island. Stopping first at Seabrook's settlement, they landed a small party, apparently for the purpose of reconnoitering. The 2 pickets stationed there fired upon them, with what effect is not known. The party returned to the boat after having stolen a gun, a saddle, and some clothing, belonging to Mr. Crowell. I ordered Colonel Johnson's cavalry down immediately, but before they could reach the spot the boats had returned.

The enemy have been reconnoitering Foot Point and its vicinity for the last two or three days, usually in small boats, and may possibly intend landing there in force. The general commanding is fully aware of the utter impracticability of holding Foot Point should the enemy design occupying it in force. If anything serious is meant by these movements, their intention must be simply to land and hold the position as a base upon the mainland. The general commanding may rely upon my using all the means at my disposal to prevent and thwart their designs, and upon my giving him prompt information in regard to anything which may occur. Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

Capt. JAMES LOWNDES,

CHARLTON H. WAY, Colonel, Commanding Sub-District.

Assistant Adjutant-General.

[First indorsement.]

HDQRS. THIRD DISTRICT OF SOUTH CAROLINA,

Pocotaligo, April 2, 1864.

I do not think the enemy feel strong enough to occupy the mainland. If I were in command of them, however, with their resources, I would consider it practicable and safe to occupy and fortify the peninsula of Foot Point.

W. S. WALKER, Brigadier-General, Commanding.

*For report of Lieut. Commander Edward E. Stone, U. S. Navy, see Annual Report of Secretary of the Navy, December 5, 1864.

[Second indorsement.]

HEADQUARTERS, Savannah, April 5, 1864.

Respectfully forwarded, for the information of the commanding general.

The strength of the enemy at present is probably not sufficient for them to make a lodgment on the mainland. J. F. GILMER, Major-General, Commanding.

APRIL 1, 1864.-Destruction of U. S. transport Maple Leaf in Saint John's

River, Fla.

REPORTS.*

No. 1.—Brig. Gen. John P. Hatch, U.S. Army, commanding District of Florida. No. 2. Capt. E. Pliny Bryan, Assistant Adjutant-General, C. S. Army.

No. 1.

Report of Brig. Gen. John P. Hatch, U. S. Army, commanding District of Florida.

HDQRS. DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH,

Jacksonville, Fla., April 1, 1864.

GENERAL: Since the departure of General Gillmore from the district there has nothing of interest occurred with the unfortunate exception of the loss of the steamer Maple Leaf, which was destroyed by a torpedo at 4 a. m. this morning. I had found it necessary to send the Maple Leaf to Palatka with troops. She arrived there safely, in company with the Weed and Hunter. The last two remained at that post in accordance with your instructions. On her return the Maple Leaf struck a torpedo at a point 12 miles above this place and sunk in about seven minutes. Her upper works are out of water. A gun-boat has gone up to lie by her and make a report as to the amount of injury she has received. Two firemen and 2 servants are supposed to have been drowned. The baggage and camp equipage of the One hundred and twelfth and One hundred and sixty-ninth New York and the Thirteenth Indiana Regiments was on board, not having been removed from the steamer on its arrival from Hilton Head.

Colonel Barton reports skirmishing at his pickets. The rumors. are that a large force of the enemy are concentrating in front of him. He does not attach much importance to the rumor, but remains well on his guard. I have sent him thus far one additional regiment of infantry and two small companies of cavalry. Will send the other troops as soon as possible. I am now organizing a boat battalion to scout the river, and hope that it, under the cover of a cavalry force, will be able to keep the river open hereafter. Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

Brig. Gen. J. W. TURNER,

JNO. P. HATCH, Brigadier-General, Commanding.

Chief of Staff.

* See also Beauregard's report, p. 115, and Anderson's report, p. 370.

No. 2.

Report of Capt. E. Pliny Bryan, Assistant Adjutant-General, C. S.

Army.

CAMP MILTON, April 4, 1864.

GENERAL: I have the honor to report that in compliance with instructions from Col. D. B. Harris, chief engineer, I placed 12 torpedoes, containing each 70 pounds small-grain cannon powder, in the Saint John's River, near Mandarin Point, during Wednesday night, March 30. I found the channel wide, about 25 feet deep, with very muddy bottom.

Early Friday morning, April 1, I discovered a steamer, supposed to be the Maple Leaf, sunk off Mandarin Point. On account of the wind I could not board her until Saturday morning, April 2, at which time she was fired in three places and burnt. The water was about 2 feet deep on the upper cabin deck. But few things could have been saved by the enemy, as the vessel must have sunk in a few moments. She apparently was greatly damaged by the explosion. A few mattresses, sofas, wash-bowls, and other unimportant articles were left in the upper cabin. From her length, width, size, and general appearance I suppose her to be a first-class vessel.

I take pleasure in bringing to your notice the names of the party engaged in the affair: Lieut. J. D. O'Hern, Corpl. John Brantly, and Privates Musco Crenshaw and William Taylor, of Company F, and John Frisbee, of Company B, all of Second Florida Battalion. I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, E. PLINY BRYAN, Captain and Assistant Adjutant-General.

Maj. Gen. P. ANDERSON,

Comdg. District of Florida, Camp Milton.

[Indorsement.]

HEADQUARTERS MILITARY DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, In the Field, April 4, 1864. Respectfully forwarded, for the information of the general commanding.

Captain Bryan deserves much credit for the activity he displayed and labor performed in bringing about the result here reported. He has inflicted heavy loss upon the enemy, and taught him to be cautious in the navigation of our waters.

PATTON ANDERSON,
Major-General, Commanding.

APRIL 1, 1864.-Expedition from Palatka to Fort Gates, Fla. Report of Col. William B. Barton, Forty-eighth New York Infantry, commanding U. S. Forces.

HEADQUARTERS U. S. FORCES, Palatka, Fla., April 3, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have had the honor to receive the communication of the 2d instant from the brigadier-general commanding the district, and have carefully noted its contents. Measures have already been taken to carry out the directions contained therein.