TITLE: The war of the rebellion: a compilation of the official records of the Union and Confederate armies. / Series 1 - Volume 53 AUTHOR: United States. War Dept., John Sheldon Moody, Calvin Duvall Cowles, Frederick Caryton Ainsworth, Robert N. Scott, Henry Martyn Lazelle, George Breckenridge Davis, Leslie J. Perry, Joseph William Kirkley PUBLISHER: Govt. Print. Off., Washington, 1898 Page A Production Note Cornell University Library produced this volume to preserve the informational content of the deteriorated original. The best available copy of the original has been used to create this digital copy. It was scanned bitonally at 600 dots per inch resolution and compressed prior to storage using ITU Group 4 compression. Conversion of this material to digital files was supported by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. Digital file copyright by Cornell University Library 1995. This volume has been scanned as part of The Making of America Project, a cooperative endeavor undertaken to preserve and enhance access to historical material from the nineteenth century. Page B /:: t~/ IS /7 ~ CORNELL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY GIFT OF United States Department of Wa Title Page Page R001 THE WAR OF THE REBELLION: A COMPILATION OF THE OFFICIAL RECORDS .(~ OF THE UNION AND CONFEDERATE ARMIES. PUBLISHED UNDER THE DIRECTION OF The Hon. RUSSELL A. ALGER, Secretary of War, BY MAJ. GEORGE W. DAVIS, U. S. ARMY, MR. LESLIE J. PERRY, CIVILIAN EXPERT, MR. JOSEPH W. KIRKLEY, CIVILIAN EXPERT, Board of Pul4ication. SERIES IVOLUME LIII. REPORTS, CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. WASHINGTON: GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. 1898 Page R002 ~1b~4 L ~ Additions and Corrections Page A001 THE WAR OF THE REBELLION: A COMPILATION OF THE OFFICIAL iRECOIRDS OF THE UNION AND CONFEDERATE ARMIES. ADDITIONS AND (JORI~ECTIONS TO SERIES IVOLUME LIII. (To be inserted in the voinme. For expl~nation see General Index voinme, Serial ~o. 130, page XXVIII.) PUBLISHED UNDER TILE I)IIIECTION OF The Hon. ELIHU ROOT, Secretary of War, BY BRIG. GEN. FRED C. AINSWORTFI, CHIEF OF THE RECORD AND PENSION OFFICE, WAR DEPARTMENT, AND MR. JOSEPH W. KIRKLEY. Mr. JOHN S. MOODEY, Indexer. WASH INGTON: GOVERNMENT PRLNTlNG OFFICE. 1902 Page A002 9 ADDITIONS AND CORRECTIONS. TEXT. Page 149. For Special Orders, No. z, read General Orders, No. s~ Page 212. Trapier to Milton (sub-inclosure), tenth line, for William Turmans read William J. Turners. Page 297. Erase foot-note Not found and insert See Series LV, Vol. 2, p. 788. Page 832. Date of General Orders, No. 19, for Oclober read September. Page io6i. After Hopkins (Benlamin) Gavalry for See Florida Troops, Gonfed- erate, read See Saint Johns Rangers, post. Page 1o63. Eighteenth line, top, for 2sSt Regiment read s5th Regiment. Page io66. Strike out Stenkens Gompany and reference following. Insert Sluckens (F. V. D.) Gavaly. See Te as Troops, 81k Battalion. Page 1067. Strike out Turmans (William) Company. (Official desig-nation not of record.) See William Turmnan and insert Turners (William I.) Cavalry. See Florida Troops, Confederate. INI)EX. Insert all words and figures in italics and striKe out all in [brackets]. An asterisk (*) following a correction indicates that Additions and Corrections to the text should be consulted. Alton, City of Steamer. Arkansas Troops (C.). CavalryBattalions: [1st Trans-Mississippi Department, 1029.] CavalryRegiments: mt (State) (carroll, De Rosey). InfantryBattalions: Bronaughs [2d]. InfantryRegiments: i5th [21st]. 25th [30th]. Averasborough (or Taylors Hole Creek), N. C. Battle of, March i6 [17], 1865. Bacon, Theodore. Meat ioned, 78 [Bacon, George W., 78]. Bell, Caspar [Casper] W., 71/ [Bell, C. W., 714]. Bisbie, D. T. [ ]. Bonaparte, charles L. N, 123. Breazeale [Brazeale], W. W. Burbridge, Clinton D. [Sergeant-Major]. Burton, IV, Steamer. (hdwalader [Cadwallader], George B. Campbell, Leonidas C. Carruth, F. H. [ ]. Carvajal, A ntonio [General]. city of A lton, Steamer, 421. coahiiila, Mexico, Governor of Seu Nnevo Leon and C~oahnila, Mexico, Governor of Cone, A nrelius F. [Lieutenant]. Cunningham, John (Ga. Mil.), [158]. Cunningham,John (S. C. Mil.), i~8. Dawkins, James B. Mentioned, 357 [Darkins, James B., 357]. De Bow,J. D. B. [J. B. D.]. Denegre [Denege], J. D. Dupr~, LuciusJ. Edwards, Albert G. [John]. Edwards, James F., 434 [Edwards, James, 434]. Elliott, Allan [Alban] V. Florida Troops (C.). CavalryCompanies: [Hopkins, 212, 225.] Saint Johns Rangers, 212, 225. Tnrners, 212. Geofroy [Geoffroy], L,ouis de. Georgia, Governor of. Correspondence with Lamar, G. B., sr. Gray, P. W. Correspondence with OBannon, A. B. Greer, John S. [L.]. Hawley, JO5eI)h R., 8i [82]. Hull, Edward [Edwin] B. Hunter, Robert M. T., [2oo]. Iverson, A tired (Brig. Gen.). Mentioned, 385, 395, 397, 398, 400, 401. Iverson, Alfred (Hon.). [Mentioned, 385, 395, 397, 398, 400, 401.] Kelly, Joseph, 423, 426, 43!, 4/3, 460, 461 [Kelly, Colonel, 423, 426, 431, 433, 460, 461]. [Kinney, W. J., 349.] Kock [Koch], Charles, & Co. Lamar, G. B., sr. Lawton, Alexander R. Orders, General [Special], series i86i. Lindsay [Lindslay], D. Herudon. Lockwood, Byron F. Louisiana Troops (C.). CavalryBattalions: ist Trans-Mississippi, 1029. Lusher, Robert M. [ ]. McIntosh, James [M.]. Mentioned, 721 [McIntosh, James, 721] Memminger, C~hristopher [Charles] G. Merrick, Edward Thomas [E. P.]. Nichols, E. B. Correspondence with Greer, John S. [L.] Page A003 ADDITIONS AND CORRECTIONS. OBannon, A. B. Oglesby, Richard J. Correspondence with John C. Fr~mont, 501 [510]. Orner, Theodore F. [For correspondence, etc., see South Carolina Commissioners.] Orr, James L. For correspondence, etc., see South Carolina Commissioners. Pope, John [Major]. Preble, George H. [U. S. Slocp]. [Red Legs (Indian), 565.] Rhett, R. Barnwell, Sr. Rust, Albert. Mentioned, 673 [Rust, A., 673]. Satomon [Solomon], E. Sams,JohnH. [ ]. Santos, A. F. [ ]. Silva,Josi Ma. [Ljcentiate]. Sloan,J. [John] B. E. Smith, E. Kirby. Correspondence with Merrick, E. T. [P.]. South Carolina Troops. Artillery, LightBattalions: [1st (Batteries), A, 178, 185.] Artillery, LightBatteries: Sumter* (Calhoun), 178, i8~. *Company A, 1st Regiment Artillery. South Carolina TroopsContinued. InfantryRegiments: ist (Militia) [Reserves]. 4th (Militia) [Reserves]. iotli (Militia) [Reserves]. Spratt [Spraft] and Callahan. Stucken, Frank V. D. [Stenken, Captain]. Talbot, M. [Talbert, Matthew]. Texas Troops (C.). CavalryBattalions: 8th (Taylor), 859. Trapier, James H., Mentioned, 296 [Napier, Gen- eral, 296]. Trigg, John T. [Captain]. [Turman, William, 212.]* Twitty, W [N.] C. Upson. Columbus [Judge]. Vincent, William G., ~66 [464]. Virginia (Merrimac), C. S. S., .531 Voorhies, Alfred [Albert]. Watlington, F. [Captain]. Whybark, John C. Wikerson [Wilkerson], John. Willis, Edward (Q M.). Willis, Edward [S.] (Lieut.) Page A004 Page 1 ChAPTER LXV. OPERATIONS IN SOUTH CAROLINA, SOUTHERN GEORGIA, MIDDLE AND EAST FLORIDA, AND WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. SUPPLEMENT EMBRACING DOCUMENTS POUND OR RECEIVED TOO LATE FOR INSER TION IN VOLUMES 1,6,14,28,35,44, AND 47. January 1, 1861June 30, 1865. [The number iii brackets at the lower left hand of each document indicates the volume to which it properly bclongs.] - MARCH 13, 1862.Affair at Nattis Plantation, S. C. Report of Lient. Gol. James A. Beaver, Forty-fifth Pennsylvania Infantry. HEADQUARTERS FORT DRAYTON, Otter Island, S. 0., March 15, 1862. CAPTAIN: It is my duty to report to you, through your office to the general commanding, the details of an unfortunate occurrence which took place on the morning of the 13th instant on the mainland at the plantation of a Mr. Mattis, resulting in the death of Captain Rambo and Corporal iReighand, of Company K, of the Forty-fifth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, and the woundiiig of several others, privates in the same company, one of whom has since died from the effects ol his wounds: 1 started on the morning of tile 12th instant with parts of three com- panies of the Forty-filth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, for the purpose of reconnoitering the north bank of the Mosquito Creek, which has heretofore beell occupied by small parties of rebels. With two negro guides we proceeded through the entire length of the creek, landing occasionally at important points and making observations iii the vicinity, and landing in the evening at the plantation of Mr. Michael (1) 1 B UVOL LII Page 2 2 S. C., S. (IA., MIII). & E. PLA., & WEST. IN. C. [CHAP. LXV. Scabrook; our negro guides had formerly belonged to Mr. Mattis and had escaped from his plantation but a night or two previous. I exam- ined them separately, and finding that they agreed iu their estimate of the number and station of the rebel picket, it was agreed, after con- sultation with the officers who accompanied me, to endeavor to capture them the next morning before daylight. For this purpose I divided the force under my command into three parts, directing Captain Schief- felin, with one of the negro guides, to proceed by a circuitous route to the rear of the house in which it was supposed the guard was quartered. The countersign was given and a signal agreed upon at which Captain IRambo should advance from the front, surrounding the house, and, if possible, secure the inmates. If he failed in this and the rebels retreated, Captain Schieffelin was ordered to cut off their retreat in the direction of Willtown. The third part of the force was held as a reserve at the boats. Waiting some twenty minutes after Captain Schieffelin had started, I advanced with Captain Rambos party, having first thrown out two scouts with instructions to overpower the sentinel at the door as soon as the signal to advance was given. Passing through a gate- way I stopped to post two sentinels and give them their instructions, I regaining the main body just as it had received a volley of musketry, resulting as I have already stated. This volley proved to have come from the party in charge of Captain Schieffelin, who explains it by saying that he came to a broken bridge, which he fixed in order to cross; that after he had crossed he observed two men approaching; that he challenged, and that instead of answering they turned around; he then directed his men to fire. The scouts who were in advance say they heard no challenge. They are both wounded, and from the position of their wounds would seem to have had their backs to the fire. I am, captain, very respectfully, your most obedient servant, JAMES A. BEAVER, [6.] Lient. Col; Forty-fifth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers. MARCH 3031, 1862.Affairs on Wilmington and Whitemarsh Islands, Ga. Report of Col. Rudolph Rosa, Forty.sixth New York Infantry.* TYBEE ISLAND, GA., April 3, 1862. GENERAL: In accordance with your orders I arrived at the swini- ming battery, Montezuma, near Decent island, on the evening of March 29, 18~2, with a detachment of two commissioned officers aiid thirty men of the Forty-sixth New York. Shortly after my arrival Lieutenant Serviere, having effected the relief of the men in the guard boat near Hunters farm, reported that he had been shot at repeatedly by about thirty rebels near Gibsons farm, without the shot taking effect. On the following day, with four commissioned officers and seventy-five mcii, I made a reconnaissance on Whitemarsh Island, landing at Gibsons and marching thence on land to Turners farm. From there we were recalled by shots, and found that the small stern wheel steamer had shown herself near to our boats in Gatland Creek, and had returned after being fired at by the boats guard. I then went again across the island to MacDonalds farm, and returned without meeting the enemy. The topographical results will be embodied in a little sketch. In returning I heard that by the lieutenant left in command of the Monte- zuma leave had been given to Dannenfelser and two men to go with a *See also Yoi VI, p. 121 Page 3 CHAP. LXV.] WILMINGTON AND WHITEMARSH ISLANDS. 3 boat to Wihningtoii Island, that they had beeii last seen going into Turners Creek, and were now missing. The guard boat was left at the usual place opposite Hunters farm over night. At dawn on the 31st the guard were revised and partly relieved by Captain Hinekel, who then made a patrol to iDannenfelsers house, and was told that Dannenfelser and the two men had been there for half an honr the previous day, and then had departed. Captain Hinckel also captured a negro in the act of entertaining communication between the fort and Savannah. The guard was instrncted to keep a sharp lookout along the shore for our missing men. At noon Lieutenant Serviere was sent to relieve the guard, and with the instruction to search at the same time Gibsons and Screvens farms for the missing and for interlopers, but not to proceed farther. At 4 oclock Captain Hinckel went with the capturca negro for verifying his description at the cuts used for smuggling. He came back at 8 oclock and reported that no trace of the guard and relief boats was to be found. On the evening of the 1st of April we received promptly a re-enforce. ment of two officers and thirty men of the Forty-sixth New York, and one 6-pounder at the Montezuma. At 10 oclock in the same night Lieu- tenants Serviere and IRettig and fifteen men in the relief boat returned and reported as follows: When the relief boat met the guard boat at Hanters farm they both proceeded to Gibsons house, the relief boat in advance, the guard boat (with the small old iron 6-pounder, private J)roperty of the subscriber) bringing up the rear. At Gibsons they saw two men; then Lieutenant Serviere with fifteen men landed and found himself soon engaged in a skirmishing fight with about thirty rebels, whom he snccesstYilly drove out of the houses and the farm, killing at least one of them. When the guard boat neared the landing Lieutenant Rettig also jumped ashore, but the helmsman, a canal boat- man promoted to a sergeants position since two days, suddenly lost his self-possession entirely, backed the boat off, and dropped back with the tide. Lieutenant Serviere then took to the relief boat, which dur- ing the time had filled with water, and had to be bailed out, and set afloat again under cover of a chain of skirmishers. They left without any loss, though fired at repeatedly, and then saw in the distance that the guard boat had drifted on the flats between Screvens and Hunters place; that a fire was opened against it at about fifty paces distance, by, at the least estimation, about sixty men; that the men laid them- selves fiat on the bottom of the boat and waved their caps as sign of surrender. The relief boat then took to the small creek and swamps between Gatland Creek and Wilmington Narrows, was fast aground over night, and succeeded in coming back late the next evening by way of the narrows and the stockade. The total loss, therefore, con- sists of eighteen enlisted men, the man Dannenfelser, and about twelve rounds of ammunition. Two boats and one small iron 6-pounder were also lost, being prizes of the Forty-sixth Regiment New York State Volunteers, and not belonging to the United States. There seems to be a determination to keep up at all events the communication to the fort by way of Whitemuarsh and Wilmington Islands and the very numerous creeks running through MeQucens marshes. I most respect- fully propose to keep a small armed steam-boat there. Your most obedient servant, RUDOLPH ROSA, Colonel, (Jomdg. Forty-sixth Regiment New ifQrk state Vols, General Q. A. GILLMORE, Commanding Page 4 4 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. APRIL 9, 1863.Destruction of Steamer George Washington, near Beau- fort, S. C. Report of Capt. Thomas B. Briggs, Third Rhode Island Artillery. BEAUFORT, S 0., April 1), 1863. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the following report: On the morning of the 8th of April, in accordance with previous instructions from the general commanding, I embarked on board and took command of the steamer George Washington, then lying at the wharf at this place, and proceeded to Hiltou Head in quest of the U. S. steamer Hale, with orders for her to accompany the Washington on a tour of Port Royal Island and to station her at Whale Branch. We had proceeded to or near Brick Yard Point, so called, when the Hale ran on a shoal, grounded, and remained fast. After trying to pull her off, being unsuccessful, I went on board and told Lieuteuant Brod- head, commanding, that I would cruise up to and a little beyond Port Royal Ferry and return before night and lay by him to render assist- ance if he should be attacked before his vessel could float, as I saw that his guns did not bear so as to afford sufficient protection. I accord- ingly proceeded to the ferry and some hundred yards beyond and then came back leisurely and anchored near the Hale, intending to start again at daylight on the 9th. About 4.15 a. in., while dark, the Hale weighed anchor and started for her station, without reporting to me, and as she was lying some distance from me her absence was not dis- covered until daylight, when I immediately ordered the Washington under way to follow, to see if she carried out my instructions. I had proceeded some hundred yards wheu word was brought me that a com- pany of cavalry were at the point near which we had anchored, which was situated, as we were running, in our rear. I immediately got my glass and was soon satisfied that instead of a cavalry, it was a light artillery company, and simultaneously I saw a flash and heard a report, followed by several others. The first shell struck on the stern and another entered and blew up the magazine, which was situated near the stern, making the boat a complete wreck, destroying the ammnuni- tion in the magazine, and dismounting one gun. I stood twenty feet from the magazine and was somewhat stunned by the explosion. As soon as I came to my senses and saw our disabled condition. I went forward and seeing her drifting on the hostile shore, and as I then thought of no possible way of getting her away from that situation, I ordered a white flag to be raised as a signal of surrender, as I wished to save the remaining lives. When the flag had been raised I again went aft and found that the captain of the boat had ordered her to be backed toward the shore of Port Royal Island, and upon examination found that she was on fire. I immediately counseled the men that I saw near me to get ashore, if possible, and after seeing all the men that were able to walk strike out for the shore I started myself to send the boat, which had been preserved and had carried one load, to rescue the wounded, which was accordingly done by Lieutenant Blanding, who got the men into the boat and set them adrift. They were, as I after- ward found, picked up by the rebels and, under a flag of truce, returned to the Hale, which came down after the Washington had burned and sunk. I intended to have surrendered the boat, and the men that remained, because I saw no possible chance of getting away, as the boat was disabled, the ammunition exploded, and the rebels had complete control of hem but didnt think of leaving her until I found her on fire Page 5 CHAP. LXV.] OPERATIONS ON MORRIS ISLANt~, S. C. 5 and knew it would be some time before any one could get to us to res- cue us from the flames, the steam, and some unexploded ammunition of the disabled guns, under the rubbish of the broken down cabin, and other lumber, splinters, & c. After getting ashore, which was at the edge of a bog or marsh nearly a mile in breadth, the men struggled on toward solid ground under a hot fire of shot and shell from the enemy. The officers and men lost all their clothing except what they stood in, and several in the fatigue of the passage through the swamp were compelled to throw some of that away, as the mud was very deep and heavy, and two or three had their clothing blown entirely off them before leaving the boat. The boat contained, belonging to the army, myself; Lieuts. J. B. Blandingand George L. Smith, of the Third Rhode Island Artillery, and Lieutenant Williams, of the quartermasters department, and thirty-four enlisted men belonging to Company A, Third Rhode Island Artillery, of whom Lieutenants Blanding and Smith escaped without a scratch. Lieuten- ant Williams was lightly cut and bruised by pieces of shell or splinters of wood, and myself received some slight bruises and cuts. Of the~ men, 22 were uninjured excepting some slight bruises, 10 were badly wounded, 1 killed instantly, 1 died on the boat after being put in by Lieutenant Blanding, and 2 are missing. If not inconsistent with a report of this kind I would speak in terms of the highest praise of the officers and men of the First South Carolina Volunteers, who ren- dered valuable aid to the wounded, half-drowned, and thoroughly exhausted officers and men, giving us dry clothing and much needed refreshments. The officers and crew of the boat, I believe, were saved unharmed except a few slight bruises. The officers and men, as well as those of the boat, behaved admirably under as hot a fire of shot and shell as ever fell to my lot to witness. It is my opinion, as well as that of the officers under my command, that if the Hale had communicated with me before leaving on the morning of the 9th the catastrophe might have been prevented or we might have made a more successful defense. In fact, I doubt very much if they would have fired on us at all. List of killed, wounded, and missing.* I remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, THOS. B. BRIGGS, Captain, Third Rhode Island Artillery, Corndg. Expedition. Capt. STUART M. TAYLOR, Assistant Adjutant. General, Beaufort, AS. C. [14.1 JULY 10SEPTEMBER 7, 1863.Operations on Morris Island, S. C. Report oj Maj. Lewis Butler, Sixty-seventh Ohio L~fantry, of second assault on Battery Wagner, July 18. IIDQRS. SIXTY-SEVENTH REGT. OHIO VOL. INFANTRY, Hilton Head, S. C., February 2, 18G3 [4~. GENERAL: Agreeable to your request I have the honor to report that oii the evening of July 18, [1863,] in the charge on Wagner, my regiment, the Sixty-seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry, went into the * Shows 2 men killed, 10 meii wounded, and 2 men missing Page 6 6 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. charge third in line of Putnams brigade in the following order, in deployed column: Ffrst, Seventh New Hampshire; second, One hun- dredth New York; thir4, Sixty-seventh Ohio; fourth, Sixty-second Ohio, Lieutenant-Colonel Steele; our brigade preceded by Strongs brigade. For some reason unknown to me our brigade was halted near the beacon-house, and Strongs brigade allowed to proceed on toward the fort. After remaining some twenty minutes we were ordered for- ward under a most galling fire. When about the fifth parallel our col- umns were very much disturbed by stragglers from Strongs brigade and the breaking of the One hundredth New York. It was here that we met the Third New Hampshire and Ninth Maine moving back by the flank. Upon arriving near the glacis the balance of Strongs brigade were lying down. Upon our brigade coming up they arose and the final assault was made. Of the number which gained the fort from each regiment I am not able to say, but this 1 will state, that the only regiments that showed anything approaching an organization at this time were the Forty-eighth New York, Sixth Connecticut, Seventh New Hampshire, Sixty-seventh and Sixty-second Ohio. A few men of the Fifty-fourth Massachusetts (colored) and a few of the One hun- dredth New York were in the fort, but upon calling for the officers none rel)orted to me from either of those regiments. I believe that in all there were not more than between 400 and 500 men in the fort from both brigades. Upon my reaching the parapet of the fort, seeing the confusion, I ordered the firing to cease. Called for Colonel Putnam. Getting no response, I called for Colonel Dandy. No response from him. I immediately reconnoitered our position. Finding that we had driven them from the south bastion and a portion of the sea front, and finding the force so disorganized that it was impossible to make a farther advance into the fort, I immediately distributed the force at my com- mand so as to hold what we had already gained. After making this disposition of the men I again renewed my calls for other field officers, and at this time Colonel Putnam came upon the parapet. I learned from him that he had been outside the ditch, endeavoring to keep the men from going to the rear. I asked the colonel what he was going to do. He replied that he did not know what to do. Question: Is Stevensons brigade coming to our support? He replied that he did not know. Question by him: What do you think best? My reply was: We cannot advance any farther with what force we have in its present disorganized state~ and that I deemed it insufficient under any circumstances. That the best we could do was to hold our position until we got re-enforcements, and that with the help of another brigade we could take the fort or at least hold it until we got our dead and wounded off, and that we had better send for re enforcements. Ques- tion by him: Have you got a trusty lieutenant that you can send to the rear? I replied that I had, and called Lieutenant Hathaway. No reply. I then called Lieut. John C. Cochrane, who commanded Company K of the Sixty-seventh Ohio. Told him to go to the rear and say to the general that we held a portion of the fort, and if he would send Stevensons brigade that we could take the fort, or at least hold it until our dead and wounded were taken from the field. This con- versation took place between us on top of the parapet, both standing erect. As Lieutenant Cochrane went out of the fort I was watching to see him cross the ditch, which was enfiladed by the guns on the sea bastion, and while he was in the ditch Colonel Putnam turned to me and remarked, Major, we had better get out of this, and fell dead wit Page 7 CHAP. LXV.] OPERATIONS ON MORRIS iSLAND, S. C. 7 the last word on his lips. I called his adjutant and Lieutenant Cate, his aide, who were in the fort, to carry him off. As they were approach- ing him Lieutenant Cate also fell, and the adjutant, after examining him, left the fort. The fight was now raging severe. There was yet a hand to-hand contest at the entrance to the bastion from the main body of the fort. I then called a council of the officers in the fort, not wishing to hazard anything further without their co-operation. All agreed to hold out until we could hear from the rear. After waiting twice the length of time which I knew it would require to move Steven. sons brigade to our support, at about 10.30 oclock, observing that the rebels were beiug re-enforced and were making preparations for a sally upon both flanks, I gave the order to retire. Ordering Captain Coan of the Forty-eighth New York, to go down into the bastion and get all of the men that were able to get out without disturbing those who were engaged with the enemy, he soon reported to me that all had left that would leave or could leave. I then went arouiid the fort, relieved the men engaged, a few at a time, so that the rebels did not know when we did leave. To this course I attribute our getting away at all. Now for personalities. Among the niost prominent officers in the fort that night who did their duty in a cool, deliberate manner, were Captain. Coan, now major of the Forty-eighth New York; Captain Klein, now major of Sixth Connecticut; Captain Taylor and Captain Kahler, of the Sixty-second Ohio. Of those prominent in the fort of my own officers every one that was not wounded went into the fort, and as readily obeyed commands as on parade. These were Capt. Lewis C. Hunt, Capt. Alfred P. Girty, Lieutenants Cochrane, Hathaway, Kief, Bell, Ward, and Briggs. There might have beeti other officers in the fort, but those whom I have men- tioned were officers who came nuder my personal notice. The report that the Fifty-fourth Massachusetts (colored) did more than any other regiineiit upon that occasion is, in my opinion, a base fabrication. That they were in the fort as an organization I positively deny. I found but few of them in the fort and none that appeared to be under the control of any officer of the regiment. There were in that regi- ment, as every other, individual instances of personal courage that deserve credit, but as a regiment I claim that a great deal more is awarded it than was its just due. The officers whom I have specified, the men of the organizations to which they belong, were the men who were in the fort and did all that was possible for men to do under the circumstances. The Third ~ ewHampshire and Ninth Maine Regiments had no men in the fort that I know of- the One hundredth New York had but very few. About the time that we were entering the fort Capt. John B. Chapman, of our regiment, who was wounded and going to the rear, saw Colonel Dandy just above the battery inquiring for his regiment, and was informed by him that he would find it in the rear. My firm belief is that there were more meii in the fort from the two Ohio regiments than from any others. I do not say this through any par- tiality for the Ohio boys, but perhaps from the fact that I was known to the officers and men of those regiments and they more readily obeyed my commands. Great credit is due Captain Coan, of the Forty-eighth New York, and Captain Klein, of the Sixth Connecticut. They appeared to be the only officers of their regiments in the fort who were laboring to rally their men, standing firm themselves at exposed points. In conclusion let me say that the repulse we suffered was entirely owing to our not being promptly sustained, and the consequence the numerous loss of life and expenditure of money which had to be incurred to regain the position which we had gained at so fearful a loss of life Page 8 8 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. and might have been held at a light expense to what it eventually cost. In this report I have not attempted to give aiiything a coloring which did not belong to it, but as nearly as possible give you a plain state- ment of facts which came nuder my notice. Of the scenes of carnage, of the determined valor of the troops, I need not speak, but the fact that they gained the fort amid the darkness of the night and under as withering a fire as any troops were ever exposed, and held it near three hours against fearful odds, speaks a volume for the personal courage of the men which cannot be written. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, LEWIS BUTLER, Major Sixty-secenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Brigadier-General SEYMOUR, Commanding U. S. Forces, Hilton Head. [28.] Report of Lient. Col. Red field Duryee, Sixth Connecticut Infantry, of second assault on Battery Wagner, July 18. IIDQR5. SIXTH I~EOIMENT CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS, Hultoim Head, S. C., November 4, 1863. GENERAL: In reply to your request of October 19, 1863, regarding the part taken by this regiment at the assault on Fort Wagner July 18, 1863, I have the honor to submit the following report: As I was not present at the assault, being on detached service in Connecticut at that time, I have condensed the following from the reports received from the coummanders of companies. This regiment, under command of Col. John L. Chatfield, was relieved from duty as advance guard in front of the batteries on Morris Island, S. C., on the morning of July 18, 1863, about 10 oclock, and returned to its camp, where it remained until about 1 p. m. the same day, when it was again ordered under arms, and advanced a short distance in front, of Craig Hill Signal Station as a support to the batteries which had opened fire on the enemy about 11 a. m. At 5.30 p. m. the regiment was ordered into line, and advanced toward the enemys lines, moving along the beach by the right flank until in front of the line of stockades, when the hue was formed facing the fort. About 6.30 p. in. the regiment formed in column of companies closed in mass, advanced npou the enemys work in good order, crossed the moat, and entered the fort at the southeastern angle. It remained in the fort about three hours, when, as it was found impossible to obtain any re-enforcements, orders were given to retreat as quietly as possible. The conduct of both offi- cers and men in the assault was meritorious iii the extreme. Too much cannot be said in their praise for the cool courage and bravery they evinced while marching on to the assault through a most murderous fire, and for their determined resistance while in the fort. Special acts of meritorious conduct were not noticed, except in a few cases, owing to the fact that in consequence of the darkness only those in the immediate vicinity of the officers making the reports could be seen by them. Col. John L. Chatfield, after gallantly leading his men into the fort, received a severe wound, which ultimately caused his death. First Lient. John Stottlar, Company D, with thirty sharpshoot- ers of Companies C and ID, occupied the advanced rifle-pits from th Page 9 CHAP. LXV.] OPERATIONS ON MORRIS ISLAND, S. C. 9 morning of July 18 until July 19, and did good service by keeping the enemys cannoneers from their guns. Second Lieut. Itudoiph Kost, Company II, with the second platoon of his company, defended his position on the parapet until compelled to surrender for want of ammu- nition. Capt. Frederick B. Osborn, Company K, at one time rescued the State colors from the hands of a rebel and brought them from the field. Color-Bearer Sergt. Gustave 1)e Bonge, Company C, while car- rying the regimental State colors on the parapet, was shot through the forehead and instantly killed. Lance Corpls. Luzerne Baldwin and Albert M. Scott, Company E, distinguished themselves by their cool- ness and bravery in supporting the colors and by encouraging the men to keep in position and order. Private William Milner, Company F, was killed while carrying the colors on the parapet, after the color- bearer (De Bonge) had been killed. Sergt. John P. Connell, Company G, was noticed for his courage and good conduct. Corpl. James Cum- mings, Company G, who was wounded in the leg, removed the tourni- quet which had been placed upon it and applied it to another man who was more seriously wounded. Private Bernard Jiaffy, of the same company, deserves especial mention. When he saw his colonel (Chat- field) lie down wounded, he placed himself by his side to protect him from the fire of the enemy. Special credit is due Sergt. Christian Han- del, Company H, for bringing wounded men from the front of the fort after the order to retire had been given. Many others besides those mentioned are undoubtedly as worthy of notice, but their special acts were not noticed by those officers now in the regiment who were present at the assault. No act of cowardice or want of courage was noticed in either officers or men during the engagement. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, REDFJELD DURYEE, Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding Regiment. Brig. Gen. T. SEYMOUR, Morris Island, S. C. [28.] Renort q/ Capt. AS~ylvester H. Gray, Seventh Connecticut Infantry, of second assault on Battery IVagncr, July 18. IIDQRs. SEVENTH REGIMENT CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERs, Saint Helena Island, S. C., November 21, 1863. GENERAL: I have the honor to report the part taken by the bat- talion, Seventh Regiment Connecticut Volunteers, in the engagement with the enemy on Morris Island, 5. 0., on the 18th of July, 1863: Thirty men, under command of Capt. S. II. Gray, served a battery near Battery Hays crntaining two 30-pounder Parrott rifles. The balance of the command was doing provost guard duty. 1 cannot too highly compliment Sergeant Young, I Company, and Corporal Brown, Company K, for the gallant and effective manner which each served his piece. Respectfully, your obedient servant, SYLVESTER II. GRAY, Captain, Sereuth Connecticut Volunteers, Comdg. Battalion. Brigadier-General SEYMOUR. [28. Page 10 10 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. Report (J Col. 8~abine Emery, Ninth Maine Infantry, J second assault on Battery Wagner, July 18. HEADQUARTERS NINTH MAINE VOLUNTEERS, Black Island, S. C., November 9, 1863. GENERAL: I have the honor to report that in the assault on Fort Wagner, July 18, my regiment formed the center of a line of columns by company, the Sixth Connecticut on my right, the Third New Hamp- shire on the left. The Fifty-fourth Massachusetts was immediately in front, advancing in two lines. I was ordered to carry the center of the fort. The regiment advanced under a very heavy fire of artillery and infantry, and when within a few rods of the ditch received a seri- ous check from a part of the Fifty-fourth Massachusetts, which had already been repulsed, striking the head of the column, during which several destructive discharges of grape and canister were received. Untangling the head of the column, I again advanced and attempted to gain the fort, but the fire was very destructive; the right companies were badly cut up; Captain Brooks and Lieutenant Goodwin, of the first company, and Lieutenant Emerson in command of the second company, were wounded, and Captain Shaw, of the third, killed. It had become dark, so that it was scarcely possible to distinguish whether the men coming from the fort were our own or those of the enemy. Under these circumstances the head of the column gave way, and the regiment retired in some confusion. I now learn that it was reformed soon after by the senior officer remaining unhurt, Capt. S. D. Baker, and returned to the field. I have to speak of the gallantry of Capt. Charles A. Brooks, whose company (A) had the head of the column, and of First Sergt. George S. Colbath, of the same company, who bravely led and cheered on his men after the fall of Captain Brooks and Lieutenant Goodwin; also of the courage and generosity of Sergt. David L. Tracy, Company C, who, after the regiment had retreated, remained on the glacis of the fort to assist a wounded comrade, and succeeded alone in bringing him within our intrenchments. All the officers and men, so far as I know, behaved with equal coolness and courage, and I only speak of these instances because they came under my personal observation. The regiment went into action with 354 men, and lost 117 in killed, wounded, and missing. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, SABINE EMERY, Colonel, Commanding Regiment. Brig. Gemi. T. SEYMOUR. [28.] Report of Cot. George B. Dandy, One hundredth New York Infantry, of second assault on Battery Wagner, July 18. MORRIS ISLAND, S. C., November 4, 1863. SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part my regiment took in the assault on Fort Wagner on the evening of July 18, 1863, and of the part taken by the brigade commanded by Colonel Putnam, Seventh New Hampshire Volunteers, on that occasion: The brigade was formed on the beach at about 10 a. in., and remained there until ordered forward to the assault at about 4 p. m. The follow- ing-named regiments composed the brigade and were in the order (right in front) hereafter named, viz: Seventh New Hampshire Volu Page 11 C~p. LXV.] OPERATIONS ON MORRIS ISLAND, S. C. 11 teers, One hundredth New York Volunteers, Sixty-seventh Ohio, Sixty- second Ohio. The total force of the brigade was about 1,700 men. The One hundredth i~egiment, having three companies absent on other duty, numbered on that day 465 men. At about 150 yards south of the bea- con-house the brigade, then in column of companies, was halted and the regiments deployed. While in this formation I lost three men by a solid shot from Fort Gregg. I endeavored at this time to obtain some information from Colonel Putnam of the plan of attack and of the manner in which the approach was to be made. Colonel Putnam informed me that he knew of no plan, and that we were to follow the leading brigade. Within half an hour after the brigade had been halted the Seventh New Hampshire Volunteers was ployed into column of companies and moved forward. I was about to do the same with my regiment, although I had received no orders, when Colonel Putnam directed me to remain where I was. Shortly after I received an order from Colonel Putnam, through Major Henderson, of the Seventh New Hampshire Volunteers, to move forward, and I gained the lost dis- tance by taking the double-quick. We made one or more halts, and our loss from the fire of the enemy during these halts was very great; still while daylight lasted not a man from my regiment unless wounded left the ranks. I marched to the ditch of Fort Wagner in line of battle, my right on the beach, my left fronting the bastion next the marsh. At this time the marsh (which covers near Wagner two-thirds of the front of that work) was soft and full of water holes, and the approach in line was difficult. The ditch in front of my left was deep, miry, and filled with water, and that portion of my regiment fronting the curtain was subjected to a galling cross-fire, both of artillery and infantry, from the bastions which it connected. A few companies on the right of my regiment succeeded in crossing the ditch near the beach and mounted the parapet; the cen. ter and left found it impossible to do so. I mounted that portion of the parapet in front of the bomb-proofs with a few of my men and was fired upon from the entrances of two bomb-proof galleries. It was then so dark that friends and foes could not be distinguished. In my opin- ion no man entered Fort Wagner that night except those who are now prisoners of war. Some 200 of our troops may have gained the para- pet, bat on account of the fire of the enemy in the bomb-proofs were obliged to seek safety by lying fiat or crouching on the superior slope of the work. The only point where the ditch could be crossed by troops was the most defensible part of the work, as the top of the bomb-proofs formed a cavalier, from which the riflemen of the enemy could and did command the whole work. I could pot determine from my position who were friends or foes, and descending from the slope I endeavored to collect men in the ditch for the purpose of assisting iii the capture of one of the guns then firing heavily on our reserves. Shortly after Colonel Putnam was killed and the order came to leave the work. I lost 5 officers and 176 men in the assault. I (10 not think that from its commencement to its termination our forces at any time held any por- tion of the work, or without more information of its plan than we had on the occasion of the assault it could be taken at night. I am, sir, very respectfal]y, your obedient servant, G. B. DANDY, Colonel One hundredth New York Volunteers. ASSISTANT ADJUTANT-GENERAL, Headquarters U. S. Forces, Morris Island, S. C. [28. Page 12 12 s. o., S. GA., MID, & E. FLA, & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. Report of Lieut. Col. Joseph C. Abbott, & eenth New Hampshire infantry, of second assault on Battery Wagner, July 18.# IIQDRS. SEVENTH NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS, lllorris Island, ~. C., November 6, 1363. GENERAL: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by the Seventh New Hampshire Volunteers in the assault on Fort Wagner on the 18th of July, 1863: Col. II. S. Putnam, then the commander of the regiment, was on the 14th of July placed in command of the Second Brigade, Seymours divis- ion, and consequently the command of the regiment devolved upon myself. Pursuant to orders the regiment formed upon the beach, near the signal station, at 9 a. m. of July 18, composing a part of Putnams brigade and occupying its right. This position was retained during the entire day while the bombardment of Fort Wagner by the bat- teries and the fleet was in progress. At about an hour before sunset I received orders from Colonel Putnam to load and put the regiment iiito close column by division, which was at once done. A few moments after, by order of Colonel Putnam, I caused the muskets to be uncapped. Colonel Putnam then i-ode to the signal station, where he held a short consultation with General Gillmnore, and on returning, by his order, the brigade advanced. Moving up the beach in the order above mentioned to within about 150 yards of the beacon-house, we were deployed into line so that the brigade was in column by battalion. It was now that we began to receive the fire of the enemys artillery. In this order we advanced until we arrived near where our batteries then were (first parallel) when we massed, in order to pass them npon the beach, and having advanced to a point a little beyond where was after- ward established our second parallel, we were again deployed into line. At this time the fire of the enemy was very severe and we were ordered to lie down to avoid it. Soon, however, the order was given to advance, and we moved on time enemys works. While lying down, and immediately after we rose to advance, we met the stragglers of the First Brigade retreating. The numbers were such as led me to suppose that a retreat had been ordered. In advancing from the point where we laid down the left of my line was obstructed by the marsh and broken~ but the companies thus thrown from their position came up promptly by obliquing to the right. The center of the line reached the works nearly opposite the south- eastern bastion, while the right and left wings, respectively, were opposite the eastern and southern faces of the works, but on account of the depth of the ditch and the water the least difficult place to cross was near the angles, and hence the left wing moved in that direction. The moat and the approach to the bastion were swept by the enfilading fire of howitzers, besides being under the fire of infantry from behind the parapets on the western and eastern faces, and hence here was our heaviest loss. In the face of this deadly fire the attempt was made to cross the moat and monnt the parapet, the men being gallantly led or urged omi by their officers, but in a brief time the other regiments of the brigade came up, all were mingled together, the regi- ments pressing npon and mingling with each other, and, as in the darkness one man could hardly be distinguished from another, all See also Vol XXVI1I, Part I, p. 363 Page 13 CHAP. LXV.] OPERATIONS ON MORRIS ISLAND, S. C. 13 action as a regiment ceased. The conduct of both officers and men during this advance, which was protracted under the deadly fire by the deployment and the halt, was most commendable. It is nearly impossible among those who fell or among those who survived to men- tion in this report any considerable number of the instances of good conduct. Capt. Augustus W. Rollins, Adjt. Henry U. Webber, and First Lieut. William C. Knowlton were among the first to enter the works and among the last to leave them, and behaveu throughout with coolness and courage. Six officers of the regimeiit fell before reaching the moat, two of whom were mortally wounded and one of whom has since died of his wounds, and seven officers, including Colonel Putnam, were killed within the fort or in the moat. Four first sergeants were killed and two wounded (one mortally so) in the advance on the works. In killed my loss in the charge was 76 officers and men, and my report of casualties the next morning in killed, wounded, and miss- ing was 18 officers and 200 men. The regiment went into action with 25 officers and 480 men. Before the works were finally abandoned, having collected as many as possible of the regiment near the fraise above our batteries, I was again advancing when the order was given to return to camp, which was done in good order. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOSEPH C. ABBOTT, Lientena itt- Colonel Seventh New Hampshire 1 ~oluntcers, Comdg. Brig. Gen. T. SEYMOUR, [28.] Commanding U. S. Forces, Morris Island, S. C. Report of Capt. John S. Litteli, ASeeenty.sixth Pennsylvania Infantry, of second assault on Battery Wagner, July 18. UDQRS. SEVENTY-SIXTII PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS, Hilton Head, S. C., Nocember 10, 1863. GENERAL: In compliance with request I have the honor to make the following report of the part taken by the Seventy-sixth Pennsylvania Volunteers in the assault upon Fort Wagner on the 18th day of July, 1863: On the evening of the 17th of July the regiment was ordered to the front. We remained there under a heavy fire, with the loss of one officer (a lieutenant) killed, until the evening of the 18th, when, by order of Brigadier-General Strong, we participated in the assault, being the fourth regiment in line. When the order was given to charge some of the regiments in front made but little advance. In breaking and fall- ing back they broke through my line, but we continued to advance until reaching the top of the glacis, and many had reached the moat when General Strong directed his brigade to fall back and reform, as some of the regiments were badly broken up and scattered. My regiment fell back in good order and were not again ordered forward, as some other brigade had taken our place. My loss was 24 out of some 140 engaged. The conduct of the entire regiment engaged was exceedingly good, and to designate any officer or man for having displayed any extraordinary courage or for good conduct would be doing a great injustice to man Page 14 14 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. r~thers, as all performed their duty well, and, am happy to say, to the satisfaction of the brave general who led us, as he openly declared. I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN S. LITTELL, Captain, Commanding Seventy-sixth Pennsylvania Volunteers. Brig. Gen. T. SEYMOUR, Commanding U. S. Forces, Miorris Tsland, S. C. [28.] Report of Lient. Col. Richard H. Jackson, Assistant inspector- General, U. S. Army, commanding artillery, of second assault on Battery Wag- ner, July 18. * MoRRIs ISLAND, S. C., July 20, 1863. GENERAL: I have the honor to submit the following report of the services of the artillery under my direction on the 18th instant: The batteries were constituted as follows: Battery Hays, comprising seven 30-pounders and four 20-pounder Parrott rifled guns, served by Captains Shaws arid Strahans companies of the Third Rhode Island Artillery, and two detachments from Captain Grays company, Seventh Connecticut Volunteers; Battery ORorke, comprising five 10-inch siege mortars, served by Captain Greenes company, Third Rhode Island Artillery. At 10 a. m. I received the order to open fire upon Fort Wag- ner, each gun to be fired once in fifteen minutes and each mortar once in five minutes. The fire was kept up continuously until 5 p. in., when I was directed to fire as rapidly as possible, as an assault would be made omi Fort Wagner about sunset. The firing from the first was accurate, so much so that at about 11. a. m. the enemys fire from the work slack- ened considerably, and from 12 m. until the advance of the assaulting column took place his fire from Fort Wagner was very slow indeed, while from Cummings Point and Fort Sumter it increased in rapidity throughout the day. The fire from the batteries under my command, from 5 p. m. until the head of the assaulting column could no longer be distimiguished on account of the darkness, was very rapid and as long as I could see the effect produced by the shells accurate. I deemed it prudent when I could no longer see our troops as they moved upon the fort, and when I knew that the head of the column must be close to it, to change the direction of the fire so as to sweep the sand ridge con- necting Fort Wagner with Fort Gregg at Cummings Point, and thus prevent, if possible, a re-enforcement by the enemy of the fort during our fight for its possession. In order to do this during the darkness I had in the afternoon marked on the platforms the distance that each piece (trail) should be traversed, as well as determined the ranges and taken the necessary measures to insure accuracy of fire during the night. After the repulse of our infantry the firing was kept up until about 11 p. in., when it ceased by direction of Brigadier-General Gill- more. As worthy of commendation I have the honor to bring to your notice the following officers: Capt. 0. G. Strahan, Third Rhode Island Artillery; Capt. R. G. Shaw, Third Rhode Island Artillery, and Lieut. * See also Vol. XXVIII, Part I, p. 349 Page 15 CHAP. LXV.] OPERATIONS ON MORRIS ISLAND, S. C. 15 J. P. Sanger, First U. S. Artillery, for their gallantry, zeal, and cool- ness during the action. Very respectfully, yonr obedient servant, IL H. JACKSON, Capt., First Artillery, Lieut. Col. and Asst. Insp. Gen., Tenth Army Corps and Department of the South. Brig. Gen. T. SEYMOUR, Commanding U. S. Forces, Morris Island, kS~. C. Report of Maj. Josiah I. Plimpto n, Third New Hampshire Infantry, Acting Assistant Insj~ector. General, of second assault on Battery Wagner, July 18. HEADQUARTERS U. S. FORCES, Morris Island, S. C., October 20, 1863. GENERAL: In accordance with your request I have the honor to make the following statement regarding the assault on Battery Wag- ner on the 18th of July, 1863: The troops were formed on the beach in the following order: The First Brigade, commanded by General Strong, in the advance; next the Second Brigade, Colonel Putnam, and Third Brigade, General Stevenson, in the rear, all in column by companies. The order being given to move for- ward the First Brigade advanced above our line of works and deployed and charged upon the enemys works, from which a terrific fire of grape, canister, and musketry was opened. You, with your staff, went forward with the First Brigade, and seeing they were checked by the fire of the enemy, turned and asked, Where is the Second Brigade V and not seeing them, ordered me to go back and find them and order them to move forward immediately. I rode back and found them about 200 yards in the rear of our batteries, deployed in column of regiments. I gave Colonel Putnam your order to move forward, and he replied, I am ordered by General Glihuore to remain here. I said, General Seymour needs your brigade and orders you to move forward to sup. port the First Brigade. He replied again, General Gillmore [ordered] me to remain here, and I cannot move without his order. I then returned to the front and reported to you. Soon after this the First Brigade began to fall back, when you sent me back to the mortar batteries with an order to open fire, after which I again returned to the front. In about half an hour after I gave Colonel Putnam the order he marched his brigade up and advanced on Wagner. In a few minutes came word that Colonel Putnam was in the work and wanted support, and you again ordered me back to bring up the Third Bri gade. After giving the order to General Stevenson I returned to the front and found you wounded and asked you what to do, and you replied, Hurry forward the Third Brigade, which I did, and went to General Gillmore and told him that you and General Strong were wounded, and he sent Colonel Turner to the front to take command. I am, & c., J. I. PLIMPTOX, Major Third New Hampshire Volunteers, Acting Assistant inspector. General, Seymours Staffi General TRUMAN SEYMOUR. [28. Page 16 16 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. DECEMBER 25, 1863.Attack on the U. S. S. Marblehead, in Stono River, S. C. Reports of Col. Powhatan P. Page, Tuenty-sixth Virginia Infantry. CHURCH FLATS, S. C., December 26, 1863. CAPTAIN: Having already informed you hurriedly of the result of the expedition to Johns Island,* I now respectfully submit the follow- ing official report: The iufantry, five companies of the Twenty-sixth and five compa- nies of the Fifty-seventh Regiments Virginia Volunteers, aggregate strength, 480, moved on the island on Monday, the 21st instant. The necessary details for work were furnished the engineer officer, Lient. P. C. Johnson, aid all the work that could be done without discovery was completed on the night of the 23d instant. Lieutenant-Colonel Kemper arrived with his artillery on Wednesday evening, the 23d instant. On Thursday night the whole force moved down on the peninsula of Legareville, Major Jenkins cavalry guarding the approaches to that l)oint. The lower battery, on Ladys Island (which could not be concealed from the enemy during the day), as well as the necessary leveling for Charles battery under the hedge, was success- fully completed, and the guns and troops all put in position before daybreak on the 2~th,in accordance with Special Orders, No. 276, department headquarters. The Marblehead was the only vessel lying in the river, her position being below the village, between it and thc middle battery. As soon as it was fully light the two lower batteries opened on her; the upper battery and Charles light battery at thc same time opened on the village. The Marblehead got under way and moved slowly down the river, but seeing the Pawnee and another gun- boat coming to her assistance, returned. The Pawnee was soon in range and took position in Kiawah River, enfilading the lower an middle batteries and the hedge behind which the light artillery anc infantry were posted, compelling the withdrawal of the guns from th~ middle and lower batteries with the loss of two 8-inch howitzers. Th~ circumstances attending the loss of these pieces are stated in tIn accompanying report of Lieutenant-Colonel Kemper, commanding artil lery. Supposing that the Marblehead would be immediately rendere incapable of assisting the troops in the village, and knowing that tIn enemys force there consisted of about 150 men, stationed on an island the only approach to which was over a narrow causeway of about 151 yards in length, and were protected from infantry fire by houses, mz intention was, as soon as the gun-boat was disabled, to advance tIn two howitzer pieces of Charles battery with the infantry, and in tha way compel their surrender. For these reasons the infantry was not immediately advanced, an seeing that the Marblehead was not injured, and ~s far as I coul judge not struck, and the Pawnee in a short time enfilading us and i position to concentrate her force with that of the Marblehead, eithe on the village or on any point between it and the hedge, I abandone the attack on Legareville as certainly involving the loss of the greate portion of my infantry and as attended with but a bare possibility c success. At this juncture I was in the act of dispatching an order te Lieutenant-Colonel Kemper to withdraw the heavy artillery, when received the announcement through a courier from him that he wa retiring. I immediately ordered off the light battery, and followin~ * See Vol. XXVIII, Part I, p. 750 Page 17 CHAP. LXV.] ATTACK ON THE U. S. S. MARBLEHEAD. 17 with the infantry, halted at Ropers, near Aberpoolie bridge. Here I was informed by Lieutenant-Colonel Kemper that he had been compelled to leave at the batteries two 8-inch howitzers. I ordered Lient. Col. J. C. Councill, Twenty-sixth Regiment Virginia Volunteers, to remain at Ropers and at night to make an etThrt to recover them. For this purpose 200 infantry, two field pieces, and Major Jenkins cavalry was the force assigned. The rest of the infantry and artillery was moved up to Walpoles, where they were encamped for the night. During the afternoon I received intelligence through Major Jenkins that the enemy had landed a force at Legareville and were advancing up the peninsula. They continued to adyance until they covered the approach from Ropers to the batteries. Having no approximate knowledge of their strength, and knowing that several vessels had come up the Stono, the evident (langer of an ambuscade induced me to counter- mand the order to Lieutenant. Colonel Councill and to order him to join the main body early this morning. This having been effected, I returned with the infantry and artillery to the main, and pursuant to the provisions of Special Orders, No. 276, department headquarters, ordered the several corps composing the detachment back to the posi- tions from which they marched to the island. In the action on the 25th instant we lost, besides the 2 8-inch howitzers, 1 mnami killed, 11 wounded, 2 mortally; 13 horses killed and disabled, belonging to the artillery, and 1 ambulance mule killed. The enemy, so far as I can ascertain, sustained no loss or injury whatever. The artillery, except Charles battery, fired badly; this there is reason to believe was, in a measure at least, owing to the very inferior quality of the ammunition and want of practice in firing. I take pleasure in acknowledging the energy and skill exhibited by Lient. P. C. Johnson, of the engineers, in the construction and concealment of the batteries. Respectfully, your obedient servant, P. R. PAGE, Capt. JAMES H. PEARCE, Colonel, Commanding Expedition. Assistant Adjutant. General. [28.] ADAMS RUN, S. C., December 27, 1863. CAPTAiN: Not concurring with Colonel Kemper entirely in his report* in regard to time, distances, and other inferences that might be drawn from it, I deem it my duty to make the followimig remarks thereon: First. I differ with him as to the distance lie supposed the Marble. head to be from the battery. I supposed her to be about 800 or 1,000 yards. Second. I differ with him as to the time it took the Marblehead to get under way. He states five minutes; I think she was ten or fifteen minutes getting under way. Third. It might be inferred from his report that Charles battery was ordered to withdraw before he moved, which is not the case, as Charles battery was not ordered to retire until I received his message that he, Colonel Kemper, was retiring, although without orders to do so, Charles battery being the last to cease firing. I think Colonel Kemper was perfectly right in retiring when he did. * See next, post. 2 R UVOL LII Page 18 18 S. C., S. GA., MID, & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. Fourth. I think Colonel Kemper in error in attributing the ill success of the expedition to what he calls the loss of the diversion in favor of the two lower batteries expected from the upper battery and that of Captain Charlesthe upper battery being the only one embarrassed by the expected movements of the infantry, which, under existing circum- stances, would not at any time have drawn the fire of either boat. Charles battery and the infantry did draw the fire of the Marblehead from the time the Pawnee came into the Kiawah River, as well as an occasional shot from her, and, as before stated, was the last to cease firing. Colonel Kemper seems to think that a diversion in favor of the siege pieces was to have been made by the field artillery and the upper bat- tery, and that this was prevented by the infantry, whereas the real design and expectation was that the siege batteries would so cripple and disable, if not destroy, the gun-boats as to enable the infantry to make an attack on the enemy on the island near the village. The lower batteries instead of crippling or driving off the Marblehead, made no impression or but little upon her at all. She was lying at first in posi- tion to cover the causeway from the island to the villageabout from 300 to 500 yards- in ten or fifteen minutes got under way and moved down the river in front of the middle battery and paused there ten or fifteen minutes; moved a short distance down the river and returned, and was all the time thereafter under way to take any position so as to rake the village, the causeway from the island to the village, or the field from the hedge to the village. The siege guns of the lower batteries were so inefficient in their fire as to make an attack on the village, island, and causeway wholly unjustifiable, and therefore I ordered a retreat after Colonel Kemper had informed me that he was retiring. To the inefficiency of his siege pieces the failure of the expedition is to be attributed. I was instructed that Colonel Kemper was to coin- mand the artillery engaged and thus be able to give his special atten- tion to that arm of the service, upon the handling and service of which the success of the affair would depend. Neither my report or Colonel Kempers states the fact that the body of Private William J - Johnson, of siege train, was left on the field at or near his battery. This was not reported to me until I reached Ropers. There Colonel Kemnper pro- posed to leave a force of infantry to go dowii and recover the guns and the dead body. I at first declined, thinking it not prudent to do so, but immediately, on reflectioi~, left the infantry and remained until the 26th with the view of recovering the guns and the body. Major Jenkins that night succeeded in getting the body and gave it honorable burial, as reported by him verbally to myself and in wi-iting to General Wise. