On January 30, 1865 Major General Henry W. Halleck ordered Major General Quincy A. Gillmore to relieve Major General John G. Foster as commander of the Department of the South.
Washington, D.C., January 30, 1865 — 11.50 a.m.
Maj. Gen. Q. A. Gillmore, Brooklyn, N.Y
The Secretary of War directs that you repair to Hilton Head and relieve General Foster in command of the Department of the South. General Foster has a leave of absence.
H.W. HALLECK, Major-General and Chief of Staff
