CHAPTER XXVIII.
A NEW FIELD.
Prior to the reception of that order, Major Delany was in that state of painful inactivity, to which an officer is said to be a prey while awaiting instructions, in consequence of the absence of General Saxton. On the return of the general, in August, he was informed, to his astonishment, of the ridiculous part which some mischievous persons had taken in the St. Helena rumor, which surprised him more than the story itself, he said.
On Monday, the 7th of August, he received the desired instructions, which, for the time, definitely settled the position and duties assigned, of which the following is a copy:—
Headquarters Asst. Comr. Bureau Refugees,
Freedmen, and Abandoned Lands, S. C., Geo., and Fl.,
Beaufort, S. C., August 7, 1865.
Special Order. No. 3.
I. Major M. R. Delany, 104th United States Colored Troops, is hereby detailed for duty in connection with the affairs of freedmen, on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, and will proceed thither at once.
The quartermaster’s department will furnish the necessary transportation, and Major Delany will make a request upon the post quartermaster at Hilton Head, South Carolina, for quarters.
By order of