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, P. R. PAGE, Colonel, (Jommanding Expedition. Capt. Jx~s H. PEARCE, Assistant Adjutant- General. [28.] Reports ot Lient. Col. Del. Kemper, C. S. Artillery. ADA1~IS RuN, December 26, 1863. SIR: Daybreak on the morning of the 26th [25th] instant found the several batteries under my command disposed in exact accordance with Special Orders, No. 276, from department headquarters. At Page 19 Cnxp. LXV.] ATTACK ON THE U. S. S. MARBLEHEAD. 19 hours 10 minutes I opened on the steamer lying in front of Legareville (supposed to be the Marblehead) from the middle battery, the steamer being distant about 1,500 yards, and was promptly followed by the fire of the lower battery, directed at the same object, and of the upper battery and Charles battery, directed upon the village. In five minutes the Marblehead started down stream, firing as she went, and stopped in front of the middle battery. She remained in this position about lltteen minutes, responding with vigor and accuracy to our fire, when she concluded to continue her downward course. She was hardly under way when a large war steamer (supposed to be the Pawnee) came in sight coming to her assistance. The latter steamer fired from her bow gun (100-pounder Parrott) when she reached the mouth of Kiawah River, and proceeding up that river gave us the benefit of her broad- sides, while she moved to a position enfilading both the middle and lower batteries, where she remained behind a small island until after our fire had ceased, firing heavily and rapidly. The Marblehead in the meantime returned to her position in front of the middle battery, and there remained. A small sailing vessel about this time moved up beyond the Pawnee and opened fire from mortars, and great activity was visible among the whole fleet in Stono Inlet. The distance of the Pawnee being too great for our guns (not less than one mile and a half), and our fire on the Marblehead being apparently ineffectual, I con- cluded about 7 oclock to withdraw. As far as the two 30-pounder Parrotts were concerned this was easily effected, with the loss of only four horses; but the two 8-inch siege howitzers of the middle battery were reduced to six horses. I was compelled therefore to leave one behind, ordering a team to be sent back for it from the Parrott gnus (Webbs battery) as soon as they had been removed to a point of com- parative safety from the enemys fire. In the meantime on going to the lower battery (under Capt. F. C. Schulzs command), I ascertained that he had been unable to withdraw the 8-inch siege howitzer assigned to that battery by reason of the damages (irreparable) to the harness. On reaching the road to Legare- ville, whence I designed to return for the two howitzers, I learned by courier that the infantry were retiring under cover of the trees on the northern edge of the peninsula of Legareville, Charles battery having been already sent to the rear by Col. P. IR. Page. I then requested Maj. John Jenkins to send me a squad of his cavalry to accompany the party going for the howitzers, but I was induced by his advice to await nightfall for the operation. The batteries were, therefore, sent on to their bivouac of the previous night (at Walpoles, six miles from Legare- ville). At 5 p. m. I took a section of the Marion Artillery (two 12- pounder Napoleons) and went to Ropers, near Aberpoolie bridge, where I met Major Jenkins with 100 cavalry and 200 men of the infantry, who had remained there, by Colonel Pages order, to assist in recovering the two howitzers. When I reached there I learned from Major Jenkins that the enemy had already advanced from the village and driven his pickets back beyond the roads leading to the two batteries, and proba- bly occupied them in force. I thought proper, therefore, to abandon the attempt to recover the two howitzers. The want of success of the artillery on this expedition is due to the following causes: The distance of the Marblehead from our battery was too great to render her prompt destruction possible, and the entire want of previous practice by the artillerists manning the 30-pounder Parrotts (they having never before fired them) rendered their fire somewhat ineffectual. The 8-inch how- itzcrs might do good service at short range, but for any distance greate Page 20 20 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. than 1,000 yards I regard them as utterly worthless. Many of the fuses exploded prematurely, and about half of the friction primers failed. I regard as having contributed in some degree to the ill suc- cess of this expedition the loss of the diversion in favor of the two lower batteries expected from the upper battery and that of Captain Charles by reason of the necessity they were under of accommodating their operations to the movements of the infantry. I cannot close this report without expressing my high sense of the distinguished coolness and gallantry displayed by all the officers of my command, and the steadiness and enthusiasm of the men, with but very rare exceptiomis, was most noteworthy. Where all (lid their duty it would be unfair to discriminate, but I desire to place on record my admiration of the heroic manner in which Private William ileyward Ancrum, of Webbs battery, met his death. I must also thank Lieutenant McKee, my adjutant, and Privates Sams, Miller, and Fripp, of Major Jenkins cav- alry, who acted as couriers for me, for the satisfactory manner in which they performed their duties. Accompanying this report are, first, a paper marked A, showing the effective strength of the artillery on the morning of the engagement, and, second, a paper marked B, a list of casualties, showing 1 killed, 2 mortally wounded (since dead), and 9 wounded.* These casualties occurred, it will be seen, in Webbs, Smiths, and Charles batteries. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, DEL. KEMPEJI, Lieutenant- Colonel, Artillery. Lieutenant FLEET, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. A. Effeatire 8treugth of artillery forces under command of Lient. Col. Del. Kemper, engaged in the attack on the gun-boats in the Stono River, near Legareville, on the 25th Decem- ber, 1863. a n S a a ~ Companies. ~ .5 ~ a ~ a a a a -~ a a, a ~ 2 -~ ~ a a ~ be 0 ~ m Q ~ P~ 0 ~ Company A, siege train 1 2 4 6 1 61 3 72 75 Company B, siege train 2 4 5 1 70 2 80 82 Charles battery 1 1 5 4 1 66 2 I 76 78 Schnlz8 battery 2 4 6 60 3 71 74 Section Marion Artillery 2 --~. 2 38 2 40 42 Tota1.~.. 3f 9 17 23 41 295 12 339 351 DEL. KEMPER, Lieutenant- Colonel. Artillery. - JOHNS ISLAND, December 25, 1863. [28.] ADAMS lIUN, January 6, 1864. GENERAL: In compliance with your order of 30th ultimo, I submit the following statement of the number and character of shots fired from ~Nosninal list omitted Page 21 CHAP. LXV.] ATTACK ON THE U. S. S. MARBLEHEAD. 21 the batteries under my command in the affair near Legareville, on the morning of the 23d [25th] December, 1863: At the village.Froin upper battery: Ten 12-pounder spherical case; five rifle shell, caliber 3.81; five 8-inch howitzer shell. From Charles battery: Five solid shot, 3.5-inch Blakely; thirty-two shell, 3.5-inch Blakely; forty-eight shell, 12-pounder howitzer. At the stearner.From Charles battery: Nineteen solid shot, 3.5-inch Blakely. From middle battery: Thirty-four 30-pounder Parrott shell; thirty-four 8-inch howitzer shell. From lower battery: Ten 8-inch howitzer shell; thirty-four 10-pounder Parrott shell; 12 rifle shell, cali- ber 3.81; 10 rifle solid shot, caliber 3.81. Fuses and several battery commanders are unable to furnish me exact information on this subject, and, as 1 looked to them, I have no particular remarks to make in reference to the fuses except that those of most of the guns and the 12-pounder howitzers exploded their shells with tolerable accuracy as far as I could judge; those of the 8-inch howitzers were not so good, quite a number of their shells exploding soon after leaving the piece. Captain Charles also reports that several of his shells exploded prematurely. The primers in use by all the batteries were entirely unreliable. Captain Schulz reports that (at the lower battery) eight in successiou failed in one gun, besides many other cases not so extreme. Captain Charles reports a number as having failed. The 30-pounder Parrott under my immediate observa- tion repeatedly required some four or five unsuccessful attempts before the charge was ignited. In some cases the fault in the primer seemed to be that the lower extremity of the tube was too securely closed, for on pulling the lanyard a good flame issued upward, but none reached the charge below. I trust the foregoing report is sufficiently in detail to meet the wishes of the commanding general. It is the nearest approximation to a proper report that can be made from the meager information furnished me by the company commanders. I shall now, general, ask leave to call your attention to facts in connection with the affair at Legareville, which were either entirely omitted from my report to Colonel Page, or not sufficiently dwelt upon in that paper. In the interview held with Colonel Gonzales, by direction of General Beauregard, on the evening of the 14th ultimo, I particularly requested that the 8-inch siege howitzers should not be assigned me; and also that Captain Webb should be ordered to practice a little with his 30-pounders in order to get range and familiarize his men with their working. So far from my requests being complied with these batteries were never even notified to report to me at Church Flats; after waiting for them until Tuesday evening (22d December), I dispatched first a courier and then my adjutant to James Island to ascertain the cause of the delay, and to bring the batteries forward at once. They reached Church Flats Wed- nesday morning about sunrise. Captain Webb had only seventy-four shells for his two 30-pounders, a very small supply of friction primers, and no breech-sights whatever. In illustration of the entire want of practice of Captain Webbs men in handling their guns, I will mention that when I halted him near IRopers to shift his pieces from the travel- ing-beds to the trunnions, this operation for which five muinutes ought to have sufficed, occupied him nearly an hour. I telegraphed twice (once on the 17th December) for the caisson and ammunition for the 10- pounder Parrott temporarily assigned to Schulzs battery, but received nothing until after the light bati7eries had been moved to Church Flats Page 22 22 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. I knew the fault was not in the ordnance office in Charleston, and there- fore said nothing about the matter, substituting one of Schulzs bronze rifles for the Parrott, feeling sure General Beauregard would approve the act. In regard to the distance of the Marblehead from the middle battery when the action commenced, I am aware that Colonel Page thinks my estimate too great. My opportunities for judging of that distance were greatly superior to his, and 1 am sustained by all the officers under me. I ordered the 30-pounder to commence at 2~O elevation, equivalent to almost 1,200 yards, and these shots fell short. I desire to remind you that in the report of my reconnaissance near Legareville on the 13th of December I avoided any allusion to the distances, because I then thought they were too great to render success by any means certain; but I conceived that the circumstances of the case rendered it unbe- coming to say anything calculated to throw obstacles in the way of the expedition. When about 7 oclock I thought it advisable to withdraw from the engagement, I notified Colonel Page of my intention by a courier, who left me as orders were sent to bring one of Captain Webbs teams down to the battery, and this courier returned to me at the bat- teries just after the second Parrott gun was started, the howitzers still firing. I thus gave Colonel Page ample time to move from the field before or along with me, and when the 8-inch howitzers from the mid- dle battery reached the Legareville road I was informed that Charles had passed up some time (at least fifteen minutes) previous, and that the infantry was retiring along the northern edge of the peninsula. My determination to withdraw was induced solely by the apparent entire inefficiency of our fire, and not by the enemys fire; our casualties all occurred in rear of the batteries, where the horses were. I caine to this conclusion on my own responsibility, it never occurring to me that I was to await Colonel Pages orders, and in this view of our relations I am sure he concurred. The withdrawal was effected very slowly and deliberately, one piece at a time, the others keeping up their fire, and I am sure fire from the 8-inch howitzers of the middle l)attery was main- tained after Charles had left the field. In spite of the heavy (but not destructive) fire, it was certainly perfectly practicable to remove the two howitzers left at the batteries at the time I proposed to do so, viz, as soon as the others were somewhat out of the range of fire; and it will ever be a source of regret to inc that I yielded to the advice of others, though I, of course, concurred with them at the time. Private Johnson, of siege train, was killed near the horses, in the edge of the woods, some 100 yards in rear of the middle battery and not at the bat- tery. When I left the battery to go to the lower one shortly after the last Parrott had been withdrawn, I passed near that point, but saw nothing of the body, which was doubtless concealed by the bushes under which some of the drivers took shelter, and only learned some hours after that it had been left. Having been informed before I left the island that the body had been recovered, I did not consider it nec- essary to remark the circumstance in my report. From a conversation held with Colonel Page on the night of the 24th I learned to my surprise that we differed in our interpretation of the paragraph of Special Orders, No. 276, directing the attack on the enemys force in the village, Colonel Page contending that he was to await the destruction or crippling of the gun-boats to make the advance on the village, while I understood Gen- eral Beauregard to order that advance as soon as the vessels were fairly engaged with the batteries. It was therefore agreed between u Page 23 CHAP. LXV.] ATTACK ON THE U. S. S. MARBLEHEAD. 23 that the upper battery should fire five rounds and then cease, to allow the infantry to enter the village. If the crippling of the vessel had been regarded as the signal for the advance of the iufantry, this restric- tion would have been unnecessary. Certainly I must ever remain of opinion that a most favorable opening for that advance was presented when the Marblehead, seemingly distrusting her ability to stand our fire, steamed down the river, leaving the men in the village to their fate. My first report was, it seems, too brief; I trust I will not be con- sidered as having reached the opposite extreme in this. I am, general, your obedient servant, DEL. KEMPEJI, Lieutenant- Colonel, Artillery. Brig. Geii. THOMAS JORDAN, Chief ot ~tafl. Iludorsementi I dont understand the purpose or motive of this second report of Lieutenant-Colonel Kemper. Colonel Page is absent on furlough, but I forward this for whatever it is worth to aid the clear understanding of the failure of the attack on Legareville and the gun-boat Marblehead. The estimate of distance by Lieutenant-Colonel Kemper must be inaccurate, or the best maps of the locality must be incorrect. The Marblehead could not have been at any time more than from 900 to 1,200 yards distant from the middle battery, if the maps are at all correct. I do not sustain Lieutenant-Colonel Kemper in his insinuation that the infantry should have advanced upon Legareville. Subsequent developments show that Colonel Pages judgment was right in not advancing. I refer to the reports of Major Jenkins. He thinks that the battery of Charles would have been lost; so I think Lieutenant- Colonel Kempers bad shots could not have been helped by the advance of the infantry and of Charles battery. He, Lieutenaiit-Colonel Kemper, was under the orders of Colonel Page. He did right not to wait for those orders. He retired first and without orders. Charles battery continued the fight after he was reported as retiring. I see no object, I repeat, in this report. If Lieutenant-Colonel Kemper means to cast any censure upon Colonel Page he ought to state it distinctly. In my opinion Colonel Pages course ought to be approved. Charles battery may have passed the road first for obvious reasons, though delaying and firing later than the siege pieces. I regret that the heavy how- itzers were not brought off. Lieutenant-Colonel Kemper is responsible for that, and for leaving the dead body on the ground. I accept his account of that part of the failure. The sketch which he appends is incorrect. The shots from the Marblehead passed directly over the middle battery over to where Charles light battery and infantry were placed. The loss in Charles battery and in the infantry (one ambu- lance mule) was all owing to that circumstance. I repeat that the fail- ure of the expedition was owing, first, to the bad gunnery of the siege train; second, to the fact that no work was thrown up to prevent the enfilade fire of the Pawnee from Kiawah. I have no censure to cast except upon this disposition to inculpate the infantry. Respectfully, HENRY A. WISE, Brigadier- General, Commanding Page 24 24 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. (CHAP. LXV. FEBRUARY 5-22, 1864.The Florida Expedition. Report of Col. James lllontgomery, Second South Carolina Colored Infantry, commanding brigade, of engagement at Olustee, or Ocean Pond, February 20. HEADQUARTERS THIRD BRIGADE, SECOND DIVISION, Jacksonville, Fla., March 15, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the following official report: When the battle of Olustee began my command, the Fifty-fourth Massachusetts and First North Carolina Regiments, was in rear of the train. Thinking it might be a demonstration intended by the enemy to draw us away from the train, I immediately disposed my force so as to protect it, at the same time sending an aide to the front for orders. The aide was hardly out of sight when the fight thickened so rapidly that I moved forward with the Fifty-fourth without waiting for orders, leaving the First North Carolina to guard the train. We soon met the aide with orders to bring up both regiments. The Fifty-fourth Massa- chusetts was placed on the left of the line, while the First North Caro- lina moved directly forward. Fresh re-enforcements of the enemy came up at this time, and the fight, which had slackened a little, broke out again in all its fury, and continued till sunset, when the troops retired slowly from the field. The Fifty-fourth, commanded by Colonel Hallo- well, lost 1 captain and 2 lieutenants wounded, and 84 men killed, wounded, and missing. The First North Carolina lost in killed, wounded, and missing, 199 men and 10 officers. I have the honor to be, captain, your most obedient servant, JAMES MONTGOMERY, Capt. ~. ~. CHADWICK, Colonel, Commanding Brigade. Assistant Adjutant- General. [35.] Report of Capt. John Hamilton, Battery B, Third U. S. Artillery, of engagement at Olustee, or Ocean Pond, February 20.* HILTON HEAD, S. C., February 24, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report, for the information of the command- ing general, such operations as fell under my observation in the battle of the 20th, near Olustee, Fla.: Upon the general engagement of the pickets along the line, Colonel Henry went forward on our left flank to reconnoiter the enemy~s posi- tion. Coming back lie informed me, in General Seymours presence, that by planting, say two sections of artillery at a point he would des- ignate, he thought I might enfilade their line, and that we might worst them in a short time. The sections were advanced, but received, on coming into battery, a fire from a more extended line of infantry than what had been first observed. My battery was under 250 yards from the enemys right of infantry, while an oblique line of cavalry bore off to their right and nearly, as far as I could see, into the woods. The Eighth U. S. Colored, Colonel Fribley, then deployed, but its left wing filled all the intervals of my l)ieces and prevented their working to any See also Myricks report, Vol. XXXV, Part I, p. 319 Page 25 CHAP. LXV.] THE FLORIDA EXPEDITION. 25 advantage. As soon as I saw this position I felt that all hopes of withdrawing my guns to a more favorable position were gone, for the reason that the Eighth U. S. Colored were green troops, and should I have limbered to the rear I was sure they would run before the second line could come up to our sapport. As this lineColonel Bartons bri- gadewas about deploying, I knew that the running of troops through or over them would subject us to an immediate defeat from th~ enemys cavalry turning our left flank. I should judge the enemys flanking line of cavalry to have been 500 strong. I was soon struck on the left hip, but not disabled. Then Lieutenant Eddy was badly wounded; then my horse. I could pay almost no attention to my battery, which was being mowed down as grass without the power to reply with any effect. My whole attention was involved in holding the Eighth on their ground. My heart bled for them; they fell as tenpins in a bowling alley; but everything depended on their sacrifice and that of my battery until we could be relieved or the new line formed. In about twenty-five min- utes, out of 82 men and 4 officers, 44 men an(I 3 officers were disabled, and 39 horses were hit so as to be left behind. Langdons battery then took position on my left, and bleeding heavily, and sick, I directed Lieutenant Myrick to get oft the pieces, and I reported to General Seymour, who sent me off the field. Colonel Fribley had fallen, mor- tally wounded, some time before, and had been placed on the foot- board of one of my limbers. I saw him dead, and directed one of his officers to take him off, as I had to use the limber to get off one of my guns. He was placed about twenty-five feet to the right and rear of my right piece, where I think he was left. I do not think that we, on the left, did much hurt to the enemy. Our time was occupied in filling gaps; my pieces were marred by the infantry commingling with my own men. The left wing of the U. S. Colored Infantry could have done little injury to the enemy; they fired very wildly and without purpose. It was not from cowardice as much as ignorance. Their officers appeared to do their duty as brave men, but without self-reliance, and I did not see any of the regiment run, yet they only served the pur- pose of keeping the enemy in check from charging. They should not be condemned, for I saw nothing wrong that could not be accounted for by want of experience and ignorance of object, apparently. My own men behaved well, devotedly, and individually so. My attached Enfaus Perdus did not. They clustered and gabbled in all languages; some were punished. It was impossible at the time of removing to a second line to bring off two pieces and two caissons for want of horses or cannoneers. I regret to say they were left to the enemy with nearly full ammunition chests. All my officers were hit, four of us severely wounded, and the charge of the battery fell into the hands of Lient. D. Irwin, Third Rhode Island Artillery, serving with the battery. As chief of artillery 1 can make no report that can be so called. I had to act on the line of infantry as a general staff officer. This is to be the more regretted, for could I have had the directing of Langdons battery it would not haye taken the position it did. I had not even time to communicate with the general. But personally I have nothing to regret. By the sacrifice of five pieces of artillery I saved the whole of our left flank from break- ing and its disastrous consequences. We thus changed a rout into a simple defeat or beating back. For the dead, a very large majority died honorably; the wounded have all the sympathy a wounded man can extend. My thanks are due to Lieuteiiant Irwin for his labors Page 26 26 S. C.~ S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [OnAr. lxv. My officers discharged their duties unflinchingly, and only left when their presence would have been a drawback. To Lieut. J. iR. Myrick is due the credit of withdrawing the two pieces saved. Messrs. Eddy and Dodge, Third Rhode Island Artillery, have my thanks for their coolness and steadiness in managing their sections. There is an officer, unknown to me, to whom I wish to pay a tribute of praise. I hear that he had been mwtered out of service from the New York Independent Battalion. I handed him my pistol when I was wounded and he sent it to me after wards. All I can say is that it is a brave man who would come where it was simply to give encouragement to troops by his example. He is worth seeking out. I shall ask Lieutenant Myrick to add his report to this.* I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. HAMILTON, Capt., Third Artillery, (Jomdg. Light Co. B, and Chief of Artillery. Captain CHADWICK, Assistant Adjutant- General. ~35.] NOVEMBER 15-DECEMBER 31, 1864.The Savannah (Georgia) Campaign. Report of Lient. Col. Edward Briggs, Seventy-sixth Ohio i4antry. HEADQUAIZTERS SEVENTY-SIXTH OHIO INFANTRY, Savannah, Ga., January 2, 1865. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that this regiment left Smyrna Camp-Ground, Ga., on the 13th of September [November], 1864; marched to White Hall, miear Atlanta, and camped two nights. On the 15th the line of march was again taken up, and came via Rough and Ready, MeDonough, and Indian Springs, crossing the Macon and Charleston Railroad near Gordonsville, where, on the 22d, the regiment destroyed three miles and a half of the track. Marched thence via Irwinton and crossed the Oconee River eight miles from that place. Moved ~thence parallel with the railroad; crossed the Ogeechee River near Millen, and engaged with the rest of the brigade in destroying the railroad on the 3d of December. Recrossed river same day, amid the day following re- newed the march iii the direction of Savannah. On the 10th again crossed the Ogeechee River on bridge of the Gulf railroad, and pro- ceeded with the rest of the army to the investment of the city of Savan- nah. During the siege the regiment {wasJ actively engaged in making earth-works and skirmishing with the enemy. Had one man slightly wounded by bursting of enemys shell whilst the regiment was support- iiig a battery. The health of the regiment has never been as good since its organization as during the last campaign. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, EDWARD BRIGGS, Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding. By L. FOLLETT, Capt. J. I). FEGAN, Sergeant- Major. Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. [44.] See Vol. XXXV, Part I, p. 319 Page 27 CHAP. LXV.1 THE SAVANNAH (GEORGIA) CAMPAIGN. 27 Report of Maj. Ruel 31. Johnson, One hundredth Indiana Infantry. HDQRS. 100TH REGT. INDIANA VOLUNTEER INFANTRY, & u,annah, Ga., J tnuary 3, 18G5. SIR: I have the honor to respectfully report the following as the part performed by the One hundredth Regiment Indiana Volunteer infantry, Second Brigade, First Division, Fifteenth Army Corps, Department and Army of the Tennessee, in the great campaign of the Federal forces commanded by Maj. (len. William T. Sherman, from Atlanta to Savannah, Ga.: In obedience to orders from headquarters Second Brigade, First Division, Fifteenth Army Corps, the One hundredth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry broke camp at Atlanta, Ga., at 6 a. m. November 15, 1864, and in conjun~~tion with the remaining forces of the command moved toward McDonough, the county seat of Henry County, Ga., marching the distance of twenty miles. From thence forward our opera- tions run as follows: November 16, marched at 7 a. in.; passed through McDonough at 4 p. nt, and encamped at 6 p. in., having marched six- teen miles. November 17, ma rched at 1p.m., andencamped on Indian Springs road at 11 p. in., having marched fourteen miles. November 18, marched at 7 a. in. and encamped at Indian Springs, having marched five miles. My regiment was placed upon provost duty in the town. November 19, marched at 10 a. in., crossing the Ocinulgee River on pontoon bridge near the Ocmulgee Mills, and bivouacked at 2 a. in. 20th November on the Ililisborough road, having marched fifteen miles thi~ngh the rain and over the worst of roads. November 20, marched at 7 a. in., passing to the right of llillsborough, in Jasper County, and Tranquilla, of Jones County; encamped near Clinton, county seat of Jones County, having marched fourteen miles. November 21, marched at 6.30 a. in., passing through Clinton, county seat of Jones County, and reaching the Macon and Savannah Railroad, crossed the same and encamped between Griswoldville and Gordon on the railroad, having marched eighteen miles. November 22, the Second Brigade, First Division, Fifteenth Army Corps, to which my regiment is attached, having been ordered to make a reconnaissance for the purpose of show- ing to the enemy a column of infantry moving toward Macon, Ga., [ moved the One hundredth Regiment indiana Volunteer Infantry from their place of bivouac at 6 a. m. and joined the column of the brigade on the Griswoldville and Macon road, occupying niy assigned place in the column. The column moved forward on the above-named road some two miles, wheii we encountered the enemys cavalry in strong force posted upon Duncans farm on the left of the railroad, proceeding toward Macon. We soon drove them from this position, and as they retreated the column moved forward, driving the enemy before us some two miles and a half, when, upon being informed by the major-general commanding the Fifteenth Army Corps that the object of our recon- naissance was obtained, the command was ordered to fall back and take np a position on Duncans farm and remain there until the remaining troops of the column and trains passed by, and then act as rear-guard to the entire column. Having arrived at the point designated upon Duncans farm, we formed line of battle covering the Macon road, with our flanks resting in the timber while our front and center was in the open field. The regiments composing the command were assigned posi- tions on the line as follows: On the right of the road were placed the Sixth Iowa Infantry, One hundred amid third Illinois Infantry, and Ninety-seventh Indiana Infantry; On the left of the road were poste Page 28 28 S.C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. the Fortieth Illinois Infantry, Oiie hundredth Regiment Indiana Volun- teer Infantry, and Forty-sixth Ohio Infantry, while in the center and on the road the section of artillery which had accompanied the brigade took up a position. Having formed line and taken up the position assigned me, I immediately directed my men to build slight barricades of rails to guard as a precaution against any contingency that might arise, and then to get dinner, previously, ho~vever, covering my front with skirmishers to give warning of the approach of the enemy in time to be ready to meet him. In less than an hour after getting into position, as above stated, our skirmishers became engaged with the advance of the enemy, who was moving upon us, and it soon became apparent that a heavy battle must ensue, as it was evident the enemy intended to endeavor to drive ns from our position, and with that view had formed in heavy force upon our front and opened npon our barricades with four pieces of artillery. Brig. Gen. Charles C. Walcntt, commanding Second Brigade, First Division, Fifteenth Army Corps, perceiving this, ordered me to take the three right companies of my regiment and support the section of the First Michigan Battery, occupying the center of the line, which order I immediately obeyed. I had no sooner done this than from the maneuvering of the enemy it became apparent that he would endeavor to tnrn our extreme right flank, an(l to checkmate him there, General Walcutt ordered me to withdraw three more companies of my regiment from the left flank, and putting them in position on the extreme right flank, take charge of that end of the line, and at all hazards hold the enemy at bay at that point. I accordingly moved Companies A, B, and C of my regiment to the extreme right of the brigade line, and pfaci~ng Companies A and 0 on the line, deployed Company B as skirmishers to extend the line to the right, instructing the men to shelter-them- selves behind trees and to hold their positions at all hazards. Com- panies I, K, and H, having been placed in the center of the brigade line, and the Forty.sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry having, by order of General Walcutt, previously moved to the right, I had only Companies D, E, F, and G of my regiment with which to hold what had been the line occupied by the One hundredth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry and the Forty-sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. These com- panies I deployed along the works so as to cover the two regimental fronts, and placed them in command of Edwin Goldsmith, lieutenant and adjutant, who managed them admirably during the remainder of the day. The three companies in the center I placed under the iinme- diate command of Capt. John W. Headington, and he continued to manage them during the remainder of the fight with skill and sound discretion. On the right flank my men were much exposed, having no works to shelter themselves; but the ground being rather favorable, I succeeded in checking the enemy so suddenly in his effort to turn our line that he did not afterward attempt seriously to get around our flank, nor did he even have time to discover the strength of our line or number of our forces at that point. In this engagement, which lasted from 1 oclock until dark, the enemy made some seven distinct assaults upon our lines, and was handsomely repulsed with heavy loss on his part each time. Toward evening I received an order from Col. R. F. Catterson, Ninety-seventh Indiana Infantry, who in the meantime had assumed command of the brigade, owing to Brigadier-General Walcutts having been wounded, to be ready with a heavy skirmish line in my front to charge the enemy at the sound of the bugle, and to bring in such of the enemy as had remained behind in the last repulse and taken shelter under the cover of a ravine which ran along our front. Thi Page 29 CHAP. LXV.] THE SAVANNAH (GEORGIA) CAMPAIGN. 29 movement was accordingly executed, and resulted in the capture of several prisoners, most of whom were wounded. We found a consider- able number of sinall-arnis, which I had brought in and turned over to the brigade commander, and the wounded prisoners were sent back to the hospital for care and treatment. After the close of the fight and the gathering up of all the prisoners obtainable, and property left by the enemy on the field, in obedience to orders received we withdrew from the works and rejoined the column some three miles in our rear, and encamped for the night. In this engagement I lost 2 men killed and 18 wounded, a list of which is attached hereto.* Prisoners cap- tured represent that the enemy attacked us with fifteen regiments of infantry and seven regiments of cavalry, and yet the gallantry of our men was such that we snccessfully held him at bay and drove him from the field. In justice to my men I should state that at one time the ammunition being scarce, they voluntarily fixed bayonets and expressed their determination to hold their line as long as there was a man of them left. My officers all behaved with conspicuous gallantry, and at all times during the engagement kept cheering their men and telling them to hold their ground and beat back the enemy. My regiment occupying and holding the left flank, center, and right flank of the brigade line, I could not well be present at each point but a part of the time, but I am assured that every man and officer did his full duty and behaved gallantly. The strength of my regiment in this engage- ment was 330 effective men, armed as follows: Springfield rifled muskets, caliber .58 305 Spencer rifles, caliber .52 25 Total 330 November 23, continued our march at 7 a. in., and encamped on the Irwinton road near Gordon, Wilkinson County, Ga., having traveled the distance of fonr miles. November 24, marched at 7 a.m.; distance traveled twelve miles, and encamped at Irwinton, county seat of Wil- kinson County, Ga. November 25, marched at 7 a. in., and encamped on the Oconee River near Emmett, having marched twelve miles. November 26, marched at 4 p. in.; crossed the Oconee River at 8 p. m. on pontoon bridge, and encamped at Irwins Cross-Roads, in Washing- ton County, at 11 p. in., having marched thirteen miles. November 27, broke camp at 1 p. in., and marched to Riddleville, a distance of thirteen miles. November 28, broke camp at 8 a. in., and marching eighteen miles encamped on the Savannah road twelve miles from Summerville, Emanuel County, Ga. November 29, broke camp at 8 a. in., passing through Summerville, encamping on the Ogeechee River, having marched fifteen miles. November 30, continued our march at 8 a in., and encamped on Savannah road; distance traveled, twelve miles. December 1, broke camp at 6 a. in., and marching ten miles on Savannah road, encamped for the night. December 2, broke camp at 7 a. in., and marching seven miles, crossed Sculls Creek and encamped in the edge of Bulloch County, Ga. December 3, remained in camp. l)ecember 4, broke camp at 6 a. in., and marching sixteen miles encamped at 3 p. m. on Savannah road. December 5, continued to march at 7 a. in., and encamped at 5 p. in., having marched eighteen miles. December 6, broke camp at 3 p. m -, and marching in rear of division train as rear-guard, encamped at 6 p. in. on the Ogeechee River, having traveled nine miles. December 7, the Third Brigade, First Division. Fifteenth Army Corps, Colonel Williamson command * Nominal list (omitted) shows 3 men killed and 15 men wounded during the campaign Page 30 30 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. ing, having obtained possession of Wrights Bridge across the Ogeechee River, crossed that stream and built works on the east side. In obedience to orders received I moved the One hundredth Regiment Jndiana Volunteer Infan try and the Forty-sixth Ohio Volunteer Infan- try, Major Upton commanding, across the river and occupied the works held by Colonel Williamsons command, while he moved down the river on the east side to co-operate with General Corse, commanding Fourth Division, Fifteenth Army Corps, at Eden, on the Macon and Savannah Railroad. With these two regiments I held position on the east side of the Ogeechee River until 12 midnight, when I received orders to join my brigade, on the west bank of the Ogeechee, and burn all the culverts across the swamp and the bridge across the river in my rear, all of which I accomplished as directed, and joined the brigade with my command at 3.30 a in., l)ecember 8, 1864. December 8, broke camp at 7 a. in., and marching twenty miles, encamped at Eden, county seat of Bryan Connty, Ga.. December 9, remained in camp. I)ecember 10, broke camp at 10 a.. in., and crossing the Ogeechee River above the mouth of the Cannouchee River, marched eighteen miles, and encamped at 9 p. m. before the city of Savannah, Ga. December 11 to 19, moved two miles to the right and encamped with the brigade on the Ogeechee road eight miles from Savannah. Here we remained until the 17th of December, when I was ordered to proceed with my regiment down the Ogeechee road and support the Twelfth Wisconsin Battery, stationed on that road; was relieved from that position on the night of the 18th and returned to our former camp. December 20, received orders to proceed with my regiment as escort to forage train across the Ogeechee River toward Altamaha River, and to command the escort, consisting of 200 mounted infantry; Twenty-sixth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, Major Lubbers commanding; Ninth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, Captain McSweeney commanding, and One hundredth Regiment Indiana Vol- unteer Infantry, Capt. John W. lleadington commanding. Returned to Savanna.h December 24, having loaded our train, com- posed of 160 wagons, with corn and sweet potatoes, and made the whole trip, traveling 100 miles, in four days, and obtaining supplies without any loss of men or wagons. I also drove into camp 100 head of beef-cattle, which I turned over to the commissary department for the nse of the troops. During the entire campaign from Atlanta to Savannah, Ga., between the dates of November 15 and December 24. 1864, my officers and men behaved as became good soldiers. Th~ health of the command during the entire niarch was unexceptionably good. We foraged largely upon the country, and yet did it without having it attended wit.h any of the demoralizing influences which usually steal over a command obliged so to subsist. On starting from Atlanta November 15 my regiment numbered: Enlisted men present for duty 3t31 Officers present for duty 17 Aggregate present for duty 378 At the battle of Duncans farm November 22 1 lost twenty killed and wounded. On December 6 one of my men who was detailed as scout at the headquarters of Maj. Gen. 0. 0. Howard, commanding Army of the Tennessee, was killed, leaving the strength of my com- mand on reaching Savannah at Enlisted men present for duty 340 Commissioned officers present for duty 17 Aggregate strength present for duty 35 Page 31 CHAP. Lxv.1 THE SAVANNAH (GEORGIA) CAMPAIGN. 31 During the entire campaign I have used the following amount of ammunition: Elongated ball cartridges, caliber .58 22, 000 Spencer rifle cartridges, caliber .52 1,610 Henry rifle cartridges, caliber .44 200 Total . 23, 810 I regret to state, however, in connection with this report, that Levi Kennedy, a private of Company K, One hundredth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, having been detailed away from the command to guard ordnance train, by order of General Walcutt, commanding Sec- ond Brigade, and thus being out from under the healthfnl moral influ- ences of his company commander, was led into the committing of the grievous crime of pillaging, for which, however, he has been tried and properly punished. Save this, there is no exception to the uniform good conduct and soldierly bearing among any of the men or officers of this command during the entire campaign, and I am satisfied had Private Kennedy been with his company and regiment no such inisfor- tune would have befallen him. Tendering my thanks to the brigade commander and his entire staff for their uniform kindness and ready assistance duriiig the entire cam- paign, I have the honor to be, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, F. iXI. JOHNSON, Major, Comdg. One hundredth Reyt. Indiana T~ol uteer Infantry. Capt. ORLA. J. FAST, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General to Robert F. Catterson, Col- onel Ninety-seventh indiana Volunteer Infantry, Commanding Second Brigade, First Division, iFifieenth Army Corps, Army of the Tennessee. Report qt. Miaj. Abraham J. Seay, Battalion Thirty-first and Thirty second ~liliissonr Infantry. HEADQuARTERS CONSOLiDATED BATTALION THIRTY-FIRST AND THIRTY-SECOND MISSOURI VOLUNTEERS, Savannah, Ga., December 31, 18G4. CAPTAIN: In compliance with your note of even date hereof I have to state that this battalion took part in all the marches, fatigues, skir- mishes, & c., in the recent expedition from Atlanta, Ga., in which the First Brigade, First Division, Fifteenth Army Corps, was engaged, to wit: Marched from Atlanta November 15, 1864, via MeDonough, Gris- woldville, & c., crossing Ocmulgee, Oconee, and Ogeechee Rivers, des- troying railroad at Paramores Hill, near Millen, capturing a due propor- tion of horses, mules, sweet potatoes, & c. Total loss in the battalion, one man missing. I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. J. SEAY, Major, Commanding Battalion. Capt J. D. FEGAN, Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., 1st Brig., 1st Div., 15th Army Corps Page 32 32 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [ChAP. LXV. Report of Miaj. Gen. Henry C. Wayne, Adjutant and Inspector General, Georgia Militia. STATE OF GEORGIA, ADJT. AND INSP. GENERALS OFFICE Milledgerille, February 6, 1865. Youu EXCELLENCY: An accidental injury to my right hand has pre- vented a report earlier of the operations of the militia under my com- mand since the evacnation of Milledgeville by the State forces on the 19th of November, 1864. Parting with Your Excellency on the even- ing of the 19th of November at Gordon, where I had been ordered by you at the request of General Cobb, C. S. Provisional Army, di5posi- tions for the night were made as well as could be done. The command consisted of the Corps of Cadets, Prudens battery of artillery, Talbots company of cavalry, Williams company of militia, the factory and peni- tentiary guards, and the Roberts Gnards (convicts); in all,~ nominally, 500 men, with 460 aggregate actually fit for effective service, and all under the immediate direction of Maj. F. W. Capers, superintendent of the Georgia Military Institute, whom I had appointed executive officer.. On Sunday morning, the 20th, my telegraphic communication with Macon was cut at Griswoldville by the enemy about 10.30 a. m. At 12 m. I learned that the enemy in force were moving on my right toward Milledge- yule. Further information of the enemys movement on Milledgeville reached me in the afternoon. At 8 p. in., having received no communi- cation from Macon since the cutting of the wires in the morning, and feeling in consequence that I was thrown upon my own responsibility, I determined, on consultation with my principal officers, to abandon Gordon, as its occupation was of no value either for the protection of property (all trains and stores having been sent off) or as a military position, and to fall back to the Oconee bridge as the most important point on the Central railroad to be defended. Telegraphing for a train from below to move down to this new position, one was sent up on Mon- day abont 12.30 p. in. The guns and baggage were immediately put on, and at 4 p. in., as the men were getting on, a report of the enemy in heavy force three miles off was brought in. Talbots cavalry was sent forward to hold them in check while the train moved off, and did so handsomely, covering it also from a flank movement on our right to cut us off, and the retreat of the artillery horses sent down with their drivers by the Irwinton turnpike. A few scattering shots as the train moved off dropping harmlessly around it announced the entrance of the ad- vanced guard of the enemys Fifteenth Corps into Gordon. We brought off everything safely and arrived at the Oconee bridge at 6.30 p. m. At the bridge I found a. guard of 186 men, consisting of ileywards com- pany of South Carolina Cavalry, a section of artillery (two pieces) under Lieutenant Huger, and a company of the Twenty-seventh Battalion of Georgia Reserves, under Major llartridge, C. S. Provisional Army, sent up two days before by General MeLaws from Savannah. Tuesday, the 22d, was spent in examining the giound and in prepa- rations. The orders from my superiors were to hold the bridge to the last extremity. The movement of the enemy was not a little raid, but his army marching on Savannah. The bridge could be flanked on the right from Milledgeville, Buffalo Creek only intervening, and on the left by Balls Ferry, eight miles below, as well as attacked in front. The long and thick swamps on our side of the river prevented the use of artillery or cavalry at either the bridge or Balls Ferry. An infantry defense only could be made and rough field-works to be hastily thrown up, as there were no previous preparations for cover. Major Hartridg Page 33 CHAP. LXV.] THE SAVANNAH (GEORGIA) CAMPAIGN. 33 on his arrival had judiciously burned the main bridge over the BuIThio and guarded the crossing, and placed a light picket at Balls Ferry, but his force was too small to prevent any formidable resistance. Three other bridges over the Buffalo were destroyed, the crossings guarded, and the picket at the ferry strengthened. Re-enforcements were called for from Savannah, but General McLaws had none to send, and the small command of not quite 700 men had twenty miles at least of line to watch and guard. Held to extreme orders, with an overwhelming force in front and on both flanks, these gallant officers and men cheer- fully prepared to do their duty and meet their fate. Wednesday, the 23d, the enemy (a brigade of Kilpatricks division of mounted infantry, as we were informed by prisoners taken) appeared on our front at the bridge about 10.45 a. m. and commenced the attack, which was handsomely met on the west bank of the river by the Cadets under Captain Austin, and by a detachment of the Fourth Kentucky Mounted Infantry under Colonel Thompson, sent to my assistance that morning by General Wheeler, and by one gun of Prudens battery, mounted on a platform car, under the gallant Pruden himself. Retir- ing slowly as they were pressed back to the bridge by the superior force of the enemy, the detachment of the Fourth Kentucky was with- drawn, the factory and penitentiary guards and Williams militia sent in, and a line formed on the east bank of the river under the direction of Major Capers, who had been assigned to special commnaimd at the bridge. At 12.30 p. m. it was reported to me from the ferry that the enemy in numbers were on the opposite side, had driven in our pickets, seized the flat, which the officer in charge there had not destroyed on the approach of the enemy, as he had been ordered to do, and were crossing the river. Major Hartridge was immediately sent down with Heywards company of South Carolina Cavalry, Talbots cavalry, the company of the Twenty-seventh Battalion, the Roberts Guards, and Hugers section of artillery to meet this force and drive it back over the river, reclaim the flat, and establish a strong guard at the ferry. This duty the major performed in a most gallant manner, marching ten miles, driving back over the river between 200 and 300 of the enemy who had crossed, carrying out my orders completely. Leaving Talbots cavalry and the Roberts Guards as an additional guard, and pickoting Blackshears Ferry, still four miles lower down, he rejoined me with the remainder of his troops at the bridge at 10.30 p. m. The force Major Hartridge encountered was subsequently reported to be the advance of the Fifteenth Corps. As the attack at Balls Ferry, if successful necessitated the abandonment of the bridge by l)lacing the enemy in our rear, the forces at the bridge being, as it were, in a pocket, I had directed the baggage to be packed, the telegraph to be disconnected, and prepared for an orderly retreat should we be compelled to abandon the ground. Taking post at the head of the trestle, 1 awaited the result of Hartridges movements. His success re-established our posi- tion. In the meantime the enemy at the bridge had been hammering Capers and his command in a lively manner, but without making any impression. Night closed active operations, but only to excite our men to sleepless vigilance, lest under the shelter of darkness the enemy might with his larger numnbers seize an advantage. Thursday, the 24th, opened bright and cold, and with daylight recommenced the attempt on the bridge. At Balls Ferry the enemny had fallen back to his main body. Talbot crossed with some of his cavalry and gathered forty-three rifled carbines and a quantity of clothing, knapsacks, and other articles apparently abandoned in a 3 U UVOL LII Page 34 34 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CnAP. LXV. hurry. Prisoners and scouts reported the enemy in three columns, about 60,000 strong, moving in our front and on our right and left. At 1.30 p. m. the enemy opened at the bridoe with light, long range of artillery, but after throwing a few shells withdrew it. Enemy reported building a raft in the woods below. Captain Warthen, with fifty-three men, Washington militia, some mounted and sonic oii Thot, reported for duty. At 5 p. in. enemy reappeared in small imnmbers (a reconnoitering party at Balls Ferry), and, after (lelivering a few shots, retired. Bridge hard pressed all day. Small parties of cavalry marauding on the other side of the Buffido and occasionally feeling the crossings. At 8.15 p. in. the enemy, aiider cover of night and of heavy volleys of small-arms, succeeded in forcing a firing party np to the far end of the trestle on their side, almost without range of our best rifles, and fired it. Colonel Gaines with 500 men joined me at midnight, by direction of General Wheeler, who had crossed in the morning at Blackshears Ferry and at Dublin. FIiday, 25th, at 1 a. in., General Hardee arrived with a portion of his staft~ At daybreak the enemy opened heavily at the ferry on Tal- bot with two pieces of artillery and small-aims. Trestle-work burning slowly toward the bridge, enemy covering its progress. At 9 a. in. Gen- eral Hardee return e(l to No. 13. Enemy reported moving in large force on Sandersville and No. 13. At 11 a. in. Lieutenant Colonel Young, Thirtieth Georgia Battalion, sent to the ferry with a portion of Gaines comniand to re-enforce Talbot, who was hard pressed, but well covered and confident, the Fourth Kentucky detachment patrolling the roads to our right. During the afternoon, the fire having approached the bridge, the enemy withdrew from our front, moving to onr left. In the evening Major Capers, assuring himself that the enemy had entirely left our front, extinguished the flames which had reached the bridge, but only charred a few feet of it. The attempt to destroy the bridge by a direct attack in front had failed. At 9.15 p. in. Colonel Young, commanding at Balls Ferry, reported that the enemy were preparing to cross above and below him; that his men and ammunition were nearly exhausted, and if held in his position until daylight his com- mand would be sacrificed. On telegraphing this report to General ilardee at No. 13, for which point the enemy were also making, I received orders to withdraw all my forces and hill back oii No. 13. Saturday, 26th, 1.05 a. in., time forces were withdrawn, bringing off everything, and at 5.30 a. in. reached No. 13. Here Hugers artillery was turned over to General Wheeler, who was impeding the enemys march from Sandersville. At 9 a. in. left fbr the Ogeechee bridge, No. 10, which I had been ordered by General Hardec to occupy. Arrived at 1 p. in. at the Ogeechee. Sunday, 27th, enemy cut the Waynesborough railroad at Waynesbor- ongh in the morning. Ordered to fall back to MilIeu and fortify. Cav- alry left in the front by order of General Hardee to watch the bridges. Arrived at Milieu 3.30 p. in., with the infantry and Prudens battery in all, 423 strong. Fortified around the railroad depot. Monday, 28th, at 2 a. in. received information from General Wheeler that Kilpatrick, with his command, with between 4,00() and 5,000 men, had left Waynesborough for Millen. My scouts on that road gave us no notice of the enemy. At 8.15 a. in. Major Black, inspector-general to General Hardee, arrived from up the road with the same information. As Kilpatrick was, on good authority, reported to have left Waynes- borough for Millen, and as my scouts on the direct road between time two places gave me no hint of his approach, I concluded that his marc Page 35 CHAP. LXV.] THE SAVANNAH (GEoRGIA) CAMPAIGN. 35 was to cut me off at No. 5, below, and that the safety of my command required me to fall back to or near that point. Major Black concurring, the command was moved back to No. 4~, behind the Little Ogeechee bridge, arriving there at 3.30 p. m. Tuesday, 29th, occupied in preparing defenses. Sent Major Hart- ridge with his company of the Twenty-seventh Battalion to Savannah, as ordered by General ilardee. Rumors vague as to the movements and force of the enemy above. Command reduced to the Cadets and Mu- ledgeville battalion of infantry, Prudens battery, and the Washington County militiain all, 350 men. Emanuel militia, mounted, numbering about thirty men, reported for duty under Captain Clifton. Wednesday, November 30, sent Major Capers with an engine up the road for information. Communicated with General Wheeler. Thursday, December 1, moved with the command up the road to No.6 as a corps of observation. Leaving the command there, proceeded on the engine with some of my staff to No. 7. Enemy reported in force at No. 8, aim d crossing to west bank of the Oconee. Can learn nothing positively of the force on the right. Friday, December 2, Captains Bridewell and Darling, quartermaster and commissary, C. S. Provisional Army, who had volunteered their services at Gordon, returned to their station at Milledgeville, the enemy having left that place. Ascertained positively that the enemy, said to be the Seventeenth Corps, are moving dowim the road, and that another column, reported to be the Fifteenth Corps, are three miles below me on the other side of the Oconee. A courier from General Wheeler reports a heavy cavalry force moving down on my right from Waynes- borough. Fell back again to No. 44, arriving there at 4 p. m. Saturday, December 3, daybreak, joined by the State Line and First Brigade, Georgia Militia, of General Smiths division, from Savannah nuder direction of Col. Robert Tooi~~bs, inspector-general, First 1)ivis~ ion. [At] 10.30 a. m. learned that the Fifteenth Corps, on tIme other side of the Ogeechee, was moving for No. 2, as I had supposed. As this march, if not anticipated, would cut my rear, determined, on con- sultation with Colonel Toombs, to fall back to that point, our only dependence being upon the railroad, having no wagons nor other means of transportation, and no cavalry to cover our movements, three columns of the enemy being also in our front omi the railroad and on our right. At 11 a. m. joined by General Baker, C. S. Provisional Army, with his brigade of North Carolinians. Explaining to him the position of the enemy, he agreed with me that No. 2 was our post, and the command was accordingly moved down to that station. On arriving at No. 2 I was met by Major Black, of General ilardees staff, with instructions to return to No. 44-, and that further re-enforcemumts would be sent to me. Obeyed the instructions, though in opposition to my own judg- ment and of my officers, and reoccupied No. 44 about 7 p. m. Sunday, December 4, re-enforced early in the morning by Andersons and Phillips brigades, Georgia militia, of General Smiths division. Formed line of battle behind the Little Ogeechee, throwing back the right to protect that flank, as the river was fordable above us with open pine barren to the Savannah River, enabling a superior force to envelop us easily. Our force consisted of about 4,000 men and three pieces of Prudens battery; no cavalry. Assigning General Baker as executive officer in command of the line and Major Capers as chief of the staff, waited for events. At 1.35 p. m. the advance of the Seventeenth Corps appeared on our left in front of the Cadets, one of whom (Coleman, a vedette) brough Page 36 36 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. down the officer of the party who demanded his surrender. Skirmish- ing began on our left and in front of the bridge oii the railroad. At 4 p. m. General MeLaws arrived from Savannah with orders from Gen- eral Hardee to assume the command. At 5.30 p. m. General MeLaws, having learned the position, directed me to withdraw the troops quietly during the night and fall back to No. 1~. At 7 p. ii. eiiemy ceased skirmishing and began iiitrenching in our front. Monday, December 5, 2 a. in., troops withdrawn and in march for [No.] 14-, Central railroad. Arrived at [No.] 14-, and while examining for a line received orders to fall back still farther and take up a position within three miles and a half of the city of Savannah. Tuesday, December 6, arrived at the lines within three miles and a half of Savannah at 2 a. in. At 10 a. m. examined the line to be occu- pied by the State troops. it extended from the Central railroad to the Savannah River. Batteries were erected at t he Central railroad, at the Augusta road, and at Williamsons plantation on the river, but no lines for infantry; nearly three-quarters of a mile had been thrown up. Wednesday, December 7, General Smith returned to duty, having been temporarily unwell, and turning over to him his own division and 1~iajor Capers battalion, I reported to General Hardee for any assist- aiice I could render him. Remaining in Savannah until Monday, the 19th of December, when General Hardee informed me that he had orders to evacuate the city, I left with my staff in the evening, and riding up on the South Caro- lina side reached this place again on Tuesday, the 27th of December, and resumed my office duties as adjutant and inspector general of the State. in concluding this report I take the opportunity of bringing to the notice of Your Excellency and of officially expressing my thanks to Majors Hartridge and Capers and to the officers of my staff; improvised for the occasion, viz: Maj. John 0. Ferrell, assistant adjutant-general~ Messrs. S. P. Myrick of Baldwin, Charles J. Harris of Bibb, Benjamin Myrick of Baldwin, Hon. Francis L. Gue of Chatham (member of the Legislature), R. L. Hunter of Baldwin, and Captains Bridewell and Darling, C. S. Provisional Army, for their valuable counsel, confidence, and active assistance at all times and under any circumstances. My thanks are also due to the gallant officers and men whom I had the honor to command, and to whom I am indebted for support. I would con- spicuously mention Majors Hartridge and Capers, and Captains Talbot, Pruden, Austin, and Warthen. The gallantry of these gentlemen can- not be surpassed. To Major Capers I am under the greatest obligations. His qualifications for military command are of the highest order, and entitle him to a prominent position. They have been brilliantly illus- trated by the Corps of Cadets, whose gallantry, discipline, and skill equal anything I have seen in any military service. I cannot speak too highly of these youths, who go into a fight as cheerfully as they would enter a ball-room, and with the silence and steadiness of vet- erans. The Washington County and Emanuel County militia (forty- days men) deserve commendation, consisting, as they did, of gen- tlemen advanced in life, to whom the hardships of camp must have been severe, whose homes were being overrun by the enemy, and yet who, from the purest incentives of patriotism and of duty, offered their lives in defense of their State. My thanks are also due to Drs. S. D. Brantley and James B. Smith, of Washington County, who vol- unteered their surgical skill and instruments during our contest on the banks of the Oconee. The Roberts Guards (convicts) generall Page 37 CHAP. LXV.] THE SAVANNAH (GEORGIA) CAMPAIGN. 