T. W. Sherman to Office Ohief Topographioal Engineer E. O, November 25, 1861

Hilton Head, S. C., November 25, 1861.

The ADJUTANT-GENERAL U. S. ARMY, Washington, D. 0.:

SIR: Our scouts have found the fort on Ladies Island covering the Coosaw River, which was deserted by the rebels at the time of the capture of this place. The scouts spiked the guns, but we shall remove them as soon as practicable to this place. Our scouts have been up into the vicinity of Port Royal Ferry, and discovered that the advanced outpost of the enemy is at that point and that their main body is at Pocotaligo. There is another large force also collecting at Grahamville, nearer to Savannah, and also on the railroad, the advance post of which is at Bluffton, a small village some 10 or 14 miles from here. The object of these forces is undoubtedly to protect the railroad and cover the interior of the State against our invasion in that direction, which, from all the information I can gather, they are daily expecting.

I have already briefly referred to our facilities, or rather want of facil.

ities, for such an operation, and the propriety of confining ourselves witb our present means to establishing a firm and secure base on the coast, and thus be prepared for any ulterior movements inland that the service may demand.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

Brigadier-General, Commanding Expedition.

Hilton Head, S. O., November 25, 1861,
Capt. Lours H. PELOUZE,
Fifteenth Infantry, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General :
SIR: In accordance with instructions from General Sherman, I have
examined the ferries from this island to the main-land, situated at Ferry