February 26, 1863, The Charleston Mercury
We have some late and trustworthy tidings from Beaufort, which fully confirm the news heretofore published, of a personal difficulty having occurred between Major Generals HUNTER and FOSTER. The quarrel related to precedence in rank, and concluded by General FOSTER informing General HUNTER that sooner than fight under him, he would fight against him; and, suiting the action to the word, General F. dealt General H. a blow in the face. General H. was not slow to assert his belligerent rights, and replied by striking General F. on the head with a billet of wood, drawing blood profusely. Before hostilities could be resumed the combatants were separated. FOSTER, after ordering the debarkation of his division on St. Helena Island, left for Washington to have his position defined. Meanwhile, it is currently reported at Beaufort that HUNTER will try Genesis Point and Causten’s Bluff as preliminary steps to the attack on Savannah, and at the same time march against the railroad at Pocotaligo; and thus, if successful, get the inside track from his rival. The attack on these points, it was thought, would take place about the 1st of March; so that we may hear some stirring news in a few days from the coast. Of course, every […..] in grey’ is perfectly delighted at the prospect of getting India rubber clothes and blankets, to say nothing of waterproof boots, &c., &c.
We learned from the same source whence we obtained the above information, that there are over 30,000 troops at Port Royal, and more expected.