37 behaved well. Their captain (Itoberts) is a brave aiid daring man. Inclosed is a list* of those of the company who, sharing the fortunes of our troops, have returned to this place and been furloughed for thirty days. I recommend them for the full pardon conditionally promised. With deep gratitude to a kind Providence, it is my pleasure to report that my losses were small, but 5 killed and 5 wounded. One of the wounded (Cadet Marsh) has since died a of Charleston, S. C., of Heywards , s also Mr. Stephen Manigault, cavalry, who received his death wound under Hartridge at Balls Ferry on the evening of the 23d of November. Advanced in years, possessed of wealth, and of high social position, all of which might have screened him from military service, he nevertheless did not hesitate to uphold, as a private in the ranks, the political opinions he maintained. He fell gallantly fighting for them. His friends have already embalmed his memory, but it may be permitted to his accidental commander, personally a stranger to him, but who had learned his worth, to add a leaf to the chaplet of laurels that crowns his tomb, and to hold up his conduct as an example for imitation. What injury was inflicted upon the enemy we could not learn. Prisoners taken reported their loss as forty-five on the first day, November 23. Three bodies, unburied, were found at the ferry on the 24th, and I have learned since my return that a number of graves opposite the ferry mark in part the stubbornness of Talbots resistance. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, HENRY C. WAYNE, His Excellency JOSEPH E. BROWN, Major- General. [44.] Governor of Georgia. Reports of Maj. Gen. Gustav us W. Smith, C. S. Army, comman ding First Division, Georgia Militia. HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION, GEORGIA MILITIA, Camp near Augusta, Ga., December 31, 1864. GENERAL: I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of my command during the recent siege of Savannah: In compliance with your order of December 7 my division was placed upon the right.of the line, which at this point was about three miles from the city, and extended from the Savannah River to the Central railroad. One brigade, having been previously detached by your order, was stationed on the Altamaba River, guarding the Savannah and Gulf railroad bridge. The enemy were at that time within a short distance, and steadily approaching by the Augusta and Louisville roads, on both of which slight batteries had already been constructed and four heavy guns placed in position. Near the rver on our right flank were two small batteries, one 32-pounder being mounted on each. There were some rifle-pits prepared for skirmishers on a portion of th~ line. Other- wise the position was not fortified; but there was a swamp in front of us between the Louisville and Augusta roads, and rice-fields from the latter to the river-bank, which gave considerable natural strength to the position. Notwithstanding the deficiency of intrenching tools, a good deal of work was done upon the lines in the course of two days, Omitted Page 38 38 S.C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. so that when the enemy appeared in force upon our front on the 9th we were prepared to make a very effective resistance to any direct attack the enemy might make. A strong detached work was constructed beyond the rice-fields near the river-bank, which enfiladed the whole of our front and added very materially to the strength of the position. My line was two miles and a half in length. We had on it about 2,000 men, afterward a good deal reduced by detach inents. The two regi- ments of the State Line were placed near the Louisville road, the First Brigade of militia held the Augusta road, and the intermediate line was occupied by the Battalion of Cadets, the whole nuder couumau~d of Brig. adier-General Carswell. The Second and Third Brigades held the line from the Augusta road to the river- bank, Colonel Hill, with a detach- ment from the Third Brigade, a detachment of Cadets, and ~ militia battery, occupying the advanced work beyond the rice-fields. The whole of my right was under the command of Brigadier-General Anderson. Later, a portion of Andersons battery, eight pieces of Major Hamiltons artillery, and some additional heavy gnus, were placed in position. The enemy iressed close upon our works, but made no direct or determined attempt to carry them. After the fall of Fort McAllister it was clearly only a question of time when Savannah wonld fall into the hands of the enemy. We were informed that no re-enforce- ments could be expected. Onr only line of communication was across the Savannah River upon a narrow rice-field dike. Ou~r supplies of provisions and ammnnition were very limited. I urged npon you the necessity of preparing a pontoon bridge, and did everything in my power to aid in its early construction. The enemy, after the capture of Fort McAllister, effected a perma- nent lodgment on Hutchinsons Island, crossed the Savannah River, and established works on the South Carolina shore, almost iu range of our only line of retreat. In myjudgment, as expresse(1 to you at that time, they were in position to prevent the escape of any portion of the garrison for two or three days before we gave up the place. On the night of the 20th of December the evacuation of Savannah commenced. About 2 oclock on the morning of the 21st the militia, which formed the rear guard, left the city at daybreak; reached the sand lulls in South Carolina opposite to Savannah, from which place we marched to Bamburg, on the Charleston and Augusta Railroad. At the latter place you deprived us of the transportation which we had brought from in front of Atlanta, and the command caine by railroad to this place, where we are now encamped. The officers and nuen behaved uniformly well and are entitled to all the credit and respect due to soldiers who have performed their full duty. Before closing this report I wish to call especial attention to three Confederate officers who have long served with the militia of Georgia, and by their gallantry and skill have mate- rially aided in our success. I refer to Lieut. Col. B. W. Frobel, chief engineer; Capt. J. li. Troup, inspector-general, and Capt. R. W. Ander- son, who, be sides commanding his own most excellent battery, acted at Savannah as chief of artillery upon my line. Much credit is also due to the staff officers of my division belonging to the militia proper, for gallantry, skill, and good conduct throughout the arduous campaign from beyond the Chattahoochee to Savannah and Augusta. G. W. SMITH, Major- General. Lieut. Gen. W. J. HARDEE, Commanding Department, & e., Charleston, ~. C. [44. Page 39 Ca& ~. LXY.1 THE SAVANNAH (GEORGIA) CAMPAIGN. 39 HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION, GEORGIA MILITIA, Camp near Augusta, January 26, 1865. GENERAL: Some weeks since I transmitte(1 for your information and that of His Excellency the Governor a copy of my report to Lieutenant- General Hardee of the operations of the militia from Lovejoys Station to Savannah, dated December 6,1S64.* I received yesterday the report of General Phillips, who commanded at Griswoldville, and sub-reports from his subordinates, all of which are sent herewith,t together with copies of orders sent to General Phillips during the day from my head- quarters, and request that these papers may be filed in your office, with the copy of my report to General Hardee, above alluded to. The cas- ualties in the battle of Griswoldville were 51 killed and 472 wounded, and it is believed the loss of the enemy was equally as great. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, G. W. SMITH, Maj. Geti. H. C. WAYNE, Major-General. A dj~ taut a u d Inspector General. [Inclosures.] HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIViSION, GEOlIGIA MILITIA, Macon, November 22, 1864 12.20 p.m. Brigadier-General PHILLIPS: GENERAL: Wheeler having retire(I to the right, keep a close lookout with your skirmishers and avoid a fight with a superior force. You can best judge of the directioii. The wagon train will not leave this evening. By command of General Smith: R. TOOMBS, Chhf of & atf. P. S.If it be dangerous to get back, take down the Marion road. LATER12.45 ~. m. GENERAL: Since this note was written a courier has come in from Major Cook stating that the enemy were advancing upon hiiu at Gris- woldville. The wagon train is still here, and it had already been deter- mined not to send it by the route you are on before this information caine in. If pressed by a superior force, fall back upon this place without bringing on a serious engagement, if you can do so- if not, fall back upon the road indicated in General Toombs note. Ander- sons battery started out this morning-. Has I)Iobably joined you. Let me know as soon as possible exactly what is going on in your front. G. W. SMITH, ilk/or- General. If the brigades are not concentrated before this reaches you, Captain Hawkins is instructed to show this to each brigade commander aud to f~Iaor Cook. If Andersons battery has not already joined the infantry, it will return to this place or join the infantry, as may be best in the pinion of the ranking officer present. E. HAWKINS, Captain, an(i Aide-de- Camp to lila/or- General A3mith. See Vol. XL1Y, p. 413. 1 For Phillips report, see p. 41 Page 40 40 S. ,0., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. GRISWOLDVILLE, 7vovernber 22, 18643.20 p. m. [General G. W. S~nTH:] GENERAL: The whole division, including Cooks battalion, is one mile in advance of this place, on the Central railroad, in line of battle, with the State Line troops thrown oat in front skirmishing with the enemy. Andersons battery opened upon them just as I rode up to the line, the enemys battery replying. General Phillips does not know what their force is, and, on receiving your instructions, concluded not to advance farther. On the movements of the enemy depends whether or not he will fall back to this place or remain where he now is. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, E. HAWKINS, Aide-dc- Camp. P. S.I will remain to see any developments which may be made before I report in person. E. H. HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION, GEORGIA MILITIA, November 22, 18644.30 oclock. Brigadier-General PHILLIPS: I am directed by the major-general to instruct you to withdraw your troops immediately to some convenient camp this side of the Cross Keys and take a suitable position for the night, unless you receive further orders. You will leave your camp this side of the Cross Keys at day- light to-morrow morning and come back to the fortifications. Your note of 2 oclock has beemi received. Keep the courier who brings this until you march, and notify us accordingly. When you leave to-mor- row morning send a courier, stating the thue you begin your march for the fortifications. Put your scouts well out to-night upon all roads leading from Clinton; or if the enemy mass upon you from any direction, fall back to the lines of fortifications upon their approach and immedi- ately report the facts. There is a good branch just this side of Walnut Creek. Our cavalry were near Clinton this morning, but are being pushed back by the enemy. By order, & c.: T[HOMASj H[ARDEMAN], JR., Assistant Adjutant- General. LATER. Brigadier-General PHILLIPS: The superintendent of the Central railroad will have a train by 9.30 oclock at the break about two miles and a half this side of Griswold- ville. Doctor Rains will accompany the train, and will do all in his power to relieve your wounded men. You will please have your wounded removed to this point with all possible speed. The major-general takes this method of tendering you an(I the troops of your command his grate- ful acknowledgments for their gallant conduct in the engagement through which you have passed, and is gratified at your success in driving before you the enemies of your country. -Had anything of this character been anticipated, the ma and staff would have been with you to have shared your danger and your honor. The reported advance of the enemy from Clinton makes it necessary that you hav Page 41 CHAP. LXV.] THE SAVANNAH (GEORGIA) CAMPAIGN. 41 your command in position in our works at a very early hour to-morrow morning. You will them efore withdraw them as directed in a previous order, after making suitable arrangements for your wounded and giving sufficient time for your meu to recover from the fatigue incident to an engagement. The major-general expects information here from the column advancing from Clinton, and if anything of a serious nature occurs he will meet you iu person to aid you in giving proper directions to your command. T[IIOMAS] H[A1{DEMANJ, Jm, Assistant Adjutant- Genci-al. Report of Brig. Gen. Pleasant J. Phillips, commanding Second Brigade, Georgia ]ifilitia, of engagement at Griswoldville November 2?. HEADQUARTERS SECOND BRIGADE, GEORGIA MILITIA, December 8, 1864. COLONEL: I have the honor to make the following report of the operations of the four brigades under my command on the 22d of November last: The command left East Macon at about 8 a. m. and arrived without incident at 12 or 1 oclock within about one mile of Griswoldville, where I found the Athens and Augusta battalions (under command of Major Cook) drawn up in line of battle. I also met a number of cav- alry at and near this point, all of whom informed me that the enemy was in Griswoldville and had been engaged with some of our cavalry. He was represented to be about 800 or 1,200 strong. I formed a line of battle, with General Andersons brigade on the right, the Athens and Augusta battalions on his immediate left, and Brigadier-General McCoys brigade on the left of the line. The Second Brigade, under Colonel Mann, was formed in the rear as a reserve. The State Line, under Lieutenant-Colonel Evans, was deployed as skirmishers and advanced on Griswoldvi]le, where the enemy had just burnt some buildings and retired before we arrived, of which facts I informed the major-general commanding at about 2 p. m. Whilst in Griswoldville 1~Iajor Cook withdrew the Athens and Augusta battalions from the line, informing me that he was ordered by Lieutenant-General flardee to proceed to Augusta, and proceeded down the Central railroad. I soon ordered the command to move down the Central railroad until it should clear the village, and halt to await further orders from Major- General Smith. The rear of the column had not cleared the village when firing of small-arms was heard some half a mile in advance of our column, which was between the advance and rear guards of Major Cook and the enemy. I ordered an advance of the command, and on arriving I met Major Cook, who pointed out to me the enemy posted on the opposite eminence in line of battle behind some temporary intrenchments and fortifications. Major Cooks skirmishers were then engaged with the enemy on his left. I disposed of the forces repre- sented by the accompanying diagram,-* viz: The Athens and Augusta battalions on our right (owing to the position they then held), making rather an obtuse angle, with the State Line on their left, and General McCoys brigade on the lett of the State Line. General McCoys left Not fouud Page 42 42 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. resting near and south of the railroad. General Andersons brigade was formed on the north side of the railroad, his left resting parallel with the railroad, and posted Captain Andersons battery of four guns at an eligible site on the railroad on the north side. The Second Bri- gade, under Colonel Mann, was drawn up in rear of the State Line, and General McCoys brigade in a secure l)lace to act as reserves. In this position an advance was ordered. Geucral Anderson, with the brigade, to attack the enemy on his right flank Major Cook, with his, to attack him on his left flank, whilst Captain Anderson, with his battery, the State Line, and General McCoys commands attacked him in the front. The State Line and General McCoys brigade moved for. ward in fine style under a heavy and galling fire until they reache~l within some fifty yards of the enemys works, which position they maintained during the contest, and from which position they delivered a telling fire. Colonel Mann, deeming that his bi-igade could be of more service near the lines, advanced it to near the same position, where it participated in the general action. From some misconception of orders, when the general advance was being made General Andeisons brigade faced to the right and swept across the i-ailroad (save a small detach- ment omi his extreme left that was cut off by a deep cut in the railroad) aimd participated with the State Line and General McCoys brigade in the direct attack, where they, both officers and men, sustained them- selves with decision and gallantry. After the action had progressed for some hours General Anderson took the detachment of his men that had been cut off, went round to the enemys right flank, when a most s[)irited and desperate fight ensued, lasting some hour aimd a half or more; butt he enemy was too firmly established and tlmc generals force too small to dislodge him. The order to Major Cook (from some cause of which I am not aware) to turn the enemys left was never carried out, yet his command participated fully in the action, deported them- selves gallantly, and, 1 regret to say, suffered much from wounds and deaths. Captain Anderson, with his battery, did good and valuable service, soon sileiicing the enemys battery and forced upon him many telling shots. 1-le is a skillful, brave, and meritorious officer. The officems and men deported themnselves well during the entire action, which lasted from 3 p. in. until dark ; held their positions and retired in good order to Griswoldville, where I had intended to encamp and bi-ing oft those of our wounded and dead that had uiot been removed from the battle-field, but on my reaching Griswoldville I received an order from the major-general commanding om-dem-ing me to fall back to the trenches at Macon, where I arrived about 2 a. in. 1 can but believe if the flank movement imad been carried out with all the forces assigned to that duty that it would have resulted in dislodging and probably routing the enemy, notwithstandimmg he was, I am satisfied, fully equal, if not superior, to our forces. Whilst we have to regret the loss of many gal- lammt officers and men, yet we cannot but hope timat they died umot in vain. Accompanying please find a diagram of the field and position of the forces and the reports of all the officers that I have been able to pro- cure. I am, with high regard, your obedient servant, P. J. PhILLIPS, Brigadier- General, Commanding Division, Georgia Militia. Col. ThOMAS HA1rDEMAN, Assistant Adjutant- General. ~44. Page 43 CHAP. LXV.] THE SAVANNAH (GEORGIA) CAMPAIGN. 43 Report of Brig. Geii. C. D. Anderson, Georgia Militia, commanding brigade, of engagement at Grisuoidville, November 22. HEADQUARTERS THIRD BRIGADE, East Macon, November 24, 18(4. GENERAL: Below please find a report of the casualties of the Third Brigade, which would have been forwarded sooner had J riot been too unwell since my return to camp to do any business until this morning: My brigade went into the action on the 22d instant, I suppose about 2 oclock, as you are aware, on the extreme left of the command. After driving the enemy through the field, across the ravine to the edge of the woods, about 100 yards beyond the ravine, I halted them, and although our ammunition was nearly exhausted I held that position, firing slowly, until dark. The enemy having ceased firing, and having been informed that our forces were being withdrawn on the right, I withdrew my brigade slowly and in good order, and reported to you at Griswoldville. I am glad to be able to say that the men and officers of my command, although they suffered severely, as the list of casual- ties will show, acted well. Respectfully submitted. C. D. ANDERSON, Brigadier- General, Third Brigade. Major- General PHILLIPS, Commanding First Division, Georgia Militia. [44.] Report of Lient. Col. B. D. Evans, commanding Georgia State Line, of engagement at Griswoidville, iYovem ber 22. HEADQUARTERS GEORGIA STATE LINE, November 21, 1bG~i. GENERAL: I have the honor to report the part my cominan(l took in the engagement with the enemy on the 22d November. Having been ordered to lead the advance on the march on the 22d, upon arriving within one mile of Griswoldville, I was informed by Major Cook, of the Twenty-third Battalion, that the enemy had reoccn- pied the place. I immediately sent forward a line of skirmishers to feel the position of the enemy and drive their pickets. This line advanced through the village and halted at the enemys picket line. At this point my line of battle joined the battalion of Major Cook and Major Jackson, who formed on my right. We ad vanced again our skirmishers and drove in the enemys line of pickets, and took position on the edge of the old field recently occupied by the enemy. We soon discovered the enemy drawn up in line of battle in the opposite woods behind temporary breast-works. 1 had been in line but a few moments before ordered to advance and attack the enemy in front, Major Cook and Major Jackson on the right, my left being supported by General Ander- sons militia brigade, who were to make a simultaneous attack on the enemys right. By some misunderstanding or mistake the order to advance did not reach Major Cook till my command had been some time in motion. We charged down through the old field alone, but were soon supported handsomely by Majors Cook and Jackson, on my right, both regiments of the State Line keeping a fine line under a most galling and destructive fire from the entire line. The comman Page 44 44 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. advanced to the branch in front of the enemys works, halted, and delivered a heavy and destructive fire on the enemys front, and imme- diately advanced across the branch under the slope of the next hill, where they again halted, firing on the enemys front, causing them to abandon the houses and take refuge behind their works. While in this position the second line, composed of the militia, reached the branch, at which point they, supposing our men to be the enemy, fired into my ranks, producing a temporary confusion. Just at this moment the command of General Anderson (militia) having been ordered to move by the left flank, the order was also obeyed by one of my regiments (the Second) to avoid this rear fire, the First Regiment still touching, as ordered, to the right upon Majors Cook and Jackson, thus causing a small gap in my center that was immediately filled by the militia, who were then in the branch. The Second Regiment State Line, in their movement toward the left, encountered the enemy on the right flank and poured a well-directed fire into their ranks, causing them to exhibit some confusion, while the right wing were actively engaged on the right. The firing was incessant. Both my regiments were ~vell supported by the militia, who moved up to my line and became mingled with my men, all forming the same line, [so] that it was difficult to distinguish them. Thus matters continued till night, and, ammunition being well-nigh exhausted, the command retired in good order. Too much commendation cannot be bestowed upon the men of both regiments of the State Line for the handsome manner in which they bore themselves in the charge through the field for a distance of 500 yards under a most destructive fire from the enemy, keeping an unbroken front amidst a hail-storm of bullets, as well as for their deter- mined courage in maintaining their position during the whole engage- ment. Accompanying herewith I send a list of casualties. Among them are some of my best men and officers. Considering the number engaged, my loss is heavy. I am, general, your most obedient servant, B. D. EVANS, Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding Georgia State Line. Brigadier-General PHILLIPs, Commanding Division. [44.] JANUARY 1APRIL 26, 1865.The Campaign of the Carolinas. Report of Ret. Brig. Gen. Langdon C. Easton, Chief Quartermaster Mili tary Division of the Mississippi. HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF THE Mississippi, Saint Louis, Mo., July 22, 1865. GENERAL: I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of the quartermasters department of Major-General Sher- mans army from December 10, 1864, the date of its arrival before Savannah, Ga., to May 11, 1865, when it commenced the march from Richmond, V a., to the North: After the capture of Fort McAllister, December 13, supplies in very limited quantities were brought from Hilton Head to Ossabaw Sound, and thence up the Ogeechee River to Kings Bridge, and a detail of 2,500 men from the army was immediately set to work to construct a dock upon which to unload supplies. Time channel of the Ogeechee was practicable only for boats drawing seven feet or less at high tide Page 45 CHAP. LXV.] THE CAMPAIGN OF THE C~ROTJINAS. 45 We had very few of that class, and all the boatmen were ignorant of the unused channel and it was very difficult to supply the army by this river. On the 21st of December Savannah was occupied by our army. The north channel of the river, the maui and direct one, had been very thoroughly obstructed by the rebels by sinking in it heavy cribs filled with stones and brick. Admiral Dahigren, after an exami- nation of them, assured me that it was impracticable to remove them at that time, but learning from Maj. C. W. Thomas, quartermaster at Hilton Head, of a Mr. Orlando Bennett who was employed by the Government as a wrecker and who was provided with facilities for such work, I requested hini to send for Bennett, who was then down on the Florida coast. He arrived and went to work, and was eventually entirely successful, but the process of removing the obstructions was necessarily so slow that it was not completed until about the 20th of February, though a practicable passage was made by the 3d of Febru- ary. Until that time we had to use the south channel, which was much smaller and shallower than the other and very circuitous. In this the rebels had left unobstructed a narrow passage for their own use, and through it light- draft vessels came up to the wharves at Savannah immediately after our occupation of the place. It was nec- essary to unload all the large vessels by lighters at a distance below the city of from eight to twenty miles. I organized matters by assign- ing Capt. George B. Cadwalader, assistaiit quartermaster, as chief of the depot and in charge of water transportation; Lient. L. H. Young, Thirty-Iifth New Jersey Infantry, in charge of forage; Capt. F. C. Bntze, assistant quartermaster, in charge of quartermasters stores; Capt. F. A. Seely, assistant quartermaster, in charge of clothing and equipage; Lieut. A. B. Howard, One hundred and seventh New York infantry, in charge of corrals and surplus animals turned in from the army, and assignment of buildings; Lieut. Fred. Hope, Sixteenth Iowa infantry, in charge of wagon transportation and repair shops; Lient. C. F. Matteson, One hundred and third Illinois Infantry, in charge of shops for repair of vessels, and Lieut. T. J. Lambert, Sixty-eighth Ohio Infantry, in charge of railroads and all captured railroad property. Under these officers the work of the depot proceeded successfully. All the supplies that arrived were landed and distributed; all repairs needed by vessels were promptly made by the shops under Lieutenant Matteson. All the unserviceable and surplus animals of the army, numbering about 5,000, were turned into the corrals of Lieutenant Howard and from them were made up the depot teams. We captured in the city 213 cars and 8 locomotives. These were placed in charge of Lieutenant Lambert, who repaired and operated the Gulf railroad for a distance of ten miles from the city, and brought in over the road all the wood used by that portion of the army withiii the city and what was necessary for the citizens. The effective strength of the army was now about 66,000, with 35,000 animals, 2,690 wagons, and 503 ambu- lances. The object to be accomplished by the quartermasters depart- ment was to thoroughly refit the men, the animals, and the wagons, and to accumulate enough to load the trains with the more essential articles necessary to the long march into North Carolina, which was the plan determined on by the commanding general. Time was very valuable, for he desired to approach Southern Virginia in time to co-operate in the spring campaign. As soon as I learned that a quan- tity of supplies had been sent by you to Pensacola, Fla., to meet the contingency of General Shermans army coming to the coast at that place instead of at Savannah, I dispatched a steamer with orders t Page 46 46 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. ICHAP. LXV. the vessels containing them to come immediately to Savannah, but only two arrived in time to be of service in supplying the army before it left Sisters Ferry and Pocotaligo on the march northward. There was some delay in the arrival of supplies from the North, and the amount that could be spared from the depot at Hilton Head was very small. Forage was especially slow in arriving, not being received in sufficient quantities to supply the daily consumption until about the 10th of January, and for a week the animals suffered a great deal for want of food. In the meantime they subsisted mainly on rice straw, which was found in the vicinity, but did not do well on that alone. My officers worked with ability and almost unceasingly to hasten the resupply of the army, and notwithstanding the unavoidable delay occasioned by the slow arrival of forage, shoes, stockings, stationery, wagon grease, and other articles of less importance, the army was suffi- ciently supplied by the 15th of January to begin the new campaign. The want of wagon grease I partially remedied by directing Captain Butze to take possession of and issue a quantity of tar owned by the Savannah Gas Company, which, mixed with a little flour, made a toler- able substitute The overflowing of the low country occasioned by the heavy rains delayed the Left Wing, the command of General Slocum, from crossing the Savannah River at Sisters Ferry until February 1, and the Right Wing, General Howard, was detained at Pocotaligo until January 29. Supplies were forwarded to both these points in light-draft steamers up to the last moment before the troops left, so that before starting they were nearly equipped. The principal deficiency was in stockings. A partial supply of that article arrived and was immediately forwarded to the two wings a few days before they left. The commanding general left Savannah for the army January 22, 1865, and ordered me to remain on the coast and be prepared to supply his army wherever it might be compelled to come to the coast. Georgetown, Wilmington, and Morehead City, and possibly Charleston, were men- tioned as points to turn my attention to. The uncertainty of the point was very perplexing and embarrassing, and I determined to make a trip to Morehead City, looking into the harbors designated, in order to get all the information I could in regard to the facilities, & c., for sup- plying an army. After making this inspection. I returned to Savannah on 20th of February, 1865, and gave orders that all vessels laden with supplies for our army then at Hilton Head or in Savannah River, or which should arrive, be sent to Morehead City, except that some ves- sels containing forage and subsistence should be left at Hilton Head and some should go into Cape Fear River so as to be I)repared for the possibility of the armys coming to the coast at Charleston, Georgetown, or Wilmington. Such of our supplies at Savannah as had not been taken by the army were reladen and sent to Morehead City, leaving sufficient at Savannah for the troops at that place. Having a good deal of faith in General Shermans ability to reach Goldsborough, I determined to commence at once preparations at More- head City for a depot. On the 21st of February I sent my chief depot officer, Captain Cadwalader, and his assistants to Morehead City with instructions to commence work at once. Having given instructions to Maj. C. W. Thomas, quartermaster at Hilton Head, that in case General Sherman should come to the coast, either at Charleston or Georgetown, to immediately force supplies to him (the means having been left at Hilton Head for that purpose), I started from Savannah March 4. I touched at Wilmington, placed an officer in charge of the laden vessels arriving there, and reached Morehead City March 8. At this plac Page 47 CHAP. LXV.] THE CAMPAIGN OF THE CAROLINAS. 47 there were no store-houses whatever, and a very small wharf for land- ing stores. I immediately applied to Major-General Schofield for 1,500 men for guards an(l working parties, who were promptly furuiished. I had brought some lumber from Savannah, and immediately started a saw-mill iu the viciaity, getting out more, and bought all the lumber then in the harbor, which consisted of but a few thousand feet. I sent to Ne~v York for some carpenters an(l laborers, and to General iRucker, at Washington, for additional mechanics an(l a supply of felt roofing, in order to l)llt up some temporary store-houses of the most economical kind. The work of enlar-ging our small wharf and of building our store-houses was pressed forwal-(l as rapidly as possible, and the repair of the railroad beyond New Berne was making good progress ulider Col. W. W. Wright. For depot teams I had to take some which were being landed for the Twenty-third Corps. The ruilroad being entirely occupied mu forwarding rails and other material used by the construc- tion corps, I shipped large quantities of stores to New Berne in light- draft steamers through Hatteras Inlet and Pamlico Sound (there being eight feet of water by that route), and thence up the Neuse River to the bridge opposite Kinston. The Tweuty-third Corps, which was being brought from Wilmington to Kinston to cover the working par- ties on tire railroad, was supplied in this manner. On the 23d of March General Sherman arrived at Goldsborough, where the commands of Generals Schofield and Terry joined his former army, making a force of 95,000 men, with 23,000 mules and 10,500 horses to be supplied; the number of men and animals rapidly mncreas- ing by re-enforcements from the Nortlm. General Sherman wrote me on the same day describing the destitution of his command, whose cloth- ing was entirely worn out by their long and arduous march, anI who were out of flour, bread, sugar, armd coft~e. His letter closed .by saying that he must be off again iii twenty days, with wagons full, mn reclad, & c. Two days later, the 25th, the railroad was completed to Golds- borough, and I commenced sending up subsistence amid clothing, and later quartermasters stores. There were about sixty cars anI four engines, which were used to time best advantage. Trains were loaded and unloaded at either end of the road with the greatest (lispatch, aud no one was allowed to travel ou the cars toward the army except cou- riers and staff officers under orders. The numerous detachments arriv- ing marched, officers and all, to the army. I still continued to ship via Hatteras Inlet, semiding sail vessels containing grain to that place, whence their cargoes were taken by steamers to New Berne, loaded there into river steamers amid a few barges (which had been use(1 by the troops of the Department of North Carolina in their former operations) and carried to Kinston, or Neuse River bridge, to which point General Shermans wagons had been coming for supplies simice the 20th instant. From March 29 to April 2 I was at New Berne, Kinston, and Goldsbor- ough, amid while at the latter place, by order of General Sherman, made an equitable reapportionment of the transportation of the Fourteenth, Twentieth, Fifteenth, Seventeenth, Tenth, and Twenty-third Army Corps, and the cavalry command, in view of the campaigmi which it was soomn intended to begin. The transportation then consisted of 3,140 wag- ons and 570 ambulances. The railroad froum Wilmington to Goldsbor- ough was completed April 4. The rolling-stock on this road consisted of a very f~w captured cars. Some forage and subsistence were brought to Goldsborongh by this line. By the 10th of April, sixteen days from the time the road was finished, amid sooner than the earliest nuoment anticipated by General Sherman, the army was completely resupplie Page 48 48 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA, & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. EXY. and the wagons filled, aud they moved from Goldsborough that day. The following is what General Sherman says in his report dated May 9: Owing to a mistake in the railroad department in sending locomotives and cars of the 5-foot gauge we were limited to the use of the few locomotives and cars of the 4-foot 81-inch gauge already in North Carolina, with such of the old stock as was captured by Major-General Terry at Wilmington and on his way up to Goldsborough. Yet such judicious use was made of these, and such industry displayed in the rail- road management by Generals Easton and Beckwith and Colonel Wright and Mr. Yaii Dyne, that by the 10th of April our men were all reclad, the wagons reloaded, and a Ihir amount of forage accumulated ahead. The army occupied Raleigh April 13, and tIme railroad was finished to that place by the construction corps on the 18th. Additional cars were captured there, giving us 120 cars in all, with enough engines to move them. The army had been re-enforced so that it now numbered 103,000 effective men, and the number of animals had also been much increased. All were supplied satisfactorily and stores accumulated by the railroad until April 30, when the march of the armies of Georgia and the Tennessee to Washington, via Richmond, commenced, the Tenth and Twenty-third Corps and the cavalry being left in North Carolina. I relieved such of my depot officers as I thought would be needed in supplying General Shermans army at Richmond and Alex- audria, assigning other officers in their places, and turned over the general depots in North Carolina to Col. J. F. Boyd, chief quarter- master of Schofields comnmammd. May 3 I started fromim Morehead City for City Point, Va., taking with me such clotiming and other supplies as were not required for the troops remaining in North Carolina, and as I thought Gemmeral Shermans army would need, not knowing whether they could be spared from the depots of the Potomac army. The army arrived at Manchester, Ma., and refilled its wagons on tlme 8th, 9th, and 10th of May, and then recommenced the march to Alexandria. My assistants at the depots in North Carolina were as follows: At More- head City, Capt. G. B. Cadwalader, chief depot quartermaster; Lient. E. R. Haight, One hundred and seventh New York Infantry, assistant; Capt. J. I). Tredway, in charge of quartermasters stores; Capt. A. Austin, in charge of railroad and water transportation; Lieut. C. F. Matteson, One hundred, and third Illinois Infantry, and Lient. T. J. Lambert, assistants; Capt. A. S. Gear, iii charge of wagon tramisporta- tion and corrals; Lieut. L. It. Young, Thirty-fifth New Jersey Infantry, charge of forage; Lieut. A. B. Howard One hundred and seventh in New York Infantry, iu charge of coal; Capt. T. F. Orner, Fifty.~inth Indiana Infantry, inspector, & c. At New Berne, Col. J. T. Conklin had general charge; Capt. A. S. Kimball and Capt. S. W. iloskins received and forwarded supplies; Capt. F. A. Seely received at New Berne and Morehead City all the clothing and equipage for the army; Capt. H. W. Clarke was in charge of forage at Neuse River bridge; Capt. Justiu lodge received and distributed all stores at Goldsborough, and Capts. A. S. Flagg and H. B. Whetsel received and distributed all stores at Raleigh during tIme short time the army was there. I con- sider all these officers emmtitled to high praise for the zeal, energy, and success with which the duties intrusted to them were performed, and commend especially to your favorable notice Captains Cadwahader, Tredway, and Austin for ability, energy, aimd industry. Lists of all property issned by the depot officers at Savannah and Morehead City are annexed hereto. I append the journal of Capt. II. M. Whittelsey, chief quartermaster Twentieth Corps, from January 27 to March 25,* Omitted Page 49 CHAP. LXV.] THE CAMPAIGN OF THE CAROLINAS. 49 which will give you a good idea of the difficulties the army had to con- tend with during the march from Savannah to Goldsborough. Annexed also is a statement showing the number of animals and amount of forage captured by the army,* with the exception of those taken by the Fifteenth Corps, whose quartermaster, Li eut. Col. (I. L. Fort, has made no report, although directed to do so.t In conclusion I desire to express my appreciation of how greatly our success has beeiu owing to you. The campaign was such that it was difficult for the army quarterniasters to estimate correctly for any considerable time ahead. The changes of the points of supply were frequent, and the location of the next base very uncertain. This made it necessary at times to call on you for supplies to be furnished with the greatest dispatch. Our best thanks are due for the uniformly prompt attention which all onr wants received from you. I also feel greatly indebted to you for valuable suggestions and advice given me in your visits to Savannah, Morehead City, Golds- borough, and L~aleigh. I have the honor to remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant L. C. EASTON, Breret Brigadier- General and Chief Quartermaster. P. S.I have also attached to this report a list of vessels used in transporting supplies from Savannah and Hilton Head to Cape Fear River and Morehead City.* I regret that I am unable to give the car- goes of these vessels. A statement is also attached showing the, quan- tity of subsistence transported from the Northern cities to Morehead City and points south of that for the use of General Shermans army.* L. C. EASTON, Brevet Brigadier. General and Chief Quartermaster. Maj. Gen. M. C. MEIGS, Quart ~rmaster-General U. $. Army, Washington, D. C. [47.] Report of Col. Michael C. Garber, Chief Quartermaster, Army of the Tennessee and Military Division of the Mississippi, in the Field includ ing operations July 1, 1864June 30, 1865. MADISON, INn., July 10, 1865. GENERAL: In obedience to General Orders, No. 39, dated Quarter- master-Generals Office, Washington, D. C., July 1, 1865, 1 have the honor to make the following annual personal report: Ny last annual report was made at Louisville, Ky., December 1, 1864, for the year emiding June 30, 1861. My being in the field and not hav- ing access to my papers prevented my sending it any sooner. On the 1st day of July, 1864, in obedience to an order from headquarters Department of the Gulf, I was at Madison, Ind., engaged in correcting Ad accounts and awaiting orders from Washington. On the 10th of August I received notice from the Secretary of War of my appointment as colonel and chief quartermaster, Department of the Tennessee. I ~mmediately wrote to you asking instructions. On the 29th of the riouth I received an order from the Adjutant-Generals Office, dated August 25, 1864, (lirecting me to report in person to Maj. Gen. 0. 0. Howard, commanding the Department of the Tennessee, amid relieve Jol. J. D. Bingham. On the 5th of September I started tbr Atlanta, Omitted. 4 R HvoL LIII But see Garbers reference to Forts report, p. 57 Page 50 50 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. arriving there on the 13th, and on the 14th 1 reported to Maj. C-en. 0.0. Howard at East Point. Colonel Biugham had started North, passing me on the way, and left Capt. J. T. Conklin, assistant quartermaster, acting chief quartermaster. I was immediately placed on duty, reliev- ing Captain Conklin, who asked and obtained leave of absence for thirty (lays. I was fully occupied to the close of that month clothing and equipping the army, clothing returned prisoners, and making changes in the personnel of the quartermasters department rendered necessary by the reorganization of the corps and the numerous leaves of absence granted to officers from sickness and other causes. The enemy having broken our line of communication, General Sherman started in pursuit. Early on the morning of October the 4th the department headquarters broke camp at East Point, and,moving through Atlanta,crossed the Chattahoochee and went into camp near Vinings Station. The urgency of pursuit compelled a forced march, for which the animals, having been for some time only fed with half rations of grain and no hay, were but illy prepared. Added to this, the horrible condition of the roads, cut up in former campaigns and softened by late rains, caused the management of the trains to be a task of difficulty. Many animals died from exhaustion and fatigue. It was estimated that in one corps alone (the Seventeenth) 150 horses and mules were lost in that days march. I took my station at the pontoon bridge on the Chattahoochee and reg- ulated the crossing of the trains, which was effected without acci- dent. The night was dark, and it was a late hour as we wended our weary way to the encampment. Early next morning, October 6, we moved, passing through Marietta, and going into camp at KoIbs farm; remained until the 8th. This period of rest was invaluable to the teams. I issued orders to the quartermasters to improve this and every opportunity for grazing the stock. We had no grain, but found good l)asture. Subsequently, as the army advanced, we cal)tured abundance of corn and todder, and the stock improved rapidly in con- dition to the close of the campaign. On the afternoon of October the 8th we moved round to the north side of Kenesaw Mountain, remain- ing until the 10th. At 4 a. m. October 10 we started for Kingston, passing through Big Shanty, Acworth, Allatoona, and Cartersville; made thirty-one miles, and camped four miles from Kingst.on. Next day, marched to the music of the guns, passing through Kingston, and camping three miles out of Home. Next (lay started at 4 p. in. for Resaca, rode till after midnight, and camped in a field near Mr. Gaines. Early next morning, continuing the march, we passed through Calhoun, and went into camp late at night on the banks of the Oostenaula River. Sharp fighting had been going on through the day, the enemy occupying the hills beyond Resaca in force. Trains continued to arrive till midnight. For the purpose of giving my more immediate and per- sonal attention to the bringing up of the supply train, I at that time detached myself from the headquarters and traveled with the trains. The rapidity and length of the marches, the necessity of giving the road to the troops and artillery, the sometimes improper interference with trains by regimental and brigade commanders, and the eager desire of each trainmaster to push his own train ahead regardless of his line or right of road, rendered tIme conduct of the train a matter of great difficulty and arduous labor to myself and the corps and division quartermasters under me. I am happy to say that our eftbrts were suc- cessful, and when in camp at Little River, Ala., the general com- manding expressed his surprise and gratification at the manner i Page 51 CHAP. LXV.] THE CAMPAIGN OF THE CAROLINAS. 51 which the trains had kept up with the troops. October 15, the enemy having been forced from Snake Creek Gap, I moved the train into and through the gap, continuing the march till after midnight. The scenery as we emerged from the dark mountain gorge into the champaign coun- try beyond, all flooded with the light of the full moon, was beautiful and sublime. October 16, moved early, passing through Dirt Town Valley, between Johns and Taylors Mountains. This valley was very fertile, abounding in supplies. Halted at Subligna four hours to allow the trains of the Twenty-third Corps to pass, then moved on to Villa- now. Here I received orders from headquarters to organize a train consisting of the poorest animals and wagons to be sent to Chattanooga with all spare baggage, & c. The next day was spent in organizing and dispatching this train. October 18, I brought up the supply train to the Chattooga River near Summerville. The troops were camped in and around Summerville. Next day, forded the Chattooga River, and, running through Summerville and Alpine, went into camp near Gayles- ville. Supplies were very abundant, more than the army required being fiiuud. October 20, we moved two miles and were halted till afternoon. Here in a farm-house I found General Ransom lying at the point of death. He had followed the army in an ambulance~ though urged and entreated by his friends to stay in Marietta. Now he was quite unable to proceed, and being carried back to Rome on a litter, died on the way. He was an officer of fine promise, universally loved and admired for his amiable disposition and his noble, gallant, and indomitable spirit. He fell a sacrifice to his ardor amid love for the service. In the afternoon we moved on, and passing through Gayles- yule, I rejoined the camp at headquarters of the department, near Little River, Ala. Here the pursuit of Hoods army ceased. Our army remained in camp qutil October 28. The interval was spent in procuring supplies of food and clothing from Rome. The army were further eliminated of all its surplus baggage, tents, worthless teams, unserviceable stock, and spare artillery. A train was sent to Chatta- nooga with refugees, the sick, wounded, and prisoners. Thus was the army prepared for its subsequent March to the Sea by stripping it of all its cumbrous material. On the 28th of October I started on the return to Atlaiita. The headquarters went into camp at Cedar Bluff but the trains continued the crossing of the Coosa River all night. I had large fires lighted on each side to light up the pontoon. General Howard staid by the bridge till near mnidnight. Next morning we moved on to Widow Carters. The enemys cavalry hovered around us all day, threatening the trains and picking up stray foragers. October 30, we marched to Cave Spring, where we remained ten days. From Cave Spring, by way of Cedartown, Van Wert, crossing the Dugdown Mountains by Dallas and Powder Springs, we returned to Smyrna Camp-Ground. The weather was rainy and the roads bad, but the army moved by easy marches, and at the close of the campaign was in much better physical and moral condition than at the starting out. The colored pioneer corps of roadmen, orgamiized by Lieutenant-Colonel Fort, assistant quartermaster, and always kept at the head of his sup- ply train, proved of incalculable benefit in saving of mules, wagons, and time. Here at Smyrna Camp-Ground the campaign ended. General Howard, wishing to reduce his camp, resolved to send his headquarters back to Louisville, and directed me to proceed there with Lieut. Col. W. T. Clark, assistant adjutant-general, and establish a headquarters there. On the 7th of INovember I rode into Atlanta to prepare for the return North. A large amount of private baggag Page 52 52 S.C., s. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CUAP. LXV. belonging to officers, as well as public stores, having accumulated in Atlanta, I directed Captain Kennedy, assistant quartermaster, to take charge of it and transport it to Nashville. I left Atlanta on the 8th of November, reaching Louisville on the 11th. At Louisville I opened an office, wrote my last years annual report, and sent in estimates of clothing, & c., for the Army of the Tennessee. Numerous claims being presented for payment, I appointed Capt. A. G. Burr, assistant quar- termaster, disbursing officer for the department. On the 27th of December I received orders to proceed with the headquarters to Savannah. I immediately went to New York to pro- cure transportation. There were a large number of officers and men and about twenty tons of freight. The steamship Cahawba was assigned me. On the 7th of January, 1865, we moved out into the river, and the next (lay put to sea. The passage was rough, and the vessel, as I afterward found, unseaworthy, but we arrived i~ safety at Beaufort, S. C. On reporting to General Howard I was ordered to report to the Quamtermaster-General, then in Savannah. I proceeded in the steamer Crescent City and reported accordingly. By you I was ordered to report to General Easton, and by him to General Sherman, who placed me on his staff as chief quartermaster, Military Division of the Missis- sippi, in the field. General Shermans army was now rapidly moving on its South Carolina campaign. The Army of the Tennessee had gone by sea to Beanfort. The Army of Georgia moved UI) the Savannah River to cross at Sisters Ferry. On the 23d of January I proceeded with the military division headquarters to Beaufort, S. C. January 27 marched to Pocotahigo, a distance of twenty-two miles; the road, lying through some of the worst swamps of South Carolina, had to be cor- duroyed nearly half the distance. We went into camp at Elliotts plantation and remained there till the 1st of February. Here I wrote up and mailed my January reports. On the morning of February 1 we moved, traveling with the Fifteenth Corps. We marched this day twenty-three miles, going into camp at Hickory Hill Post-Office. Some skirmishing occurred on the front, a private and one lieutenant being killed. February 2, marched to Duck Creek; ten miles; more skirmishing; several men killed on both sides. Next day remained in camp awaiting the Army of Georgia to close up. February 4, marched to the Salkehatchie; camped near Bufords Bridge. General Howard having fought his way across at Binnakers Bridge, this strong point was abandoned without a struggle. We had, however, to rebuild the causeway across the marsh that borders the river. This causeway, two miles in length and containing twenty-seven small bridges over the little rivers of the marsh, was built between 4 oclock in the afternoon and the following morning. Next day we went across the river and camped at Bufords Bridge. February 6, marched eleven miles; camped at Doctor Fishburns plantation. At the crossing of time Little Salkehatchie the enemy fought three hours and burned the bridge. A new bridge was soon bit~It. Beyond the bridge the trains were compelled to pass through water for nearly two miles to the depth of from two to four feet. February 7, marched into Bamberg; five miles. This was a once thriving town on the Charleston and Augusta Railroad. The Fifteenth Corps was busy tearing up the railroad; as we entered the last train to Charleston passed about 4 oclock that morning. Ia Bamberg we found an immense quantity of cotton, which was burned. February 9, marched to Walkers plantation; distance, ten miles. Here we remained one day while the troops were completin Page 53 CHAP. LXV.] THE CAMPAIGN OF THE CAROLINAS. 53 the destruction of the railroad. February 11, marched twenty miles. Crossing the Edisto, encamped at Poplar Springs. February 12, moved early on the Ninety-Six road. Halted till afternoon near the North Edisto. A severe fight took place, which ended in the rout of the foe; two pontoon bridges were thrown across and about 6 oclock the crossing commenced and continued all night. I remained at the bridge until near midnight, then rode out to camp. The concentration of the army at the bridge gave me an opportunity of seeing the captured horses and mules ridden by foragers, and it was with surprise I llote(1 the great number already captured. February 18 [13], marched seven- teen miles to Beaver Creek. Our route lay over a sandy ridge between Caw Creek and Limestone Creek. This ridge being covered with a turpentine timber which was set on fire by our soldiers, our trains were at one time in danger of being burned. February 14, marched seven miles; camped in a pine grove. February 15, marched seven miles to near Congaree Creek. Witnessed a charge by a division on the enemy, who fled over the creek, leaving the bridge unharmed. They had strong works on the opposite bank, but did not occupy them. Febru- ary 16, marched across a broad plain opposite Columbia; camped near the Saluda River. February 17, crossed the Saluda and Broad Rivers on pontoon bridges. While laying the second pontoon, word came that Columbia had surrendered to our skirmishers. I had the honor of accompanying General Sherman in his triumphal entry into that city. I was ordered by the general to hun t up valuable machinery, especially lathes, and take charge of captured property. I entered upon this duty and found large and valuable stores. The great fire, however, destroyed most of them to the great loss and detriment of the Government. At the depot a large quantity of corn was found and secured. Mills were occupied and flour amid corn meal ground for the troops and for indigent citizens. When we left the city three mills were spared from the general destruction and turned over to the citizens with a quantity of corn to save them from starvation. The next three days were spent in destroying public buildings, iimcluding the gas-works, depot, arsenal, & c. In the arsenal immense quantities of ammunition were found; the latter was carried down to the river and thrown in. A pile of it unfortunately exploded, causing the death of some twenty men. Many escaped prisoners, both officers and privates, joined us there with the most extravagant demonstrations of joy. In regard to the fire in Columbia I will say that although its origin cannot be clearly ascertained, and our general and officers used every exertion to subdue it, I cannot but look upon it as a just and righteous retribu- tion upon the citizens for the unexaumpled malignity they have ever dis- played toward the Government. Here the Ordinance of Secessioii was hatched and long before the war a northern lady teacher was tarred and feathered, a number of Germans served the same way, while the escaped prisoners all tell the same tale of villainous treatment. February 20, marched out of Columbia; proceeded up the Charlotte and Columbia Railroad eleven miles. Camped by a saw-mill. February 21, marched fifteen miles to Wiunsborough. A rebel woman set fire to her store filled with cotton and destroyed two or three blocks before the troops entered. The Fourteenth Corps entering first put out the fire and appropriated the large amount of supplies foPud there. February 22, marched twenty miles to Rocky Mount. Camped on the Berkeley place. The roads were fair and the country rich and plentiful in supplies. Troops 3rossed the Catawba River by night on a pontoon bridge 550 feet long. We remained in camp the next day, the trains of the Twentieth Corp Page 54 54 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. crossing all day and the cavalry all night. Heavy rains fell all day and night, which rendered the steep hills leading to and from the pow toons all but impassable. February 25, crossed the Catawba and marched eight miles. February 26, marched eight miles to Hanging Rock. Remained there the next day waiting for the Fourteenth Corps to cross the Catawba River. A freshet had broken the pontoon and caused delay. General Sherman ordered all wagons not over by the next morning to be burned. General Jeff. C. Davis by making great exertions saved the trains. Large numbers of. valuable horses and mules were found corraled in the few camps and glens of this region as well as caches of food and clothing. February 28, marched ten miles, crossing Little Lynch Creek. Camped at Widow Clyburnes house. Roads quicksand; worse than any I had seen. March 1, marched ten miles, crossing Big Lynch Creek; camped on Brewers farm. On the Right Wing refugees from Charleston and Co- lumbia crossed the line of march and fifty wagons were captured. March 2, made a forced march of some twenty miles to Chesterfield Court- House, hoping to secure the bridge over Thompsons Creek, but it was burned. Next day remained iii Chesterfield, waiting for the Fourteenth Corps to close up. March 4, moved twelve miles to Cheraw. Found General Blair in possession, with large captures of supplies, including corn and provisions, which were distributed to the troops. March 6, moved across the Pedee River and camped two miles beyond. A terri- ble explosion took place on the bank of the river, where powder had been carried and thrown into the water, that shook the earth for miles round. General Howards headquarters train was near, waiting to cross the pontoon. It stampeded to the woods, killing one teamster and breaking wagons and harness. March 7, moved twelve miles and camped in a pine grove. March 8, moved eleven miles and a half. Roads sandy, but good. Light rain. Crossed the Wilmington and Charleston Railroad. Entered the State of North Carolina. Went into camp at Laurel Hill. March 9, moved fourteen wiles to Bethel Church. Crossed the Lumber River on a pontoon. Entered the l3ig Raft Swamp. Trains could not get up by night and the general amid staff slept in the church. The supply trains were scattered along the road clear back to Laurel 11111. All the available troops were employed in making roads. Next day we remained in camp waiting for the trains to close up. March ii, entered Fayetteville amid loud cheers from the Fourteenth Corps, which, being the first to enter, held the place. Made the dis- tancetwenty six milesby noon. Trains did not get in till night. Took up quarters in the arsenal. Found several hundred bags of corn and some hay there. Remained in Fayetteville till the 14th. The pub- lic buildings were destroyed. Mills were used to grind corn and wheat for the troops. A gun-boat from Wilmington arriving brought the first direct news from the North since leaving Pocotaligo. Transports came up bringing oats (shoes and socks would have been more acceptable), and word was sent down to forward clothing and hard bread, sugar and coffee. The boats were sent tack laden with the sick and wounded. March 14, crossed Cape Fear River and camped two miles beyond. I established a landing at the river, expecting more supplies. The Benton arrived laden with shoes, pants, and hard bread. I directed Lieutenant-Colonel Fort to take the clothing and distribute equally to the four corps. T.he hard bread I turned over to Colonel Carpenter. March 15, moved with the Left Wing fourteen miles on the Wilmington plank road to Silver Run Page 55 CH~P. LXV.] THE CAMPAIGN OF THE CAROLINAS. 