Isaac I. Stevens to Brenholts, December 8, 1861

Lieut. Col. BRENHOLTS, Commanding Detachment, Port Royal Ferry:

SIR: In command of the three companies of the Fiftieth Pennsylvania Regiment which have been assigned to you, you will move at 5 o’clock to-morrow morning, proceed to Port Royal Ferry, and relieve LieutenantColonel Armstrong, now stationed there. Tents will not be required, as there are buildings sufficient for the accommodation of your command. You will observe closely the ferry, the adjacent main, and the shores of Port Royal Island on either hand. You will send small parties, each under the charge of an officer, to the neighboring plantations, to ascertain the amount of transportation, forage, and provisions they will supply to this command, and will take the necessary measures to save them for its use. It is said the navigation of the river separating the island from the main has been obstructed, both above and below the ferry, by piles driven across. Ascertain the facts and stop further proceedings of the kind. You will take every precaution to guard against surprise; will endeavor to send in daily reports, noting carefully everything you learn in regard to the several points to which your attention has been ealled. Truly and

respectfully, your most obedient,