HEADQUARTERS U. S. FORCES,

North Edisto, S. C., April 9, 1862.

Lieut. A. B. ELY, A. A. A. G.,

Hdqrs. Northern Dist., Dept. of the South:

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 8th instant. I will make every endeavor, through spies, intelligent contrabands, & c., to get the required information as regards the best approaches to Charleston, and will forward immediately to the commanding general whatever information I may get. I visited the outposts of my command yesterday and find everything in an admirable condition; the pickets are well posted, and the whole force, consisting of two regiments of infantry and four pieces of artillery, can be quickly concentrated at any point. I do not think the rebels are in large force on Jehossee Island; their pickets are stationed awl can be seen at Watts Cut. I do not think it advisable to make any advance on Jehossee Island at present with the force I have, as it could only be held with the assistance of a gunboat. A field officer of the day was seen visiting the rebel pickets on the 7th instant, which indicates that there is more than one regiment in the vicinity. I am making every effort to ascertain the strength of the enemy’s forces in that vicinity, and will report when Ii get the desired information. I shall make a reconnaissance on the Pocahontas soon towards White Point and on the Dawho River. I would request, if it can be conveniently spared, a gunboat drawing not over 7 feet of water. The sloop- of-war Dale has not yet arrived at this port. The Pocahontas draws too much water to run in the South Edisto River. The contrabands will be forwarded immediately by the Mayflower.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

E. Q. FELLOWS,

Colonel Third New Hampshire Infantry.

SOURCE:  The war of the rebellion: a compilation of the official records of the Union and Confederate armies. ; Series 1 - Volume 6; pages 260-261.