65 March 16, moved five miles. Came upon the enemy in a strongly fortified position. They fought with great fury, and being driveu from one line of works fell back to another, which they held all night, when they decamped. This day, while standing with the general and staff a little behind the front, when the battle was raging furiously, a canis- ter that dropped in among us sent a shower of leaden balls around. No one, however, was hurt, and the only notice taken was by moving a few rods on one side to be out of range. The losses on each side this day itiust have been nearly 600. March 17, moved about two miles. Built a log bridge across Black River, which was much swollen by the rains. Alfred lthett, a rebel colonel of artillery, was captured and brought to headquarters this morning. March 18, marched eleven miles. Roads bad and creeks high. Crossed Beaver Dam Creek. Foraeing very plentiful. Skirmishing in the advance all day. March 19, moved with the Seventeenth Corps on the Goldsborough road. Made twenty-five miles. Crossed Falling Creek. Trains did not get up, being stuck in the swamp. The general and staff were indebted to General Howard and staff for supper and bed. Camped near the cross-roads leading to Coxs Bridge on the Neuse River. Heavy fight- ing was heard on our left all day. It was, as we learned at night, a des- I)erate attempt of Johnston to crush the Left Wing by falling upon it with his whole army. All this day the woods on our left were swarm- ing with rebel cavalry. The trains at times were seriously threatened. Many small foraging parties were captured, but supplies were never so abundant. March 20, moved early. The Right Wing moved up the Nense River some ten miles and fell heavily on Johnstons rear. I rode with the general to the scene of conflict. The battle raged furiously. Lines of works were taken and retaken. Thousands of our men fought through the timber and brush barefooted, but the greatest spirit ot cheerfulness and resolution seemed to animate the men. At night the balance of advantage was in our favor. The firing continued briskly all night. March 21, we had expected to be in Goldsborough to-day and there clothe the army anew. This desperate attack of Johnstons prevented it, and as this morning the fighting was renewed with great ardor, it seemed uncertain when we would get there. The general therefore directed me to proceed to Kinston and forward shoes, socks, and hard bread to the army without delay. In company with Colonel Remick, chief commissary, I proceeded to Kinston, reaching there by the afternoon of the 22d, distance fifty miles. Orders were issued to all the corps quartermasters to unload their supply trains at specified depots and send them at once to Kinston. At Kinston I found supplies already arrived by barges from Morehead City. March 23, large trains from the army having reported, those of the Seventeenth Corps were loaded up and ready to start by night. Next day the trains of the Fourteenth and Fifteenth were got oft and the Twentieth reported. By the 25th I had sent to the army 43,000 pairs of bootees, 21,000 pairs of socks, 28,000 shirts, 12,000 pairs of drawers, 13,000 pairs of pants, with a large quantity of other articles, in addition to which heavy commis- sary supplies were sent forward. March 25, General Sherman passed down on the first through train from Goldsborough to Morehead City. I commenced sending supplies to Goldsborough by rail, but as the amount of rolling-stock was very limited I thought it best to keep the wagon trains still running. I remained in Kinston until the 30th, when I rode up to Goldsborough. Capt. S. W. Iloskins, assistant quartermaster, was left in charge of clothing and quartermasters stores Page 56 56 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. ~CHAP. LXV. Capt. IR. W. Clarke, assistant quartermaster, in charge of forage, and Lieuteiiant Hibbard, acting assistant quartermaster, in charge of rail- road transportation. April, I entered on duty in Goldsborougli in charge of the depot. Regulating the railroad, the distribution of supplies and other matters. By your direction 1 had a lot of machinery with engine and boiler, & c., complete for sash, door, and window blind manufacturing taken down and sent to Morehead City. Capt. II. B. Whetsel, assistant quarter- master, performed this duty, and that being completed I put him in charge of forage. Capt. Justiii lodge, assistant quartermaster, was, by order of General Easton, placed in charge of clothing, camp and garrison equipage, and quartermasters stores. The immense amount of business devolviiig on this office precluded that method and order so necessary to correctness in accounts. But the short period of stay rendered it impracticable to make any change. Lieut. John Mc Will- iams, regimental quartermaster One hundred and twenty-ninth Illinois, having been detailed and reported for duty, I placed him in charge of the unserviceable and abandoned property. April 10, the army again took the field, headquarters Military Division moving with the Four- teeimth and Twentieth Corps. Skirmishing on the advance all day. Made eleven miles and camped in Raccoon ~nd Moccasin Swamps. April 11, marched eleven miles to Smithfield. Found the bridge over the Neuse still burning and the enemy in sight on the opposite bank. Smithfield was a town of local importance and boasting a court-house, jail, and stocks and whipping post. Negroes reported that Union sol. diers had been whipped at the latter. It was therefore burned. By night a pontoon bridge was completed across the Neuse River. March [April] 12, early this morning news was received of Lees surrender. About noon we crossed the Neuse and marched to Gully Station. After supper a deputation arrived from Raleigh to confer with General Thomas about the surrender of the city and other matters. March [April] 13, moved fourteen miles into Raleigh. Headquarters were established in Governor Vances palace. In Raleigh I found large quantities of corn and fodder. The passenger depot was burned by Wheelers cav- alry, but the machine-shops, round-house, & c., saved. By direction of General Sherman I took charge of the railroad. I found three locomo- tives, some eighty or ninety box and platform cars, quantities of rail. road iron, and valuable bridge timber. The superintendent and foreman offering their services, I directed them to assemble all the einploy~s of the railroad they could find, and set them to work, They gladly came forward, and by the afternoon of the 14th I had sent a train to the Neuse River (where Colonel Wright was making a bridge) loaded with bridge timbers and iron rail. Another locomotive was sent forward communi- cating with General Kilpatrick in the advance, and bringing back cars and stores captured from the retreating foe. April 15, 1 accompanied Major McCoy to communicate with General Johnston. A letter had been sent through Kilpatricks headquarters the day before by General Sherman,but from some mistake it had not been delivered. This caused some delay. After night as we were running from Pages Station to Durham a torpedo exploded under the tender, but (lid little damage. Fearing more, we returned to Pages Station, and leaving the major there I returned to Raleigh. April 16, 1 ran up the railroad to Durham Station, stopping for Major McCoy omi the way. A message was received asking an interview between Johnston and Sherman. This was granted and arranged to take place the next day. April 17, 1 accompanied General Sherman and staff to the first conference wit Page 57 Cii~. LXV.] THE CAMPAIGN OF THE CAROLINAS. 57 Johnston. A good passenger car bore us to Durham Station. Thence we rode on horseback, escorted by General Kilpatrick and his body guard. April 18, I went to the second interview. Returned to Raleigh by 7 p. in., and at 11 p. m. dispatched a special train, carrying Major Hitchcock with dispatches for Washington. An agent having been sent by Colonel Wright to take charge of the railroad, I turned over all pertaining to it to him. Capt. H. B. Whetsel, assistant quarter- master, was placed by me in charge of railroad transportation. Capt. F. C. Butze, in charge of houses and buildings. Capt. A. M. Garoutte, assistant quartermaster, in charge of corrals and work- shops. A quantity of light-house property being found in the capitol, I directed Captain Edinstein, assistant quartermaster, to take charge of it, have it carefully packed and shipped to care of Capt. J. D. Tred- way at Morehead City. At your request I sent a list of fourteen ques- tions (calling for information in regard to transportation) to the corps quartermasters. From only one did I receive any reply. I found it very difficult to get reports on this campaign, the excuse being that under orders they had left all their desks and clerks behind at Savan- nah, and could not make them. One exception to this was Lieut. Col. 0-. L. Fort, chief quartermaster Fifteenth Army Corps, whom I ever found an earnest, faithful, and zealons officer, ready and willing to obey every order as far as possible. his reply to these questions I append to this report.* On the 20th of April trains loaded with provisions and oats coin- menced arriving from Morehead City. The stopping of all foraging on the country rendered this a matter of great interest. I being detailed to march through to the North, you directed me to purchase forage of the citizens on the route, and as the armies would travel on different roads, I was assigne(l to the duty of purchasing for the Army of the Tennes- see. It was your wish that no claims should be left unsettled. In order more fully to carry out your wish I appointed Capt. A. S. Flagg, assistant quartermaster, to disburse for the Seventeenth Corps, and Capt. H. B. Whetsel for the Fifteenth. Blank receipts were printed. These, signed by the disbursing officers, were (listributed to the officer of mu charge foraging parties, who, on taking forage, filled in the quan- tities, coumi tersi gn ed them, and gave them to the citizens with instruc- tions to follow the army to time camp at night and present them to the disbursing officer for payment. On presentation vouchers were made and paid. The division quartermaster took up these receipts and accounted for the forage. This plan worked well. Very few receipts were left unpaid, and these only through the neglect of the holders to present them for payment. The disbursing officers frequently waited at camp three or four hours after the headquarters moved to afford time for the parties to come up. I cannot leave this subject without speak- ing a word in praise of those two officers, Captains Flagg and Whetsel, whom I ever found industrious, (liligent, and faithful in the discharge of every duty. April 30, commenced the homeward march, General Sher- man and staff having goiie home by sea. I found my camp with the headquarters Military Division train and escort, under care of Lieut. E. C. Howard, acting assistant quartermaster, and camped each night near General Blaims headquarters. This day we marched thirteen miles. Camped at the house of Mr. Drum, superintendent of the Raleigh and Gaston Railroad. May 1, marched twenty-one miles. Crossing Tar River, camped one mile beyomid. May 2, marched twenty-fonr miles; camped at Itidgeway Omitted Page 58 58 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. Station. Found supplies more plentiful since crossing the Tar River. The citizens in general were glad to sell, but there were some excep- tions in the case of wealthy planters, who refused to sell to officers for mess supplies out of their abundance of farm produce. This section of country had scarcely felt the war, and the planters were insolent, declaring their intention to hold and whip their slaves as of old. The negroes flocked to the camps, asking advice. They were not permitted to come along, but were advised to remain and await patiently the enforcement of the law which made them free. May 3, marched four- teen miles. Went into camp near the iRoanoke at iRobiusons Ferry. The pontoons of the Fifteenth and Seventeenth united were too short to span this broad river. A trestle road was built out into the shallow water about 100 feet. Some pirogues and flat-boats were found and used, and so the bridge was pieced out. The entire length was sixty- four feet. Lumber was hauled from a saw-mill five miles distant. May 4, moved late in the afternoon. Crossed the Rowanty and entered Vir- ginia. Marched 10 miles and eamped near White Plains. May 5, left camp at 4.30 a. m. Crossed the Meherriii River at Pennin gtons Bridge. Marched twenty-four miles. May 0, moved at 5 a. m. Marched twenty-eight miles. Crossed Kottoway and Stony Rivers. Struck the Boydton Plank Road, passed Dinwiddie Court-House, and went into camp about two miles beyond. May 7, left camp at 5 a. m. Marched into Petersburg. Camped at General Ewells old headquarters. Found forage there, and directed the quartermasters to procure supplies. May 8, left Petersburg at 4 p. m. Marched eight miles and camped. May 9, arrived at Manchester at 10 a. m. Camped by the mills near tIme pontoons. General and staff came up from City Point and joined camp. May 11, broke camp at 8 a. m. Rode with the general as he reviewed the troops of the Fourteenth passing through Richmond. Marched twenty miles, crossing the Chickahominy and camping near Hanover Court-House. Rained heavily at night. May12, remained in camp till afternoon waiting the roads to dry. Crossed the Pamunkey River on a pontodn bridge. The river was rising rapidly and flooding the bot- tom; delayed the train of the Fourteenth Corps. Made seven miles, and camped half a mile beyond Concord Church. May 13, marched sev- enteen miles to Chilesburg. May 14, moved at 4.30 a. m. Marched six- teen miles and a half. Forded Po River, which swam our horses. Built a log bridge across for the trains. Camped at Spotsylvania Court-House. May 15, rode with the general and staff over the battle grounds, also over Chancellorsville. Camped at Maryes Heights. In the evening visited the city. It looked desolate. I found among the inhabitants an intense bitterness of feeling and hatred of the Government with a disposition to boast of their former victories and hint of opportunities yet to come. May 18, marched twenty-four miles. All suffered much from the great heat. Halted at noon near Pohick Church; camped within six miles of Alexandria. May 19, moved through Alexandria and camped two miles beyond. Found General Webster already encamped with the rest of the staff headquarters, property, & c., from Savannah. Remained there till May 22, when we removed, passing through Washington and camping near the Finley Hospital. May 23 and 24, attended the grand review of the armies in Washington. The balance of the month was spent in closing up accounts with quar- termasters about to leave. On the 27th of May I received from Gen- eral Sherman a leave of absence for thirty days, with orders to report at its close to the headquarters Military Division of the Mississippi, wher- ever it might be. On the 29th of May I started for home. In the lat- ter rart of June I received orders from General Sherman to meet hi Page 59 CHAP. LXV.] THE CAMPAIGN OF THE CAROLINAS. 59 at Louisville on the 4th of July to proceed with him to the headquar- ters at Saint Louis. The above report is respectfully submitted. M. C. GABBER, Col. and Chief Quartermaster, Jul. Div. of the Mississippi, in Field. Bvt. Maj. Gen. M. C. NEIGS Quartermaster- General, Washington, 1). C. ADDEXDA. iNDIANAPOLIS, July 25, 1865. Col. M. C. GARnER Quartermasters Department: DEAR SIR: J take pleasure iii recalling the valuable service you ren- dered me and the army during our eventful march from Savannah to Goldsborongh and thence to Raleigh and Washington, and to express my great confidence in your business qualifications and ability. I hope you will enjoy health and prosperity and live long to enjoy the peace and security you aided to establish for a common eQuntry. I am, truly, your friend, W. T. SHERMAN, [39 and 47.] Major- General. Report qf Asst. Surg. David L. Huntington, U. S. Ar my, Acting Medical Director Army of the Tennessee. HDQRS. DEPARTMENT AND ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE, Goldsborough, N. C., ilarch 26, 1865. GENERAL: I have the honor to submit a brief report of the oper- ations of the medical department of the Army of the Tennessee during the campaign commencing with the departure of the army from Poco- taligo and ending in the occupation of the town of Goldsborough: It was not without anxiety that I looked forward to the development of this campaign. The season of the year, the character of the country, and the personal hostility of the citizens all rendered it extremely probable that sickness and large losses would test to the utmost the resources of the medical department of the army. The result of the campaign and the comparatively small loss of life from disease or the efforts of the enemy is a source of gratification. The army left Pocotaligo unencumbered with sick or wounded, all such cases being left in the U. S. general hospitals at Savannah and Beanfort. Full supplies were drawn and were replenished at Columbia, S. C. Not- withstanding the bad weather, bad roads, and the necessary exposure of the campaign, the ratio per 1,000 of men unfit for duty during the campaign has been but 49.26. At no time have we been seriously pressed for accommodation for our sick and wounded. After the affair at Rivers Bridge, S. C., we were enabled to send to the rear many of the sick and wounded on hand, and again at Fayetteville, N. C., 150 were sent by transports to Wilmington, N. C. The country has fur- nished a large abundance of nutritious food, and the appearance of the men does not indicate suffering on that account. The hardships of the march have wearied them, and a period of rest is imperatively needed. The heaviest engagement of the cainpaigufortun ately occurred so near the termination of the march as to give us no inconvenience in the removal of the wounded. Our loss in wounded on that occasion was 263. Provision has been made for the sick and wounded in thi Page 60 60 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. town until such time as they can be safely removed to general hospitals. J subjoin a brief recapitulation: Number of days marching during cam- paign, 39; average number miles marched daily, 1 1~ ratio per 1,000 of mean strength unfit for duty duriiig campaign, 49.26; number wounded on campaign, 697; number deaths Irom wounds (approxi- mately), 60; number deaths from disease, 46; number sent to rear since leaving Pocotaligo, 280. It is unnecessary for me to say more for the medical staff of the army than that all duties pertaining to it have been discharged with the usual promptitude, cheerfulness, and fidelity. I am, very res~)ectfuily, your obedient servant, D. L. HUNTINGTON, Assistant ASurgeon, U. S. Army, Acting Medical Director Army of the Tennessee. Maj. Gemi. 0. 0. HOWARD, Commanding Army of the Tennessee. Report of Capt. Samuel Cuskaden d , F~fty-secon Pennsylvania infantry, of occupation of Charleston, S. C., February 18. OFFICE SUPERINTENDENT RECRUITING, Charleston, S. C., March G, 18G5. LIEUTENANT: In compliance with the request of Major Hennessy, Fifty-second Pennsylvania Volunteers, I have the honor to forward to you an account of the taking of Charleston and the batteries and forts around it: On the morning of the 18th ultimo I rode up to Fort Strong, Morris Island, to meet Lieutenant-Colonel Bennett, being assistant provost- marshal on his staff. On meeting him he ordered me to make a recon- naissance of Fort Sumter. I started immediately for Cummings Point and found my boat manned by men of the Third Rhode Island Artillery, under the command of a second lieutenant. He informed me he had orders to proceed to Fort Moultrie to raise time flag there. I sent an or(lerly after a storm flag, which I had at my quarters, and ordered the mcii to pull for Fort Sumter. When within l0() yards of there we saw a boat load of deserters approaching. We signaled for them to come on, and pulled to meet them. They informed us that the city was evacu- ated excepting a few cavalry left to destroy the city. Ordering the Third Rhode Island men to proceed to Fort Moultrie, I got in the boat with the deserters and tried to induce them to pull for Fort Sum- ter, but neither threats nor promises would make them do so. They assured me the place was thoroughly mined and that they would not risk it. I then pulled for Cummings Point to inform Lieutenant- Colonel Bennett of the statements of the deserters. He was waiting on the beach. Taking iii a new crew of the Twenty-first U. S. Colored Troops, and receiving Lieutenant-Colonel Bennett and Lieutenant Haviland One hundred and twenty-seventh New York, acting assist- ant inspector-general, into my boat, we pulled out into the harbor. We met Major Hennessy, Fifty-second Pennsylvania Volunteers, in the Ripley boat and told him of the situatioii at Fort Sumter. He (Major fl[ennessy]) started immediately for the fort, and at 9.04 a. in. by Lieu- tenant Havilands watch the major with a few men, scaled the parapet and waved the regimental flag of the Fifty-second Pennsylvania Vol- unteers over the torn and battered walls of Fort Sumter. Lieutenant- Colonel Bennett then ordered the boat on to Fort Ripley Page 61 CHAP. LXV.] TILE CAMPAIGN OF THE CAROLINAS. 61 While on our way there Major Hennessy overtook us, and Lieutenant. Colonel Beniiett and Lieutenant ilaviland went iiito his boat. Both boats then Pushed for Fort Ripley, but seeing that the Ripley boat, commanded by Major ilennessy, would outstrip me 1 ordered my boat to pull for Castle Piuckney. We laid on our oars while Majot Hren. nessy] raised the flag on the fort. Then came a race lhr Castle Piuckney. My boat struck first and three men of the Third Rhode Island Artillery sprang on the bank and tore down the Confederate flag. By that time Major Hennessys men reached the flag pole, when a struggle ensued between the two parties as to which flag should be raised. The majors flag being smaller and easily handled his mnemi sac- ceeded in carrying their 1oint. We then had a race for the city. Major Hen nessys boat led mine about fifty yards. Lieutenant-Colonel Bennett, Major 1-lennessy, and part of the crew, composed of the Fitly- second Pennsylvania Volunteers, landed immediately. Upon landing I threw out a guard of three men at the first street, two men of the Fifty-second Pennsylvania Volunteers and one of the Third Rhode Island Artillery, with instructions to make prisoners of every man they saw. In a few moments, from the stories of the prisoners and by per- mission of the lieutenant-colonel commanding, I advanced my guard another square. Horses were seized for the staff, in which business Private Haskell, Third Rhode Island Artillery, showed much activity and usefulness. In a short time Company A, Fifty-second Pemmnsylvania Volunteers, Lieutenant Gilchrist commanding, reported to mime with the regimemital flag. I ordei-ed him to raise it on the old post-office. Orderly Sergeant Kilian, Company A, unfolded to the breeze the banner of the regiment, the first that had floated over the city for Ihur years. This flag remained here for two days, nntil required to advance into the country. Just at this time and place, too, a white flag was seen al)proachmg. It proved to be in the hands of Mr. George Williams who by order of the mayor of the city was on his way to meet the U. S. authorities and tender the surrender of Charleston, and to ask for assistance and protection against the disorder and destm-uction that threatened the city. The companies of the Fifty-second Pennsylvania Volunteers marched to the arsenal and posts assigned them by the lieutenant-colonel commanding. As soon as they landed I ordered my guam-ds to go around the city and make the firemen and all other citizens work to put out the fires. I got in a buggy and rode around to the various fires, some twenty in number, and forced everybody to work. On getting to the upper parts of the city I found four men chopping and destroying some ambulances, but was unable to secure them, hay. lug no guai-d with me. The flag brought with me from Morris Islamid was raised on the Citadel, and is there yet. The Twtnty first U. S. Colored Troops arrived in the city about 5 p. m. and were assigned to various posts as provost guard. I assisted Lieutenant-Colonel Bennett as acting assistant provost marshal until relieved by Brigadier-General Schimmelfrnnig, when I commenced recruiting U. S. colored troops per Special Orders, No. 32, headquartem-s Departipent of the South. The above is correct to the best of my knowledge. In the hurry and excite- ment possibly some details may have beemi overlooked. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, SAMUEL CUSKADEN Capt., Fifty-second Pennsyirania Vols., and & #~pt. Recruiting. Lient. II. A. MOTT, Adjutant Fifty-second Pennsylvania Volunteers Page 62 62 S. C, S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. UNION COIRRESPONDENCE, ETC. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE EAST, Troy, N. Y., January 19, 1861. Maj. ROBERT ANDERSON, First Artillery, Comdg. Charleston Harbor, Charleston, ~S. C.: MAJOR: In reply to your communication of the 15th instant, 1 am directed by the commanding general of the department to say that your action in regard to the sentences of the enlisted men, promulgated in General Orders, No. 13, from this office, the movement of your com- mand from Fort Moultrie to Fort Sumter, and your entire conduct since you assumed command of the troops in the harbor of Charleston meets with his entire approl)ation. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, RiCHARD ARNOLD, First Lieut., Third Artillery, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. [1.] FORT SUMTER, S. C., February 11, 18G1. Lient. R. ARNOLD, Aide-de-Camp: DEAR SIR: Nearly one month has passed since the receipt of your note of the 19th of January, inclosing a copy of General Wools printed letter of December 31, approving my conduct since I assumed command in this harbor, aiid also accompanying your official letter of January 19, expressing the generals approval of my removal from Fort Sum- ter [Moultrie] to this place, and of my entire conduct since I assumed command of the troops in the harbor of Charleston. I beg that you will assure the general that I feel highly gratified that I have been so fortunate as to be entitled, in his opinion, to so full an indorsement. I have been and still am placed where I am compelled to assume a heavy responsibility, and I know that in one very important matter I am now acting against the wishes and opinion of many of my dearest friends and clearest-headed military men; but, praying to God that He will guide me, I am taking that course which will, I trust, without some untoward accident, lead ns through existing difficulties without blood. shed. I cannot close without thanking you personally for the compli- mentary terms you use and for the good wishes you express in my behalf. Yours, sincerely, ROBERT ANDERSON, [1.] U. S. Army. POST.OFFICE DEPARTMENT, Washington, March 15, 1861. The PRESIDENT: SIR: In reply to your interrogatory whether, in my opinion, it is wis~ to provision Fort Sumter under present circumstances, 1 submit thc following considerations in favor of provisioning that fort: The ambi tious leaders of the late Democratic party have availed themselves o the disappointment attendant upon defeat in the late Presidential elec tion to found a military government in the seceding States. To th~ connivance of the late administration it is due alone that this rebellio has been enabled to attain its present proportions. It has grown b Page 63 CHAP. LXV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 63 this complicity into the form of aii organized government in seven States, and up to this moment nothing has been done to check its progress or prevent its being regarded, either at home or abroad, as a successful revolution. Every hour of acquiescence in this conditioli of things, and especially every new conquest made by the rebels, strength- ens their hands at home and their claim to recognition as an independ- ent people abroad. It has from the beginning and still is treated prac- tically as a lawful proceeding, and the honest and Union-loving peopl6 in those States must, by a continuance of this policy, become reconciled to the new government and, though founded in wrong, come to regard it as rightful government. I, in common with all my associates in your council, agree that we must look to the people of these States for the overthrow of this rebellion, and that it is proper to exercise the powers of the Federal Government only so far as to maintain its authority to collect the revenue and maintain possession of the public property in the States, and that this should be done with as little bloodshed as possible. How is this to be carried into effect? That it is by measures which will inspire respect for the power of the Government and the firm- ness of those who administer it does not admit of debate. It is obvi- otis that rebellion was checked in 1833 by the promptitude of the President in taking measures which made it manifest that it could not be attempted with impunity and that it has growu to its present formidable proportions only because similar measures were not taken. The action of the President in 1833 inspired respect, whilst in 1860 the rebels were encouraged by the contempt they felt for the incum- bent of the Presidency. But it was not alone upon Mr. Buchanans weakness the rebels relied for success. They for the most part believe that the Northern men are deficient in the courage necessary to main- tain the Government. It is this prevalent error in the South which induces so large a portion of the people there to suspect the good faith of the people of the North and enables the demagogues so successfully to incnlcate the notion that the object of the Northern people is to abolish slavery and make the negroes the equals of the whites. Doubt- ing the manhood of Northern men they discredit their disclaimers of this purpose to humiliate and injure them. Nothing would so surely gain credit for such disclaimers as the manifestation of resolution on the part of the President to maintain the lawful authority of the nation. No men or people have so many difficulties as those whose firmness is doubted. The evacuation of Fort Sumter when it is known that it can be provisioned and manned will convince the rebels that the administration lacks firmness, and will, therefore, tend more than any event that has happened to embolden them, and so far from tend- ing to prevent collision will insure it unless all the other forts are evacuated and all attempts are given up to maintain the authority of the United States. Mr. Buchanans policy has, I think, rendered col- lision almost inevitable and a continuance of that policy will not only bring it about but will go far to produce apermanentdivision of theUnion. This is manifestly the public judgment, which is much more to be relied on than that of any individual. I believe that Fort Sumter may be provisioned and relieved by Captain Fox with little risk, and General Scotts opinion that with its war complement there is no force in South Carolina which can take it renders it almost certain that it will not then be attempted. This would completely demoralize the rebellion. The impotent rage of he rebels and the outburst of patriotic feeling which would follow this achievement would initiate a reactionary movement throughout the South which would speedily overwhelm th Page 64 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. 64 traitors. No expenses or care should therefore be spared to achieve this success. The appreciation of our stocks ~vill pay for the most lay- ish outlay to make it one. Nor will the result be materially different to the nation if the attempt fails and its gallant leader and followers are lost. It will in any event vitidicate the hardy courage of the North and the determination of the people and their President to maintain the authority of the Government, and this is all that is wanting in my judgment to restore it. You should give no thought for the corn- mander and his comrades in this enterprise. They willingly take the hazard for the sake of the country and the honor which, successful or not, they will receive from you and the lovers of free government in all lands. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, M. BLAIR. [1.] Report of a conference in reference to the occupatton of points on the Atlantic coast. WASHINGTON, 1). 0., July 5, iSGi. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, $ecretary o~f the Navy, Washington, 1). C.: SIR: We have the honor to inform you that the conference, in corn- pliance with your wishes, communicated through Captain Du Pont, has had nuder consideration that part of your letter of instructions of the 25th ultimo which relates to the necessity of occupying two or more points on the Atlantic coast, Fernandina being particularly mentioned as one of these points. It seems to be indispensable that there should exist a convenient coal depot on the southern extremity of the line of Atlantic blockade, and it occurs to the conference that, if this coal depot were suitably selected, it might be used not only as a depot for coal, but as a depot for provisions and common stores, as a harbor of refuge, and as a general rendezvous or headquarters for that part of the coast. We separate in our minds the two enterprises of a purely military expedition and an expedition the principal object of which is the establishment of a naval station for promoting the efficiency of the blockade. We shall have the honor to present plans for both expedi- tions; but we will begin with the latter, premising, however, that we think both of them should be conducted simultaneously. Fernandina is by its position obviously the most suitable point for a place of deposit, answering at one end of the line to Hampton Roads at the other. In addition to its position in this respect it enjoys several other advantages almost peculiar to itself, and well suited to time object in view. It has fourteen feet of water on the bar at low water and twenty at high water, a convenient depth for all steam vessels of the Navy, either propelled by screws or side wheels, rated as second-class steam-sloops and under- for all of those rated as first-class steam-sloops which are propelled by screws and by most of the same class propelled by side wheels, when light, and by all the newly purchased and char. tered steamers of every description, with the exception, perhaps, of one or two of the very largest mail packet steamers, when deeply loaded. These depths are perfectly convenient for the new sloops and gun-boats now on the stocks, and for the ordinary merchant vessels chartered for freight. The main ship-channel over Saint Marys Bar into Fernandina Harbor, though not direct, is by no means tortuous or difficult. It i Page 65 CHAP. LXV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 65 defined by buoys, and a range by means of beacons renders the pas- sage of the bar itself secure. A steam-tug will always be at hand to take in sailing vessels when necessary. Inside of the bar there is an unlimited extent of deep-water accommodation, and also the protection of smooth water before reaching the land-locked basins. The anchor- age in Amelia River possesses the quiet and safety of an inclosed dock. Repairs of all kinds may be carried on there without the fear of acci- dents arising from motion of water. The town of Fernandina and the wharves and depots of the Florida Railroad Company furnish conven- iences the value of which need not be enlarged upon. If the seizure were conducted so suddenly as to prevent the destiuction of property and buildings (which it would be difficult to replace), the facilities for landing and storing coal and other materials will be found ready for use. Another feature of this port, and one which has appeared to us to be of sufficient importance to engage your particular attention, is the isolated position of Fernandina, territorially and in population. Fernandina is on an island, bounded by the ocean on one side, and having on the other an interior poor and uninteresting in all respects, sparse in population, -emote from large cities or centers of military occupation, and miot easily accessible by railroad or water communication. By the census of 1850 the population of Fernandina was about 600 ~it is now 1,000); Saint Marys, 700; Darien, 550; Jacksonville, 1,145; Saint Augustine,1,934. The distance by water from Fernandina to Saint Marys isO miles; to Brunswick is 35 miles; to Darien is 51 miles. By ailroad to Baldwin is 47 miles; from Baldwin to Jacksonville is 20 uiles from Fernandina to Savannah (by water) is 120 miles; from Per. iandina to Charleston is 166 miles; from Fernandina to Cedar Keys by railroad) is 154 miles, and from Fernaudina to Tallahassee (by rail- oad) is 192 miles. With all the above-mentioned places there is water communication, ~xcept Cedar Keys, Tallahassee, amid the railroad stations between them; )ut it is apparent that amiy military opposition of weight must come ~om Savannah and Charleston principally through Cumberland Sound, ud the depth (less than ten feet in some places) of this line of interior avigation would require the transportation of the troops in the light ;teamers employed there. These steamers are so light and devoid of ;helter that an expedition would hardly be undertaken if Amelia Island ~ere properly garrisoned. The environs of Fernandina form a natural )rotection against an attack by land. They consist of marsh and sand hich alone compose the shores of the rivers and bayous. We are careful to avoid making this commummication unnecessarily ong by entering upon a comparison of Fern amidina with other l)laces in he same region of coast, such as Brunswick, for example, which is now onnected by raihioad with Savannah, and, being more in the interior, 3 less healthy; or St. Johns Entrance, which could be fortified against s, amid has an insuperable objection in its bar; but we take pains to ny that such com])aI-isons have fornied a large l)art of our study of the rhole subject. We have not spoken of the peculiar advantages of Fer- andina as a depot and naval station without attaching a meaning to he word. Although an open and rapid communication with the Gulf f Mexico by the Florida Railroad to Cedar Keys accoml)lished in leven hours would undonbt~dly be desirable, still it has not entered to our project to recommend the maintenance of this communication. o do so would employ a force disproportionate to the possible benefits c be derived from it. The Central Railroad to Tallahassee, which con- ects with this road at Baldwin, is completed as far as Alligator, and 5 U UVOL LII Page 66 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA. & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. for a certain distance from Tallahassee cast about twenty miles. The country on the line of the road is thickly wooded and has few inhabi- tants. A road of such length (154 miles), iii an obscure and inhospit- able district, may be easily rendered impassable. Fort Clinch is not thought to be defensible in its present condition, and the sand batteries on the shore can probably be easily tnrned. The water is so smooth in ordinary times on the outer shore of Amelia Island that a landing can be effected there with facility, and will, in our opinion, be advisable at more than one point. This landing cannot be covered by large ships, especially such as the screw frigates. Vessels of small draft must be selected for this duty, and when the points of landing are fixed upon, the line of approach for the covering vessels must be distinctly traced out. The Florida Railroad, front the west shore of Amelia Island across the river, is built on piles for the distance of about one mile, similar to the long bridge across the Bush and Gunpowder. When the attack is made one or more small gun-boats might take the back entrance, through Nassau Inlet and Sound, and prevent the destruction of this bridge by the rebels. Nassau entrance is no doubt unguarded. Nassau Bar has only five feet of water on it, and even this depth is not to be relied upon. Launches may therefore be employed. A rapid survey, immediately preceding the attack, will correct any misapprehension on this point. The preservation of this trestle-bridge is worth an effort. The remainder of the road can be replaced with less cost, because it runs through a naturally level country. It is estimated that 3,000 men would take and hold the place, with the assistance of such force as could be furnished by the fleet. After the place was taken a portion of the defensive force would be found on board the vessels in port. Thus the number of troops to be added to the marines and seamen employed in the attack and subsequent defense would not probably at any time exceed the number of 3,000. The details of the expedition to Fernandina, if decided upon, will fall under the several bureaus of the War and Navy Departments and the chiefs of the expedition, to whom the conference will be always ready to offer such information and make such suggestions as may result from their careful study of the ground. The sailing directions for the port of Fernandina, the instructions for the disposition of the buoys and beacons, the outer and inner anchorages, the pilotage and the meteorology of this section of the coast will hereafter be furnished by the conference from the archives of the Coast Survey. It is known that Fernandina is healthy, and that it can supply wood and water in abundance. Its market supplies remain to be developed. Finally, we will repeat the remark made in the beginning of this report, that we think the expedition to Fernandina should be undertaken simultane- ously with a similar expedition having a purely military character. We are preparing a brief report on the latter, which we shall have the honor to submit in a few days. We have the honor to be, most respectfully, your obedient servants, S. F. DU PONT, Captain, U. & Navy, President. J. G. BARNARD, Major, U. S. Engineers, Member. A. D. BACHE, Superintendent U. S. Goast Survey, Member. CHAS. H. DAVIS, [1.] Commander, U. S. Navy, Member and Secretary Page 67 CHAP. LXV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 67 Report of a co~ference in relation to the occapation of points on the Atlantic coast. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, WASHINGTON, D. C., July 13, 1861. & cretary of the Navy: SIR: We have the honor to inform you that, in further prosecution of the duties assigned ns, we have made a careful study of three of the niost important of the secondary bays or harbors on the Southern coast, for the purpose of military occupation. These are Bulls Bay, Saint Helena Sound, and Port Royal Sound, all on the coast of South Caro- lina. We shall describe each one of them separately, offering some suggestions as to their advantages and the best mode of occupying them, and we will endeavor to explain, by a comparison of their relative merits, the grounds for preferring the two former over the latter for immediate occupation. We have taken them up in the order of their situation from north to south. Bulls Bay, which has been justly called Noble Harbor of Refuge, is fifteen miles southwest of Cape Romain and twenty-two miles from the main bar of Charleston Harbor. The passage into it is direct, there being but one single course over the bar. The light-house is plainly in sight, being less than four miles distant from the outer curve of the bar, and its bearing, together with the soundings and buoys, when properly placed, makes the entrance easy. Twenty feet may be carried in at high water of common tide and fifteen at low water. The channel-way is marked by breakers on either hand, and inside there is a snug, well- protected anchorage in deep water, with good holding-ground. Bulls Bay is situated below the parallel at which the West India hurricanes leave the coast, which very much increases its value as a harbor of refuge. Bulls Island, from which the bay takes its name, is six miles and a half long and about one mile and a half wide. The northeast bluff at the entrance is high and wooded, and admits of being strongly forti- fied without delay or great expense; but batteries erected to defend the entrance may be taken in the rear by landing about three miles south of the northeast bluff and keeping on the beach till within a mile of the light-house, where a wood road near a fence passes close in the rear of the entire range of sand hills commanding the entrance. It is suggested, therefore, that the extremity of the island should be secured by an inclosed work on the point and a line of intrenchments across the island at a distance of two miles, more or less, from the light-house. For defense, Bulls Bay possesses this striking advantage, that it can be held at a single point. Excepting the small sand key (Bird Island), there is no fast land from which it can be attacked. Bird Island is two miles off not easy of access, and insignificant. It is not probable that any defensive works constructed by the rebels will oppose any formidable obstacle to the occupation of the place, but it is to be considered that its proximity to Charleston subjects it to assault. This assault may be made by combined forces from both directions, for there is interior water communication with the Santee on the north, as well as with Charleston on the south. Vessels drawing not more than four and a half feet can come out of the Santee through Alligator Creek at the Horns, pass within Cape Island and Raccoon Key, traverse Bulls Bay, and keep inside all the way to Charleston. Very few white men know the whole route, but many negroes are familiar with it. There are six divides, or places where the tides diverge or converge, between Cape Romain and Charleston Harbor Page 68 68 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. Four of these run dry at low water and the other two are encumbered with mud and oyster banks. At this season of the year, however, the rice crops having been carried to market, there is but little intercourse with the Santee district by water. Taking these liabilities into account, it is thought that 4,000 men well intrenched would hold the island, though without an exact knowledge of its topography it is impossible to speak with certainty. The island affords good water, and timber for construct- ing wharves for coaling, or for other uses, if needed. In these respects, and as a harbor of refuge, there is no point north of Charleston that can be made so useful. it is so easy of access and so perfectly healthy in the hot season that the authorities of Charleston have recommended it for the seat of a quarantine during their strangers(or yellow) fever months. The military occupation of Bulls Bay secures the easy command of the four inlets (Prices, Capers, Dewees, and Breach Inlets) lying inter- mediate between it and Charleston Harbor. Neither of these enjoy any trade now, but Dewees Inlet has seven feet at low water or twelve feet at mean high water, and an. excellent anchorage in four fathoms on the inside. It might prove a useful harbor to vessels of light draft. A deep creek, navigable for boats at low water even to Station Fuller (see chart), enters Dewees Inlet. From Fuller to Mount Pleasant is nine miles, and it is connected with Hobcaw Point, in rear of Fort Moultrie and Castle Piuckney, for the greater part of the distance, by a well- traveled road in a pine forest. The high road from Charleston to Georgetown, through Christs Church Parish, passes at an average dis- tance of fonr miles from the shore. It is well conditioned, the resort of a regular travel, and preserves a communicatiou with the banks of the two Pedees that would suffer no interruption from our occupation of Bulls Island. Saint Helena Sound, situated nearly midway between Charleston and Savannah, is particularly well adapted to promote the efficiency of the blockading squadron. There are two anchorages, which are healthy throughout the yearone near Otter Island, on the north, and one near Hunting Island, on the south; and the bay is so wide that these two roadsteads may be considered wholly independent of each other. There are three channels of approachthe east, the southeast, and the south channels. The first has only eight feet on the bar at mean low water and fourteen at high; the second, wbich is a little less direct, has ten and sixteen feet, and the third has seventeen feet at mean low and twenty-three feet at mean high water. It should be remarked that the month of the South Edisto River is embraced within the northern limits of this sound. The South Edisto is the Edisto proper, the North Edisto being the outlet of the Wadma- law Sound and the IDawho, while the Edisto itself is a long river, from which large quantities of lumber are sent annually to Charleston. It is navigable for vessels drawing nine feet of water up to Governor Aikens rice plantation, at Jehosse, where it communicates with North Edisto River through the Dawho. The Dawho is navigable for steamers draw- ing not more than six feet at all times of tide, under the direction of a pilot. Thirteen feet of water at mean low and nineteen at meau high water can be carried into South Edisto, and there is good anchorage inside, west of Big Bay Island, in five fathoms; but the anchorage on the north side of the bay, which we first mentioned, that under Otter Island, is the better and healthier one of the two. The continuous ranges of sand shoals, which compose the bar at the several entrances of Saint Helena Sound, extend, unfortunately, six miles to seaward, and the land is low and difficult to distinguish~ th Page 69 CHAP. LXV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 69 channels, therefore, if used, must be distinctly marked with buoys; the light-ship must be anchored ill a suitable place, and the light-house which has been built on Hunting Island, together with the beacon light near it, must be maintained. Capable pilots must be at hand. The delta shoals in Saint Helena Sound are long and narrow; between them are deep and very regular channels, running iii directions nearly parallel to each other, that may be called natural, as regards the rivers of which they are the drains. Beyond these delta shoals a mass of irregular shoals extends out to the southward from Fenwick and Otter Islands (separating South Edisto River from the sound), which, by breaking the sea in easterly storms, preserve comparatively smooth water in the sound. The Ashepoo, Combahee, Bull, Coosaw, Morgan Islands, and Hunting Island (Rivers) empty into the sound. To complete our topo- graphical description we must speak of them in order. The Ashepoo enters the sound at Otter Island, and at its mouth, under the shelter of the islai~d,is the safe and healthy anchorage we have twice mentionedsafe in all weathers and healthy in all seasons, requiring protection from no other point than Otter Island. Near this anchorage, but separated from it by the delta of the Ashepoo and Coin- bahee, is another equally healthy and safe anchorage in six fathoms of water, equidistant between Otter and Morgan Islands, and nearly one and a half nautical miles from eachnot easily molested, therefore, from the land, if Otter Island were in our possession. In crossing the bar and ascending the sound to reach the anchorage a vessel need not approach Hunting Island so near as two miles, or Otter Island nearer than one mile and a half. The Ashepoo is navi- gable for vessels drawing nine feet of water twelve miles above the point of Otter Island, where they can supply themselves with fresh water on the last of the ebb. Seven miles above is the mouth of Mos- quito Creek, which connects with the South Edisto through Bulls Cut. The light-draft steamers plying on the inland passage from Charleston south go through this cut, descend the Ashepoo, cross the Combahee Bank through a small channel, and thence ascend the Coosaw to Beau- fort and Port Royal Ferry. This is only j)ossible for steamers drawing five feet; those of larger draft must pass outside of Otter Island. We have to penetrate to the depth of six miles into the sound of Saint Helena to reach the point of junction of the Combahee and Coosaw Rivers. The first of these rivers is navigable for vessels drawing ten teet of water some twenty miles up. Fresh water may be had on the ebb about ten miles up. There is a boat connection with the Ashepoo seven miles up. The Coosaw is broader and shoaler than the Combahee; it forms a part of the interior navigation from Charles- toim. Steamers drawing eight or nine feet will run outside from Charleston to Saint Helena Sound, and entering the latter by the most convenient channel, according to the tide, will proceed up the Coosaw to its junction with Beaufort River at the brick-yard and thence down to Beanfort on the inside way from Savannah and Flor- ida; or the same steamer may continue up Coosaw River to its head, near Port Royal Ferry, and go thence through Whale Branch into Broad River and Port Royal Bay. Vessels bound up the Coosaw may go by the way of Morgami River to Parrot Creek, which connects the two rivers by a 15-foot channel. All these connections are readily traced on a map of a suitable scale. They are pointed out in detail because you will perceive from them how large a tract of country and how extensive, important, and complex a series of lines of interior trade and navigation will be threatened and commanded by the mili- tary possession of Saint Helena Sound Page 70 70 S.C.,S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. Hitherto we have specified two alichorages as desirable; it remains for us to speak of the third and the best. The south channel, as we have said before, has seventeen feet at low water and twenty-three feet at mean high water; it is therefore quite superior to the others. It leads to an anchorage in five fathoms of water within half a mile of the northeast point of Hunting Island and near the new light-house. Both the anchorage and the adjacent shore are healthy throughout the year. The island is about six miles long, with an average width of little more than half a mile to Johnsons Creek. It is wooded and is stocked with deer, being used as a game preserve. A small creek (Johnsons), with a narrow channel fifteen feet deep near its mouth, runs close to the shore. This is a suitable spot for a coaling depot. There is timber for constructing a wharf, for which there is a natural site iiear the mouth of a small creek. We have said that the two anchorages on the north and south sides of the sound are independent of each other. It is so, but the isolation of that which is protected by Hunting Island is the most complete. Here, as in Bulls Bay, and in these two places alone,the military occu- pation of a single point, remote and inaccessible to a large force except by great expense of time, labor, and money, secures the roadstead, the depot, and the channel of approach; and, in oreover, this channel is the best of the three leading into Saint Helena Sound, from the broader space of which it is effectually separated by a natural barrier of banks, partially (Iry at low water. Neither shells nor solid shot could molest the shipping, nor hardly projectiles from rifled cannon; and the pos- sessiomi of this anchorage commands a considerable extent of inland navigation, though less than that on the north side. Vessels of heavy draft can pass into Morgan River by turning the spit of a shoal near Hunting Island Point, and those of light draft by an inner channel between Oyster and Egg Banks. Vessels drawing ten feet of water may take an inside passage from Hunting Island to Port Royal Bay, entering the latter through Station Creek. Three points of meeting of the tide occur. The channel is bold in general, but intri- cate, requiring a pilot. Many wooded hummocks and one large house must be passed within pistol shot. Between Saint Helena Sound and Port Royal Bay are found four inletsFripps, Skull, Pritchards, and Trenchards, of which the first and last only, having ten and thirteen feet, respectively, at high water, caii be made available for the uses of commerce. It is estimated that 4,000 men, in addition to the co-operating naval force, would be sufficient to take and hold Hunting Island, which would be defended, like Bulls Island, by an inclosed work on the point and a line of intrenchments across from the sea to Johnsons Creek at some distance from the light-house. The intrenchinents would be less exten- sive on account of the island being much narrower. In order to fill out our notes on this vicinity we shall observe that at the eastern end of Saint Helena Island, which forms the right bank of the outlet of Morgan River into Saint Helena Sound, stands the plan- tation of Mr. Coffin, at whose house commences a public road, called the Sea-side road, that ext ends thirteen miles to Port Royal Bay, at Lands End. Two miles from Mr. Coffins a road diverges to the right, leading to Ladies Island and Beaufort, distant eleven miles. Both these roads are lined with the residences of gentlemen and sea-island cotton plan- tations. Parrot Creek, joining Morgan and Coosaw Rivers, has been referred to. Opposite to it is Village Creek, leading to a village on a bluff; the sum- mer resort of the Saint helena planters. Four fathoms may be carrie Page 71 Ca& r. LXV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 71 up Morgan River to Dathaw Island, which is separated from Saint Hel- ena Island by a creek. This creek unites at his head with Cowan Creek, while the latter separates Saint Helena from Ladies Island. Boats pass by this route from Beaufort to Saint Helena Sound. The road to Beau- fort from Ashtons, just mentioned, crosses the creek by a bridge at the plantation of the late Mrs. General Eustis. Ladies Island, at the head of Morgan River, is a little more than a mile wide. The town of Beau- fort is on the opposite shore of the river of that name. A road leads from Mr. McKees plantation, at the head of Morgan River, across to the bluff opposite Beaufort. The above description will enable you to form an idea of the interde- l)endence and of the intercommunication, by boat and carriage, between the islands filling up the head of Saint Helena Sound and the waters emptying into it of the advantages to be derived from its military occupation, and of the opposition, with its means and facilities of com- bination, which this occupation is likely to provoke. Port Royal Bay is the finest harbor south of Chesapeake Bay, which it resembles in capacity and extent. It is approached by three chan- nels, the least of which has seventeen feet of water, while the two others have nineteen feet at mean low and twenty-five feet at mean high water. Several of our screw frigates of the first class can pass the bar, and when the entrance is once made a whole navy can ride at anchor in the bay in uninterrupted health and security. The bar, ho~~ever, is badly situated; the narrowest and shoalest part is so far out froni the head- lands, which generally furnish natural beacons and sailing-marks, that a conspicuous object is needed on the spot. The light- ship should be replaced, and large buoys should be planted iii proper places (au open screw-pile basket-beacon, well braced, might be put down with great advantage in a well-protected spot, under the lee of Martins Industry and the southeast breakers). We are looking ahead a little in saying this. The absence of light-vessels, beacons, and buoys will by no means prevent access to the bay. The ships of the expedition will pass through a lane of small vessels anchored on the borders of the natural channel. It is probable that the entrance to the harbor has been fortified on both sides, and especially at Bay Point. This point may be approached in the rear by landing at Pritchards Inlet, next east of Trenchards Inlet, near high water, pulling through the creek connecting the two down Trenchards Inlet to a point near Luce Station, and thence passing along the beach and through the woods to Bay Point. On the Hilton Head side it is more difficult to take the point in the rear. The entrance is over two miles wide~ there is fine anchorage under Bay Point; on the shore there is a number of rough houses, the summer resort of planters. Under thehead of Saint Helena we have entered into some details respecting the interior com- munications and navigation that need not be repeated. The town of Beaufort, on Port Royal Island, has no commercial importance. During the hot weather, when the planters are in their summer residences, the population numbers about 2,000. At other l)eriods of the year it has but little more than 500 inhabitants. A bat- tery of eight guns, it is said, has been erected at the eastern end of the town. Water may be had at the Station Port Royal, Lands End, Saint Helena Sound, or by sinking wells from six to ten feet deep anywhere along shore, or casks at Bay Point. Near this point may be constructed a wharf for a coaling station above the mouth of the little creek that appears on the Coast Survey chart. The piece of marsh between the fast land and deep water (on the chart) must be crossed by a bridge. Timber grows close by. The woods directly in the rear of the sea-beac Page 72 72 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. consist chiefly of pine, interspersed with chinquapin and live-oak. Por- tions of the island are clear and open. Near the beach there are many clumps of myrtle bushes, matted together with jack vines and Cherokee roses. The island is healthy where exposed to the influence of the sea breeze. Parrys Island, which separates Beaufort and Broad Rivers, is about five miles long, and is devoted to the culture of sea-island cotton. Broad River is navigable up to Charleston and Savannah Railroad sta- tion at Pocotaligo. Steamers and sailing vessels from Saint Helena pass round Port Royal Island and enter Broad River by way of Port Royal Ferry and Whale Branch. Port Royal is one of the wealthiest of the sea islands, and is devoted to the culture of sea-island cotton. Besides this passage of communi- cation between Port Royal Bay and Saint helena Sound through Whale Branch there is a narrow passage, having nine feet at low water, between Lemon and flaw Islands, going down the Chechesee River and entering Skull Creek. A depth of nineteen feet may be carried from Port Royal Bay up Chechesee River to Foot Point, on the Colleton River. This range, a distance of miles, was surveyed in 1859 with reference to a naval depot and coaling station at Foot Point. Hilton Head Island, which is devoted to the culture of sea-island cotton, extends from Port Royal Bay to Calibogue Sound, and thirteen feet may be carried up the Chechesee, through Skull Creek, to the sound, which constitutes the inland passage to Savannah. The outer shore of Hilton Head Island is so effectually protected by (itaskin Bank and the shoals inside of it, that a landing is practicable in moderate weather. This is facilitated by an inshore channel within the outer breakers. It may be stated as one general fact, true of the whole coashof South Carolina, that there are from one to two feet less water on the bars during and immediately after westerly gales and as much more during and after northeast and southeast gales. The latter cause the heaviest sea. Another general fact is that those are the most healthy sites which are open to the direct action of the sea breeze. Sheltered points close to the sea-shore will often be unhealthy, while others with a southern exposure six or eight miles inland will be perfectly healthy during the summer and autumn. For the military occupation of Port Royal Bay it would be necessary, in order to escape molestation. to hold three points, and this would probably involve, as the easiest method of holding them, the occupation of the three islands of which these points form part; that is, Hilton Head Island, Parrys Island, and Phillips Island. It is difficult to give any precise estimate of the exact number of troops required to hold these islands. At the present moment, when most of the Southern troops are in Virginia or Tennessee, it is probable that, notwithstanding the con- tiguity of Savannah and Charleston, no very large bodies could be con- centrated against us, but the operation would be likely to withdraw the troops from the north. This effect, almost certain as it is, will com- pensate us for the application of a considerable force on this point. Six thousand men might take possession of Port Royal, but to hold it per- manently would probably require 10,000 or 12,000 men iu addition to the available Navy contingent. Of those three l)lacesBUlls Bay, Saint Helena Sound, and Port Royal Baywe have no hesitation in recommending the immediate mil- itary occupation of the first, for the reasons already fully given in the preceding pages, viz, its accessibility, direct channel, safe anchorage Page 73 CIL& p. LXV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 73 all of which make it a most convenient harbor of refuge, and its being securely held by the possession of a single point. With regard to Saint Helena Sound and Port Royal Bay there is more room for doubt. We have compared the two somewhat as follows: If Port Royal has the greater depth on the bar (twenty-three to twenty-five feet), yet the bar of the former is eight miles from the land, while that of the latter is only three miles and a half. Saint Helena is held by the occupation of a single point. Port Royal requires that three points should be taken and fortified. The entrance of the former is six miles wide, and the best channel can only be molested from Hunting Island; that of the latter is only two miles wide, and the attacking fleet will be subject to fire from both sides. The resources for wood and water are about the same in each. Saint Helena is more central between Charleston and Savannah; Port Royal commands a larger interior communication and trade. The noble bay of Port Royal comprises one large open space, capable of containing any number of vessels anchored in one body. The anchorages of Saint Helena are divided and distinct from each other. It seems to us that Saint Helena ought to be seized before Port Royal, because it will be so much more easily taken and held. The for- mer is a comparatively obscure place, little known and but little resorted to, while the latter is constantly talked of as the first point of attack, and is closely looked after. Stephen Elliott, jr., of Parrys Island, a nephew of George P. Elliott, has been employed in fortifying Port Royal, every foot of which he is familiar with, while not a planter knows Saint Helena. Finally, believing that the three points we have recommended will suffice for the purposes of coaling stations and harbors of refuge for the blockading squadrons, we are not disposed to recommend any imme- diate measures for the taking of Port Royal. The putting of 12,000 or 15,000 men thus in the immediate neighborhood of Charleston and Savannah and the presence of a considerable fleet in this noble harbor would doubtless be a sore annoyance to the rebels, and necessitate the constant maintenance of large forces in those cities and on those shores. Yet the same force, naval and military, organized as an expedition and held in hand at New York for a blow anywhere, would threaten not only Savannah and Charleston, but the whole Southern coast. If, in the organization of such a force, its destination should be abso- lutely undefined, the threat would be equally against every important point of the Southern coast from Hatteras to the Rio Grande. The simple putting to sea of such a force, if it were only to return to its port, would cause general alarm, and the Gulf States could no longer permit their troops to swell the armies of Virginia. 11 he force thus organized, after being, by frequent embaikations and disembarkations, used as a means of threat, and thus perfectly drilled to its intended service, might at last be permitted to strike its blow. Whether at New Orleans, or Mobile, or Pemisacola, or Savannah, or Port Royal, or that focus of rebellionthe scene of the great indignity offered our flagCharleston, might be decided at the last moment. We have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servants S.F. PU PONT, Captain, U. S. Navy, President. A. D. BACHE, Superintendent U. S. Coast Survey. J. G. BARNARD, Major, U. S. Engineers. CHAS. H. DAVIS, [6.] Commander, U. S. Navy, Secretary Page 74 74 S. C., S. GA.. MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. IIDQRS. OF THE ARMY, ADJUTANT-GENERALS OFFICE, Washington, January 20, 1862. Brig. Gen. T. W. SHERMAN, Commanding, & c., Port Royal, S. C.: SIR: Your letter of the 4th instant, judo sing the official report of Brig. Gen. I. I. Stevens, U. S. Volunteers, of his expedition, the object of which was to seize and destroy the enemys batteries on the main opposite Port Royal Island, and to bring away the guns and other prop- erty, has been received.* The General-in-Chief has read the reports with much satisfaction, and desires that his thanks may be conveyed to General Stevens and the troops engaged. In the words of the gen- eral, he is gratified at their celebration of New Years Day. I am, sir, & c., L. THOMAS, [6.] Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY, Washington, January 30, 1862. Brig. Gen. JOHN M. BRANNAN: GENERAL: So soon as arrangements have been perfected for the nec- essary supplies and ordnance you will please proceed at once to your destination, and on your arrival assume command of the Department of [Key West]. Your first and most important duty will be to place Forts Jefferson and Taylor on the war footing and in a thorough con- dition for defense, assigning the troops and distributing the guns and material at your disposal between the forts to the best of your judg- ment, and constructing such temporary batteries and defenses as, npoii consultation with the engineer officer, may seem advisable. Cause your men to be well instructed in the service of heavy guns. Preserve the strictest vigilance as to the admission of vessels of all kinds into the harbors, and allow no persons to visit the forts, except those in Gov- ernment employ, without a pass from the commanding officer. Repress all disunion movements in Key West, arresting any citizens whose pres- ence is manifestly dangerous to the Government or who may give aid and comfort to the rebels, if necessary sending them under guard to the North. In fine, exercise all the vigilance and precaution usual in time of war, bearing in mind that your greatest danger is from surprise, and that you are not likely to receive warning of the breaking out of hos- tilities. You will please afford such protection as may be iii your power to the Light-House Board in re-establishing and maintaining the lights most necessary for navigation in those waters, and cover die operations of the Coast Survey so far as may be done without risk. Should the commanders of Forts Pickeus and Ship Island call upon you in an emergency you will lend them such assistance as you can without risk to the security of your own posts. Should the state of affairs render it advisable to occupy Tampa for the purpose of procuring supplies of fresh beef for the army and navy forces in the Gulf, you are authorized to seize and hold it, calling upoii the naval commander in the vicinity for the necessary assistance. I hope to send you at an early day at least one steamer and one or more schooners. When you have transporta- tion you must use your discretion as to any movements upon Cedar Keys or Apalachicola. No movement on the former would be necessary, unless See Vol. VI, pp. 46, 47 Page 75 CHAP. LXV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 75 for a mere foray, except in case of the occupation of Fernandina by Sher- man; on the latter, advisable only to seize cotton and prevent contraband trade. You are authorized to occupy such land as may be necessary for the erection of batteries and defenses or for the encampment of your troops, and to take possession of any buildings which may be required for the preservation and security of public stores. As your command might suffer from the want of fresh water before the requisite condensers can be turnished, you are also authorized, in case of emergency, to take such supplies of it as may have been collected for sale to naval and other vessels. I am, & c., GEO. B. MCCLELLAN, Major- General, U. ~. Army, Commanding. GENERAL ORDERS, HDQR5. DEPARTMENT OF KEY WEST, No. 1. Key West, Fia., February 21, 1862. I. In accordance with General Orders, No. 3, headquarters of the Army, Adjutant-Generals Office, January 11, 1862, the undersigned assumes command of the Department of Key West. II. The following officers are announced as the staff: Chief of staff, Capt. Louis J. Lambert, assistant adjutant-general; medical director, Surg. C. H. Crane, medical department; assistant quartermaster, Capt. Inghaiu Coryell; aide-dc-camp, First Lieut. Ira V. Germain, Forty- seventh Pennsylvania Volunteers. * * * * * * * J. M. BIIANNAN, [6.] Brigadier- General, Commanding Department of Key West. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, No. 15. Hilton Head, Port Royal, & C., April 13, 1862. Capt. Marcus J. Parrott, assistant adjutant-general, is relieved from duty with General Hunter, and will report forthwith by letter to the Adjutant-General U. S. Army. By command of Major-General Hunter: CHAS. G. HALPINE, [14.] Assistant Adjutant- General. SPECIAL ORDERS, IIDQRs. DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, No. 28. Hilton Head, Port Royal, S. C., April 19, 1862. I. In compliance with instructions received from the honorable Sec- retary of War, Col. J. Wilson Shaffer, assistant quartermaster; Surg. Joseph K. Barnes, in edical director; Maj. Charles G. Halpine, assistant adjutant:general, and Capt. J. W. Turner, commissary of subsistence, are hereby relieved from duty in this department, and will report in person to the general commanding the Department of the Mississippi. * * * * * * * By command of Maj. Gen. I). hunter: ED. W. SMITH, Lieatenant a 11(1 A etin~q Assistant Adjutant- General Page 76 76 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, No. 10. ~ Hilton Head, Port Royal, S. C., May 9, 1862. The following communication from the Secretary of War is published to the troops in this department: WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington City, D. C., April 30, 1862. Maj. Gen. D. HUNTER, Commanding Department of the South: GENERAL: Your dispatches relating to the capture of Fort Pula~ki were duly received, and the congratulations and thanks of the Government are tendered to you and the forces nuder your command for that brilijaut achievement. Yours, truly, EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. By command of Maj. Gen. D. Hunter: ED. W. SMITH, [14.] Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. GENERAL ORDERS, ~ HDQIRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, No. 14. Stono River, 5. C., June 10, 1862. The major-general commanding cannot refrain from expressing his admiration of the noble coiiduct of the naval officers on duty in the Stono in support of the recent military operations iu that vicinity. Ever ready, and ever prompt, they have rendered invaluable services to the army. Captain Drayton, the commander of the squadron, by his manly, frank, and cordial co-operation, has won golden opinions from all the army officers who have had the pleasure of witnessing his operations. D. HUNTER, [14.1 Major- General, Commanding. SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, No. 123. ~ Hilton head, Port Royal, S. C., June 21, 1862. Brig. Gen. H. W. Benham will proceed immediately to the city of New York, from which point he will report by letter to the Adjutant- General of the Army. By command of Maj. Gen. D. Hunter: CHAS. G. HALPINE, [14.] Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS U. S. FORCES, SAVANNAH RIVER, Fort Pulaski, June 29, 1862. Major HALPINE, Assistant Adjutant- General: MAJOR: I have the honor to report that about noon to-day the enemy landed a small force on Jones and Bird Islands, in the Savannah River, and burned the houses, lookouts, & c., at our late batteries on those islands. The enemy also sent two small boats containing men to Turtle Island, opposite the fort, where we had commenced the erection of Page 77 CHAP. LXV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. UNION. 77 battery during the operations against Pulaski, evidently for the pur- pose of reconnoitering the island. I caused a few shells to be thrown there, and subsequently caused a sufficient force to be sent over under the command of Lieutenant Hurst, of the Forty-eighth New York Vol- unteers, but were too late to elThct the capture of any of the party. Captain Travis, of this regiment, who commands a company on Dau- fuskie Island, also reports that some twenty camp-fires were visible for the last two nights on the mainland opposite Cooper River, and that several of the enemys small boats have recently been down in the creek skirting Savage Island, and within sight of his pickets. Captain Travis has a 6-pounder howitzer at Cooper River, aud considers him- self able to hold the position, unless the enemy should land any con- siderable force at more than one point. I have the honor to be, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. B. BARTON, Colonel, Commanding Post. HEADQUARTERS U. S. FORCES, & C., Fort Pulaski, Ga., July 29, 1862. Captain BACON: CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that about midnight last night one of the enemys steamers was seen in the Savannah River off Cun- ninghams Pointthe southeastern end of Jones Islandheading toward the mouth of Wrights River, and evidently engaged, by means of small boats, in sounding out the channel. As I judged the steamer to be within long range of our heavy guns, I immediately directed a fire to be opened upon her with shell from the 10-inch columbiad on the northwestern angle of the fort. We could not judge with much accu- racy of the effect of our shot, but after a short time the vessel withdrew out of range, taking up a position farther up the river, off Long Island, where she remained some time and then apparently returned to Savan- nah. In my opinion it is by no means impossible for a steamer to run the blockade and get to sea by either of the two following routes, viz: Run. niug under the fire of the fort for a short distance and entering Wrights River at its mouth through Walls Cut, Bull River, Pull-and-be-Damned Creek, Cooper River, and Cahibogue Sound, and thus to sea by the channel, nearly three miles distant from our battery at the Martello Tower, or down Mud River, entering Wrights River entirely out of range of the fort for the rest of the distance by the route named above, and thus through Walls Cut. This last course is entirely practicable for vessels of light draft at extreme high tides, and under present arrangements not the least opposition could be offered on our part. A gun-boat or two in Calibogue Sound near the mouth of Cooper River would render the blockade effectual. I would respectfully submit that a small tug or steamer is urgently and constantly needed for duty at this post. As the condenser recently put up here has thus far failed to supply more than a third of the amount of water needed for daily use, we are obliged to bring the balance from Tybee Island. Our fuel is also brought from the same place, as also the plank and lumber used in the construction of platforms and repairs of the fort. We are, more- over, dependent upon a small boat for our communication through J3raddocks Point with headquarters, and in stormy weather this mod Page 78 78 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. is impracticable. The boat (Thomas Foulkes) now in the quartermasters department is exactly adapted, by her size, & c., for the performance of the service required here. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. B. BARTON, Colonel, Commanding. P. S.J am informed that since the evacuation of Daufuskie Island that negroes are in the habit of crossing and recrossing from Brad- docks Point to that place. At least three boats have been across to-day. Is this in accordance with the wishes of the general command- ing I Our dispatch boat in coming from Braddocks Point to this post is obliged to pass within rifle shot of Daufuskie Island or make a very long detour to Tybee Light. Are the dispatches not liable to be seized by the enemy if they occupy Daufuskie Island even temporarily I The above communication was forwarded to Major ilalpine, although addressed inside to Captain Bacon, the reason being that the latter officers office at Hilton Head being closed and lie gone away. W. B. BARTON, [14.] Colonel, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS U. S. FORCES, SAVANNAH RIvER, Fort Pulaski, Ga., August 5, 1862. Maj. C. G. HALPINE, Assistant Adjutant- General: MAJOR: I have the honor to report that, as stated by me verbally yesterday to the general commanding, about 12 m. on the night of the 4th an unknown steamer, apparently of iron, three masts (propeller), attempted to run the blockade toward Savannah and succeeded in mak- ing her way as far as Tybee Lights, when opposite which she was discov- ered by the lookout on the battery at the Martello Tower. Captain Ferguson, Forty-eighth New York Volunteers, commanding that work, at once opened fire upon her with his 12.pounder James rifle guns, and succeeded in causing her to put to sea, which she did as rapidly as possible. Captain Ferguson is confident that the steamer was hit some four or five times. The garrison at this place was alarmed by the firing from the Tybee, but owing to the darkness of the night did not see the vessel. The captain of the sutlers schooner Transit, now at this place, reports that on the night in question his vessel was lying off Tybee Bar, and that a steamer answering the above description passed him twice (in going and coming out). I have the honor to be, major, your obedient servant, WM. B. BARTON, Colonel Forty.eighth New York Volunteers, Commanding .Post. [14.] GENERAL ORDERS, ~ IIDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, No. 29. ~ Hilton Head, Port Royal, S. C., August 21,1862. Capt. Richard H. Jackson, First U. S. Artillery, and First Lieut. James II. Wilson, Topographical Engineers, are hereby appointed inspectors-general of this department, and will report to these head quarters for special instructions. D. HUNTER, Major- General, Commanding. [14. Page 79 CHAP. LXV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.TJNION. 79 GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, No. 30. flulton Head, Port Royal, S. C., August 21, 1862. I. Maj. Charles (4. ilalpine, assistant adjutant-general and chief of staff; having been ordered to report to Major-General ilalleck, com- mander-in-chief; for further orders, is hereby relieved from duty in this department. II. First Lient. Edward W. Smith, Fifteenth U. S. Infantry, is appointed acting assistant adjutant-general, and all communications to these headquarters will be addressed to him. * * * * * * * D. HUNTER, Major- General, Gommanding. HEADQUARTERS U. S. FORCES, SAVANNAH RIVER, Fort I~ulaski, Ga., August 30, 1862. Lient. E. W. SMITH, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General: LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to report, for the information of the general commanding, that, iii accordance with general verbal instruc- tions received from him, with thirty men of my command on board of the armed tug Starlight,I to-day went up the Bluifton River to a point opposite to and above the village of that name, driving in the rebel pickets on my way up. On the bluff near the village I discovered a camp of infantry, which I shelled quite thoroughly, but in consideration of the smallness of my force did not deem it prudent to land. I judge that the enemy has a collection of small boats above the point reached by me to-day, and think that with an additional steamer I could destroy these and inflict other damage. May I request that the George Wash- ington be placed (at least temporarily) at my disposal, and that she be sent here, if possible, to-morrow. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. B. BARTON, Colonel Forty-eighth New York Volunteers, Commanding Post. [14.] SPECIAL ORDERS, IIDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, No. 309. Hilton Head, S. C., October 2, 1862. I. Capt. M. R. Morgan, commissary of subsistence, is hereby relieved from duty in this department, and will report as soon as practicable to the Commissary-General at Washington, D. C. * * * * * * * By command of Maj. Gen. 0. M. Mitchel: ISRAEL R. SEALY, Second Lient., Forty-seventh New York Vols., Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen. [14.] SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ IIDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, No. 310. ~ Hilton Head, Port Royal, S. C., October 3, 1862. * * * * * * * II. Capt. Richard II. Jackson, First U. S. Artillery, is hereby relieved from duty as assistant inspector-general of this department, and ordere Page 80 80 s. c., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. to proceed North on recruiting service for the battalion of his regiment, now forming a part of the Tenth Army Corps. * * * * * * * * * * By command of Major-General Mitchel: ISRAEL R. SEALY, Second Lient., Forty-seventh New York Vols., Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen. [14.] GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, No. 44. ,( Hilton Head, Port Royal, 5. 0., October 11, 1862. I. The following-named officers are hereby announced as additional members of the staff of the major-general commanding the I)epartment of the South: Capt. J. J. Elwell, assistant quartermaster, U. S.Volunteers, assistant quartermaster; Capt. Charles Garretson, assistant quarter- master, U. S. Volunteers, quartermaster; Capt. Gideon Scull, cominis sary of subsistence, U. S. Volunteers, chief commissary of subsistence; C apt. L. A. Warfield, commissary of subsistence, U. S. XTolunteers, depot commissary; Capt. W. P. Martin, commissary of subsistence, U. S. Vol- unteers; Surg. C. II. Crane, Medical Department, U. S. Army, medical director; Maj. A. V. Elliott, Pay Department, U. S. Army, chief pay- master; Col. E. W. Serrell, New York Volunteer Engineers, chief engineer; Col. N. W. Brown, Third Rhode Island Volunteers, chief of artillery; First Lieut. J. W. Todd, Ordnance Department, U. S. Army, chief of ordnance; First Lieut. E. J. Keenan, Eleventh Pennsylvania Reserve Corps, chief signal officer. * * * * * * * By command of Maj. Gen. 0. M. Mitchel: [W. P. PRENTICE,] [14.] Assistant Adjutant- General. HILTON HEAD, S. C., October 25, 1862. Col. JOHN II. JACKSON, Third Regiment New Hampshire Volunteers: COLONEL: I have the honor to report that I left the Boston at 11 p. m. with twelve men and a negro guide to capture a picket-post. Went up the river by water to within two miles of my destination, lauded and reached the rear of the picket a little after daybreak; sent six men to occupy a dike in the rear, to capture any who might escape me, then advanced and captured two cavalry pickets, one a first lieutenant in Morgans cavalry, and learning that two more pickets would soon be in, ordered the dike guard to let them pass in, and stationed the remain- ing force about the grounds with orders to allow the rebels to enter the line and then capture them, which was done. I then embarked and returned to the fleet and delivered the prisoners to General Brannan; the property, consisting of 3 valuable cavalry horses, 4 sets cavalry equipments, 2 double-barreled fowling pieces, 1 rifle, 3 cartridge-boxes, and 3 belts, to Captain Coryell, quartermaster of General Brannan s brigade, by order of General Brannan. My thanks are due Master Ormond, of the gun-boat Paul Jones, who accompanied me with eight men. Your obedient servant, S. M. SMITH, Lieutenant, Third Regiment Neu Hampshire Volunteers. [14. Page 81 CHAP. LXV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 81 SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, No. 314. Hilton Head, Port Royal, AS~. 0., October 29, 1862. * * * * * * VII. Brig. tien. A. II. Terry will immediately assume command of the U. S. forces on Hilton Head Island. By order of Brig. Gen. J. M. Brannan: ISRAEL H. SEALY, Second Lieut., Forty-seventh New York Vols., Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen. SPECIAL ORDERS, IIDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, No. 349. Hilton Head, Port Royal, S. 0., November 1, 1862.. The garrison at Fort Seward, S. C., is hereby attached to the com- mand of Brig. Gen. A. H. Terry. By order of Brig. Gen. J. M. Brannan: ISRAEL H. SEALY, Second Lient., Forty-seventh New York Vols., Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen. SPECIAL ORDERS, IIDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, No. 394. Hilton Head, Port Royal, S. 0., December 26,1862. I. Brig. Gen. T. Seymour, U. S. Volunteers, is hereby placed in com- mand of the U. S. forces oti Port Royal Island. By command of Brig. Gen. J. lvi. Brannan: IRA V. GERMAIN, [14.] Lient. and Aide-de- Gamp, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. EIGHTEENTH ARMY CORPS, No. 85. New Berne, N. 0., December 30, 1862. * * * * * * * 16. The uniform or distinctive badge of this corps [ambulance] shall be, for private and lion-commissioned officers, a broad red band around the cap with a knot upon the right side, and a red band, one inch wide, above the elbow upon each arm. * * * * * * * By command of Major-General Foster: [JOHN F. ANDERSON,] [18.] Major and Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, No. 12. Hilton Head, Port Royal, S. 0., January 12,1863. I. The Seventh Connecticut Volunteers, Colonel Hawley, will embark on the transport Delaware to-morrow, and proceed to and take post at Fernandina, Fla., relieving the Ninth Maine Volunteers, Lient. Col. H. Bisbee commanding. II. Lieutenant-Colonel Bisbee, Ninth Maine Volunteers, on being relieved by the Seventh Connecticut Volunteers, will return by the 6 R RVOL LII Page 82 82 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. steamer Delaware with the regiment under his command and report to Brig. Gen. A. H. Terry, commanding officer at Hilton Head, S.C. * * * * * * * By command of Brig. Gen. J. M. Brannan: ISIIAEL R. SEALY, First Lient., Forty-seventh New York Vols., Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen. [14.] GENERAL ORDERS, IIDQRS. EIGHTEENTH ARMY CORPS, No. 13. New Berne, January 12, 1863. The following division flags will be adopted by the division com- manders of this corps: First Division, General Palmer, red and white; Second Division, General Naglee, red; Third Division, General Terry, bine and white; Fourth Division, General Wessells, blue; Fifth Divis- ion, General Prince, red and blue. The flag will be nine feet by six, and will designate the division headquarters. in transportation by water, each transport will carry at the fore the flag of the division to which she is assigned, with her appropriate number put on the flag. By command of Maj. Gen. J. G. Foster: SOUTHARD HOFFMAN, [18.] Assistant Adjutant- General. SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, No. 14. f Hilton Head, Port Royal, & C., January 14,1863. * * * * * * * II. The Ninety-seventh Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, Col. H. H. Guss commanding, will proceed to Hilton Head as early as prac- ticable to-morrow (January 15, 1863). Colonel Guss will report on his arrival to Brig. Gen. A. H. Terry, commanding Second Brigade. * * * * * * * By command of Brig. Gen. J. M. Brannan: LOUIS J. LAMBEI4T, 14.] Assistant Adjutant- General, Tenth Army Corps. SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ IIDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, No. 18. ~ Hilton Head, Port Royal, ~. C., January 21,1863. Brig. Gen. J. M. Brannan, U. S. Volunteers, is hereby relieved from duty in the Department of the South, and will proceed to Washington, where on his arrival he will report in person to Maj. Gen. II. W. Hal- leek, general-in-chief, U. S. Army. By command of Maj. Gen. D. Hunter: CHAS. G. HALPINE, [14.] Lieutenant- Colonel and Assistant Adjutant- General. SPECIAL ORDERS, )~ HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, No. 38. ~ Hilton Head, Port Royal, s3. C., January 29,1863. I. Colonel Morgan, Ninetieth New York Volunteers, will proceed with his command without delay to Key West, where he will assum Page 83 Ca& r. LXV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 83 command of the post, relieving Colonel Good, Forty-seventh Pennsyl- vania Volunteers. II. Colonel Good on being relieved of his command will immediately take the first transportation available for bringing him to these head- quarters, together with the six companies of the Forty-seventh Regi- ment Pennsylvania Volunteers now under his command in Key West. III. Lieutenant-Colonel Alexander, Forty-seventh Pennsylvania Volunteers, will remain in command of Fort Jefferson, Tortugas, Fla., retaining the four companies of the Forty-seventh Pennsylvania Volun- teers now tinder his command. By command of Maj. Gen. B. Hunter: CHAS. G. HALPiKE, Assistant Adjutant- General, Tenth Army Corps. SPECIAL ORDERS, IIDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, No. 62. Hilton Head, Port Royal, 5. C., February 9, 1863. Colonel Good, Forty-seventh Peiinsylvania Volunteers, will proceed ~o Beaufort, S. C., with the six companies of his regiment, and on arriv- ing there will, as senior officer, assume command of the post of Port Itoyal Island. By command of Maj. Gen. D. Hunter: CHAS. G. HALPINE, Assistant Adjutant- General, Tenth Army Corps. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, No. 79. Hilton Head, Port Royal, S. C., February 13,1863. I. The Forty-seventh New York Regiment, Lieut. Col. George B. Van Brunt, will proceed to the mouth of the Ogeechee without delay. fhe commanding officer will report to these headquarters for further instructions. * * * * * * * * * * By command of Maj. Gen. David Hunter: CHAS. G. HALPINE, [14.] Assistant Adjutant- General, Tenth Army Corps. SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, No. 87. ~ Hilton Head, Port Royal, S. C., February 16, 1863. I. In view of future operations, Brig. Gen. Henry M. Naglee, com- nanding U. S. forces, Saint Heleuia Island, S. C., will cause the division ~ommanded by Brig. Gen. 0. S. Ferry to be immediately embarked and 3i-ansported to Daufuskie Island, where they will establish a camp, Jeneral 0. S. Ferry becoming post commander of Daufuskie Island, md hereafter reporting direct to these headquarters. * * * * * * * By command of Maj. Gen. B. Hunter: CHAS. G. HALPINE, Assistant Adjutant-General, Tenth Army Corps Page 84 84 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. SPECIAL ORDERS, IIDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, No. 92. Hilton Head, Port Royal, S. C., February 18, 1863. The division commanded by Brig. Gen. Orris S. Ferry will remain on Saint Helena Island until further orders, the orders sending it to Dau- fuskie Island being suspended. By command of Maj. Gen. D. Hunter: CHAS. G. HALPINE, [14.] Assistant Adjutant- General, Tenth Army Corps. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE SOVTTH, No. 98. ~ Hilton Head, Port Iloyal, S. C., February 19,1863. I. In conformity with authority received from the War Department, Brigadier-General Saxton is hereby assigned to duty with troops and placed in command of the post of Port Royal Island, relieving Colonel Good, Forty-seventh Pennsylvania Volunteers. II. Colonel Good, when relieved by Brigadier-General Saxton, will immediately report with his coiumand at these headquarters for assign- ment to special service. * * * * * * * By command of Maj. Geii. D. Hunter: CHAS. G. HALPINE, [14.] Assistant Adjutant- General, Tenth Army Corps. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, No. 105. ~ Hilton Head, Port Royal, S. C., February 23,1863. Colonel Good, with the six companies Forty-seventh Pennsylvania Volunteers at this post, will proceed immediately to Key West aiid will assume command of that post and of the Tortugas. He will send two companies of his regiment to re-enforce Fort .1 efferson, retaining four at Key West. * * * By command of Maj. Gen. D. Hunter: CHAS. G. HALPINE, [14.] Assistant Adjutant. General, Tenth Army Corps. SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF TIlE SOUTH, No. 109. 5 Hilton Head, Port Royal, S. C., February 25,1863. I. Two regiments of infantry will be selected by Brigadier-General Naglee, commanding U. S. forces, Saint Helena Island, who will pro- ceed immediately to Beaufort, S. C., and report for duty to the com manding officer of that post. * * * * * * * * * By command of Maj. Gen. I). Hunter: CHAS. G. HALPINE, [14.] Assistant Adjutant-General, Tenth Army Corps. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, No. 118. 5 Hilton Head, Port Royal, S. C., March 2, 1863. The assignment of the Sixth Regiment Connecticut Volunteers to move from Port Royal Island is revoked hereby, and such regimen Page 85 CHAP. LXV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 85 will remain as at Present. The Fourth Regiment New Hampshire Vol- unteers will take the place of the Sixth Connecticut Volunteers, and will be held ready for immediate service, the commanding officer of the Sixth Connecticut Volunteers turning over to the commanding officer Fourth New Hampshire Volunteers all orders he may have received relative to the operations now pending. By command of Maj. Gen. D. Hunter: CHAS. G. HALPINE, Assistant Adjutant- General, Tenth Army Corps. SPECIAL ORDERS, IIDQRS. I)EPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, No. 1133. Hilton Head, Port Royal, & C., March 7, 1863. Brig. Gen. James II. Ledlie, chief of artillery to Major-General Fos- ter, is included in the operation of Special Orders, No. 97, current series, from these headquarters, and is relieved from duty in this department. He will proceed to North Carolina by the first opportunity. By command of Maj. Gen. D. Hunter: CHAS. G. HALPINE, Assistant Adjutant-General, Tenth Army Corps. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, No. 147. Hilton Head, Port Royal, S. C., March 17, 1863. Capt. Richard II. Jackson, First U. S. Artillery, is announced as act- Pig assistant inspector-general of the Department of the South, and will be respected and obeyed accordingly. By command of Maj. Gen. D. Hunter: CHAS. G. HALPINE, Assistant Adjutant- General Tenth Army Corps. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, No. 152. Hilton Head, Port Royal, S. C., March 19, 1863. The One hundredth New York Volunteers, Col. George B. Dandy, will proceed immediately to Stono River and occupy Coles Island, mouth of the Stono River, S. C. * * * By command of Maj. Gen. D. Hunter: CHAS. G. HALPINE Asst. Adjt. Gen., Tenth Army Corps, Dept. of the South. SPECIAL ORDERS, IIDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, No. 161. Hilton Head, Port Royal, S. C., March 26, 1863. I. The Fifty-sixth New York Volunteers (Lieutenant-Colonel Wheeler) and One hundredth New York Volunteers (Col. G. B. Dandy) will be attached to Brigadier-General Stevensons brigade, and the Eighty- fifth Pennsylvania Volunteers (Col. J. B. Howell) to the brigade, now commanded by Col. T. 0. Osborn, and of which Colonel Howell, as senior colonel, will assume command. This change to be effected immediately Page 86 86 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. II. Brigadier-General Stevensons brigade (Twenty-fourth Massa- chusetts, Tenth Connecticut, and Fifty-sixth New York), with Morri- sons battery (B), Third New York Artillery (six 12-pounder guns), will embark at once. Th4~ full supply of ammunition heretofore indi- cated will be taken and provisions to April 10. By command of Maj. Gen. D. Hunter: ED. W. SMITH, [14.] Assistant Adjutant- General. SPECIAL ORDERS, IIDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, No. 162. 5 Hilton Head, Port Royal, ~. 0., March 26, 1863. I. Colonel Putnam, with five companies of his regiment, will proceed immediately to these headquarters. Saint Augustine will for the pres- ent be left in command of Lieutenant-Colonel Abbott with the remain- ing five companies. II. Colonel Hawley will proceed immediately to these headquarters with five companies of his regiment. Lieutenant-Colonel Gardiner will be left in command of Fernandina with the remaining five conipa nies for the present. III. All the troops at Jacksonville will immediately be withdrawn. * * * * * * * By command of Maj. Gen. D. Hunter: ED. W. SMITH, [14.] Assistant Adjutant- General. SPECIAL ORDERS. HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, No. 168; ~ Hilton Head Port Royal, & 0., March 28, 1863. I. The two regiments of artillery (Third Rhode Island and Third New York) will constitute a brigade, to be commanded by Col. Edwin Metcalf, Third Rhode Island. II. Light Battery E, Third Artillery, Captain Rockwells Connecticut battery, and Companies F, I, and K, Third New York Artillery, are placed under command of Captaiu Hamilton, Third U. S. Artillery. III. The battalion of First U. S. Artillery, consisting of Companies B, C, D, and M, will be commanded by Lieutenant Henry, First U. S. Artillery. By command of Maj. Gen. D. Hunter: T. SEYMOUR, [14.] Brigadier- General and Chief of AS~taff. HDQRS. U. S. FORCES ON THE SAVANNAH RIVER, Fort Pulaski, Ga., March 30, 1863. Lient. Col. CHARLES G. HALPINE, Assistant Adjutant-General, Tenth Army Corps: COLONEL: I have the honor to report for the information of the major-general commanding the department that early this morning a schooner was reported to me off Daufuskie Island to the east of the plantation known as Stoddards, about five miles from the fort. The wind was at the time from the northeast and blowing a perfect gale. Judging from the appearance and position of the vessel that her bein Page 87 CHAP. LXV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 87 there was not the result of accident, but that her desigu had evidently been to run into Savannah, I immediately went on board steamer Mat- tano, taking with me Captain (Joan, Forty-eighth New York Volunteers, and a small detachment of his company, and directed Captain Blake- man, commanding the Mattano, to proceed at once toward her. As the schooner, notwithstanding our approach, showed no colors, I caused a shot from a 6-pounder to be fired across her, immediately upon which she hoisted the English flag. Having hailed her and received no satis- flictory reply, I directed Captain (Joan to board her and ascertain her name and character. She proved to be the schooner Expeditious, Cap- tain Edgecomb, with a cargo of 310 sacks of salt from Nassau, and ostensibly bound for Beaufort, N. C., for which port she had a sort of clearance. I therefore deemed myself justified in taking possession of the vessel, cargo, and crew, and at once towed her to the fort. The captain and mate on being closely questioned admitted that their desti- nation was Savannah, but that the night being dark they had lost their way. During almost all Saturday they were within a few miles of Port Royal Light Ship, and thus got the compass bearings, & c., of Tybee entrance. There exists not the least doubt as to the Expeditious being a would-be blockade-runner. She will be towed to Hilton Head by the steamer which takes this communication, and her papers will be handed to you. You will perceive that Captain Edgecomb was but recently in the employ of the United States Government as a pilot in the Banks expedition. I desire especially to commend Captain Blakemami, of the Mattano, for the zeal and intelligence with which he carried out my wishes in this matter not only, but which have characterized his entire conduct during his entire connection with the post. I have the honor to be, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. B. BARTON, [14.] Colonel Forty-eighth New York Volunteers, Comdg. Post. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, No.. U. S. Transport Canonicus, Stono Inlet, S. C., April 8, 1863. Brig. Gen. Israel Vogdes, U. S. Volunteers, is hereby assigned to the ~ommand of the brigade of Ferry~s division at present commanded by Dolonel Howell, Eighty-fifth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, and will report immediately to Brigadier-General Ferry for duty. By command of Maj. Gen. D. Hunter: CHAS. G. HALPINE, Lieut. Col. and Asst. Adjt. Gen., Tenth Amny Corps, Dept. of the South. 3PEC1AL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, No. 188. f Stono Inlet, S. C., April .9, 1863. Col. John Hay, of Illinois, private secretary to His Excellency the President, having tendered his services as a volunteer aide-de-camp on he staff of the major-general commanding, is hereby appointed and ~nnounced as such, and will be obeyed and respected accordingly. By command of Maj. Gen. D. Hunter: CHAS. G. HALPINE, Lieut. Col. and Asst. Adjt. Gen., Tenth Army Corps, Dept. of the South. [14. Page 88 88 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, No. 220. Hilton Head, Port Royal, S. C., April 22, 1863. The Third New York Artillery, Major Kennedy, is hereby relieved from duty in the Department of the South, nd will proceed to New Berne, iN. C., after turning over to the ordnance department its extra material (horses and guns); this order to include the batteries and foot detachments. * * * By command of Maj. Gen. D. Hunter: CHAS. G. HALPINE, Lieut. Col. and Asst. Adjt. Gen., Tenth Army Corps, Dept. of the South. [14.1 SPECIAL ORDERS, IIDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, No. 226. 5 Hilton Head, Port Royal, S. C., April 24, 1863. Capt. Walter McFarland, U. S. Engineers, is hereby relieved from duty in this department, and will immediately proceed to his proper post, Key West, Fla., Department of the Gulf. In taking leave of Captain McFarland the major-general commanding desires to thank him for the zealous and efficient manner in which during his period of service in this department he has discharged the duties of his position. By command of Maj. Gen. D. Hunter: CHAS. 0-. HALPINE, Lient. Col. and Asst. Adjt. Gen., Tenth Army Corps, Dept. of the South. [14.] SPECIAL ORDERS, IIDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, No. 235. 5 Hilton Head, Port Royal, S. C., April 25, 1863. I. The Sixth Connecticut and Fourth New Hampshire Regiments will proceed to Folly Island, commanding officers to report to Brigadier- General Yogdes for duty. II. The Third New Hampshire and Seventy-sixth Pennsylvania will land at Botany Bay Island, and with the Ninety-seventh Pennsylvania, which will be transferred from Seabrook Island to Botany Bay, will constitute a post at the latter-named place under the command of Col. Henry R. Guss. By command of Maj. 0-eu. D. Hunter: CHAS. 0-. HALPINE, Lieut. Col. and Asst. Adjt. Gen., Tenth Army Corps, Dept. of the South. [14.] SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ HDQRS. DEPARTMENJ OF THE SOUTH, No. 240. ~ Hilton Head, Port Royal, S. C., April 27, 1863. I. So much of Special Orders, No. 235, as transfers. the Ninety- seventh Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers from Seabrook Island, under General T. G. Stevenson, to Botany Bay Island, under command of Col. Henry R. Guss, is hereby revoked, and the Ninety-seventh Pennsylvania (Colonel Guss) will remain on Seabrook Island. JI. The Third New Hampshire and Seventy-sixth Pennsylvania will remain on Botany Bay Island under command of the senior office Page 89 CHAP LXV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 89 present, who will report to General T. 0-. Stevenson. commanding U. S. forces on the Edisto, for orders. By command of Maj. Gen. D. Hunter: CHAS. 0-. HALPIINE, Lient. Col. and Asst. Adjt. Gen., Tenth Army Corps, Dept. of the South. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, No. 247. flulton Head, Port Royal, S. C., ]Ifay 2, 1863. The steam transport Boston will immediately proceed to Saint Augustine, Fla., where the captain will report his vessel to Colonel Putnam. Colonel Putnam, commanding Saint Augustine, will imme- diately place five companies of the Seventh Regiment New Hampshire Voluiiteers on board the Boston, and send them to report to Colonel Hawley, commanding Fernandina. Colonel Hawley, on receiving the five companies Seventh Regiment New Hampshire Volunteers, will immediately embark five companies of the Seventh t~egiment Connecti- cut Volunteers on board the Boston, and will send them under a relia- ble officer to report to Colonel Putnam, commanding Saint Augustine. On the arrival of the five companies Seventh Connecticut Volunteers at Saint Augustine, Colonel Putnam will turn over the command of that post to the officer commaimding detachment of Seventh Connecticut Regiment, and will, with the remaining five companies of the Seventh Regiment New Hampshire Volunteers, proceed to Fernandina, where he will relieve Col. Joseph B. Hawley, commanding post. Colonel Hawley, on being relieved, will embark the remaining five companies of the Seventh Connecticut Volunteers on board the Boston and pro- ceed with them to Saint Augustine, where he will assume command. Immediately on the receipt of these orders Colonel Hawley will relieve Lieutenant-Colonel Gardiner, Seventh Regiment Connecticut Volun- teers, from duty with his regiment and order him to report to Brig. Gen. A. H. Terry, commanding post Hilton Head, for further disposi- tion. The chief quartermaster of department will see that the trans- portatioim requisite for the execution of this order is immediately furnished. By command of Maj. Gen. D. Hunter: CHAS. 0-. HALPINE, Lient. Col. and Asst. Adjt. (len., Tenth Army Corps, Dept. of the South. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, No. 250. Hilton Head, Port Royal, S. C., lIfay 2, 1863. Colonel Guss, Ninety-seventh Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, is hereby relieved from duty with his regiment and will proceed to Botany Bay Island, of which he will assume command, reporting to General T. G. Stevenson, commanding U. S. forces on the Edisto, for orders. By command of Maj. Gen. D. Hunter: CHAS. 0-. HALPINE, Lient. Col. and Asst. Adjt. (len., Tenth Army Corps, Dept. of the South Page 90 90 5. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH No. 268. 5 Hilton Head, Port Royal, S. C., May 11, 18G3. I. Brig. Gen. 0. S. Ferry, U. S. Volunteers, having returned to this department, is hereby assigned to the command of all the forces on the Edisto, including Seabrook and Botany Bay Islands, relieving General Thomas G. Stevenson, who will assume command of his brigade on Seabrook Island. * * * * * * * By command of Maj. Gen. D. Hunter: CHAS. G. JIALPINE, Lieut. Col. and Asst. Adjt. Gen., Tenth Army Corps, Dept. of the South. [14.] SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, No. 293. 5 Hilton Head, Port Royal, S. C., May 35, 1863. * * * * * * * II. The following-named regiments are relieved froni duty on the Edisto, and will, under the command of Col. Henry H. Guss, Ninety- seventh Pennsylvania ~Toluiiteers, immediately embark for Port Royal Harbor, taking post on their arrival at Lands End, Saint Helena Island: Third New Hampshire Volunteers, Colonel Jackson; Seventy- sixth Pennsylvania Volunteers, Licut. Col. J. C. Campbell; Ninety- seventh Pennsylvania Volunteers, Lient. Col. A. P. Duer. * * * * * * * * * * By command of Maj. Gen. D. Hunter: ISRAEL H. SEALY, First Lient., Forty-seventh New York Vols., and Aety. Asst. Adjt. (len. [14.] SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRN. DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, No. 327. 5 Hilton Head, Port Royal, S. C., June 10, 1863. * * * * * * * VII. A military post is hereby established at Lands End, Saint Helena Island, S. C. Col. Henry H. Guss is announced as comman- dant, and will assume command of all the forces on Saint Helena Island, reporting direct to these headquarters. * * * * * * * By command of Maj. Gen. D. Hunter: ISRAEL H. SEALY, First Lieut., Forty-seventh New York Vols., Aetg. Asst. Adjt. (len. [14.] SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, No. 330. 5 Hilton Head, Port Royal, S. C., June 11, 1863. In conformity with instructions of the War Department, Maj. J. C. Duane, U. S. Engineers, is hereby relieved from duty in the Depart- ment of the South, and will proceed north to take command of the battalion of U. S. Engineers. In taking leave of Major Duane the major-general commanding desires to express his sense of the zeal Page 91 CHAP. LXV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 91 activity, and skill displayed by Major Duane during his term of service in this department. By command of Major-General Hunter: CHAS. C-. HALPINE, Lieut. Gol. and Asst. Adjt. (len., Tenth Army Corps, Dept. of the $outh. SPECIAL ORDERS, IIDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, No. 354. 5 Hilton Head, Port Royal, S. 0., June 17, 1863. * * * * * * * V. The following temporary organization is announced for the forces ou Folly Island, S. C.: First Brigade, Col. H. S. PutnamSeventh New Hampshire Volunteers, Col. H. S. Putnam; Sixty-second Ohio Volun- teers, Col. F. B. Pond; Sixty-seventh Ohio Volunteers, Col. A. C. Voris; Fourth New Hampshire Volunteers, Col. Louis Bell. Second Brigade, Col. J. B. HowellEighty-fifth Pennsylvania Volunteers, Col. J. B. Howell; Sixth Connecticut Volunteers, Col. J. L. Chatfield; Thirty- ninth Illinois Volunteers, Col. T. 0. Osborn; One hundredth New York Volunteers, Col. C-. B. Dandy. By order of Brig. Gen. Q. A. Gilimore: ED. W. SMITH r28.] Assistant A~jntant- General. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, No. 362. Hilton Head, I~ort Royal, 5. 0., June 19, 1863. * * * * * * * III. The late temporary brigade organization of the Tenth Army Corps having ceased to exist, Col. II. R. Guss, Ninety-seventh Pennsylvania Volunteers, is relieved from the command of the troops lately constitut- ing the First Brigade, and will proceed to Seabrook Island and resume command of his regiment as soon as the court-martial of which he is a member is dissolved. By order of Brig. C-en. Q. A. Gillmore: ED. W. SMITH, Assistant Adjutant- General. SPECIAL FIELD ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPT. OF TIlE SOUTH, No. 3 (676). 5 U. S. Transport Mary Benton, July 11, 1863. * ,~ * * * * * II. The Forty- seventh New York Volunteers, now at Ossabaw island, will proceed to James Island without delay and report to Brigadier- General Terry, commanding First Division, taking with them three (lays cooked rations. The regiment will bring with them all Govern- ment property at Ossabaw Island and turn over all the guns, ordnance, ordnance stores, exe ept small-arm ammunition, to the ordnance officer at Hilton Head. * * * * * * * * * * By order of Brig. C-en. Q. A. Gillmore: ED. W. SMITH, Assistant Adjutant. General Page 92 92 S. C., S. GA. MID. & E. FLA. & WEST. N. C. rcITAP. LXV. SPECIAL ~HDQIIS. DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, FIELD ORDERS, In the Field, on Board U. S. Transport No. 4 (677). ) Mary Benton, July 11, 1863. Lieut. Co]. IR. II. Jackson, assistant inspector-general, and Capt. L. L. Langdon, First U. S. Artillery, are hereby relieved from special duty to which they were assigned by recent orders from these headquarters. The general commanding desires to thank these officers for their effi- cient service in directing the fire of the batteries oii the morning of the 10th instant. By order of Brig. Gen. Q. A. Gillmore: ED. W. SMITH, [28.] Assistant Adjutant- General. SPECIAL ) HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, FIELD ORDERS, U. S. Transport Mary Benton, No. 5 (678). ) July 14, 1863. I. The forces on Morris Jsland, except the regiment of the volunteer engineers, will be divided into two brigades, as per letter of instructions of this date and will be nnder the command of Brigadier-General Sey- mour. The engineer troops will be under the coinwand of their colonel, who will report direct to department headquarters. II. The forces on Folly Island will be under the command of Brig. Gen. Israel Vogdes. * * * * * * By order of Brig. Gen. Q. A. Gilhnore: ED. W. SMITH, [28.] Assistant Adjutant- General. SPECIAL FIELD ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, No. 13 (686). Morris Island, 5. 0., July 20, 1863. I. Col. NY. NY. H. Davis, One hundred and fonrth Pennsylvania ~fo1- unteers, is hereby assigned to the comnmand of the forces on Folly Island. II. The Forty-seventh New York Volunteers will form a part of the command on Folly Island, and will report to Col. NY. NY. H. T)avis, One hundred and fourth Pennsylvania Volunteers, commanding. * * * * * * * V. Col. NY. NY. H. Davis, commanding U. S. forces on Folly Island, will send the Fourth New Hampshire Volunteers to Morris Island immediately to report to Brigadier-General Vogdes. * * * By order of Brig. Gen. Q. A. Gilimore: ED. W. SMITH, [28.1 Assistant Adjutant- General. SPECIAL ORDERS, DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, HEADQUARTERS IN THE FIELD, No. 462. ) Morris Island, 5. 0., August 5, 1863. I. Col. D. C. Strawbridge, Seventy-sixth Pennsylvania Volunteers, will proceed with his regiment to Hilton Head and relieve Col. Edwin Metcalf, Third Rhode Island Artillery, in command of the post. * * * * * * * * * By order of Brig. Gen. Q. A. Gillmnore: ED. NY. SMITH, Major and Assistant Adjutant- General. [28. Page 93 CHAP. LXV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 93 SPECIAL ORDERS, DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, HEADQUARTERS IN THE FIELD, No. 482. ) Morris Island, S. 0., August 17, 1863. Colonel. Tilghman, Third U. S. Colored Troops, will disembark with his regiment and report for duty to Brigadier-General Terry. com- manding forces oii Morris Island, S. C. By order of Brig. Gen. Q. A. Gilimore: ED. W. SMITH, Mc~jor and Assistant Adjutant- General FORT MONROE, VA., August 28, 18631.40 a. m. (Received 2 a. in.) Major-General HALLECK, General-in- Chief: The U. S. steamer Western World, Captain Gregory, arrived at 11 p. in. from the blockading squadron off Wilmington. Captain Gregory reports that he left the squadron at 4 oclock on Monday evening, 24th; that during the night he encountered a gale which broke the rudder- head of the vessel and compelled him to put into Beaufort for tempo- rary repairs. He left Beaufort on Wednesday evening at 10 oclock. On Monday evening at 3 oclock, one hour before the Western World left, the U. S. steamer Florida arrived from the fleet off Charleston, which place she left on Sunday eve, the 23d, bringing the important report that Fort Wagner and Fort Sumter had been reduced, aiid that our own troops now occupied those forts. This report, Captain Gregory says, has also been received at the fleet off Wilmington from prisoners taken. The report was not contained in the Richmond papers of the 25th (the news from which was telegraphed you); still it may be true, as the rebels are slow to report bad news. The Western World also brings good news from the fleet off Wilmington. On Sunday, the 23d, Admiral Lee ran up the beach to the position where the English steamer Hebe had been driven on shore, and, forming in line of battle with the Minnesota, iNiphon, Shokokon, James Adger, and Western World, at tacked a battery supported by the rebels to protect her and the working parties engaged in removing her cargo. Engagement lasted about two hours, resulting in the dispersion of the rebel force of 300 men; killing of 8 men and the wounding of 1; the capture of 2 guns, one an Armstrong and the other a Whitworth, and the total destruction of the Hebe; the capture of army clothes and other things that the rebels had got ashore. In addition to this an expedition under Captain Cushing, an hour before this, captured a schooiier of eighteen men near Old Topsail Inlet. The schooner was lying close in to shore; Captain Cushing ran in with six men in a boat, and by giving orders to an imaginary fleet of boats deceived the enemy and made them 3urrender. J. G. FOSTER (Copy for the President.) Major- General. [28.] SPECIAL ORDERS, DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, HEADQUARTERS IN THE FIELD, No. 563. ) Folly Island, S. 0., October 14, 1863. * * * * * * * IV. Col. J. It. Hawley, Seventh Connecticut Volunteers, will procee Page 94 94 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. with his regiment to the south end of Saint Helena Island and will report in person for instructions at these headquarters. * * * * * * * * * * By command of Maj. Gen. Q. A. Gilimore: ED. W. SMITH, [23.] Assistant Adjutant- General. GENERAL ORDERS, DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, HEADQUARTERS IN THE FiELD, No. 94. ) Folly Island, ~. C., October 28, 1863. I. Medals of honor for gallant and meritorious conduct during the operations before Charleston will be awarded by the commanding gem eral to a number of the enlisted men of this command, not exceeding 3 per cent. of the present aggregate strength of those regiments, com- panies, and detachments that have been in action or on duty in the batteries or trenches. Candidates for these honors will be nominated by company officers, acting for their respective companies in the capacity of a board. The recommendations of these boards will be forwarded to post commanders, through the usual channels, accom- panied by remarks of approval or disapproval of the intermediate commanders, set opposite the name of each candidate. The lists thus obtained will be examined and pronounced upon by boards convened by post commanders, and composed exclusively of field officers, and will then be forwarded to these headquarters. II. In honor of some of the brave men who have fallen on Morris Island during the present campaign, the following names are adopted for the works herein below designated, viz: The work at Cummings Point will be known as Fort Putnam that next to it, on Morris Island, as Battery Chatfield; Fort Wagner as Fort Strong; the new work near the south end of Morris Island as Fort Shaw; that on Oyster Point as Battery Purviance, and that on the north end of Folly Island as Fort Green. By command of Maj. Gen. Q. A. Gilimore: W. L. M. BURGER, L28.] Assistant Adjutant-General. SPECIAL ORDERS, DEPARTMENT OF TIlE SOUTH, HEADQUARTERS IN THE FIELD, No. 531. ) Folly Island, AS~. 0., October 28, 1863. * * * * * * * I. The brigade of Colonel Howell, consisting of the Sixty-second Ohio, Sixty-seventh Ohio, Thirty-ninth Illinois, and El ghty-fifth Penn- sylvania Volunteers, will proceed to the south end of Folly Island and report to Brig. Gen. A. Schimmelfennig, commanding post. * * * * * * * By command of Maj. Gen. Q. A. Gillmore: ISRAEL R. SEALY, Captain, Forty-seventh New York Vols., Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen. [28. Page 95 CHAP. LXV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 95 SPECIAL ORDERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, HEADQUARTERS IN THE FIELD, No. 613. ) Folly Island, S. C., November 19, 1863. * * * * * * * II. Capt. Loomis L. Langdon, First U. S. Artillery, will proceed with his battery to Hilton Head and report to the commanding officer at that L)ost. The quartermasters department will furnish transportation. By command of Maj. Gen. Q. A. Gillmore: W. L. M. BURGER, [28.] Assistant Adjutant- General. SPECIAL ORDERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, HEADQUARTERS IN THE FIELD, No. 621. ) Folly Island, S. C., November 27, 1863. I. Lient. Peter S. Michie, Corps of Engineers, will establish himself on Morris Island and take charge of the engineering operations there, under instructions from these headquarters. He will keep the com- manding officers of that post informed as to the condition of the works and the nature of the operations going on. * * * * * * * * * * By command of Maj. Gen. Q. A. Gillmore: ISRAEL R. SEALY, 28.] Captain, Forty-seventh New York Vois., A. ctg. Asst. Adjt. Gen. SPECIAL ORDERS,) DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, HEADQUARTERS IN THE FIELD, No. 658. Folly Island, S. C., December 18, 1863. * * * * * * * II. Col. J. C. Abbott, Seventh New Hampshire Volunteers, will pro- ceed with his regiment to Saint Helena Island and report to Col. J. R. Hawley, Seventh Connecticut Volunteers. * * * * * * * * * * By command of Maj. Gen. Q. A. Gillmore: ED. W. SMITH, [28.] Assistant Adjutant. General. CONFIDENTIAL.] HILTON HEAD, S. C., January 12, 1864. Hon. IRA HARRIS, Senator from New York, Washington, D. C.: Mv DEAR SIR: I take the liberty of writing to you again upon the subject upon which I have previously written, because I conceive it to be of such momentous import, nationally, that it is worthy of the Arongest and fullest consideration. Meade and Grant are now idle, Lnd idle they must be for many months. All efforts against Charleston ire now virtually abandoned. Savannah will not be attacked. A ~rifling expedition to reclaim Florida may be undertaken, bnt it will )e trifling because Florida will fall of itself when Johnston is beaten nd destroyed, and meanwhile all efforts should be concentrated to ~ccomplish that desirable end. But this movement I have described is f only less consequence than was the opening of the Mississippi; i Page 96 96 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. divides the Confederacy again, and in such a maimer that it places us upon interior lines, upon the communications of both Lee and Johnston, and where we can be more easily and safely supplied than under any other circumstances. We can win no decisive battles unless, strategically as well as tactically, we hazard the enemys lines of communications, and this is the fundamental principle of successful war as enunciated by the grandest of all warriorsNapoleon. This principle we too often have forgotten in this war, and the sooner we recur to it the more surely we shall win decided success. Now, I can scarcely hope that this project can be seen precisely as I, who have studied it for months past, clearly see it; but it can be submitted to any competent critic, and it has already been so submitted, and has met approval. It is of sufficient consequence to be placed before those in authority; and if it so appears to you I should be glad if our highest authority, the President or thc Secretary of War, should have it brought to his consideration. These views might, if you please, be expressed as your own, but the facts and principles are changeless and belong to the art of war. I am sure that General Gillmore approves them. Among many who are wondering why this winter cannot effect some progress toward ending this war these views will be instantly received. Nowhere else can such work be done, and it is not myself if these views are correct that you are doing a service, but the cause for which we are equally working. I shall consequently be very grateful if you can take some fitting occasion to advance these opinions. And although they might be very properly brought forward through the usual military channels, you are aware that other and more influential modes of accomplishing a desirable end or object has often resulted in the public gain. And I beg you to believe that I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, T. SEYMOUTh [Inciosure.] THE MILITARY PROBLEM JANUARY, 1864. The Southern Confederacy is a line from Richmond to Montgomery or Mobile. Lees army holds one extremity, John stoims time other. Sup- pose that we are as successful in pushing back from their position as we desire those armies. The result will inevitably be that, at the cud, a large central mass of resistance will be left that will possess con- stantly the advantage of operating upon interior while the surrounding forces are operating upon exterior lines, and constamitly will be in thc most disadvantageous position possible. By placing an army on thc lines of railroad between Lees and Johnstons armies we assume our selves a central and interior position, with all its advantages, and i such force be sufficiently strong it can operate successfully again& either of the existing rebel armies, or, at least, can effect the most povi erful diversion in favor of either Meade or Grant. There is every reasom why such a movement should be made. The Southern Confederacy by it would be again divided as effectually as by the opening of the Mis sissippi; Johnston amid Lee would be separated forever, and the Con federacy paralyzed. Grant can only advance to Atlamita (12() miles) i~ face of a powerful foe, holding every strong position, which he is doubt less strongly fortifying this wimiter, and by roads that are poor and country filled with defiles~ and then move eighty miles farther (in al 200) in order to reach Macon. At least this will be the work of a yea Page 97 CHAP. LXV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNLON. 97 and may not be successful. Meade can only advance by l)ushing Lee from oiie river to another, each of which will be as strongly defended as the Rappahannock and the James. It is hardly probable that such advance will be much more easily made hereafter than in the past. But between Charleston and Savannah are excellent harbors, deep streams penetrate to the Charleston and Savannah Railroad, and from many points of this railroad it is only forty miles to Branchyille, S. C., at which place both the grand routes between Lee and Johnston are elThct- nally occnpied by us. If our force is large enough to push on to Augusta, Savannah will fall of itself; and Charleston will also fall soon after Branchyille is occupied, and Charleston will fall in no other way. There is no reason why this operation should not be made immediately. Fifty thousand men are required to commence it. Lee and Johnston must detach large forces to prevent the most secure method of weaken- ing them. South Carolina wonld be converted into the battlefield of the war, and probably, eventually, Braggs (Johnstons) and Lees armies would appear on this field. Meanwhile, we are occupying and fortifying strong positions, in which we could securely await attack; and at all times the base (in these sea-coast islands) is the best possible, and supplies can be furnished by sea iii the shortest and cheapest possi- ble manner. In this region of pine roads are always good, the country 7 R UVOL LIII (The~ red lzne.~ in ~ke orz~nmd ~re Aen~. indicated ~y the dotted lines. Page 98 98 S. C.. S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. always healthy, and armies can operate at all times of the year. The accessions of blacks would be the greatest possible; large forces could soon be organized. By spring, when any troops sent from the North might be compelled to return, enough blacks might be organized to hold this region securely. This is the most important movement that we can now undertake; all others are insignificant in comparison, and but small force (comparatively) is to be met in putting it in execution. Neither Charleston or Savannah require to be taken in order to effect it; neither are even desirable; but both must fall as a sequence of an extended operation. At present we ignore our greatest advantages, the posses- sion of the sea, and of these harbors, and our perfect ability to separate Lee from Johnston forever, and the future advantage of taking such a position can readily be seen by inspecting the map given here. [35.] SPECIAL ORDERS,) DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, HEADQUARTERS IN THE FIELD, No. 18. 5 Folly Island, S. C., January 14, 1864. * * * * * * * XVI. Col. Guy V. Henry, Fortieth Massachusetts Volunteers, will proceed with his regiment to Hilton Head and report to Brig. 0-en. T. Seymour. * * * By command of Maj. 0-en. Q. A. Gillmore: ED. W. SMITH, Assistant Adjutant- General. SPECIAL ORDERS, DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, HEADQUARTERS IN THE FIELD, No. 20. ) Folly Island, S. C., January 15, 1864. * * * * * * * VII. The two posts heretofore established on Folly Island are hereby merged iiito one, under the command of Brig. 0-en. 0-. II. 0-ordonq U. S. Volunteers. * * * * * * * By command of Maj. 0-en. Q. A. Gilimore: ED. W. SMITH, [35.] Assistant Adjutant. General. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, No. 31. Hilton Head, S. C., January 28, 1864. I. The Forty-seventh, Forty-eighth, and One hundred and fifteenth New York Volunteers and Seventy-sixth Pennsylvania Volunteers will constitute a brigade, to be commanded by Col. W. B. Barton, Forty- eighth New York Volunteers. * * * * * * * By command of Maj. 0-en. Q. A. Gillmore: ED. W. SMITH, Assistant Adjutant. General Page 99 CHAP. LXV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 99 SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH No. 43. Hilton Head, S. 0., February 5, 1861. * * * * * * * XX. On the departure of Brigadier-General Seymour, Col. J. B. Howell will assume command of Hilton Head, Fort Pulaski, and Tybee arid Saint Helena Islands. By command of Maj. Gen. Q. A. Gillmore: ISRAEL B. SEALY, Gaptain, Forty-seventh New York Yols., Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen. FINNEGANS CAMP, February 9, 1864. Major-General GIELMORE: SIR: I arrived here last night about 9 oclock. About sundown a train came to the depot and hurried off all that could be got away before we could reach it. The Forty-seventh, Forty-eighth, and One hundred 3ind fifteenth [New York] are here; the Seventh Connecticut, Third United States, and Eighth United StatesHenrys commandI sent cm last night to Baldwin. It is probably there before this time. I ;hall move on that far to-day unless you think proper to ordei differ- 3ntly. The subject of provisions will be one of great difficulty. Unless a train is put on the road you cannot subsist any force ieyond Baldwin with wagons. I hope, therefore, all haste will be nade to get up the Fernandina train; we are not likely to take any other. Colonel Henry annouiices the capture of a battery of ~ve guns last night two miles in advance of this. I send back for ?he train to bring up whatever is now in the wagons to this camp, ud then will order it to return for hard bread, coffee, sugar, and salt, w hard bread and salt alone. We can find cattle in the country. mt the train should have been up last night. The Second South Caro- ma I propose to leave at Jacksonville to work; the Fifty-fourth to ome out here with ten days hard bread, & c., to this camp. All troops hat come out must come very light, but with plenty of hard bread. Respectfully, T. SEYMOUR. If you want to see what Florida is good for come out to Baldwin. [35.] JACKSONVILLE Fe Jolonel TILGHMAN, , bruary 12, 1864. Baldwin: Send scouts to the fords of the Saint Marys River, and send any mportant information you get to Geiieral Seymour and myself Report y telegraph when they start. The dispatch just sent to (Aeneral eymour through you shows the object in view. GILLMORE, General. BALDWIN, February 12, 1864. eneral GILLMORE: I have sent a scout toward Saint Marys River. They are not willimig c go farther than six or seven miles to-night. At daylight they wil Page 100 100 S.C.,S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. pnsh on to the fords, said to be eleven miles distant. Will report results to you and General Seymour instantly. TILGHMAN, [35.] Colonel. JACKSONVILLE, February 12, 1864. General SEYMOUR: I have directed Colonel Tilghman to send scouts to the fords of the Saint Marys River and to forward to you any important information he may get. GILLMORE, [35.] General. JACKSONVILLE, February 12, 18641 p. m. General SEYMOUR: Your dispatch of 7 oclock this morning received.* As you have ordered Henry back to the South Fork of Saint Marys, I presume you consider the enemy too strong in your front. Send me your latest reliable information of the enemy. I shall garrison Palatka with the Saint Augustine command under Colonel Osborn, Twenty-fourth Mas- sachusetts. Keep a force well out toward Sanderson if practicable. GILLMORE, [35.] General. SANDERSON, [February] 12, [1864]2 p. rn. General GILLMORE: Colonel Henry has just arrived. Both Henry and Elder confirm my views as to holding only the South Fork of the Saint Marys at present. I shall strengthen that point, also Calhihan, and when forage and pro- visions are right another advance will secure your object with as much certainty as now. Henry will go to Gainesville to-night to catch the trains there. I shall stay here at Sanderson a little while. Probably Henry will go from Gainesville to Barbers or Baldwin. Will you send two or three companies of the Second South Carolina to Middleburg, in order to occupy the bridge at that place? Now, if you choose, con- centrate troops at Jacksonville or at any other point where they can be supplied, and as I want them to advance I will call them up to Barbers before going farther on. Respectfully, T. SEYMOUR, Brigadier- General. Will you get the naval force at Fernandina to destroy all the ferry: boats in Saint Marys River up as high as can be reached? And when an advance is made there should be a naval demonstration against Savannah at the same moment or just before, and with as many trans- ports as can be shown. I shall expect Hamilton and such regiments as have been ordered to me, and you can send them to Baldwin. T. S. Henry wants the saber and revolver badly, and needs them if they can be had. [35.] See Vol. XXXV, Part I, p. 283 Page 101 CHAP. LXY.1 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 101 hEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, Jacksonville 1? Maj. Gen. Q. A. O-ILLMORE, , ebruary 16, 1864. Commanding Department of the South: GENERAL: The proposed system about being established for move- ments in Florida consists essentially of a well-secured base, with a strong movable column to push well in advance and to be kept con- stantly active. The command of this advanced force is consequently of great importance, and that it should be iii the hands of an officer of approved judgment and experience. It will be impossible for me to remain with it constantly, and I earnestly request that a brigadier- general on whom I can rely may be ordered to me for this purpose. If it be possible that (Jol. M. R. Morgan, Subsistence Department, can be appointed to that grade, I should much prefer him to any other availa- ble officer. The fact of his being a Southern man, of unquestionable devotion and loyalty, of a most sound and prompt judgment, and of excellent habits of disciplineall these indicate him as being a proper officer. There is but little doubt in my mind but that the people of this State, kindly treated by us, will soon be ready to return to the Union. They are heartily tired of the war; and such an officer as Colonel Morgan can assist me very materially in bringing about this end. Yery respectfully, your obedient servant, T. SEYMOUR, Brigadier- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF FLORIDA~, Brigadier-General TURNER, February 16, 1864. - Chief of Staff: GENERAL: The accompanying letter to Major-General Gillmore is intended to secure, or to assist in securing, Colonel Morgans appoint- ment.* I need him badly. If that cannot be I need General Ames, and shonld like to have him without delay. The locomotive will be on the road to-day and running. I want a printing press still more. It caused me infinite disgust that the past should have not been fully improved, and hope that when 1 move I shall be prepared to talk with the people otherwise than personally. Send me a press therefore; I have written to Colonel Smith about it. Respectfully, f. SEYMOUR, Brigadier- General, Commanding. The necessity of having somebody in front is so great that I trust General Ai~es will be sent immediately, if only temporarily. T. SEYMOUR. P. S.Colonel Henry returned to Barbers this morning, having lost the road to Gainesville. [35.] SANDERSON Fe General TURNER. , bruary 20, 1864. Have met the enemy at Olustee and now falling back. Many wounded. Think I may be compelled to go to Baldwin, but shall go to See next, ante Page 102 102 5, C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. Barbers immediately. Fribley, killed; Saminon, Hamilton, Myrick, wounded; seven guns lost. A devilish hard rub. [35.] T. SEYMOUR. BALDWIN, February 21, 1864. General TURNER: Colonels Sammon, Hamilton, Myrick, McCrea, and Captain Dunbar are wounded. It is very doubtful whether we can get the wounded in. [35.] ___ T. SEYMOUR. SPECIAl. ORDERS, IIDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, No. 70. Hilton Head, S. C., February 23, 1864. I. Upon the arrival of the brigades of Generals Ames and Foster at Jacksonville, Fla., the Fourth New Hampshire Volunteers will return without (lelay to Beaufort, S. C. * * * * * * * * * * By comniand of Maj. Gen. Q. A. Gillmore: ED. W. SMITH, [35.] Lieutenant- Colonel and Assistant Adjutant- General. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, No. 79. Hilton Head, S. C., February 28, 1864. I. Major Sanford, Seventh Connecticut Volunteers, will proceed with- out delay to Jacksonville, Fla., with the officers and men of the Seventh Connecticut Volunteers, Seventh New Hampshire, and Eighth U. S. Colored Regiment, and the camp and garrison equipage pertaining thereto, reporting on his arrival to Col. J. H. Hawley, commanding brigade. * * * * * * * * * * By command of Maj. Gen. Q. A. Gillmore: ISRAEL R. SEALY, [35.] Captain, Forty-seventh New York Vols., Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, No. 104. Hilton Head, S. C., March 12, 1864. * * * * * * * III. Brig. Gen. William Birney, U. S. Volunteers, will proceed to Beaufort, S. C., with one regiment of his command, reporting to Brig- adier-General Saxton, commanding post. * * * By command of Maj. Gen. Q. A. Gillinore: ED. W. SMITH, [35.] Lieutenant-Colonel and Assistant Adjutant- General. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, No. 105. Hilton Head, S. C., March 13, 1864. * * * * * * * III. The Seventh U. S. Colored Troops will proceed without delay to Jacksonville, Fla., and report to Brigadier-General Seymour, command- ing District of Florida. * * * By command of Maj. Gen. Q. A. Gillmore: ED. W. SMITH, Lieutenant- Colonel and Assistant Adjutant. General Page 103 cHAP. LXV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 103 SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ HDQRS. I)EPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, No. 150. Hilton Head, KS. (J., April 11, 1864. * * * * * * * II. Col. W. B. Barton, Forty-eighth Yew York Volunteers, will pro. ceed with the following regiments of his brigade to Hilton Head, and report to Col. J. B. Howell, Eighty-fifth Pennsylvania Volunteers, corn- maiiding district: Forty-seventh New York Volunteers, Forty-eighth New York Volunteers, One hundred and fifteenth New York Volun- teers. * * * * * * * * * By command of Maj. Gen. Q. A. Gillmore: El). W. SMITH, Lieutenant- Colonel and Assistant Adjutant- General. HDQRS. DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, I)EPT. OF THE SOUTH, Jacksonville, April 12, 1864. Maj. Gen. Q. A. GILLMORE, Commanding Department of the South: GENERAL: Major Brooks arrived this afternoon with your orders. Every effort is being made to carry them out without loss of time. Five steamers will be employed removing troops and stores to Picolata. As soon as this is done the troops ordered north will come to this point and take shipping for Hilton Head. The Spaulding leaves to-morrow morning with the Seventh Connecticut; the Cosmopolitan will follow her day after to-morrow with the Seventh Yew Hampshire. We have to-day established communication by signal with the mouth of the river. The Cossack is telegraphed as off the bar with a general officer on board. The following disposition will be made of the troops for the present: Picolata, Montgomerys brigade and one battery; Yellow Bluff and Saint Johns Bluff one regiment; scouting the country between Saint Johns River and the coast, Henrys light brigade, less four com- panies; remainder of command at Jacksonville. Henry will draw his supplies from Saint Augustine, near which place he will make his head- (luarters. As soon as I learn definitely that the enemy are withdraw- ing their forces Henry will be directed to cross the river and make raids into the country of the enemy. I suspect that part of the enemys force are already leaving the State, but have no positive information on that subject. I regret having to evacuate Palatka, as a number of the citizens who have showim Union sentiments will be forced to leave their homes. There is more Union sentiment among the people than is generally supposed. All that is needed to develop it is the assurance that the Government will not again abandon the country. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. P. HATCH, [35.] Brigadier- General, Comm a4ding. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE SouTH, No. 238. 5 Hilton Head, S. C., June 11, 1864. I. The commanding officer of the Fifty-second Pennsylvania Volun. teers, with his regiment, will immediately proceed on receipt of this order to Folly Island, S. C., reporting to Brig. Gen. A. Schimme Page 104 104 S.C., S. GA., MiD. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. fennig, commanding Northern District, Department of the South, for duty. * * * * * * * * * * By command of Maj. Gen. J. G. Foster: W. L. M. BURGER, [35.] Captain and Assistant Adjutant-General. IIDQRs. DEPT. OF SOUTH CAROLINA, GEORGIA, AND FLORIDA, Charleston, S. C., June 22, 1864. Maj. Gen. J. G. FOSTER, Commanding Department of the South, Hilton Head: GENERAL: Your letter of the 16th, * in reply to mine of the l3th* instant, has been received. As we have both been recently assigned to our respective commands, it may be well that we should understand correctly the circumstances under which the fire on this city was com- menced and has been continued. You, I think, seem to be under some apprehension in regard to the matter. First, you inaccurately assume that before opening fire on this city Major-General Gillmore, in accord- ance with the usuages of civilized warfare, notified General Beauregard of his intention, in order that non-combatants might be removed, and thus women and children be spared from harm. Secondly, you evi- dently mistake the object of the bombardment. On the 21st of August last a letter without signature was sent from Major-General Gillmores headquarters to General Beauregard, informing him that unless certain extraordinary conditions were complied with, or if no reply thereto was received within four hours after the delivery of the letter at Battery Wagner for transmission to Charleston, fire would be opened on the city from batteries already established. General Beauregard received that letter after 11 oclock at night, and two hours later, when this city was in profound repose, Major-General Gillmore opened fire on it and threw a number of the most destructive projectiles ever before used amidst the sleeping and unarmed population. If Major-General Gill- more only desired to go through the barren form of giving notice of his intention, without allowing the non-combatants time to withdraw, he would have accomplished that useless end if in his haste and eagerness to begin his wicked work he had not forgotten to sign so important a letter. The time allowed was four hours from the delivery of the letter at Battery Wagner for transmission to General Beauregards headquar. ters, five miles distant. Major-General Gillmore knew very ~ve1l that in the ordinary course of transmission all the time allowed would elapse before he could receive a reply to his demand, and lie knew quite as well that it was impossible in the brief space of time allowed to remove the non-combatants of a large and populous city. It is clear, therefore, that due time was not allowed and that the object of the notification was not that non-combatants might be removed. You say: Many months since Major-General Gilimore, U. S. Army, notified General Beaure- gard, then commanding at Charleston, that the city would be bombarded. This notice was given that non-combatants might be removed, and thus women and children be spared from harm. * * That city is a depot for military supplies. It contains not merely arsenals, but also foundries and factories for the manufacture of muni- tions of war. In its ship-yards several armed iron-dads have been already com- pleted,while others are still upon the stocks in course of cGmpletion. Its wharves and the banks of the rivers on both sides of the city are lined with batteries. To (lestroy these means of coatinning the war is, therefore, onr object and duty. * See Vol. XXXV, Part II, pp. 134, 132, respectively Page 105 CHAP. LXY.] CORRESPONDENCE. ETC.UNION. 105 Major-General Gilimore says iii his letter of the 21st of August last to General Beauregard: I have the honor to demand of you the immediate evacuation of Morris Island and Fort Sumter by the Confederate forces. The present condition of Fort Sumter and the rapid and progressive destruction which it is undergoing from niy hatteries seem to render its complete demolition within a few hours a matter of certainty. All my heaviest guns have not yet opened. Should you refuse compliance with this demand, or should I receive no reply thereto within four hours after it is delivered into the hands of your subordinate at Fort Wagner for transmission, I shall open fire on the city of Charleston from batteries already established within easy and effective [range] of the heart of the city. He proposed to fire on the city of Charleston to enforce the surrender of Morris island and Fort Sumter. His language admits of no doubt. The price of refusa.l to comply with his d~inands was the threatened destruction of the city of Charleston, for he resorts to no such pretexts as that he would destroy the batteries, ship-yards, iron- dads, arsenals, foundries, and depots of supplies. He says: I shall open fire on the city of Charleston from batteries already established within easy and effective [range] of the heart of the city, where lay the sleepiiig women and children, the anticipated victims of his wicked purpose. The object of the fire, according to Major-General Gillmore, was to enforce the surrender of an important fort which he could not reduce, tbr after withstanding for nearly a year the most formidable bombardment from land and naval batteries ever before directed on one fort, the Confeder- ate flag now flies over Fort Sumter. Failing in that, his next object was to destroy the city to its very heart, or to make it uninhabitable by non-combatants. Independently of the declaration of Major-General Gillmore that his purpose was to reach the heart of the city, the manner in which the fire has been directed from the commencement shows beyond doubt that its object was the destruction of the city itself, and every part of it, and not, as you assume, to destroy certain military and naval works in and immediately around it; for if the works you mention have been the marks, the fire has been so singularly wild and inaccurate that no one who has ever witnessed it would sus- pect its object. The shells have been thrown at random, at any and all hours, day and night, falling promiscuously in the heart of the city, at points remote from each other and from the works you memition. Many (I believe the greater number of them) have been thrown in the night, whmemi it was impossible to see the object fired at. They have not fallen mu or been concentrated for any time upon any particular locality, as would have been the case if directed on a particular fixed object for night firing; but they have searched the city in every direc- tion, indicating no purpose or expectation 011 the part of those directing time fire of accomplishing any military result, but rather the design of destroying private property and killing some persons, no matter whom most probably women and childremi quietly sleeping in their accustomed beds. A few weeks since, between 1 and 2 oclock at night, one of your shells passed within a foot of the bed occupied by a muan and his wife. fhey were of the class whom your people demionmin ate American iitizens of African descent, and were more than half a mile from the nearest military or naval work. Again, your fire has been so slow that almost any damage, save the ~hance explosion of a magazimie, that you could reasonably expect one ;hot to effect could ordinarily be repaired before the next shot was ired. The object of your fire may legitimately be judged of by its mffects. It has never suspended for an imistant the labor on or in any nilitary or naval work, factory, foundry, arsenal, or depot of supplies Page 106 106 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. it has never killed or wounded, so far as I can learn, a soldier or a laborer engaged thereon; but it has damaged a number of private houses in the heart of the city, and killed and wounded some non- combatants. Indeed, it seems that, with the exception of an old man, an octogenarian, killed whilst quietly sitting by his fire at miight, the only persons killed have been women and children. You know per- fectly well that a fire such as I have described could not have had for its object the destruction of certain specified fixed military and miaval works. But there are other peculiarities about the firing that preclude the supposition that its object was what you allege. Having failed to frighten the Confederate commander into compliance with his unreason- able demands, Major-General Gillmore threw a few more shells (twenty- seven in all) into the city, for no conceivable object than to frighten away and kill a few non-combatants, to sh ow how far he could throw his projectiles, and gratify a spirit of malice, and then ceased. From the 24th of August to the 27th of October not a shot or shell was thrown into the city. He doubtless supposed that by that time the non-combatants, whom he imagined had been frightened away, had returned to the city, for he knew very well that the mass of the non- combatant population of a large city, situated as Charleston, would not and could not abandon their houses permanently and become home- less wanderers. He knew that the climate of the country inunediately around Charleston was considered deadly at that season of the year to white persons, and that if any poor people, unable to procure residences in the sparsely settled interior, had fled on the beginning of the fire to the immediately surrounding country to escape his shells, they wonld naturally, after so long an intermission of fire, return to the city to escape the malaria, in ore deadly than his projectiles. On the 27th of October, after an interval of more than two months, without a word of warning, he again opened fire, and threw a few shells into the city just enough to frighten, irritate, and kill a few non-combatants, but not enough to produce any military result, and then ceased firing for three weeks. On the 17th of November he again opened amid continned a very slow fire. It was apparent that the fire was especially directed at churches during the hours of public worship. Christmas day, 1863, the anniversary of the advent of the Prince of Peace, when the angels proclaimed peace on earth and good will to men, a day of general thanksgiving and rejoicing, was ushered in by Major-General Gillmore with a fire more than tenfold heavier and more continnous than usual. These facts, aside from the expressed declara- tion of Major-General Gillmore, show conclusively that the object of the fire was not and has not been what you allege, and they show, besides, that it has been conducted in a spirit of mere malice and cruelty. If, therefore, your object in ordering or permitting the fire is the destruc- tion of the works you mention, it is very manifest that your subordinates who immediately direct it are actuated by no such purposes. By your long residence in or near this city you especially have accurate knowl- edge of the localities of the works in question, and if after you receive this letter your fire is directed as it has beemi heretofore I shall be con- firmed in the belief that your object is not what you assert it to be, but simply the destruction of private property and the lives of non-combat- ants. This city is not, and never has been during this war, besieged in any correct acceptation of that term. It is partially blockaded on the water front. In all other respects it is as opemi as it ever was. Persons pass in and out of it at pleasure, and the inhabitants, a large number 01 whom have never left the city, pursue their accustomed avocations Page 107 CHAP. LXV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 107 Awl here I may notice your extraordinary statement that I have retained women and children in positions exposed to your fire, only to say that no control whatever has been exercised over them, and I can- not suppose that you really believed the mass of the non-combatant population of Charleston had abandoned the city. Your only land bat- teries are under the guns of your war vessels. The nearest one is about five miles distant and fires over our intermediate batteries into the city, from which your fire has never been returned. Those batteries you know must be taken, silenced, or turned before you can hope to occupy and possess the site of this city and its harbor. The fire has been such as you very well know could not lessen by one hour the duration of this war or produce any material military result. Under the foregoing state- ment of facts I cannot but regard the desultory firing on this city, which you dignify by the name of bombardment, from its commencement to this hour, as unchristian, inhuman, and utterly indefensible by any law, human or divine. To this city, thus circumstanced, the prisoners of war referred to in my letter of the 13th instant have been sent for safe-keeping. You assert this to be an act of indefensible cruelty, unknown to honorable warfare. If it were so, it would ill become any officer of your Govern- ment to raise the question, for it would fall so immeasurably short of the innumerable crimes perpetrated by your armies, with the approval and sanction of your Government, that in comparison with them it would seem like the tenderest care that a mother could bestow on a child. Your Government has retained at the head of one of its armies a general whose conduct in this war has acquired for him such notorious infamy that his name is a by-word and reproach in every land where the events of the war are known; and at the head of another of its armies a general who publishes to the world and instructs his officers that for the loyal citizens of the Southern Confederacy death is mercy; the quicker he or she is disposed of the better ~ that Satan and the rebellious saints of heaven were allowed a continuance of existence in hell merely to swell their just punishment, and that to such as would rebel against a Government so mild and just as ours was in peace, a punishment equal would not be unjust. The officers of such a Govern- ment are precluded from raising any question as to the observance or non-observance of the rules of honorable warfare. But it is not true that the prisoners of war now in this city are treated with any cruelty. They are in a large city, not besieged, but partially blockaded by land and naval batteries, from five to ten miles distant. They are pro- vided with commodious and comfortable quarters, remote from all mili- tary and naval works, or any other object on which you may legiti- mately fire, and they are treated with all the consideration due to prisoners of war. They are surrounded by citizens of all classes and conditions, and it cannot be regarded as an act of cruelty to place them in the immediate neighborhood of the houses occupied by our wives and children. I desire, and have so directed, that they be treated with all the consideration and kindness due their rank and condition, and I will greatly deplore any necessity you may force on me to direct any change in that course of treatment. You regard that treatment as justifying you in asking your Government to place in your custody an equal num- ber of prisoners of like grade, to be kept by you in positions exposed to the fire of my guns. We direct our fire only on your batteries, ship- ping, and troops. If you will direct your guns only on the works that ~~ou distinctly specify as the objects of your fire, or on any object in which in honorable foe may legitimately fire, the prisoners of war and thei Page 108 108 s. c., s. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. neighbors, non-combatants, women and children, among whom they live, will be in no danger whatever from the effects of your shot. If the C. S. officers, prisoners of war, shall be placed by you as you indi- cate, I have to ask that you will, as promptly and minutely as I have done, inform me when and where they are placed and how treated. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, SAM. JONES, [3~~.] Major- General, Commanding. SPECIAL ORDEIIS, ~ WAR DEPT., ADJT. GENERALS OFFICE, No. 275. Washington, August 19, 1864. * * * .* * * 2. Brig. Gen. Daniel P. Woodbury, U. S. Volunteers, commanding 1)istrict of Key West, Fla., will turn over his command to the next officer in rank and report without delay to the Adjutant-General of the Army in this city. * * * * * * * By order of the Secretary of W ar: E. D. TOWNSEND, [35.] Assistant Adjutant- General. SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ HDQRs. DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, No. 307. Hilton Head, S. C., August 20, 1864. 1. The Second Battalion, Fourth Massachusetts Cavalry, now at this post, will immediately proceed, with all their camp and garrison etiui- page and horses, to Jacksonville, Fla., reporting to Brig. Gen. John P. Hatch, commanding district, for dnty. * * * * * * * * * * By command of Mmmj. Gen. J. G. Foster: THOMAS J. ROBINSON, First Lieutenant, Twenty-first U. KS. Colored Troops, [35.] Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, No.364. Hilton Head, S. C., October 16, 1864. * * * * * * * III. The One hundred and twenty-seventh New York Volunteers is hereby relieved from duty in the iNorthern l)istrict, Department of the South, and will proceed at once to Beaufort, S. C., wit Ii camp and gar- rison equipage. The commanding officer will report to Brig. Gen. It. Saxton, commanding District of Beaufort. * * * * * -* * * * * V. The One hundred and fifty-seventh New York Volunteers is hereby relieved from duty in time iN orthern District, I)epartment of the South, and will proceed at once to Fort Pulaski, (4 a., with camp and garrison equipage, and will act as guard over the rebel prisoners of war and accompany them from Morris Island. ~ * * By command of Maj. Gen. J. G. Foster: W. L. M. BURGER, Captain and Assistant Adjutant- General Page 109 CHAP. LXV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 109 SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQR S. DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, No. 25. 5 * Hilton Read, 5. C., January 29, 1SGJ. * * * * * * II. The Thirty-fourth U. S. Colored Troops, now serving with the Coast 1)ivision, will proceed to Florida and report to Brig. Gen. E. P. Scammon immediately on the receipt hereof. * * * * * * * * * By command of Maj. Gen. J. G. Foster: TII()RNI)JKE 1). IIOI)GES, Captain, Thirty-fifth U. S. Colored Troops, Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, No. 130. 5 Hilton Head, S. C., ilfay 21, 18G5. * * * * * * * III. Byt. Col. II. 1). Wallen, Commanding Seventh U. S. Infantry, is hereby ordered to proceed with his command to Jacksonville, Fla., reporting there to Brig. Gen. [.Yogdes, commanding district. * * By command of Maj. Gen. Q. A. Gillinore: T. D. llOl)GES, Captain, Thirty-fifth U. S. Colored Troops, Actg. Asst. Adjt. (Jen. [47.] SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, No. 149. 5 . Hilton Head, S. C., June 8, 18G5. I. At his own request Bvt. Maj. Gen. C. Grover is relieved from (luty in the Department of the South. He will proceed to his place of resi- dence and report thence by letter to the Adjutant-General of the Army. The members of his personal staff have permission to accompany him, and will also report by letter to the Adjutant-General of the Army. * * * * * * * By command of I\Jaj. Gen. Q. A. Gillmore: W. L. M. BURGER, 47.] . Assistant Adjutant- General. SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH No. 164. Hilton Head, S. C., June 23, 1865. The State of South Carolina is hereby divided into four military dis- victs, as follows: First. The Military District of Eastern South Carolina, comprising ~.he districts of lorry, Georgetown, Marion, Williamsburg, Marlborough, I )arlin gton, Sumter, Kershaw, and Chesterfield. Brigadier-General Heal is assigned to the command of this district, with his headquarters it Florence. His force will comprise his own brigade and a battalion f cavalry, to be designated by Bvt. Maj. Gen. J. P. Hatch. He will 2stablish a depot of supplies on the Sautee River at the crossing of ~he Northeastern Railroad. Second. The Military District of Charleston, comprising the districts f Charleston, Colleton, Orangeburg, Lexington, Baruwell, amid Rich- and. Bvt. Maj. Gen. J. P. Hatch is assigned to the commnandpf this listrict, with headquarters at Charleston Page 110 110 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CRAP. LXV. Third. The Military District of Western South Carolina, comprising the districts of Lancaster, Fairfield, Chester, York, Union, Newberry, Edgefield, Abbeville, Laurens, Spartanburg, Greenville, Anderson, and Pickens. Brevet Brigadier-General Van Wyck is temporarily assigned to tlie command of this district, with his headquarters at Alston. His force will comprise his own regiment, and in addition thereto, one regi- ment of infantry and a battalion of cavalry, to be designated by Bvt. Maj. Gen. J. P. Hatch. Fourth. The Military District of Port Royal, comprising the district of Beaufort only. Bvt. Maj. Gen. E. E. Potter is assigned to the com- mand of this district, with headquarters at Hilton Head. Fifth. Those portions of the District of Charleston and the District of Western South Carolina lying contiguous to the Savannah River, and now occupied by the troops of Brevet Brigadier-General Molineux, commanding the District of Northern Georgia, will remain under the command of that officer until further orders. Sixth. Bvt. Maj. Gen. J. P. Hatch, commanding District of Charles- ton, will at once establish a depot at Orangeburg of sufficient capacity to satisfy all requisitions for commissary supplies for the District of Western Soutli Carolina. Seventh. Brevet Brigadier-General Van Wyck will at once organize and put in operation a supply train between Orangeburg and Alston for his own command, making requisition on General Hatch for neces- sary transportation. Eighth. The chief quartermaster will assign a light-draft steamer, to ply between Charleston and the railroad crossing of the Santee River, of sufficient draft to take the inland passage. This steamer will be under control of General Beal, and will not be interferred with by other commanders. By command of Maj. Gen. Q. A. Gillmore: W. L. M. BURGER, [47.] Assistant Adjutant. General. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH No. 170. Hilton Head, S. C., June 28, 1865. * * * * * * * Vii. The First Ohio %Javalry, Colonel Eggleston commanding, hav- ing reported for duty to the department, will be distributed by the colonel of the regiment as follows: One battalion of four companies to the District of Eastern South Carolina, one battalion of four companies to the District of Charleston, and one battalion of three companies to the District of Western South Carolina. The dismounted men of the regiment will be mounted without delay on horses turned in by the artillery. Colonel Eggleston, after carrying out this order, will report in person to the department headquarters. * * * * * * * By command of Maj. Gen. Q. A. Gillmore: T. I). HODGES, Captain, Thirty-fifth U. S. Colored Troops, Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen. [47.] SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, No. 172. Hilton Head, S. C., June 29, 1865. I. Bvt. Brig. Gen. Stewart L. Woodford, U. S. Volunteers, is hereby relieved from the command of the post of Savannah, and will repor Page 111 CHAP. LXV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 111 in person to the major-general commanding the department at Hilton Head, S. 0., to resume his duties as chief of department staff. II. Bvt. Brig. Gen. E. P. Davis is hareby assigned to the post of Savannah, and will forthwith relieve Bvt. Brig. Gen. Stewart L. Woodford, U. S. Volunteers. * * * * * * * IV. The brigade of troops commanded by Bvt. Brig. Gen. E. P. Davis, IJ. S. Volunteers, is hereby assigned to duty in the District of Savannah. * * * * * * * By command of Maj. Gen. Q. A. Gilltnore: ED. N. KIRK TALCOTT, [47.] Lieutenant and Aide-dc-Camp. 3PECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH No. 174. Hilton Head, S. 0., June 30, 1865. I. Bvt. Brig. Geii. W. T. Bennett is assigned to duty according to is brevet rank, subject to the approval of the President, and will eport to Bvt. Maj. Gen. John P. Hatch for assignment to the com- iand of the post of Charleston in the place of Col. and Bvt. Brig. sen. William Gurney, whose regiment is to muster out of service. The nanks of the major-general commanding are hereby tendered to ~revet Brigadier-General Gurney for the zeal, ability, and efficiency lisplayed by him while in command of the city of Charleston. * * * * * * * By command of Maj. Gen. Q. A. Gillmore: W. L. M. BURGER, [47.] Assistant Adjutant- General. CON7FEDEHATE COIRT~ESPONDENCT~, IETO. }. B. DUVAL, WASHINGTON, January 1, 1861. Montgomery, Ala.: I know no determination by the Cabinet. It is thought a majority re against evacuating Fort Sumter. Nothing certain. It is said the 3resident will send a message to-morrow. BEN. FITZPATRICK. Facts connected with the seizure of Fort Pulaski. EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, Milledgeville, Ga., January .2, 1861.* As the facts connected with the occupancy of Fort Pulaski by State oops may become the subject of future inquiry, I deem it proper to )read upon the Executive Minutes a brief statement of the occurrences )nnected with this transaction. When it had been ascertained that the State of South Carolina would, ithe meeting of her convention, which was to assemble in December, From Executive Minutes of the State of Georgia Page 112 112 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. 1860, secede from the Union, 1 am credibly iiiformed a l)ortLoIL of the South Carolina delegation iii Congress called on the President of the United States and held an interview with him for the pnrpose of bring- ing about an understanding that iio change should be made in the military statns of the forts at Charleston (Major Anderson with prob- ably 70 to 100 men then being in Fort Moultrie), and in consideration that the status should not be changed and that no re-enforcements of Federal troops should be sent to Charleston, they proposed on their part that the authorities of South Carolina would make no assault upon Major Anderson and his force, then iii Fort Moultrie, till the necessary steps could be taken to settle all pending questions between the State and the Federal Government by negotiation. It was gen- erally understood by the country that such an agreement as the one above mentioned had been entered into between the President and the Carolina authorities, and that Governor Floyd, of Virginia, then Sec- ictary of War, had expressed his determination to resign his position in the Cabinet in case of refusal by the l~resident to carry out the agreement in good faith. The i-esignation of Governor FIoy(l was there- fore naturally looked to, should it occur, as a signal given to the South that re-enforcemeuts were to be sent to Charleston and that the coercive policy had been adopted by the Federal Government. Just at this period it began to be suspected that the President was becoming unset- tled in his determination to preserve the peace, and that coercion might be attempted to compel South Carolina to submit to the laws of the Union. The canvass in Georgia for members to the State con- vention was progressing with much interest on both sides, when to the astonishment of all, it was announced that Major Anderson had spiked the guns and burned the gun carriages in Fort Moultrie and had taken possession of Fort Sumter in the night without the knowledge of the South Carolina authorities. After South Carolina had seceded she sent commissioners to Wash- ington to treat with the President for the delivery of the forts and for the general adjustment of pending difficulties. The correspondence between them amid the Presideimt, as the pubhicatiomis show, had been very unsatisfactory to South Carolina, resulting iii a refusal of the President to give up the forts, or to give any guarantee that they would not be re-enforced. The commuissioners telegraphed the result of their mission to their comivemition, still in session at Charleston, and the con- veimtion communicated it to me. At this juncture in these complicated affairs, Governor Floyd resigned his positioim in the Cabinet for the reason, as it was understood, that the President refused to carry out in good faith the pledges made to the Carolina Congressmen, and that it was then the determination of the Government to re-enforce tlme forts at Charleston and in other Southern States. Soon after his resignation the telegraph brought the information that Mr. Ilolt, Postmaster- General, who was understood to have a(lvocated the coercmve policy in the Cabinet, had been appointe(l Acting Secretary of War. The day I learned these facts I received a telegram from Colonel Lawton, of Savan- nah, earnestly requesting me to come to Savannah at once. On the morn- big of January 1,1861,1 left Milledgeville for Savannah, accompanied by Adjutant-General Wayne. We arrived there at 9 p. in., and at once eimtered into co~msultation with the leading military men of the place, amid with Colonel Hardee, then of the U. S. Army, who was known tc be the friemid of Georgia, and who, it was understood, would i-esign as soon as she seceded. I was informed that there was great l)opulaI apprehension that Fort Pulaski would be garrisomied with United State Page 113 OHAP. LXV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 113 troops if not occupied by State troops. My own opinion front the lights before me was that there might be great danger of such an occurrence, and in case Fort Pulaski should be strongly garrisoned by Federal troops and our State should secede, it might cost us the lives of hnndreds, if not thousands of our bravest citizens, besides much treasure, to dislodge them, while if permitted to remain they would command the entrance to Savannah and be a menace and reproach to the State. 1 did not doubt that the State would secede, and I therefore considered the question one 3f the greatest importance. I heard respectfully and at full length all ihat the military men had to say on the subject. They differed in opinion. Phose considered the best authority nearly all opposed the immediate )ccupation of the fort by the State troops. One of them said to me: If .ou take possession of the fort, and there is one spark of vitality left in he Federal Government, it will shell you out in ten days. After ma- nrc reflection, however, I was satisfied that duty and safety to the State equired for the present its occupation by State troops. I therefore said o the officers present, I take the responsibility, and I direct the imme- hate occupation of the fort. I then directed the adjutant-general to 3sue the following orders, which he did, to wit: HEADQUARTERS GEORGIA MILITIA, Savannah, January 2, 1861. o Col. A. R. LAWTON, Commanding First Volunteer Regiment Georgia Volunteers, Savannah: SIn: The Governor and commander-in-chief directs you to detail 125 men, or more necessary, from your command, with the suitable number of officers, including one more medical officers, to occupy immediately until further orders Fort Pulaski, at e month of Savannah River. Arrangements for the comfort and subsistence of the )mlnalld have been made, and you will cause one of the military officers (subaltern) be detailed, to act as quartermaster and commissary, to take charge of the public ores, and issue and account for them under the regulations that will be furnished him. It is desirable that a portion of your men should be relieved in such num- rs, andats uch times as you may determine, to be replaced by new drafts of equal rencrth, care being taken that the relief be made at the fort and does not exceed at .y time one-half the command, that the greatest number on duty may be of those mewbat experienced in military duty. Additional supplies of any kind that may come absolutely necessary from time to time will be obtained by requisition made the quartermaster and commissary, countersigned by the commanding officcr, upon r John Cunningham, of Savannah, who has been appointed military purveyor. Each man should carry with him a knapsack or valise containing a change of ~thing, one iron spoon, one knife, one fork, one tin cup, one clothes brush, one ~e brush, one box blacking, and one comb and brush. In conclusion, the commander-in-chief relies upon your military knowledge and ill for the discreet exercise of the service involved in this order for the mainte- 1cc of discipline and for the care and accountability of the public prollerty now the fort and to be sent there. The occupancy of the fort will be made under ir personal direction, and you are desired to remain until the proper order and ;tem are established. This done to your satisfaction, you will visit and inspect fort and command as often as practicable, at least twice a week. ~y order of the commander-in-chief: HENRY C. WAYNE, Adjutant and Inspector General. UCTLY CONFIDENTIAL.] HEADQUART~RS GEORGIA MILITIA Sarannah, Ga., January 2, 1861. A. R. LAWTON, Commanding First Regiment Georgia Volunteers, Savannah: La: In view of the fact that the Government at Washington has, as we are )rmed upon high authority, decided on the policy of coercing a secedino State .k into the Union, and it is believed now has a movement on foot to occupy with eral troops the Southern forts, including Fort Pulaski, in this State, which, if e, would give the Federal Government in any contest great advantages over the pie in this State: o the end, therefore, that this stronghold, which commands also the entrance into rgla, may not be occupied by any hostile force until the convention of the people 8 R RVOL LII Page 114 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. 114 of Georgia, which is to meet on the 16th instant, has decided on the policy which Georgia will adopt in this emergency, you are ordered to take possession of Fort Pulaski, as by public order herewith, and to hold it against all persons; to be abandoned only by orders from me, or under compulsion by an overpowering hostile force. Immediately upon occupying the fort you will take measures to put it in a thorough state of defense as far as its means and ours will permit, and for this pur- pose you will advise with Captain Claghorn, of the Chatham Artillery, who has been charged with all matters relating to ordnance and ordnance stores and their supply. You will further arrange with Captain Claghorn a series of day and night signals for communicating at all times with the city of Savannah for the purpose of calling for re-euforcements or other necessary purposes. And you will arrange with Mr. John Cunningham, military purveyor, for the employment of a steam-boat or steam-boats, or other means of transportation by land or water, that may be necessary for other supplies (except for ordnance, for which you will call upon Captain Clag- horn) that may be required. Relying upon your energy, patriotism, and sound discretion, I commit this impor- tant trust to you until it may become necessary to call out a larger force, and higher command. JOSEPH E. BROWN, Governor. Colonel Lawton immediately called out the troops and made prepara- tion for the occupancy of the fort. Early the next morning, 3d o January, he occupied it. After I had issued the order on the 2d of January, I sent the follow ing messages by telegraph to the Governors of Alabama, Florid a,and Louisiana, to wit: JANUARY 2 1861. Governor MOORE, Montgomery, Ala.: In view of the threatening aspect of our Federal relations, and the coercive polh~ understood to be adopted by the Government, I have ordered Georgia troops t. occupy Fort Pulaski, at the meuth of the river, till our convention assembles. Hop you will co-operate and occupy the forts in Alabama. Answer. JOSEPH E. BROWN. JANUARY 2 1861. Governor PERRY, Tallaha8see, Fla.: In view of the threatening aspect of our Federal relations, and the coercive polie understood to be adopted by the Government, I have ordered Georgia troops t occupy Fort Pulaski, at the mouth of the river, till our convention assembles. Hoy your convention will co-operate and occupy forts in Florida immediately, and th you will secede at once. JOSEPH E. BROWN. SAVANNAh, January 2, 1861. Governor MOORE, New Orlean8: In view of the threatening aspect of our Federal relations and the coercive poib understood to be adopted by the Government, I have ordered Georgia troops occupy Fort Pulaski, at the mouth of Savannah River, till our convention asse bles, to prevent occupation by Federal troops. Hope you will co-operate and occul the forts in your State immediately. I send like request to the Governors of Fk ida and Alabama. (Operator will forward if the Governor is not in New Orleane JOSEPH E. BROWN. SAVANNAH, January 4, 1861. Governor PErrus, Jackson, Miss. It being understood that the coercive policy is adopted by the Federal Govet ment, I, as a precautionary measure, have occupied with troops the fort at the mon of Savannah River till our convention meets and decides the question. Have ask Governors of Alabama and Florida to do the same in their States. They reply th will. Have asked same of Governor of Louisiana. Cannot hear from him. It y know where he is will you send him substance of this dispatch? What say you the movement? JOSEPH E. BROW Page 115 Cnix~. Lxv.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 115 The Florida convention was in session on the next day, when I received from Governor Perry, of Florida, a dispatch stating that he would take the forts in that State as soon as he could organize the necessary force. Governor Moore, of Alabama, also responded that he would co-operate immediately. Within a week after this time I heard that Governor Moore had occupied Fort Morgan; near Mobile, and that Governor Perry had occupied Fort Clinch and taken possession of the Chattahoochee Arsenal. He did not, however, occupy Forts Pickens, Taylor, or Jefferson. My telegram to Governor Moore, of Louisiana, was sent to New Orleans, and I got no response. I waited a day or two and sent another dispatch for Governor Moore to Governor Pettus, of Mississippi, with request that he forward it to him, as I did not know at what point to direct to him. Governor Pettus replied, approving my course, and promised to send the dispatch to Governor Moore. But few days passed after this before I heard of the seizure of the forts in Lonisiana. After I returned from Savannah to Milledgeville, I sent a dispatch to Governor Ellis, of North Carolina, requesting him to seize the forts ii that State. He replied, giving reasons why he could not then do so. After the State convention met at Milledgeville, a resolution was intro- luced by Mr. Toombs, and passed unanimously, approving my course u the seizure of the fort. I have thought it my duty, to myself and others, to put this state. ient in some permanent form for preservation. I have therefore irdered it to be placed upon the Executive Minutes upon a blank left r it under date of 2d January, 1861. JOSEPH E. BROWN. CHARLESTON, S. C., January 2, 1860 [1861]. I is Excellency Governor PICKENS: SIR: I have the honor to state that in obedience to your order dated st instant I immediately reported to Colonel Pettigrew at Castle Pinck- cy, who, having explained his plan of defense against such attacks as considered the most probable and imminent, directed me to examine ie work and suggest plans with a view to its defense. The work is so r distant from Fort Sumter that it perhaps would not sustain very i-eat damage from its guns until after a long cannonade; and against ort Sumter, as also against the guns of ships of war (an enemy being possession of the other posts in the harbor), very little, if anything, ~n be done to protect it. The chief apprehension of the commanding licer is, I think justly, from an attack by assault and escalade by troops om Fort Sumter, when fully manned, or from other positions within the rbor or in the neighborhood in the occupation of an enemy. A marsh ms to the north and a shoal to the east of the fort, both of which can traversed by an assaulting party, and with a view to this, bastioned ockades had many years ago been erected for the protection of the 3rk upon those quarters. The chief expense will be in repairing and tending those stockades, which are now much dilapidated; also in ving as much as possible some flank-fire to the castle, of which it is tirely deficient; also in protecting the gateway by a stockade lunette. )ropose to build a wooden fraize around the parapet to check an esca- tie, and do sundry other items of work which will be needed. Chiefly consequence of the castle being destitute of flank-fire, it is exceed- ojy weak, and in consequence of its proximity to the city and centra Page 116 116 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. position in the harbor, requires great attention in taking advantage of all circumstances to strengthen it. The contingencies in performing this work are so great that it is difficult to make an accurate estimate, and I would consider it unsafe to name a less amount than from $3,000 to $4,000. I propose to do that work which is most needed first, and con- tinne to strengthen the castle afterward as time and circumstances will permit. Colonel Pettigrew has requested me to say that he wishes to have 1,000 sand-bags and 1,000 hand-grenades. I have, sir, the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, EDW. B. WHITE. [Indor8ement.] HEADQUARTERS, January 3, 1860 [1861]. Colonel Hatch, quartermaster.general, is ordered to give the within letter from Colonel White, engineer of Castle Pinckney, his immediate attention; and to carry out Colonel Whites plan he is authorized to draw for any amount not to exceed, for the present, $2,000, and Col- onel White will give a regular report of his plan as soon as he can do so conveniently, but no expenditure is to be made except with a view to present necessity and the present emergency. F. W. PICKENS. [1.1 WASHINGTON, January 3, 1861. General C. J. MCIRAE, Mobile, Ala.: Mission of South Carolina commissioners ended by President return- ing their last communication. No message from President yet. McIntyre, of Pennsylvania, nominated by President for collector at Charleston. No action on it by Senate. No other change in status to-day. President vibrating on sending troops to Charleston and other Southern forts. Douglas made a great speech to-day. Denies right of secession, but opposes coercion. J. J. McRAE. [1.] PULASKI HOuSE, January 3, 1861. JOHN BosToN, Esq., Collector of the Port of Savannah: SIR: The revenue-cutter J. C. Dobbin, which was seized by somc unauthorized person or persons unknown to me, has, under the ordeL given by me to Colonel Lawton, now in command of Fort Pulaski, tc protect Government property against injury, been recaptured, and i~ now aground near Fort Pulaski. You will please send a revenue boa~ and take her into custody to-night, and I will have her hauled of to-morrow morning and delivered to you at such place as you may designate. I much regret the lawless seizure of the vessel, and bek leave to assure you that I shall from time to time give such orders a~ will protect the custom-house and other property belonging to th; Federal Government till the action of this State is determined by th; convention of her people. Very respectfully, & c., [1.] JOSEPH E. BROWN Page 117 CHAP. LXV.1 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 117 CUSTOM-HOUSE, COLLECTORS OFFICE, & C [Jcenuary 3, 1861.] His Excellency Governor JOSEPH E. BROWN, 1~ulaski louse: SIR: Capt. John Screven has this moment handed me your note of this date in relation to the recapture of the revenue cutter J. C. Dobbin, in reply to which 1 beg, in the name of the Federal Government, to thank you, and further to state that I received a letter from the Hon. J~hilip F. Thomas, Secretary of the Treasury, some fifteen days ago, requesting me to direct the captain of said cutter to sail for Baltimore as soon as convenient, and on his arrival to report the same to him (the Secretary of the Treasury) in writing, and await his orders, and that, iii obedience to said instructions, the cutter was ordered on Saturday last prepared for sea, but was detained by unfavorable winds until last night, when she was taken possession of by parties unknown to me. Under these circumstances, 1 must ask the hivor of you to direct those in charge to allow her to proceed to sea. ii from this office. i compliance with instructions I have the honor to remain, your obedient servant, JOHN BOSTON, [1.] Collector. PULASKI HOUSE, January 3, 1861. JOHN BOSTON, Collector, ct~c.: SIR: Your note in reply to my communication of this evening is received, and I have ordered the delivery of the J. C. iDobbin to her captain with permission to proceed to sea, as you have requested. Very respectfully, & c., [1.1 JOSEPH E. BROWN. General JAMES JONES, [JANITARY 6, 1861.] Charleston, S. C.: The order issued last night froni the War Office for sending additional troops to Charleston. The troops are now on their way. Yours, very truly, L. T. WIGFALL. The above we have just received, and deem it proper to transmit it. Ii. W. BARNWELL. J. H. ADAMS. [1J J. L. ORR. CHARLESTON, S. C., January 9, 1861. JOHN A. ELMORE, or ~RESIDENT OF THE CONVENTION: Anderson writes to the Governor he will fire into all ships. Governor eplies and justifies what we did. Now Anderson replies, his mind is ;hanged, and refers the question to Washington. WM. E. MARTIN Page 118 118 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. [WASHINGTON, D. C.,] January 10, 1861. WILLIAM HENRY TRESCOT, Charleston, S. C.: Received; noted. Conferred with friends, and communicated to President. He looks anxiously for Lieutenant Talbot. Will write. JEFFN DAVIS. [I.] EXECUTIVE OFFICE, STATE DEPARTMENT, Charleston, S. C., January 10, 1861. Lient. Col. L. M. HATCH: You will proceed to take such steps as in your judgment are practi- cable to light up the harbor of Charleston so as to expose to view the various approaches to Fort Sumter from the sea. Let your lights be so disposed as to expose to view as little as possible our own works and preparations for defense in and about the harbor. Use strict economy in your expenditures for this purpose, and report the cost per night which may be incurred. F. W. PICKEKS. [1.] WASHINGTON, D. C., January 11, 1861. W. HENRY TRESCOT, Charleston, S. C.: Reliably informed that Brooklyn was sent to secure return of Star of the West, not to enter Charleston Harbor. JEFFERSON DAVIS. [I.] FORT MORRIS, January 11, 18617 p. m. Col. L. M. HATCH: DEAR SIR: From all appearances at sea, to as late an hour as we could discover anything, a large steamer with two chimney stacks and a large supply of boats was seen going across, as it were (toward the north), the several channels of our harbor. My impression is, from observation made and reported to me by our lookouts, that she is pre- pared to re-enforce Fort Sumter from off~ the bar by means of small boats, and it may be at an early hour of this night. Can you not take the responsibility of putting at once the steamer General Clinch under way. plying the waters with a view to run down the boats. To go to the city to get the order from headquarters will cause too much delay and give ample time for the troops to get into Fort Sumter. If you will do so, I will order the German Rifles on board as an armed force to meet the enemy. I deem the operations of this night such as to settle the question of re-enforcing (certainly from the vessel now out- side, should she be a man-of-war with troops) the garrison of Fort Sumter. These facts you can communicate to His Excellency on your arrival in the city, should you not take the step I propose. Respectfully, JOHN L. BRANCH, Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding Fort Morris. [1. Page 119 CHAP. LXV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 119 General C. J. McRAi, [JANUARY 1~, 1861.] Mobile, Ala.: Talbot, messenger from Anderson, arrived liere this evening. Cabi- net in council on the repulse of Star of West from Charleston Harbor. Thomas resigned as Secretary Treasury. Dix, of New York, appointed. JOHN J. McRAE. WASHINGTON CITY, January 15, 1861. Hon. ROBERT ToOMBS, or Hon. T. R. R. COBB, Milledgeville, Ga.: Mr. English moved yesterday the consideration of Crittendens reso- lutions, for the purpose of reference to committee of thirty-thre~i. Under previous question, the House refused to consider, by majority of eight votes. Senate to-day laid aside Crittendens resolution for Pacific Railroad bill, all the Republicans voting against us. Rust denounced the pretended report of House committee as a fraud upon the country, as a majority had not supported it. MARTIN J. CRAWFORD. 11.1 JAMES JACKSON. EXECUTIVE OFFICE, DEPARTMENT OF WAR, Col. L. M. HATCH, Charleston, ~. 0., January 15, 1861. Quartermaster. General: SIR: You will send a boat daily to Fort Johnson at about 11 a. m. and take from the postmaster at Charleston the mails for the command of Major Anderson at Fort Sumter, and deliver the same to Captain Johnson, commanding at Fort Johnson, and also to bring back such mails as Captain Johnson may deliver and place them in the post-office here. D. F. JAMISON. WASHINGTON CITY J Messrs. TOOMBS and COBB, , annary 16, 1861. Miilledgeville, Ga.: The Senate to-day substituted Clarks resolutions for Crittendens. These not only refuse all amendments and guaranties, but direct all the energies of all departments of the Government to the maintenance of the existing Union, protection of the public property, and the enforce- ment of the laws. Republicaiis unanimous for substitute. Whole sub- ject then laid on the table. Does this not satisfy men of every shade of opinion that Georgia must rely upon herself l Will she not act promptly and as a unit? ALFRED IVERSON. MARTIN J. CRAWFORD. JAMES JACKSOTh LUCIUS J. GARTRELL. JNO. J. JONES Page 120 120 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. [WASHINGTON, D. C., January 16, 1861.] JAMES BLAIR AND OTHERS, Columbus, Miss.: The President refused to withdraw the troops from Charleston. The commissioners, regarding this as an act of war, have left. The Presi- dent seems determined to collect the revenue, but as yet no troops have been ordered to Charleston. Appearances warlike and in my opiniou we should be prepared to seize the forts and arsenals at a moments warning. WM. BARKSDALE. [1.] EXECUTIVE OFFICE, DEPARTMENT OF WAR, January 17, 1861. J~ieutenant-Colonel HATCH, Quartermaster- General: You are ordered to procure and send down with the mails for Fort Sumter to-morrow a sufficient quantity of fresh meat and vegetables to last the garrison of Fort Sumter for forty-eight hours, and to inform Major Anderson that you will purchase and take down every day such provisions from the city market as he may indicate. D. F. JAMISON. [1.] FRIDAY, January 25, [1861]7 jp. m. Hon. JOHN ROBERTSON, Commissioner from State of Virginia, Charleston: Dispatch received. I have addressed the President. His reply expected every hour. The Secretary of State and Attorney-General were with me when dispatch reached. Their information imperfect, but from it I infer the sailing of the Brooklyn with troops; to what point is not known. When Presidents reply reaches I will forward. All seemed to promise well here before your dispatch reached. J. TYLER. [1.3 EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, Milledgeville, Ga., February 5, 18619.30 p. m. Col. H. H. JACKSON, Aide-de- Camp, Savannah, Ga.: I have demanded of the Governor of New York the prompt delivery to my agent, for D. C. llodgkins & Sons, citizens of this State, of their guns, seized by the police of New York on board the Monticello, and deposited in the arsenal of that State. The demand has been delivered to him. He has had a reasonable time and has made no reply. I am determined to protect the persons and property of the citizens of this State against all such lawless violence at all hazards. In doing so I will, if necessary, meet force by force. I feel it my duty in this case to order reprisal. You will, therefore, direct Colonel Lawton to order out suffi- cient military force and seize and hold, sul~ject to my order, every ship now in the harbor of Savannah belonging to citizeiis of New York Page 121 CHAP. LXV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 121 When the property of which our citizens have beeii robbed is returned to them, then the ships will be delivered to the citizens of New York who own them. JOSEPH E. BROWN. EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, Milledgeville, Ga., February 8, 1861. His Excellency EDWIN D. MORGAN, Governor of the AS1tate of New York, Albany, N. Y.; SIR: You are doubtless aware that the telegraph and newspapers of the city of New York, on the 22d day of last month, conveyed to the country the intelligence that certain boxes of muskets, shipped for Savannah, were on that day seized by the police of the city of New York while on board the steamer Monticello. On Saturday, the 2d day of the present month, Messrs. D. C. llodgkins & Sons, of the city of Macon, who are citizens of this State and demand and are entitled to be protected by it, filed in this office satisfactory evidence of the fact that 200 of said muskets were their property, and were seized by the police of the city of New York without warrant or legal authority from any court, an(l were taken from said ship and deposited in the State arsenal on Seventh avenue in said city. It is understood that the members of the police of New York who made the seizure were not appointed by the mayor and council of the city, but were appointed either directly or indirectly by Your Excellency, and act under the immediate authority of the State. In this case, therefore, the citizens of this State have not only been robbed of their property by persons actin_ in official capacity under the authority of the State of New York, but one of the public arsenals belonging to that State has been made the repository of the plunder. Feeling it to be my duty to protect the persons and property of the citizens of this State against the lawless attacks or seizure of the officers of other States, as soon as the evidence in the case had been laid before me I addressed to Your Excellency, on Saturday, the 2d day of this month, by telegraph, a letter which, I was afterward informed by the operator of the telegraph line at Albany, had been delivered to Your Excellency, which letter was in the follow- ing words, viz: EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, His Excellency Governor MORGAN, Milledgevilic, Ga., February 2, 1861. Albany, N. Y.: SIn: I have before me satisfactory evidence of the fact that 200 muskets belonging to D. C. Hodgkins & Sons, citizens of this State, were placed on board the ship Monticello, at New York, for Savannah, and were seized by the police of that city on or about the 22d of January last, and taken from the ship, and are now detained in the State arsenal in the city. As Governor of Georgia, I hereby demand that the guns be immediately delivered, under your order, to G. B. Lamar, of New York, who is hereby appointed my agent to receive them. I trust no similar outrage may be perpetrated in future. You will oblige by commnnicating your decision immediately by telegraph. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOSEPH E. BROWN. To the above demand I had received no response at 9 p. ni. on Tues- lay, the 5th day of this month. Feeling that Your Excellency had had ;ufficient time to inquire of your police officers as to the character of the ;eizure complained of, if unauthorized by you, and to direct the deliver Page 122 122 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA, & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. to the Messrs. llodgkins of their property, or to indicate your willing- ness to do so on the production of evidence of ownership, if you were not satisfied on that point; and feeling that the outrage upon the rights of citizens of this State was so great a~ to admit of no unnecessary delay on my part, at 9.30 p. m. on Tnesday, the 5th instant, I issued an order to Col. Henry H. Jackson, aide-dc-camp, in the city of Savannah, instructing him to call out, through Colonel Lawton, a sufficient military force, and to make reprisal by the seizure of all ships then in the harbor of Savannah belonging to citizens of the State of New York. In obedi- ence to this order I am informed that he has seized the following vessels and will hold them subject to my order, to wit: Barks Adjuster and D. Colden Murray; brigs W. H. Kibby and Golden Lead, and schooner Julia A. Hallock. Since the issuance of the above mentioned order I have received a telegram signed by Your Excellency, in which you acknowledge the receipt of the dispatch sent by me to you, alleging, as you are pleased to say, that certain arms had been retained in New York. You ftirther say of my dispatch that its grave character and unofficial form forbid you from taking action in regard to it without better authenticated information. Nevertheless, you say that you respond to enable me, if veritable, to communicate my wishes by let- ter. I am unable to perceive what reason you had to doubt that my dispatch was veritable. It was dated at the Executive Department, and was signed here by me. You also object to it on account of its unofficial form. It is not only dated at this department, but I expressly stated that I make the demand as Governor of Georgia. I am not aware of the additional language which Your Excellency would con- sider requisite to give to a demand of this character official form. A lengthy official correspondence in this case is neither invited nor desired. The outrage was a public one. Citizens of this State have been robbed of their property in your State by officers under your con- trol. That property is now detained in a public building under your control. As the Executive of Georgia, I have demanded its redelivery to its owners. My demand when met has been met evasively by rais- ing a technical objection to its form, which has no foundation in fact, as a simple reference to the demand itself will show. The case is one, therefore, which requires action, riot lengthy diplomacy. I have the honor, therefore, to notify Your Excellency of the seizure of the vessels above mentioned, under my order, and that I shall hold them until justice be done the injured citizens of this State above named by redelivery of the gnus to them or to G. B. Lamar, of New York, whom I have appointed my agent to receive them. If the property seized as reprisal belongs to citizens of New York who are friendly to the cause of justice and truth and the equal rights of the people of the South- ern States, I shall regret the inconvenience to which they may be exposed. I cannot forget, however, that my first duty is to protect the citizens of this State against the lawless violence of th~ officers or citi- zens of other States. If in so doing incidental injury should be done to orderly and law-abiding citizens of such offending State, f?r just and full indemnity they must look to their own Government, which has brought the injury upon them. I trust Your Excellency may have no difficulty in arriving at the conclusion that this communication is offi- cial and veritable. xTery respectfully, your obedient servant JOSEPH E. BBOWN. [6. Page 123 CHAP. LXV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 123 NEW YORK, February 9, 1861. (Received 9 p. in.) His Excellency Governor BROWN: The arms have been put at the command of the owners here. Please release all vessels. G. B. LAMAR. EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, G. B. LAMAR, Milledgeville, February 9, 18619 r rn. New York: The object of the seizure having been accomplished and the rights of our citizens having been vindicated I the vessels. , have ordered the release of JOSEPH E. BROWN. EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, Col. HENRY B. JACKSON, Miliedgevilie, February 9, 18619 p. m. Savannah, Ga.: I have just received a telegram from G. B. Lamar, my agent in New York, stating that the arms have been put at the command of the owners. The object for which the seizure was made having been accomplished and the rights of the citizens of this State having been vindicated, you will order the vessels seized to be immediately released. JOSEPH E. BROWN. WASHiNGTON, I). C., February 11, 1861. Col. L. P. WALKER:] DEAR COLONEL: Judge leaves here this afternoon for Montgomery, ind I take this opportunity of writing by him. We are discussing the Navy bill. The army appropriation, tariff; & c., will come in their regu- ar order, and, I suppose, be all passed. Everything is ready, I hear, at ~ort Sumter, and I hope no unnecessary delay will take place in run- iing up the flag of the Confederate States. The French minister stated Saturday in our cloak room that the Emperor would at once recognize :our Government. He understands the present treaties to be still ;xisting between his Government and the seceding States, and said hat, when officially informed that they were disposed to carry the stipu- ations out, no difficulty would be made as to the mere agent through iliich they may hereafter act. That is a matter that concerns the emaining States, not foreign governments. Mr. Charles H. Rhett is .0w here sent by South Carolina. Through Mason he has been put in oinmunication with the foreign ministry, and seems to be getting on :ell. Since the formation of the Confederation he, of course, cannot be ecognized. If you desire any communications for the present I think on could trust both his prudence and ability. The impression here is hat if a minister were sent here at once Mr. Buchanan would at onc Page 124 124 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. receive him. I suppose you will make the demand before attacking Fort Sumter. By the bye, I promised Lewis Cruger that when a gov- ernment was formed I would apply for him for some place. I make this application in dead, cold earnest, and hope you will be able to get some place for him. He is my kinsman, and is as sound as men ever get to be. His wife is granddaughter of Col. William Washington, and they are dependent. Cruger is fit for any clerkship, and is thrown out of employment here. I need not add more. You know my aversion to making applications of this sort. This I make with hearty good will. Nobody writes or telegraphs me anything. I suppose they all know that we feel no interest in what is going on. Your organization gives general satisfaction. As for me, I simply observed, when I learned that a government was actually formed, Now, Lord, let Thy servant depart in peace. I still have the guardianship of Andy. I know you have no time to write letters, and scarcely to read them, so I shall not expect an answer to this. Dr. George Warren Cross, my brother- in-law, is now with the Louisiana troops as surgeon. He, I take it, will wish to go into the army. Should his name be presented to you for the place of surgeon, I mention his name, that you may know who he is. 1 fear I shall be kept here too late to see Judge, and therefore write this. I send it by a page to him. There is such confusion I scarcely know what I am writing. In haste, very truly, L. T. WIGFALL. ri.] EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, Aliiliedgeville, Ga., February 21, 1861. Col. H. R. JACKSON, Aide-de-Camjp, Sarannah, Ga.: SIR: On the 5th day of this month I directed you to call out sufficient military force and seize all ships then in the harbor of Savannah belong- ing to citizens of the State of New York. The reasons for the seizure were briefly stated in the order. Citizens of this State had been robbed of their property by the police of New York, acting under the authority of that State. I had demanded the restoration of the property to its owners. The Governor of that State had given an evasive reply, excepting to the form of the demand sent by telegraph, which clearly evinced his disposition not to comply by ordering the restoration of the property. If the protection of this State were not in such case afforded to its citizens, it not only invited further aggressions upon their rights, but forfeited all just claim to their allegiance. I therefore had no alter- native left but to order reprisals. This is the mildest remedy provided, not only by the law of nations, but by the law of nature, for the redress of grievances between sovereign States in the last resort. Your prompt execution of the order, by the seizure of five vessels owned by citizens of New York, met my highest approval. The seizure was made on the morning of the 8th of this month. On the evening of that day I mailed to the Governor of New York, at Albany, a communication stating the fact of the seizure, with the rea- sons for it, and that I should hold the ships till justice should be done the injured citizens of this State by the restoration of the property of which they had been robbed by the police of the city of New York. On the night of the 9th instant I received a telegraphic dispatch from Mr. G. B. Lamar, of New York, whom I had appointed agent to receiv Page 125 Chip. LXV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 125 the guns seized by the police, if delivered up by the authorities, stating that the guns were then at the command of their owners and asking me to release the ships. At the same time I received a dispatch from Mr. John Boston, the collector of the port of Savannah, stating that he had just been informed by Mr. Lamar that the guns had been delivered up. Regretting the necessity which compelled me to resort to a means of redress which, while natural and legal, might interrupt the commerce between the two States and expose to temporary hardship individual citizens of New York, whose property, under the law of nations, is subject to seizure for such outrages committed by the authorities of their own State, though they may disapprove and condemn them, I was determined not to occupy the position of an aggressor for a single hour. So soon, therefore, as I was informed that the authorities of New York had made reparation for the robbery I immediately ordered the release of the vessels. Since that time I directed Mr. Lamar to have the guns shipped to Savannah, that they might be delivered to their owners. He now informs me that he demanded their shipment, and was informed by the superintendent of the police of New York that he had changed his mind, and that he would not now permit the guns to be shipped, but that he would order further seizure of what he pleased to call contra- band articles. Twelve days have passed since I mailed to the Gov- ernor of New York the communication above referred to, and I have received no response from him. He has not only refused, therefore, to order the restoration of the property of which his police had plundered our citizens within the limits of his own State, on a demand sent by telegraph, but he has neglected and refused to answer a written com- munication upon the subject sent to him through the regular medium of the mail. While I held possession of the vessels my agent was informed that the guns were at the command of their owners. Acting upon this assurance I ordered the release of the vessels; and my agent is now informed that the officer in possession of the guns has changed his mind, and that he will not permit them to be returned to their owners. These facts show very clearly that it is the settled policy of the author- ities of New York to subject our commerce to a surveillance which we cannot with honor submit to, and to seize upon our property and plun- der our citizens at their pleasure. Under these circumstances I feel that I, as the Executive of Georgia, would prove recreant to the high trust reposed in me by my fellow-citi- zens were I to refuse to protect their rights against such unprovoked aggression by all the means which the law of nations or the constitu- tion and laws of this State have placed at my command. It therefore becomes my duty again to direct you to call out such military force as may be necessary for that purpose, and to renew the reprisals by the seizure, as soon as practicable, of vessels in the harbor of Savannah, or other property in the city or elsewhere within your reach, be longing to the State or to citizens of New York, at least equal in value to double the amount of the original seizures made by you. You will hold the property so seized subject to my order, and it will be released when the guns in question (together with any other property of our citizens which has been or may in the meantime be unlawfully seized by the authorities of New York) are actually shipped from the harbor and are beyond the reach or control of the police of the city of New York or the authorities of that State. Respectfully, & c., [6.] JOSEPH E. BROWN Page 126 126 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. rcHAP. LXV. EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, Milledgeville, Ga., February 25, 1861. His Excellency EDWIN D. MORGAN, Albany, N. Y.: SIR: I informed you by my letter of the 8th instant of the seizure in the port of Savannah by my order of five vessels beloiiging to the citi- zens of New York, which I notified you would be held until the 200 muskets belonging to D. C. Hodgkins & Soiis, citizens of this State, of which they had been robbed by the police of the city of New York, act- ing under your authority, should be delivered to them or to G. B. Lamar, whom I appointed agent in New York to receive them. On the 9th day of this month I was informed by Mr. Lamar that the guns were at the command of their owners, and I immediately ordered the release of the ships. I afterward directed Mr. Lamar to have the guns shipped to Savannah, that they might be delivered to their owners. He informed me in reply that the superintendent of police in the city again refused to permit the guns to be shipped, and avowed his intention to make further seizures of a similar character. On the receipt of this informa. tion I ordered Colonel Jackson, of Savannah, to call out sufficient mili- tary force and renew the reprisals by the seizure of property belonging to New York or the citizens of that State, and to extend the seizures until he has doubled the amount of the original reprisals made by him. I now have the honor to inform Your Excellency that three vessels belonging to citizens of New York,to wit, ship Martha J. Ward, bark Adjuster, and brig Julia A. Hallock, have been seized, in obedience to my order, and are held in the port of Savannah as reprisals. Should I fail to receive official information from Your Excellency prior to the 25th of March next that the guns above mentioned have been delivered to their rightful owners or to G. B. Lamar, my agent, and that he has been permitted to ship them from the port of New York to Savannah, I shall on that day cause the vessels above named to be sold in the city of Savannah to the highest bidder, and out of the proceeds of the sale I shall indemnify the injured citizens of this State against the loss sustained by them on acconut of the unjust and illegal seizure and detention of their property by the authorities of New York. That you may not fail to receive this notice, it will be sent to you at Albany in duplicate by different mails. I have the honor to be, & c., [6.] JOSEPH E. BROWN. MONTGOMERY, ALA., February 27, 1861. Capt. GUSTAVUS W. SMITH, & reet Commissioner, New York, N Y.: Mv DEAR CAPTAIN: May I request you to attend with the utmost dispatch and secrecy to the following matter l Endeavor to buy in New York or elsewhere the apparatus for ten first-class Drummond lights, complete in every respect, with the instructions in detail for using them, to be sent through Adams Express to the collector at IN ew Orleans and six to the one at Charleston, subject to the orders of the War Depart- ment of the Southern Confederacy. You will please write to them to that effect, inclosing also the said instructions, as well as to the Hon. L. P. Walker, Secretary of War, on whom you will draw for the payment of the whole. Be particular in the selection of said apparatus, and let th Page 127 CHAP. LXV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 127 whole matter be as secret as practicable. When shall we have the ben- efit of your services and those of Lovell ~ Yours, very truly, G. T. BEAUREGARD. EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, Milledgeville, Ga., February 28, 1861. (Jol. H. R. JACKSON, Aide-de- Camp, Savannah, Ga.: SIR: The affidavits forwarded by you have been received, and afford satisfactory evidence of the fact, not known at the time of the seizure of the New York vessels, that most of the cargo now on board the bark Adjuster is the property of British and Russian subjects, while the bark is the property of citizens of New York. I am further informed that the other New York vessels now in possession of the officers of this State are of sufficient value fully to indemnify the citizens of Geor- gia for the property of which they have been wantonly robbed by the authorities of New York, together with reasonable damages for the detention. In this state of the case justice to our citizens may not require the further holding of the bark now in possession of the authori- ties of Georgia. Our ardent desire is to cultivate the most friendly relations with all Europeau governments and to remove every obstruc- tion which may be in the way of free commercial intercourse between citizens of this State and subjects of these governments. While I do not recognize the right of the representatives of the Governments of Great Britain or Russia to demand the release of the bark belonging to citizens of New York, but only of the property which may be upon her belonging to subjects of these powers, I am desirous of avoiding any cause of complaint on their part, and therefore I direct the release of the bark Adjuster that she may at once,if ready, proceed to sea with her cargo. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, [6.] JOSEPH E. BROWN. EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, Milledgeville, Ga., March 2, 1861. Col. HENRY li. JACKSON, Aide-de- Camp, Savannah, Ga.: SIR: Unless the property of which citizens of Georgia have been robbed by the police of the city of New York, who act under the authority of the Governor of that State, is in the meantime delivered to the owners, by virtue of the power vested in me as Governor and commander-in-chief of the army and navy of this State, I direct that you advertise immediately, and expose to sale on Monday, the 25th day of this mouth, between the usual hours of sale, at the place of sheriffs sales, in the city of Savannah, the following New York ves- sels, with their tackle, furniture, and apparel, now held under military seizure by my order as reprisals, to wit, ship Martha J. Ward and schooner Julia A. Hallock. These vessels are to be sold for cash for the purpose of indemnifying citizens of Georgia for the losses which they have sustained on account of the robberies perpetrated by the New York authorities, and of paying- all expenses incurred in the premises. JOSEPH E. BROWN Page 128 128 S. C., S. GA., Mu). & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. WASHINGTON, March 2, 1861. His Excellency Hon. JEFFERSON DAVIS, President of the Confederate States of America: The inaugural will be pacific, followed by conciliatory policy. This is certain. WILLIAM M. GWIN. [1.] NEW YORK, Marsh 3, 1861. FRIEND SERVICE: I have positive information this evening that a plan has been fixed up by the incoming administration and Commodore Breese (who has returned from Washington) to re-enforce Sumter immediately and secretly. Application was made to Captain Fauntle- roy, of Virginia, U. S. Navy, to conduct the expe(lition, but lie declined the honor, remarking that the administration could take his ship, & c., first, or words to that effect. An order was given yesterday to ship 125 men. They intend to ship them on the Crusader (which draws seven feet of water), and run into harbor at night under steam. She carries but four guns, and cannot fire over two rounds, as the recoil would knock her sides out, she being naught save a damned coal-boat. The above information is correct and reliable, aiid is far in advance of the act and the local press; communicate it to headquarters at once. The order is not expected to be given to sail ere Tuesday, but it may come Monday night. She cannot get there ere Wednesday night anyway, and by that time you will have this and can defeat her purpose if you aim well, as it is calculated it will take her forty-five minutes to round the point. To-morrow I know what to do; for the future we look for coercion. Would telegraph above, but it would not reach you, I know. May be with you next week; do not know as yet. Yours, [1.] GEO. T. ATKINS. WASHINGTON, ililiarch 4, 1861. Hon. JEFFERSON DAVIS, President of the Confederate States of America: Brewsters telegraph just received. Have urged action as far as prudent. Further time asked. Ans wer promised in a few days; proba- bly Tuesday. Cabinet formed to-day means war. Be not deceived by abandonment of force bill. Will explain in letter. LOUIS T. WIGFALL. [1.] WAR DEPARTMENT, Montgomery, Ala., March 4, 1861. Capt. D. R. JONES, Assistant Adjutant- General: SIR: You will proceed without delay to Charleston, S. C., and report to Brigadier-General Beauregard for duty as assistant adjutant- general. \Tery respectfully, your obedient servant, L. P. WALKER, [1.] Secretary of War Page 129 CHAP. LXV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 129 NEW YORK, March 5, 1861. General C. T. BEAUREGARD, lJioutgornery, Ala.: Mv DEAR BEAUREGARD: Yours of the 27th ultimo was duly received, and the articles have been ordered in compliance with your request. There is but one person who makes them here, and he says it will take him at least a week to get up ten such as you wish, and they will cost about $175 each, besides some trifling expense for box- ing, cartage, & c. Neither G. W. nor I can attend to a matter of this kind without at once attracting attention, and I ((1. W.) have selected II. Livingston & Co., of No. 7 New street, as thoroughly competent and reliable. Mr. Harmon Livingston is an old and much esteemed friend of mine. Co. in that firm is Mansfield Lovell. Lovell can quietly examine when necessary as to quality, and as to purchasing and shipping there is no more prompt and reliable man in this city than Harmon Livingston. There are Republicans here daily in receipt of large orders for provisions, stores, arms, & c., and very many of them ask the assistance of Livingston in making their shipments, which he of course refuses. Livingston thinks that in regard to arms they would now have to be shipped through the border States (for trans-shipment). You cannot do better than correspond with H. Livingston & Co. Please say as much to friends around you. I have just received your telegram from Charleston and answered, Letters received; articles ordered; shipped in about ten days. The ten iDrummond lights will cost from $1,600 to $1,800, say, and II. Livingston & Co. will draw upon L. P. Walker for the amount. I mention this that you may advise him thereof. The collectors will of course be warned of this shipment, and directed from your end of the line what to do, whose orders to obey, & c. Since the Southern Confederacy was established I feel very differently from what I did when you were here in regard to accepting offers out- side of Kentucky. As a question of States, I could only go, on leaving here~ to where I was born. I therefore declined offers from Louisiana and other States. But the question has assumed another shape. You ask in your joint letter to Lovell and myself, When may we expect your services l & c. Neither he nor.1 are citizens of any of the seceded States, but you know well what our views, opinions, and sympathies are. You also know that being modest men we each put a tolerably high estimate upon our respective abilities. Mr. Davis knows both of us, our antecedents, experience, character, and standing. The question of recruits has been mooted. This is and will continue for some time to be the great reservoir for which food for powder must be drawn. The names of the two gentlemen we are now talking about would attract, or, as they say here, draw well. There is a sample of mod. esty for you. Thats ~ as they say in Jarsey. To be serious: In one word, propositions from either Mr. Davis or his military represent. ative, his Secretary of War, would, if up to our standard (as we under. stand it), be favorably considered and in all probability accepted. I have claimed at the hands of the State of Kentucky the right to bear arms in the ranks as a private soldier. I have no claim to make from any other State or States. But if L. and I are wanted we take for granted we will be invited. Now, old fellow, in the midst of business confusion and all the horrors of this damned office, I have thrown the above rapidly together, satis fled that you can and will interpret cor- rectly and promptly all I mean to say, neither more nor less. My wifes mother is at the point of death. My brother.in.law has broken his leg, 9 B UVOL LII Page 130 130 S. C., S. GA.~ MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. and we fear amputation will be necessary. My little nephew, namesake (one year and a half old), has been at deaths door, but is improving. I expect every honr to hear that Abolition Republican rule is struck down and wiped out of the Southern Confederacy; that Sumter and Pickens are taken, and the whole South aroused to their true interests, and united from Mason and Dixons line to the Gulf. Lovell joins me in kindest regards and best wishes for yourself and inquiring friends. Success attend you. As ever, your friend, G. ~. SMITH. The goods may possibly be shipped to your name, care of the respective collectors at Charleston and New Orleans. ~1.] CHARLESTON, March 6, iRGi. Hon. C. G. MEiwMINGER: Coasting vessels report that the buoys have been replaced by the Government of the United States upon Saint Helena Bar and at the mouth of the Combahee. [1.] A. G. MAGIlATH. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQR~. ARMY OF CONFEDERATE STATES, No. . 5 Charleston, S. C., March 6, 1861. Capt. Stephen 1). Lee, of the regular artillery service of the State of South Carolina, is detached from his company, now in Charleston liar- bor, and is assigned to duty at these headquarters as acting assistant quartermaster.general and acting assistant commissary-general. G. T. BEAUREGARD, [1.] Brigadier- General, Commanding. WAR I)EPARTMENT, C. S. A., Montgomery, March 9, 1861. Maj. W. H. C. WHITTNQ Savannah, Ga.: MAJOR: Your report of the 2d instant, relative to Fort Pulaski, was received some days ago, and my answer has been delayed iii order to ascertain the condition of thugs at Saint Augustine, Fernandina, and Pensacola, there being no official information filed in this Department. No guns can be spared from Pensacola. Senator Yulee, to whom I telegraphed for information in regard to Fernandina, has not replied, and Governor Perry informs the Department that there are no column- biads at Saint Augustine. If there are columbiads at Fernandina, and you will arrange for their transfer at Fort Pulaski, you are authorized to do so, and supply their places with 6 or 12 pounder guns, which will be sufficient, I presume, for the probable needs of the place. You are also authorized to have the platforms, pintle-blocks, traverse-circles, & c., at Fort Clinch transferred to Pulaski. This Department has con- tracted with the Tredegar Works for thirty 10-inch columbiads, some of which are destined for Fort Pulaski. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. P. WALKER, [6.] Secretary of War Page 131 CHAP. LXV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 131 Hon. L. T. WIGFALL, CHARLESTON, March 11, 18615.30 p. m. Washington, D. C.: We are prepared at all points and we defy re-enforceiiients to be sent to Sumter.* G. T. BEAUREGARb. SAVANNAH March 12 His Excellency Governor BROWN, 1861. Commander- in- Chiel; present: SIR: Jn case it is decided to occupy Pulaski with the regular troops of the State, permit me to snggest that, so soon as the most advanced of the companies now organized are provided with their proper equip- ment, they be placed in garrison there, under command of Captain Gill, the senior captain, as 1 understand, being required at the barracks- that upon the occupation of the fort by the Georgia regulars, the volun- teers be for the present withdrawn, subject, of course, to be in readiness, as they always are, for sudden reqnisitions for their services in case of attack. This is desirable, for the reason that until the regulars acquire the necessary proficiency and also that confidence in themselves pos- sessed by the volunteers, and for the purpose of the rigorous discipline required in the regular service, the two organizations should be sepa- rated, The volunteers have had a severe term of duty, and might, I think, be relieved. As the companies become filled and partially drilled at the barracks they can be transferred to Pulaski, to make room for the recruits continually arriving. The barracks only accommodate comfortably about 200. In this way, as a recruiting depot, they would serve as a reserve to supply the garrisou without extra quarters, & c., until the proper number is obtained for the defense of Pulaski. In the meantime the companies already organized can be instructed in their garrison duties, and should an attack be imminent, be re-enforced at once by the admirable corps of volunteers of the city of Savannah. The companies now organized are ample to work with distinction the heavy guns, and present not only excellent material, but, for the time they have been at work, most creditable proficiency and discipline. To carry out this, however, it is requisite that they should have at the very earliest possible moment clothing, especially greatcoats and blan- kets, and their accouterments and ammunition, belts, bayonet scabbards, and cartridge-boxes. The commanding officer should be authorized to procure them with the least possible delay. In case the policy of garri- soning Pulaski with the regulars and rehievingthe volunteers be adopted, I make 1~hese suggestions as your military engineei-. In addition, in view of the defense of that work, I regard for the purposes of labor hat kind of force as most economical. Very -respectfully, W. H. C. WHITING, Major of Engineers. I~ENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. PROVISIONAL FORCES, C. S. ARMY, No. 4. 5 Charleston, S. C., March 13, 1861. I. One company of artillery and one of infantry (to be called into ;crvice) will be sent forthwith to Battery Island, on the Stono River, Thi8 in reply to Wigfall, Vol. I, p. 273 Page 132 132 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. to throw up a temporary field-work at that point for the purpose of preventing the passage of any hostile expedition. Lieutenant MeCrady, of the Engineers, will accompany or precede this detachment to lay out the work to be constructed there, as explained to him by the brigadier- general commanding. Four 24-pounders on traveling siege carriages will be sent also for the armament of the battery. II. The floating battery of Captain Hamilton will be sent tempo- rarily and as soon as practicable to the same locality to take the most favorable position a little above Battery Island au(l on the same or opposite side to assist in preventing the passage of light-draft steamers or gun-boats. Captain Hamilton will first go to select a position for his battery, and if none can be found there it may be put at the mouth of the Stono River on the flats near Port Palmetto. III. Colonel Gregg will send one company of his regin~ent, instead of half a company as ordered yesterday, to Legares Landing, near the intersection of Fort Johnson and Fort Sumter Creeks, with two field pieces or short howitzers (for firing grape and canister), to be obtained from the ordnance department at the citadel and arsenal. jy Captain iNorth, S. C. Navy, is requested to scud the schooner Helena with four short howitzers (to fire grape and canister) and a force of twenty-five men armed with muskets, & c., to the intersection of said creeks, to be used as already explained to Colonel Hatch, quarter- master-general South Carolina, by the brigadier-general commanding. V. Captain North is also requested to statiou the receiving ship, with two, or four if possible, pieces of artillery on board, at the mouth of the Wappo River where it enters Ashley River. VI. Two long (or short) 12-pounders will be sent to the 6 pounder battery at the southern extremity of Morris Island. Colonel Gregg will see that they are put in position at once, and will garrison both of the batteries at that point with half a company each, and have a reserve company at the light-house for their immediate sul)port in case of need. VII. The board of trustees of the Marine School Ship are requested to station the said ship, with two pieces of artillery on board, at the mouth of the Newtown Cut where it enters the Ashley River. VIII. A company of infantry with one field piece will be sent on Wappo River, to be located at the place designated by the brigadier- general commanding, to Colonel Hatch, quartermaster- general. IX. The four 24-pounders ordered to Fort Palmetto, at the entrance of the Stono and Folly Rivers, will be sent there forthwith, to be put in position by Captain Pope as directed by the brigadier-general com- manding. One company of infantry (to be called into service) will be ordered to report to him forthwith for duty. X. Four 24-pounders and two 8-inch sea-coast howitzers, with their barbette carriages, chassis, rammers, sponges, & c., will be sent from Castle Piuckney to Morris Island for the new batteries there; also the carriages, chassis, & c. (without the guns), of three 24-pounders will be sent from the Castle to the same locality. XI. The proper quantity of ammunition will be provided for and sent with all the artillery designated in the above orders. XII. The Dahlgren shells lately received in this city will be sent forthwith to their point of destination on Morris Island. XIII. Major Gwynn will order of Mr. Lopez the pintle-blocks, tray- erse circles, and platforms required for the new batteries on Sullivans Island Page 133 CHAP. LXV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 133 XIV. The heads of departmeiits will see at once to the execution of the above orders. By order of Brigadier-General Beauregard: B. R. JOKES, Assistant Adjutant-General. RESOLUTIONS in reference to forts, dock-yards, reservations, and lroperty ceded to the Confederate States. Resoleed by the Congress of the Confederate States, That the Congress do recommend to the respective States to cede the forts, arsenals, navy- yards, dock-yards, and other public establishments within their respec- tive limits to the Confederate States, and, moreover, to cede so much of the lands reserved heretofore by the Government of the United States, or other public vacant lands in their respective limits as may be neces- sary for timber or hunber for naval or other purposes of public concern; and that the President of Congress be requested to communicate these resolutions and the accompanying report to the Governors of the respective States. Resohedfiti~ther, That in case of such cession, the President be, and is hereby, authorized and empowered to take charge of any such prop- erty ceded. Approved March 15, 1861. [L] WASHINGTON CITY, ID. C., March 17, 1861. Hon. L. P. WALKER, Secretary of War, Montgomery, Ala.: MY DEAR Sin: I received a dispatch a few days ago from Mont- gomery, without signature, which I presumed to be from you. For a week or thereabouts the impression here has been general that the United States Government would withdraw its troops from Sumter, the motive, of course, necessity, as we knew. Anderson could not be suc- cored, and he could be starved out in two or three weeks. Every days approach of warm weather makes his state the worse. Warm weather, salt food, and rain water to drink make dysentery right off. The with- drawal, which I take it is resolved on,is now based distinctly on the ground of a military necessity. Quite a number have drawn the con- clusion that it was a part only of a general peace policy. I see no evidence of this whatever, though its effect must be to prepare the Northern mind for such a general policy hereafter. On the contrary, it is now understood that Fort Pickens is to be retained and defended, and also the Tortugas forts. It is also the opinion of the most saga- cious men here that an extra session will be called and Congress asked to furnish additional means for coercion. I have no doubt whatever that the latter is the policy determined on and also that your ministers will be refused a hearing. I trust that the Confederate States will take precisely the same course iii respect to the Tortugas as to Fort Pickens and Pensacola. They are all points of too vast importance to be sur- rendered. I am satisfied that we can rally sentiment as well on the right to Tortugas forts as to Pickens and Sumter. Your Constitution is excellent, and so far the proceedings of your Government have been marked by the very highest statesmanship an Page 134 134 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. wisdom. You have no idea how much benefit they have been to us who in the border States are fighting the battle for a Southern confed- eracy. Only one thing I desire to caution against: Do not now push the matter looking to slaves coming from the border-States. Virginia, to be moved at all, must not be threatened, and all of that sort of leg- islation at this time only embarrasses us. As to the border States, I begin to see daylight. The Yirginia people voted nuder the delusion, skillfully planted in their minds by Douglas, Crittenden, and others, that the Crittenden proposition could be obtained, and, more, that the North would instantly ratify and make it l)art of the Constitution, and the cotton States thereupon come back. Since this illusion has been dispelled by events, there has been a marked reaction all over the State in favor of secession at once. The Petersburg vote is only one indication. There have been in the ten days just passed a number ot meetings of both parties, all declaring for secession, mostly unanimous and all overwhelming for secession. The resolutions toe the mark and use the word. Richmond is overwhelmingly with us, and the people are indignant at the course of the convention. These meetings have been held in all parts of the State, Western Virginia included, and are all one way. I am satisfied in a popular vote we could. carry Virginia by 20,000 majority to-morrow. Now, this feeling is rising every day, and I feel confident that it will finally act on the convention and induce them to put the State out. We shall win the battle in Virginia with- out doubt. Mr. Hunter and Mr. Mason are greatly encouraged, and so are all of our friends. The border States will all follow Virginia, and in three or four days after Virginia secedes this place will be deserted by the Yankee Government. I have been anxious to make a visit to Montgomery, but have not been able to arrange it. Very truly, yours, [1.] L. Q. WASHINGTON. WASHINGTON, March 17, 1861. [L. P. WALKER:] Mv DEAR Sin: I received your telegraphic dispatch last night after my arrival hem-c from Baltimore. I hope time officer will soon arrive, as the men are coming in rapidly. I expect to have 100 by his arrival. I thought it not prudent to send them to Charleston before they were examined and found fit for service, as thereby we might have been put to the expense of paying for the transportation of men who would be on examinatiomi rejected. I have, as I informed you, raised $3,000 on your authority to draw, and should more be necessary W. T. Walters & Co., of Baltimore, will make the advances on the draft of the officer sent. They will advance to any amount necessary. They charge no commissions or discount. The feeling in Baltimoie is strongly in our favor. I was there during the session of their convention, and had, at their request, a conference with tlme Virginia commissioners the night before they left for Richmond. They will urge strongly the immediate secession of that State. Iii the event that Virginia will not lead, an effort will be made to take Maryland out and drag Virginia after her. My belief is that Maryland cannot be kept in the Union much longer. The leading men are only deterred from now making the effort in hopes of getting Virginia to lead. I saw MeMahon, Norris, La rue, l)ent, Jones, and others, and there is no divisiomi of opinion among them. They asked anxiously of the disposition and ability of the Confederate States to send them aid in the event of their having to go out alone. They ar Page 135 CHAP. LXV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 135 now eveii without arms. They have but 1,000 arms in the whole city of Baltimore. They are organized, however, and are drilling every night. Their condition is really lamentable. They are looking with great anxiety to the organization of your army. Everybody here except myself believes that Sumter will soon be evacuated. I doubt. I do not believe the Republicans have the nerve to do anything. They are just in the condition of Buchanan. They will neither make war nor conclude peace, but will stand still till the country drifts into war. Such is my belief. I inclose a letter from a company formed here. Mr. Young will explain fully to you the circumstances. The material is good, and I have no doubt they would do good service, but I have no authority to act~ and therefore refer the whole matter to you. Captain Sherman is willing to go as first lieutenant, and put himself under any captain you appoint, though of course both he and the company would be gratified to have him in command. They can be sent to Charleston at the same rates as the recruits. Telegraph me your determination at the earliest moment practicable, as they are very anxious to hear. I am writing in great haste, as Mr. Young is waiting. I intended to have written you more fdlly, but my parlor has been crowded all day. ~ I am, very respectfully, L. T. WIUFALL. [Inciosure.] WASHINGTON, D. C., March 16, 1861. Hon. Louis T. XVIGFALL: DEAR SIR: The undersigned officers of the National Volunteers, a military organization of Southern-rights men, formed in this city in September, 1860, for the purpose of casting their lot with and battling for the cause of Southern emancipation, would respectfully request through you that they may be mustered into the Army of the Confed- erate States. This claim of our organization is founded on the follow- ing facts: We have arrived at our present status, haviiig contended with an almost unanimous submissionist community anxious to pre serve the late Union on any terms, who denounce us through the entire corrupt press of this place, and individually we are poi~ited out as traitors and disunionists. A large majority of our members are or will be thrown out of employment by the Black Republican traitors who now govern the Northern confederacy, and all of us are determined to unite with the South in any event; but we most earnestly desire that we may be mustered into the Army under our present organizatiozi. For the character of our officers for education, standing, and fitness, we would respectfully submit to you testimonials which cannot be doubted, and, further, we are ready to march at a minutes warning. We can most probably muster from 64 to 100 men, rank and file, and we have endeavored to attain some perfection in discipline and drill almost nightly since our formation. Hoping our desires may meet your approval, and that we may SOOIl have an opportunity of testifying our devotion to freedom and the Confederate States, we are, very respectfully, your obedient servants, C. K. SHERMAN, First Lieutenant. R. CLEARY, AS1e~ond Lieutenant. W. N. BARKER, [1.] Brevet Second Lieutenant. * For reply, see Vol. I, p. 278 Page 136 136 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. NEW YoRK, March 18, 1861. His Excellency Governor BROWN: The ten cases of arms were delivered, and are on the way to Savannah. [6.] 0-. B. LAMAR. WASHrNGTON, March 18, 1861. His Excellency JEFFERSON DAVIs: Breckinridge has made a magnificent speech, bold, open, definite, wholly right, and unmistakably with ns. [1.] LOUIS T. WJGFALL. EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, Milled geville, March 19, 1861. Hon. L. P. WALKER, Secretary of War: DEAR SIR: I have just received notice from your adjutant that Lieutenants Berry, Willis, and Barrow are ordered to Fort Pulaski for duty, with instructions to report to the commanding officer there. I consider it necessary that I continue to occupy Fort Pulaski with State troops till the Confederate States have a sufficient force there to hold it. With this ob~ject I have ordered the regular troops of this State to relieve the volunteers and occupy the fort till you have assumed the control of it with sufficient force. The volunteer corps there have been fully officered. The regulars sent there will be commanded by their own officers. In this state of the case will you have the kindness to inform me what service you expect these lieutenants to render and what command they are expected to assume while the State troops remain in the fortl Pardon me for calling your attention to another matter. In January last I ordered an artillery company from Macon to take position on Saint Simons Island and guard the entrance of the Brunswick Harbor, to keep out pirates, & c. This company is still at Fort Brown, on the island. They now desire to be relieved. As the Confederate States now assumes control of all the military operations of this character along the coast, you will please inform me whether you wish a company continued at that point or whether the troops may now return to their homes. There is probably less necessity for the services of the company on Saint Simons since we have a boat and crew now cruising in the inland waters of the State. I am not pre- pared, however, to say that the services of a company at that point may not still be necessary. I shall be glad to know your wishes in the premises. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, [6.1 JOSEPH E. .BROWIN. CHARLESTON, S. C., ]liarch 21, 1861. CRAWFORD, FORSYTH and ROMAN, Gornm~ssioners, Washington, D. C.: Sumter not evacuated; no indications whatever of it. Anderson working still on its defenses.* 0-. T. BEAUREGARD, [1.] Genera. i. * This in reply to Crawford, Forsyth, and Roman, Vol. I, p. 277 Page 137 DHAP. LXV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 137 WAR DEPARTMENT, C. S. A., Montgomery, March 22, 18G1. tis Excellency JOSEPH E. BROWN, llfilledgeville, Ga.: Sin: Your communication of the 19th instant is just received. Lieu- enants Berry, Willis, and Barrow, having been appointed in the Army )f the Confederate States, were ordered to Fort Pulaski at the request )f Colonel Hardee, whorn it was at that time the purpose of this Depart- rient to assigu to the command of that fort and the adjacent country. ~o official communication, however, having been made to this Govermi- uent that the State forces of Georgia had been transferred to the -uthority of the President, and being as yet without any notification hat there were any troops in your State subject to my control, Colonel lardee has been sent to Fort Morgan, in this State. You will remem- er that in my requisition for 2,000 troops from your State I informed .ou that 1,000 were intended for Pulaski. So soon as I am advised hat these troops are ready to be mustered into service an officer will e assigned to the command of that fort. In regard to the company rdered by you to occupy Saint Simons Island, I can only say that ither it or some other company should continue to perform that dnty, C there is any possible occasion to justify it, until such time as the ~onfederate Government is in condition to (10 50. When that will be, lepends, of course, upon the disposition to be made by you of the equisition for troops already referred to. I feel satisfied that you will ot permit any unnecessary delay to intervene either in regard to troops or Pulaski or Pensacola. There can hardly be a doubt of the imme- hate necessity for prompt action, especially as to Pensacola. The Gov- ~rnment of the United States certainly do not intend to abandon Fort ~ickens, but, on the contrary, are preparing to re-enforce it with ulti- ate views, doubtless, upon the navy-yard, now completely at the mercy ~f the guns of the fort. I hope to have by Monday next 5,000 troops ~oncentrated at that point, which, with the 1,000 to be furnished by ~our State, will give us a force sufficient certainly fQr the purposes of lefense. I shall be happy to hear from you in reply at your earliest ;ouvenience, trusting that my previous letters have satisfied you that I .ave every disposition to accommodate the action of this Department -s far as possible to your wishes. Very respectftdly, your obedient servant, L. ~. WALKER. WASHING-TON, March 28, iSGi. ion. ROBERT TOOMES, Montgomery, Ala.: The Senate has adjourned sine die. There is a dead calm here. COMMISSIONERS. CHARLESTON, March 29, iSGi. ion. C. G. MEMMINGER: Telegram received. You can have 2,000 percussion muskets and ayonets. Designate your agent, and let me know what is the matter t Washington. They must act soon. England and France will have arge fleets on our coast in a short time, and I fear we will lose ou Page 138 138 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. legitimate share of Mexico, and it strikes iiie an able man ought to go to Spain immediately to have a full understanding with the cabinet at Madrid. 1.] F. W. PICKENS. MONTGOMERY March 29, 1361. Governor F. W. PICKENS, Charleston General Beauregard will designate agent to receive 2,00() percussion muskets, for which I am much obliged. [1j L. P. WALKER. CHARLESTON, March 30, 1861. Hon. L. P. WALKER, & cretary of War: Receive(l your telegram, and deliver this morning with pleasure the 2,000 muskets to Captain Lee for General Beauregard, according to your desire. Everything ouiet, but must be some action soon. [1.] F. W. PiCKENS. WASHiNGTON, April 1, 1861. General L. P. WALKER, ASrecretary of War, Montgomery, Ala.: MY DEAR SIR: In my former letters to you, written two weeks since, I expressed doubt as to the good faith and pacific policy of the Govern- ment at Washington. A careful observation of their movements since has only served to confirm these opinions, and a number of concurrent circumstances, taken with the opinion of persons here having good opportunities for acquiring information, satisfy me that they are pur. suing a hostile and treacherous policy. A Virginia submissionist came up here the other day to get some pacific assurances from Lincoln and Seward. He told a gentleman afterward that their answers were vague aiid unsatisfactory. Yet his position was such, and the course of Vir. ginia so doubtftul, as he would put it, as to make them have a strong desire to give any help they could to the Union party there. A gentle. man much mixed up with navy officers, of excellent judgment, told me to-day that he was convinced that they intended to re-enforce Sumter and Pickens and blockade the mouth of the Mississippi; that the naval officers were all advising coercion, and that there was unusual activity in fitting out vessels for sea. Another gentleman, who sees much of the Cabinet and the Navy Department, expressed the opinion to-day that a war ~)olicy was resolved on. It seems the Senate and North- western pressure for war on the Administration has been very powerful, and I am satisfied that Lincolns own feelings and theories of duty all run on the side of coercion. It appears to me the Administration is concentrating its resources for a blow. In writing to you before I put the case less strongly than my convictions, because others here, with opportunities to form a judgment, thought differently; but every devel- opmenteverything that can be construed into a development of official intentionconfirms what I wrote. The tide of sentiment is running strong in Virginia for secession. We are fighting bravely, vigorously, and will triumph in the end. We have all the enthusiasm. I take i Page 139 CHAP. LXY.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 139 for granted that if the storm of war comes it will find you all ready. I wish I could say as much for the border States. Very truly, yours, [1.] L. Q. WASHINGTON. HEADQUARTERS PROVISIONAL FORCES, Charleston, S. C., April 5, 1861. The following memorandum of instructions is issued for the service of the channel batteries: I. In case of action the chief of artillery will take post so as to direct most conveniently the operations of all the batteries. II. For this purpose there should be detailed from two to four mounted orderlies for service under the exclusive orders of the chief of artillery. lIT. The charge of a battery cannot be regarded as an independent command, and officers on duty at batteries are strictly enjoined to await the orders of the commandant before opening fire. flT Circumstances must, of course, determine whether one or more of the batteries should be engaged, and the fire, while it must not be thrown away on objects out of range, should be conducted with great care and deliberation. V. A roster of the different batteries will be made, and at the discre- tion of the commandant one or more will be indicated to perform the duty of enforcing the daily and nightly channel guard. The batteries so (lesigliated will be charged with bringing vessels to, and will be gov- cined by the signals of the guard-boats, or suspicious circumstances in lie case of vessels coming in. Sentries should be carefully instructed in the signals of the guard-boats, indicating the approach of friendly or unfriendly vessels. (See order of Captain North of January 29.) Two glasses with cases will be provided for the lookout sentries on Snilivans Island, and three for those on Morris Island, to be in the care of the officer of the guard. VI. The signal for general action in daytime will be the hoisting of the Confederate and Palmetto flags on the halyards at the commandants flag-staff, the Confederate flag above. VII. At night the signal for general action will be a lantern hoisted on the commandants flag-staff. \TJJJ The Quartermaster-General will provide Lieutenant-Colonel Ripley, commandant of artillery on Sullivans Island, with two horses and equipments for orderly service; and Lieutenant-Colonel De Sans- sure, commandant of artillery on Morris Island, with four horses and equipments for the same purpose. He will also provide and distribute the glasses indicated in section V of this order. By order of Brigadier-General Beauregard: D. R. JONES, A ssistant Adjutant- General. CHARLESTON S C Mi. M. J. CRAWFORD, , ., April 8, 1861. Commissioner, Confederate States, Washington, P. C.: Accounts from Washington so uncertain I have calle(l out several thousand volunteers. * G. T. BEAUREGARD, Brigadier- General, Comm ((n(ling. See Crawford to Peaure~ard, Vol. I, p. 289 Page 140 140 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. HEADQUARTERS PROVISIONAL FORCES, C. S. A., Charleston Col. MAXCY GREGG-, , April 8, iSGi. Commanding Morris Island: COLONEL: On notice being received of the approach of a hostile fleet, sentries at night will be doubled in front of the batteries. The regular guard details will be strongly re-enforced with detachments of infantry to support the artillery in case of an attempt to land and spike the guns by surprise. A small mounted patrol to move on the beach between the iDahlgren Battery and the south end, communicating with the different sentries, whose posts will be advanced toward the beach. Colonel Gregg will post the additional companies of infantry detailed for duty on Morris Island. Of this force three companies to occupy the Beacon Hills, snpporting Warleys battery of 24-pounders. Three coin- panics will re-enforce Gadherrys and occupy the line of the first range. Camp Gregg will be pitched immediately in rear of Light-house Hills for the support of the new batteries, the occupation and defense of the hills, and the immediate repulse of an attempt to land by boats. It is presumed that the point of landing would be either in front of the Light- house Hills or upon the fiats to the northward of them, under cover of fire from shipping. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, STEPHEN D. LEE, [1.] Captain, South Carolina Army, and Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen. RESOLUTIONS to provide for the transfer of arms, ordnance, and munitions of war l)y this State to the Government of the Confederate States of America. Resolved, That the Governor be, and is hereby, authorized to trans- fer to the authorities of the Confederate States of America all of the ordnance, arms, and munitions of war which have been purchased by the authorities of this State and now in her possession since the 20th day of December last (except such as he, with the board of ordnance, may think it advisable to retain) upon payment to this State of the cost and expenses thereof, or securing such payment to the satisfaction of the Governor and council. That he also, by and with the advice and consent of the board of ordnance, transfer to the said Confederate Government all of the arms, ordnance, and munitions of war which have been taken in the forts and arsenals of this State, lately in pos- session of the Government of the United States, except such as in their discretion should be retained for the use and defense of the State, taking therefor such receipts and assurances as will secure to this State the value thereof or will indemnify the State in any accounting which may hereafter be had with the United States Government and that the Governor and board of. ordnance be authorized and directed to turn over all the arms, ordnance and munitions of war to the authorities of the Confederate States in possession of this State, upon payment therefor or securing such payment, which in their discretion can be spared consistently with the safety and defense of this State. RESOLUTIONS to provide for the transfer of the regular enlisted troops of this State to the Government of the Confederate States. Resolved, That it is proper that the regular troops which have been enlisted in the service of the State should be transferred for the remain- der of their term of enlistment to the service of the Confederate States, but that in doing so justice requires that all the officers should receiv Page 141 CHAP. LXV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 141 commissions of the same grade for at least the period of enlistment of the troops, and that the Governor of the State be authorized to make arrangements accordingly for such transfer with the President of the Confederate States, and to endeavor to preserve, if practicable, the rank of all the officers. RESOLUTIONS to provide for tendering a volunteer force to the Confederate States. Resolved, That it is the sense of this convention that the sudden call which was gallantly answered by the First Regiment of South Carolina Volunteers, now in the service, and the valuable services which that regiment has rendered, give it a just claim to an honorable discharge as soon as the pressing exigency of state of affairs in the ~jndginent of the Governor permit; but that if it should be the desire of the said regi- ment to prolong its service, then it shall have the privilege of being the first corps transferred to the service of the Confederate States, upon making the necessary change in their term of enlistment; and that if the whole regiment shall not desire to extend the term, but a number of companies and men sufficient, with the aid of prompt recruiting to form aii efficient regiment, shall choose to do so, they shall have the same privilege and shall retain the regimental name and colors. Resolved, That if the services of the First Regiment shall not be needed inthe field for the whole of their term of six months, the Gov- ernor may at his discretion permit the whole or any l)art of the regi- ment to return to their homes, subject to his call whenever it may be requisite during the said term, their pay and allowance being suspended while so at home, and that in the event of a treaty of peace being made between the Confederate States and the United States before the expiration of the said term the Governor shall be authorized to dis- band the said regiment. Resolved, That whenever a volunteer force shall be called for by the Government of the Confederate States, the Governor be authorized to call for as many regiments of the twelve n~onths volunteers already organized as may be needed; and that if the said regiments shall con- sent to go into the service of the Confederate States they shall be transferred accordingly; and if the whole of any regiment shall not so consent,but companies and men enough shall do so to form, byaidof recruiting, an efficient regiment, such regiment shall be transferred in the same manner, provided that preference shall be given to the said regiments in the order in which they now rank. Resolved, That in case a sufficient number be not raised from these organizations, then any other companies, battalions, or regiments are hereby authorized to volunteer and tender their services till the requi- site number is supplied and received~ A true copy. * B. F. ARTHUR, Clerk of Convention. GENERAL ORDERS, ~ HEADQUARTERS PROVIsIONAL FORCES No. 11. Charleston, S. C., April 10, 1861. I. Col. Louis T. Wigfall, Col. James Chesnut, jr., Governor John L. 1~Ianning, and Capt. Arthur M. Manigault, having offered their serv The document containing the foregoing resolutions (as here printed) is without date, but, according to the journal of the South Carolina convention, the committee on engrossed ordinances reported April 9, 1861, that the resolutions had been duly engrossed and ratified by the signature of the president and the attestation of the clerk of the committee Page 142 142 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. ices to Brigadier-General Beauregard, are hereby appointed volunteer aides-dc-camp, and any orders transmitted through them will be obeyed accordingly. II. General Samuel McGowan and Col. TI. B. Boylston, having vol- unteered their services to the brigadier-general commanding, are hereby appointed assistants; the former to the quartermaster-general and the latter to the commissary-general, to whom they will report for duty, and will be respected accordingly. By order of Brigadier-General Beauregard: D. 111. JONES, [1.] Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS PROVISIONAL FORCh1~S, Charleston, S. C., April 10, 1861. Lient. Col. W. G. DE SAussURE, Commandant of Batteries, Morris Island: (Through Colonel Gregg, commanding.) SIR: The brigadier-general commanding directs me to inforiu you that a system of lights on flat-boats will be established in the harbor to-night for the purpose of lighting up the channel to show any small boats that may attempt to reach Fort Sumter with supplies and re-eu- forcements. These lights will be under the direction of Captain Hart- stene, C. S. Navy, He also directs that the guns be so directed that a terrible lire may be opened on them as soon as seen by these lights, if it be too dark to see them except by the lights. The lime lights will also be so regulated that they may be used in connection with these lights with their best effect as soon as an alarm may be given. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, STEPHEN D. LEE, Captain South Carolina Army, and Actg. Asst. Q. 11. [1.] GENERAL ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS PROVISIONAL FORCES, No. 17. 5 Charleston, S. C., April 11, 1861. Honorables W. Porcher Miles and Roger A. Pryor, having tendered their services to Brigadier-General Beauregard, are hereby appointed volunteer aides-de-camp, and all orders transmitted through them will be obeyed. By order of Brigadier-General Beauregard: D. 11. JONES, [1.] Assistant Adjutant- General. SAVANNAH, April 11, 1861. L. P. WALKER: Great uneasiness prevails here from the fact that we have no officer in general charge of the defenses of Savannah. Colonel Williams, of the Georgia regulars, being in command of the fort, it is important that the Confederate Government should take charge of this matter and assign some one to this duty. F. S. BATITOW Page 143 CHAP. LXV~1 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 143 F. S. BARTOW, MONTGOMERY, April Ii, iSGi. Saran nak: You certainly know that until the transfer is made I have no author- ity to take possession of the forts, arsenals, & c. I have received no official notice even of the ordinance of your convention, and no notice of any sort that it is the purpose of your authorities to transfer. I am as anxious as you are that the Confederate Government may be put in position to take charge of the defenses of Georgia, but as yet no response has been made to my requisition for 1,000 men for Pulaski at least, no information that they were ready. Now, without men, and with no control of the fort, what can I do~ I am ready to send an cfficer the moment these things are made known to me. L. P. WALKER. I ~. P. WALKER: CHARLESTON, April 12, 1861. We opened fire at 4.30 a. in. G. T. BEAUREGARD. i~eneral BEAUREGARD, MONTGOMERY, April 12, 1861. Charleston: Keep me advised of your progress. L. P. WALKER. HEADQUARTERS PROVISIONAL ARMY, C. S., ~rigadier-General DUNOYANT, Charleston, S. C., April 12, 1861. Sullivans Island, S. C.: GENERAL: You are herewith informed that as soon a~ the Cummings oint mortar batteries commence doubling the intervals between their hells (that is, four minutes instead of two dnring the day, and twenty inuites instead of ten at night, so as to economize our ammunition), on will order those on Sullivans Island to do the same. This order as already been communicated to Fort Johnson and Mount Pleasant. ;end me some information by the bearer. Respectfully, your obedient servant, G. T. BEAUREGARD, Brigadier- General, Commanding. P. S.Be careful to call in time for ammunition, & c., and do not low too fast or useless firing at the gun batteries. Li.] B. PECIAL ORDERs, ADJT. AND IN5P. GENERALS OFFICE, No. 23. Montgomery, April 18, 1861. * * * * * * II. Brig. Gen. A. R. Lawton, of the provisional forces in the servic Page 144 144 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV of the Confederate States, is assigned to the command of Fort Pulask and Savannah, Ga., and the surrounding country, headquarters a Savannah. * * * * * * * By order of the Secretary of War: S. COOPER, [6.] Adjutant and Inspector General. MONTGOMERY, April 13, 1861. Governor JOSEPH E. BROWN, The President has appointed A. H. Lawton to command at Foi Pulaski. Staff and ordnance officers will be sent to him at onc~ Whiting will superintend the engineering. I must beg you at onc and without more delay to furnish my requisition of troops of March ~ If you still refuse to transfer the enlisted men except upon the term heretofore suggested by you, I must earnestly insist that you issue call for 1,000 volunteers for the defense of Fort Pulaski. I trust ye will concur with me in the opinion that the emergency of the ca~ demands instant action. L. P. WALKER. [6.] MILLEDGEVILLE, April 13, 1861. Hon. L. P. WALKER, Secretary of War: The troops will be furnished immediately. Part of the compauP will go down to Savannah on Monday next. JOS. E. BROWN. [6.] SAVANNAH, April 13, 1861. L. P. WALKER: We have troops here ready to enter the service of the Confedera Government. Dont wait on the Governor. The harbor is witho~ proper defense. We want the orders and authority of our Goverumer The convention transferred everything. F. S. BARTOW. [6.] CHARLESTON, April 13, 18611.30 oclock. Hon. C. G. MEMMINGER: Sumter has raised the white flag. Batteries stopped fire. F. W. PICKENS. [1.] CHARLESTON, April 15, iRGI. His Excellency JEFFERSON DAVIS, President of the Confederate States of America: I have now more than 7,000 troops and more will be here to.night think more than is needed. I have ordered some 3,000 more to coiL at Columbia to meet the requisition from the Confederate Goverum Page 145 CNAP. LXY.1 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 145 and I have also a fine cavalry regiment near flamburg, ready to march, if you desire, doWn to Florida; perhaps such a force might be of great service in that State. If the 3,000 are required, I beg that the cavalry regiment may be allowed to go with them as part of them. My direc- tions to collectors of ports are to let all vessels go out freely except loaded with naval stores and munitions of war. Mr. Memminger~s reply is for all to go. Can articles contraband go I F. W. PICKEINS, [6.] Governor. EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, Hon. L. P. WALKER, Milledgeville, Ga., April 15, 1861. Secretary of War, Montgomery, Ala.: SIR: In compliance with your requisition of Saturday last, commu- nicated by telegraph, I issued an order on that day for ten volunteer companies from different parts of the State to repair immediately to Savannah to garrison Fort Pulaski. Some of these companies, all of which are infantry corps, are now on their way to Savannah, and all, I trust,will arrive there by the last of the present week. They would sooner, but for the reason that some will come from remote parts of the State and off from a railroad. I desire these companies to be mustered into the service of the Confederate States at as early a day as practica- ble, and to this end that an officer of the Government be sent to Savan- nah to receive and take charge o4~ them. Some of the companies, say half of them, I expect will reach Savannah by Wednesday. It has not been possible, on so sudden a call, after having fitted out the regiment to Pensacola, to furnish the requisite tents~ camp furniture, & c., for these troops, but it is hoped we shall be able in a very short time to supply them with everything needful. These ten companies are intended to be organized into a regiment when they shall have all arrived at Fort Pulaski, the place of rendezvous, when they will elect their officers and be received into the service of the Confederate States as a regiment and not as separate companies. Very respectfully, & c., JOSEPH E. BROWN. Governor JOSEPH E. BROWN, MONTGOMERY, April 15, 1861. Milledgeville: Thirteen hundred men will be received for Pulaski and Tybee Island, and orders for their disposition will be forwarded to General Lawton. The news to-day indicates general war. L. P. WALKER. ADJUTANT AND INSPECTOR GENERALS OFFICE, Brig. Gen. A. R. LAWToN, Montgomery, April 15, 1861. Commanding Troops of Provisional Army, Savannah, Ga.: GENERAL: I have the honor to inform you that troops to the num- ier of 1,300 will be furnished by His Excellency the Governor of 10 R RYOL LII Page 146 146 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. CTeorgia for service at Fort Pulaski and Tybee Island, to be distributed by you as your judgment shall direct. Your attention is respectfully called to the suggestions iu His Excellencys letter, a copy of which is herewith sent, and the Secretary of War desires that you make an inspection of the points referred to and report your views to this office at the earliest day. Very respectfully, ~. COOPER, [6.] Adjutant and inspector General. CHARLESTON, April 16, 1861. Hon. JEFFERSON DAVIs, I~resident oj the Conftderate States: Sin: I have the honor to inclose you a copy of Au ordinance to transfer to the Government of the Confederate States of America the use and occupancy of the forts, arsenals, navy-yard, custom.houses, and other public sites within the limits of South Carolina, passed by the convention of South Carolina on the 8th instant.* The stirring events which have transpired since that ordinance was passed, with pressing engagements iii another department of the public service, have pre- vented me from sending you this paper sooner, but I have the pleasure by the delay to assure you of the actual occupation by us of one for- midable fortress which was not in our possession when the ordinance was passed. I am, sir, with great respect, your obedient servant, D. F. JAMISON, [6.] President of the Convention of South Carolina. CHARLESTON, April 16, 1861. Hon. L. P. WALKER: Yesterday the U. S. fleet oft the bar stopped three vesselsone ship bearing British flag, one ship bearing U. S. flag, and a brig bearing the Spanish flag. G. T. BEAUREGARD. [6.] CHARLESTON, April 16, 1861. Hon. L. P. WALKER: To-days dispatch concerning blockade incorrect. Fleet informed British vessel outside there wa~ no blockade yet. Fleet disappeared except one vessel. We are still on the alert. G. T. BEAUREGARD. [6.] ADJUTANT AND INSPECTOR GENERALS OFFICE, illiontgomery, April 16, 1861. General G. T. BEAUREGARD, C~ommanding C. S. Forces, Charleston, S. C.: GENERAL: The Secretary of War is much in want of the services of Major Whiting, of the Engineers, to take charge of the Bureau o See Vol. I, p. 288 Page 147 Ca& r. LXV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 147 Engineers at the seat of Government, and has suggested that I should write to you on the subject. If you can possibly spare him from your command, the Secretary desires you will give him the necessary orders to repair to this place without delay, as the service is suffering here for the want of a head of the bureau. Please telegraph your answer. It is proper that I should suggest for your consideration the possibility, even the probability, that the first attempt of the U. S. authorities, judg- ing from the proclamation of President Lincoln, will be to retake possession of Charleston Harbor. Very respectfully, yours, S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General. HEADQUARTERS PROVISIONAL ARMY, C. S., Maj. W. H. C. WHITING, Charleston, ~ C., April 16, 1861. Assistant Inspector- General, Morris Island: MAJOR: Your favor of the 10th instant has been received.* I do not intend to increase the number of batteries on Morris Island bear- ing on the main channel, except at Vinegar Hill. The Dahlgren gun of Sullivans Island and the rifled gun must be put in position at or about the Vinegar Hill battery. A moving traverse must be constructed at this position from the beach to the creek in the rear and a protecting traverse along the sea-shore, where even the natural ground is too low, and from sand hill to sand hill. The Cummings Point batteries heading on Sumter must be destroyed. Two of their mortars may be put in posi- tion along the shore toward Gadberrys. The other must be sent back to the ordnance depot in the city. Brigadier-General Nelsons brigade will consist of Hagoods and Greggs regiments. Brigadier-General Simons of Cunninghams, Kershaws, iRions, and De Saussures. All the troops on the island will be under command of Major-General Bon. ham. Brigadier- General Simons will concentrate his brigade in rear of the North Point batteries. Brigadier-General Nelsons brigade will remain in its present position until further orders. Respectfully, your obedient servant, G. T. BEAUREGARD, [6.] Brigadier- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS PROVISIONAL FORCES, Morris Island, S. C., April 17, 1861. General BEAUREGARD, Commanding Provisional Army, Charleston, S. C.: M~ DEAR GENERAL: The object of the occupation of Morris Island having been attained, that is to say, the capture of Sumter, suppose we abandon it altogether. In this view of the case we should commence by carrying out your orders, as expressed in your directions, for the present suspended. If we are to maintain the position here, I am, as heretofore, in favor of occupying the whole line. But let us examine the question of abandoning it. In the first place we leave an expensive locality; we place in safety a large amount of munitions of war; we post for the defense of Charleston a fine body of troops on more interior See Vol. I, p. 29 Page 148 148 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. lines of defensive operations, as James island and Mount Pleasant, and we materially diminish the expenses; the troops will be salubri- onsly quartered, and we shall avoid the inevitable sickness already making its appearance, due to great exposure, insufficient commissariat, and bad water. Fort Sumter cannot be retaken from Morris Island alone. Your mortar batteries have accomplished that work. It cannot be touched from Cummings Point; the late bombardment shows that. Let the enemy occupy it entirely. We can shell him out from our remaining mortar batteries and keep him at a distance. If the Stono is taken by the enemy, we must move our troops. We shall be able to concentrate a strong force for the defense of Sumter, since, even in its present condi- tion, Sumter cannot be retaken. The evacuation of Morris Island, if agreed on, should proceed while we are restoring the fort, and at once, before the enemy has recovered from his present repulse and has made his appearance with greatly increased force and resources. He is not and cannot be ready to make a landing for permanent lodgment now, nor, in spite of the press, has he the force. It took more than six months to prepare for Vera Cruz. The object here is more difficult than that, for it is to invade American soil. In the twenty days which Mr. Lincoln so kindly gives us to throw down our arms and disperse, suppose we move and disconcert their plans. If so, the move to begin with the dis- mantling of the siege batteries, already ordered; the south end to be abandoned, as you directed; the whole force to dismount and transport the guns; the troops to be gradually withdrawn, a regiment covering the island until its time came to leave. The move will require a rapid and well-organized arrangement of the steamers and land transporta- tion. As for the defenses of Charleston Harbor, Moultrie and Sumter, even as it is, are enough and more than sufficient. Jhopeyouwillnotconsiderthisasill-timedorimpertinent; and,as I believe that (more elaborated and matured) this has been your plan, although you have not disclosed it, I have therefore written you this as a private letter or conversation, not to be filed. I am free to confess that the idea never occurred to me till an hour ago, suggested by Gen- eral Simons, while weighing in my mind the two plans of action embraced in your letter of the 16th, relative to abandoning the southern end of the island, and that of the 16th, suspending it. I have to say, also, that if the movement is but the preliminary to evacuation of the entire island, it has now, as it did not have yesterday, my entire con- currence. Very truly, yours, W. H. C. WHITING. P. S.Besides, it would greatly favor the assistance we can afford to North Carolina and Pensacola, as much of our armament can be spared. This consideration is very important. 1 could devote my attention to Sumter, where I think my presence is needed. [6.1 WAR DEPARTMENT, Montgomery, April 17, 1861. His Excellency JOSEPH E. BROWN, ]IiliilledgeriUe, Ga.: SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 15th instant, inclosing copies of two ordinances adopted by the State of Georgia in reference to the transfer to this Government of th Page 149 Cit& ~. LXV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 149 forts and arsenals and certain arms and munitions of war. An officer will very soon be ordered to the duty of receiving the property described in ordinances from the authorities of Georgia, with author- ity, of course, to receipt for the same. In relation to such of the guns to be transferred as were made for the State of Georgia under contract, I beg to say that this Government is quite willing to pay for all such in cash, as you desire. The contracts made by Your Excellency with the Tredegar Works it will probably be advantageous to this Govern- ment to have transferred to it, but as this Government has itself a: con- tract with that establishment calling for thirty 10-inch guns, to be delivered at the rate of two per week, beginning with the first week in this month, I mnst ask Your Excellency to ftirnish me copies, that the Department may be able, before deciding finally, to ascertain precisely times of delivery and the like; and I shall be glad to receive such copies as soon as Your Excellencys convenience will permit. The officer detailed for the duty mentioned in this letter will very probably report himself to Your Excellency within the next two or three days. With great consideration, your obedient servant, [6.] L. P. WALKER. SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ HEADQUARTERS PROVISIONAL ARMY, No. 11. Savannah, Ga., April 17, 1861. The undersigned having been appointed a brigadier-general in the Provisional Army of the Confederate States, and assigned by the Sec- retary of War to the command of Fort Pulaski and the surrounding country, announces to the troops on duty and to all concerned that he assumes the command, as ordered, and has established his headquarters, for the present, at the Oglethorpe Barracks, in this city. All commu- nications on business connected with his office will, until further orders, be addressed to Col. Henry C. Wayne, adjutant-general of the State, who is acting as chief of his staff. A. H. LAWTON, Brigadier- General, Commanding. EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, Milledgeville, Ga., April 18, 1861. Hon. L. P. WALKER Secretary of War, Montgomery, Ala.: SIR: I am informed by a telegram received from II. C. Wayne, adju- tant-general, now in Savannah, that he has reliable information from Washington that a plan for retaking Fort Pulaski has been matured. Taking this in connection with the declaration of Mr. Lincoln that he intends to retake all the Southern forts, I anticipate an attack on Fort Pulaski at no very distant day. I therefore respectfully ask that you at once order 5,000 troops to Fort Pulaski and for the defense of Savan- nah with its approaches. I will respond promptly to all requisitions made on me for volunteers for that purpose. An early reply is respect- hilly solicited. In advance of yonr written requisition, you will oblige by mentioning by telegraph the number of troops you will receive, if any, that I may be putting them in readiness as fast as possible for active service.* I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, [6.] ___________ JOSEPH E. BROWN. For reply, see Vol. I, p. 464 Page 150 150 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. MILLEDGEVILLE, GA., April 18, 1861. Hon. L. P. WALKER: Have ordered one company of artillery with the regiment now on its way to Savannah. Will you take them, or is infantry only required ~ Have given by mail reasons for desiring 5,000 troops at Savannah. [6.] JOSEPH E. BROWN. AThTITTANT AND INSPECTOR GENERALS OFFICE, Montgomery, April 18, 1861. Brig. Gen. A. Ii. LAwToN, Commanding Military District, Savannah, Ga.: GENERAL: The Secretary of War desires that you will direct Maj. Alfred Cumming, who has been ordered to report to you, to proceed with as little delay as practicable to Milledgeville, with instructions to wait on the Governor of Georgia for the purpose of receiving the property described in the ordinances passed by the late convention of that State on the 20th of March, copies of which ordinances are inclosed for his information and government. It will be the duty of Major Cum- ming to receive the property from the authorities in Georgia for the Confederate States and to duly receipt for the same. Yery respectfully, your obedient servant, S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General. (Inclosure No. 1.] AN ORDINANCE to transfer to the Provisional Government of the Confederate States of America the nse and occupancy of the forts, arsenals, navy-yards, cus- tom-houses, and other public sites within the limits of this State. The people of Georgia, in convention assembled, do ordain, That the Government of the Confederate States of America is hereby authorized to occupy, use, and hold possession of all the forts, navy-yards, arsenals, custom-houses, and other public sites, with their appurtenances, within the limits of this State, and lately in possessiou of the United States of America; and to repair, rebuild, and control the same at its discretion until this ordinance be repealed by a convention of the people of this State. Passed March 20, 1861. GEO. W. CRAWFORD, President of the Convention. Attest: A. R. LAMAR, Secretary. [Inclosure No. 2.J AN ORDINANCE to transfer to the Government of the Confederate States certain arms and munitions of war, and for other purposes. The people of Georgia, in convention assembled, do ordain: SECTION 1. That the control of all military operations in this State having reference to or connection with questions between this State, or any of the Confederate States of America and powers foreign to them, is hereby transferred to the Government of the Confederate States of America. SEC. 2. That the State of Georgia hereby transfers to the Govern- ment of the Confederate States of America the arms and munitions of war acquired from the United States, with the forts and arsenals, and which are now in the said forts and arsenals Page 151 CHAP. LXV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 151 SEC. 3. That the Governor of this State is hereby authorized to trans- fer to the Government of the Confederate States such arms, munitions of war, armed vessels, or steamers belonging to this State, as in his judg- ment may be expe(lient and upon such terms as may be agreed npon with the said Government of the Confederate States. SEC. 4. The transfer herein provided for shall be conducted on the part of this State by the Governor thereof, the Government of the Con- federate States undertaking to account for all such arms and munitions of war as are hereby transferred. Passed March 20, 1861. GEG. W. CRAWFORD, President of the Convention. Attest: A. H. LAMAR, [6.] Secretary. HEADQUARTERS PROvISiONAL FORCES, FRANCIS ~. PICKENS, C~1tarleston, S. C., April 18, 1861. Governor of South Carolina: SIR: I have coiisidered your verbal conversation with Capt. S. D. Lee, of my staff, this morning, with reference to the defenses of Beau- fort, Georgetown, and Edisto, and have the honor to state that, under my present instrnctions from the War Department at Montgomery, I am iiot able to spare my attention from the defenses of this harbor at present, as I consider the proper preparation for the defenses of Charles- ton paramount to other points ou the coast of this State. Under these circumstances I would be much obliged to you if you would take such steps as you deem necessary for defense at the points indicated, and on your reqnisition I will furnish you with one or two companies from Colonel Andersons regiment or such other companies as can be spared. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant G. T. BEAU1~EhAIRD [6.] Brigadier- General, Commanding. MONIC OMERY, April 19, 1861. General A. B. LAWTON, Savannah: Have received dispatch and letter from Governor Brown, urging me to order 5,000 troops to Fort Pulaski. Shall not do so unless his sug- gestion is indorsed by you. He is clearly mistaken about the fleet. It lies off Pensacola, and is not thinking of Savannah or Pulaski. L. P. WALKER. HEADQUARTERS PROVISIONAL ARMY, C. S., Charleston S C Hon. L. P. WALKER, , ., April 21, 1861. Secretary of War, Jlfontgomery, Ala.: SIR: I have endeavored, as much as practicable, to carry into effect ~he requisitions of the War Department for officers, regiments, and suns from this harbor to different points designated. I have ordere Page 152 152 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. nine 10-inch sea-coast mortars and four 10-inch siege mortars, complete, with 1,20f~ shells and fuses, to be sent forthwith to Montgomery, for distribution as the Department shall think proper. One 9-inch Dahigren gun will be sent at once to Commodore Rousseau, with its carriage, shells, and fuses, at New Orleans, as requested by the Navy iDepart ment. Major Whiting, Captains H allonquist, Jones, and Childs, and Lieutenants Farley and Robertson have been ordered to report, as directed by the War Department, and to-day Brigadier-General Bon- ham, with two regiments of South CarolinaVolunteers (Colonels Greggs and Kershaws) are to leave for Norfolk. In consequence of these requisitions I will adopt immediate measures for concentrating my forces on Sullivans and Morris Islands, toward the batteries command- ing the entrance of this harbor; and, as soon as I shall have repaired the damages to Fort Sumter, will withdraw all my troops and guns from Morris Island, when I will then have some of the latter disposable for other points on the coast of South Carolina or other localities, as the Department shall direct. I have requested Lieutenant Huger, C. S. Navy, to express to you verbally my views relative to the proposed attack on Pensacola,which Ido not put in writing for want of time. With regard to Norfolk, I told Major Whiting, on arriving there, to have a few detached batteries of 24-pounders pat in position to fire red-hot shot on the Cumberland, so as to get rid of her as soon as practicable, for otherwise her heavy armament would cause a great destruction of property in Norfolk and Portsmouth. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, G. T. BEAUREGARD, 16.] Brigadier-General, Commanding. CHARLESTON, S. C., April 22, 1861. Hon. L. P. WALKER: I can purchase 60,000 pounds of rifle powder at 22 cents a pound. Shall I purchase for Confederate States 0? Consider it advisable, as all communication is cut off. G. T. BEAUREGARD. [6.] MONTGOMERY, April 22, 1861. General BEAUREGARD, Charleston: Yes; purchase the powder at once, and advise Major Gorgas of amount, who will provide for payment. What have become of the artillery officers you were to send to Pensacola? L. P. WALKER. [6.] HEADQUARTERS PROVISIONAL FORCES, Charleston, S. ~., April 22, 1861. Hi~ Excellency FRANCIS W. PICKENS, Governor of South Carolina: SIR: I have the honor to put in writing my verbal requisition on you (about the 12th instant) for the following troops, viz: That the Thir Page 153 CHAP. LXV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 153 and Fourth Regiments of South Carolina Volunteers be ordered to Columbia, to be equipped for active service, and that the Fifth, Seventh, and Eighth Regiments of South Carolina Volunteers be ordered to this city for active and immediate service. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, G. T. BEAUREGARD, [6.] Brigadier. General, Commanding. General A. J. GONZALES, CHARLESTON, S. C., April 22, 18G1. Acting Inspector- General, Morris Island, ~. C.: Mv DEAR GENERAL: Colonel Ripley having informed me that Sum- ter would be ready in three or four days for a thorough defense, I have concluded not to construct the proposed field-works at Vinegar Hill, but to remove vigorously the Cummings Point batteries, covered ways, and traverses thrown up to protect them from the fire of Sumter. My order will probably be out to-day to that effect. All the guns, & c., from the south end of the island, except the two field pieces, will be sent from Vinegar Hill or from the Oyster Point to Fort Pickens on the Stono, aiA the field pieces to Fort Palmetto. To prevent unpleasant observa- tions and remarks, I desire that you should issue no orders, but, when any are required, that they should come from the commanding geueral on the island, for au inspector can give no orders, but may make sug- gestions to those in command or to these headquarters. The Governor desires the Seventeenth to be relieved at once. This will necessarily cause General Simons to be relieved by General Nelson, whose two regiments are on the island days. but this will not be the case for several Yours, very truly, G. T. BEAUREGARD, Brigadier- General, Commanding. P. 5.In consequence of Kershaws regiment and the whole of Greggs not going away, as I had been informed they would do, I have ordered back General Nelson to the command of his former brigade, to be reposted where it was before or where most convenient to their new positions, for we have now, I think, little to fear from the enemy. SAVANNAH GA General BEAUREGARD, , ., April 22, 18G1. Charleston, AS~. C.: Mv DEAR GENERAL: Captain Hartstene tells me that you expect iu a day or two to take a trip with him along the coast of Carolina, and will approach very near to our river and harbor. I sincerely desire a visit from you, not only that I may renew the pleasant acquaintance of early life, but because 1 would be greatly relieved by such persoiial examina- tion as you could give our defensive works and very much assisted by such suggestions as your better experience would readily enable you to make. I am very much in earnest about this visit. As the Governor of South Carolina may not be willing to land on our shores (though we would rejoice to see him here), if you will indk~ate the time and place for one of our steamers to meet you and convey you to Savannah th Page 154 154 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. arrangement will be promptly made. I only refer to this steam-boat trip as a convenient occasion, but should you prefer to come by the cars, of course I will be quite as happy to see you. I will expect the pleasure of your company during your stay in Savannah, and will insist on your coming directly to my house. Very respectfully and truly, yours, [6.] A. U. LAWTON. CHARLESTON, S. C., April 23, 1861. Hon. L. P. WALKER, Montgomery, Ala.: Powder in Augusta. Appoint agent to receive. Where is it required? Three officers for Pensacola left here Sunday. [6.] G. T. BEAUREGARD. MONTGOMERY, April 23, 1861. (Received 3.40 p. In.) General BEAUREGARD, Charleston: Ageut will be in Augusta to-morrow night to store powder at arsenal. [6.] J. GORGAS. CHARLESTON, April 24, 1861. Hon. L. P. WALKER: We have made very large expenditures for everything so far, and I desire to send an agent to Saint Louis and Louisville to make large purchases of provisions. Before I do so I desire to know if you have made any certain arrangements to supply troops in service or if you prefer me to send an agent. Please reply. immediate answer solicited. [6.] F. W. PICKEKS. MONTGOMERY, April 24, 1861. Governor FRANCIS W. PiCKENS, Charleston An agent has been sent to Saint Louis and Louisville to make pur- chases for the Army. I was only notified to-day of the transfer of your troops, and the estimate made for supplies did not embrace them. Steps, however, will be immediately taken to lay in supplies for them, and in two or three weeks they will reach you. Will this do? [6.] L. P. WALKER. EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, Milledgeville, Ga., April 24, 1861. Hon. L. P. WALKER, Secretary of War: DEAR SIR: Adjutant-General W ayne has just returned from Savan- nah, where he has been rendering all the assistance in his power to General Lawton. He assures me that the place is in quite a defense- less condition. A battery at Thunderbolt, in the rear of the city, is being located to command a channel by which ships of war of eighteen feet draft could pass in and get into the river above Fort Pulaski. Again, I have been doing all in my power to get heavy guns and othe Page 155 CHAP. LXV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 155 munitions of war to the fort. I am getting on hand a considerable supply, but I am informed that the guns are being mounted very slowly indeed, for the reason that we lack scientific officers who under- stand the business. Captain Gill is doing all he can, but is unable to do half that is needed. Under these circumstances I earnestly request that you will without delay send to Savannah either Major Whiting or Captain Boggs, or some other competent person, to assist in locating the batteries and mounting the guns. I also respectfully call your attention to the defenseless condition of Brunswick and other points ou the coast of Georgia. The largest ships can enter at Brunswick and the whole navy of the United States could safely anchor there. The people feel very insecure and are constantly appealing for protec- tion. I should be greatly gratified if you could, consistently with yonr sense of duty, locate a battery to command the bar of Brunswick and station sufficient force there to defend it. You would gladden many a heart if you would send the necessary officers to Savannah and author- ize the necessary defenses at other points. It may be very true that we are not in danger of immediate attack, but we are subject to it at any time, and if the war lasts long must meet it sooner or later. We do not wish to be found unprepared. Very truly, & c., JOSEPH E. BROWN. CHARLESTON, April 24, 1861. General A. B. LAwToN, Commanding at Sarannah, Ga. Mv DEAR GENERAL: Your favor of the 22d instant, by Captain Hartstene, has just been received. Should I be able I will be most happy to extend my visit as far as Savannah, but I cannot specify the time. You will, however, be informed of the latter when determined upon. In the meantime you had better follow Major Whitings advice, for he is quite reliable and knows the country well. But I think you can now take your time, for the tories have at present something else to attend to than to effect landings on our Southern coast, and very soon the season will prevent them nnder all circumstances from trou- bling us. I thank you for your kind offer of the hospitalities of your house. I see no objection to putting a few guns on the opposite side of the channel Pulaski, l)rovided you put them in an inclosed work with orders to.the garrison to spike the guns if necessary to abandon them. Against shipping I prefer red-hot shot to anything else. Yours, truly, G. T. BEAUREGARD. P. S.Where is Boggs~ He would be useful to you. B. SAINT MARYS, CAMnEN COUNTY, GA., April 25, 1861. His Excellency JEFFERSON DAVIS, President of the Confederate States of America, Montgomery, Ala.: We, the undersigned, citizens of the town of Saint Marys and of Camden County, Ga., beg leave to call the attention of Your Excellency to the following considerations: That the town of Saint Marys and th Page 156 [CHAP. LXV. 156 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. county of Camden are remote portions of country oii the sea-coast of Georgia; that they are utterly unprotected by any military or naval force except the militia of the county, which is not sufficient for our protection; that the number of voters in the county is from 230 to 250, the number of slaves about 4,000; that the population of Saint Marys is between 500 and 600, of whom about one-half are negroes; that we have not sufficient protection against the slaves should an enemy land and arouse them to hostilities; that the muskets furnished to the Saint Marys Volunteers, a military company in that town, are inferior weap- ons; that Fort Clinch, at the northern end of Amelia Island, Fl a.,is not garrisoned, and that 100 resolute and efficient men, with a sufficient number of heavy guns, could hold the fort and protect the entrance between Amelia and Cumberland Islands, by which access to Saint Marys, Ga., and Fernandina, Fla., is gained, either for or against the Confederate States; that the fort, if not garrisoned, may be taken pos- session of by the United States; that the entrance to Saint Andrews Sound, between Cumberland and Jekyl Islands, through which access to the Satilla River and Saint Marys is gained, needs fortification and protection; that on or near the Satilla River are some 3,000 negroes; that much danger exists both to Saint Marys and the Satilla from marauders and pirates, whom the inhabitants dread more than any other parties; that the country generally is thinly settled by whites and utterly unable to protect itself against the enemy, marauding parties, and pirates; that we pray that adequate and prompt protection be afforded; that the value of taxable property in Camden County by the State census of 1859 is $3,387,107, and that any information necessary in regard to our waters and coast can be obtained from Major Whiting, lately in command at Fort Clinch, under the late United States Gov- ernment, now of the Provisional Army, C. S.; that in the war of 1812 the British made this place a place of attack and a basis of operations, on account of the facility of landing troops and munitions of war, and that it can be now used in a similar manner and for a similar purpose; and that on account of our exposed, defenseless, and unprotected state, we, our families, our dwellings, and our property are liable, during the course of the-war, to be visited and destroyed by a hostiJe fleet and army. F. M. ADAMS. A. J. BESSENT, Mayor of City of Saint Marys, Ga. A. B. DUFOUIt, Captain Saint Mary.s Volunteers. JOHN BACHLOTT, [6.] [AND 43 OTHERS.] HEADQUARTERS PROVISIONAL ARMY, Brig. Gen. JAMES SIMONS, Charleston, S. C., April 25, 1861. Commanding on Morris Island: SIR: The brigadier-general commanding was surprised to learn last evening that Colonel Kershaw, with four companies of his regiment, was in this city, on their way to Virginia, and while the general con- sents to Colonel Kershaws going to Virginia with the four companies, he disapproves of your order sending them from Morris Island without his authority. The general further directs me to say that he will allow no more volunteering or enlisting from the troops under your comman Page 157 Cii~. LXV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 157 for service in Virginia or elsewhere. He desires you to make this known to your command, and to use every effort to discountenance anything of the kind, as its tendency is to disorganize your troops and to impair the discipline of your command. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. It. JONES, [1.] Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA, April 26, 1861. Hon. Mr. WALKER, Secretary of War: SIR: As you telegraphed me you had arranged for our supplies at the end of three weeks, I thought it proper to order our commissary-general to make out a regular estimate for supplies for four months, which I now inclose,* and beg leave to call your immediate attention to it; and as, under the recent requisitions from the War Department, as well as by special requisitions made by General Beauregard here, I have those troops now in service, I would most respectfully suggest that a pay- master be appointed by President Davis. I had a thorough army officer for that purpose, Captain Northrop, but President Davis has recently appointed him to another office, and I am ~I1 want of a regular army man for it. I know the President would rather appoint such, arid I therefore beg your immediate attention to it. If you have none such suitable, I would recommend that General Beauregard be author ized to do so here, and I will give him all the aid and assistance I can in the selection. Please Jet me hear from you, as every day changes our position, and I am at a loss to know how to act frequently, bat desire to promote the views of the Confederate authorities so far as I know them. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, F. W. PICKENS. SPECIAL ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS PROVISIONAL ARMY, No. 99. Charleston, S. C., April 26, 1861. I. Lieut. John Rutledge, C. S. Navy, and inspector of ordnance, will take charge of the dismantling, removing guns, & c., of the channel batteries on Morris Island, commencing.forthwith withthe nearest bat- tery to Cummings Point. The commanding officer on said islai~dwill afford him all the assistance he may require for that purpose. The guns, ammunition, & c., required at Fort Sumter will be sent there; the balance will be sent to Castle Pinckney, excepting thepowder, which will be sent to the city magazine for sa~fe-keeping. At Castle Piuckney the guns, shot, and shell will be left in depot outside the walls; fthe chassis, car- riages, pintle-blocks, tritverse circles, and other appurtenances will be put away carefully in its casemates. Mr. Ramsey, of the quar- termasters department, or other agent will be put in charge of the transportation of said ordnance from Morris Island to its destination. II. The commanding officer onMorris Island will, when in his judg- ment practicable, relieve gradually by companies Colonel Be Saussures ~ Omitted Page 158 158 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. battalion of artillery, commencing with Captain Cuthberts. The com- panies, when relieved, will be ordered to report to Adjutant-General Gist for orders. III. The present exigencies no longer requiring the services of the Seventeenth Regiment of Infantry (Colonel Cunningham), it will be relieved from duty oii the 29th instant, to report to Adjutant-General Gist in this city. Colonel Hagoods regiment will take the position of the Seventeenth Regiment when relieved in rear of Vinegar Hill. IV. Brigadier-General Simons, whose efficient services will no longer be needed on Morris Island, will be relieved at the same time the Seven- teenth Regiment isthe 29th instantand Brigadier-General Nelson will assume command of the island. V. On the 30th instant the companies of Colonel iRions regiment remaining on Morris Island will be relieved from duty and ordered to report at Fort Pickens, Battery Island. The company which was ordered to Legares Landing will be sent to Fort Johnsou instead, and the one ordered to the Wappo Creek will be sent to Fort Palmetto. * * * * * * * By order of Brigadier-General Beauregard: D. U. JONES, [6.] A ssistant Adjutant- General. WAn DEPARTMENT, C. S. A., Montgomery, April 27, 1861. His Excellency JOSEPH E. BROWN, Governor oj. Georgia, ct~c., llfilledgerille: SIR: In reference to your letter of the 24th of April, suggesting an examination into the defenses of the harbor of Brunswick, and request- ing an additional engineer officer to be sent to Fort Pulaski, it gives me pleasure to say that your wishes shall be respected as to Brunswick, and that Captian Echols has been sent to assist Captain Gill at Fort Pulaski. If these officers should require more assistance, Major Whit- ing, after he shall have performed the service on which he is now engaged at Forts Caswell and Johnson, will be dispatched to Fort Pulaski. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, yours, L. P. WALKER, [6.] Secretary of War. SPECIAL ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS PROVISIONAL ARMY, No. 101. Charleston, S. 0., April 27, 1861. 1. On the arrival of the companies of Colonel Rions regiment from Morris Island at Fort Pickens the commanding officer at that post will relieve the Charleston Riflemen and Washington Artillery from duty and order them to this city, to report to Adjutant-General Gist, of South Carolina. 2. The Rutledge Mounted Riflemen (Captain Hug~r) will be relieved from duty on the Wappoo on the 30th instant. Captain Huger, on his arrival with his company in this city, will report to Adjutant-General Gist, of South Carolina. * * * * * * * By order of Brigadier-General Beauregard: STEPHEN D. LEE, Captain, C. S. Army, and Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. [6. Page 159 CHAP. LXV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 159 CHARLESTON, April 30, 1861. L. P. WALKER: (Received 12 oclock.) Will endeavor to leave here to-morrow morning. My presence much required here at present. G. T. BEAUREGARD. SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ HEADQITARTERS PROVIsIONAL ARMY, No. 105. Charleston, 5. C., April 30, 1861. The services of the company of College Cadets being no longer required by the l)resent exigencies, it is relieved from duty on Sulli- vans Island, and will report to Adjutant-General Gist, in this city, to-morrow, the 1st proximo. In relieving this company the brigadier. general commanding takes the opportunity to commend them for the alacrity and zeal with which they came forward in the defense of their country, and for their soldierly bearing while in service. He recoin- mends them to return to their college, keep up their organization and discipline, and when their services are again needed he will take great pleasure in calling for them. By order of Brigadier-General Beauregard: S. W. FERGUSON, [6.] Gaptain and Aide-de- Camp. HEADQUARTERS PROVISIONAL ARMY, C. S., Charleston, S. C., May 1, 1861. General S. R. GIST, Adjt. and Insp. (len. of South Carolina, Charleston, S. C.: GENERAL: I am directed by the general commanding to inform you that he approves of the following location of the several regiments of South Carolina Volunteers, and he desires that the necessary arrange- ments therefor be at once entered upon, viz: Fifth Regiment, Colonel Jenkins, at Summerville; Second Regiment, Colonel Kershaw, at Sum- ter Court-House; First Regiment, Colonel Hagood, at Orangeburg; Eighth Regiment, Colonel Cash, at Florence; Fourth and Seventh Regiments, Colonels Sloan and Bacon, at .Aiken; Third and Sixth Regiments, Colonels Williams and Rion, at Columbia. For the present, however, the commanding general will retain at their present localities, nutil further orders the F and Sixth Regiments. , irst, Second, Fifth Very respectfully, yonr obedient servant, D. R. JONES, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS PROVISIONAL ARMY Charleston, S. C., May 2, 1861. Lient. Col. R. S. RIPLEY, Commanding Fort Sumter: SIR: The flag of Moultrie, which you sent to General Beauregard by Captain Allston, was duly received, and the general bids me thank yo Page 160 160 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. for your kind attention. The flag has been sent to the Secretary of War at Montgomery. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. R. JONES, [1.] Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS PROVISIONAL ARMY, C. S., Charleston, S. C., May 2, 1861. Mr. J. TOWNSEND, Bleak Hall, Edis to Island, S. C.: DEAR SIR: Your favor of the 30th nitimo has just been received. I have already furnished, at the request of General Pickens, the guns, & c., required for the armament of the forts you allude to on the North and South Edisto, which are indeed very important points of the coast to be protected. I will take the earliest opportunity to visit those two points immediately on my return from Montgomery, where I have to go for a few days only; otherwise I should have already complied with my l)romise to you. I think the season is so far advanced, and the enemy so occupied elsewhere, that you have but little to fear from him. How- ever, it is well to be on the alert. So soon as I am ready to start on my reconnoitering tour I will inform you of the fact, and I thank you for your kind offers. I remain, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, G. T. BEAUREGARD, [0.] Brigadier- General, Commanding. A RESOLUTION of thanks to Brig. Gen. G. T. Beauregard and the army under his command for their conduct in the affair at Fort Sumter. Be it unanimously resolved by the Congress of the Confederate States of America, That the thanks of the people of the Confederate States are (lue, and through this Congress are hereby tendered, to Brig. Gen. G. T. Beauregard and the officers, military and naval, under his command, and to the gallant troops of the State of South Carolina, for the skill, fortitude, and courage by which they reduced and caused the surrender of Fort Sumter, in the harbor of Charleston, on the 12th and 13th days of April, 1861. And the commendation of Congress is also hereby declared of the generosity manifested by their conduct toward a brave and vanquished foe. Be it further resolved, That a copy of this resolution be communicated by the President to General Beauregard, and through him to the army then under his command. Approved May 4, 1861. [1.] EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, Miilledgeville, May 4, 1861. Hon. L. P. WALKER, Secretary of War: DEAR SIR: I addressed you a letter some days since by Major Spalding, in addition to former ones, upon the subject of the coast defense of Georgia. Since that time I have received repeated state- ments and petitions from our fellow-citizens along the coast, which show that the state of alarm is so great among them that many o Page 161 CHAP. LXV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 161 them are sending away their most valuable property and preparing to leave their homes because of the sense of insecurity, which they feel. Almost all business is suspended and the excitement and alarm are very great. There are a vast number of negroes along the coast, and there are several inlets where the vessels of the enemy can enter without hindrance and carry off this kind of property in large quan- tities. I trust, therefore, that you will excuse me for again urging you in the most earnest manner to order troops to be stationed along the coast at the most exposed points without delay. If you will make the requisition I will furnish the troops promptly. I would respectfully suggest that General Lawton be directed to order as much as one reg- iment of the troops now under his command to those l)Oints, and that I be permitted under your requisition to order out the regiment of volunteers in Savannah, and place them under the command of General Lawton, to supply the place of the regiment which may be ordered to other points on the coast. Including the regular regiment, Georgia has already supplied six regiments and two battalions for the field. Four of these regiments and the two battalions have been ordered out of the State. I have met promptly every requisition made on me for troops for the defense of our cause in other States, and I feel that I do not ask too much when I again press upon your consideration this urgent demand for the protection of such.citizens of Georgia as are in a condition to be constantly exposed to the depredations of the enemy. I have been formally notified by you that the President assumes the control of all military operations of this character. Since I received this notice I have in every case awaited the instructions of the Presi- dent through you before ordering troops into the field, and while I still recognize the authority of the President over this matter 1 demand the zxercise of that authority in behalf of the defenseless and unprotected ~itizens of this State who reside near the exposed points above men- tioned. A prompt requisition for troops for this purpose is earnestly 3ohcited, withthe assurance that they will be supplied with the least possible delay. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, E. BROWN. [6.] ADJUTANT AND INSPECTOR GENERALS OFFICE, Brig. Gen. A. R. LAWTON, Montgomery, May 4, 18G1. Commanding Military District, Savannah, Ga.: GENERAL: The Secretary of War instructs me to say that the limits if your command are extended to include the whole sea-coast of the State of Georgia, and he desires you to inform this Department as to .vhat number of men and means of defense will be necessary for its rotection over and above what you now have command of. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. COOPER, [6.] Adjutant and Inspector Gener~d. MONTGOMERY, Wednesday, May 8, 1861. ~ENTLEMEN OF THE CONGRESS: In the message addressed to you on the 29th ultimo, I referred to the ourse of conduct of the Government of the United States toward the 11 B BVOL LII Page 162 162 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. commissioners of this Government sent to Washington for the purpose of effecting, if possible, a peaceful adjustment of the pending difficul- ties between the two Governments. I also made allusion to an inter- mediary, whose high position and character inspired the hope of suc- cess; but I was not then at liberty to make any communication on the subject as specific as was desirable for a full comprehension of the whole subject. It is now, however, in my power to place before you other papers, which I herewith address to you from them. You will perceive that the intermediary referred to was Hon. John A. Campbell, a judge of the Supreme Court of the United States, who made earnest efforts to promote the successful issue of the mission intrusted to our commissioners, and by whom I was kept advised, in confidential com- munication, of the measures taken by him to secure so desirable a result. It is due to you, to him, and to history that a narration of the occurrences with which he was connected should be made known, the more especially as it will be seen by the letters hereto appended that the correctness and accuracy of the recital have not been questioned by the Secretary of State of the United States, to whom it was addressed. I avail myself of this opportunity to correct an error in one of the state- ments made iii my message of the 29th of April. it is there recited that I was prompted to call you together in extraordinary session by reason of the declarations contained in the proclamation of President Lincoln of the 15th of April. My proclamation, convoking you, was issued on the 12th of April, and was I)romptcd by the declaration of hostile purposes contained in the message sent by the President to the Governor of South Carolina on the 8th of April. As the proclamation of President Lincoln of the 15th of April repeated the same hostile intention in more specific terms and on a much more extensive scale, it created a stronger impression on my mind, and led to the error above alluded to, and which, however unimportant, I desire to correct. JEFFN DAVIS. Following is the correspondence alluded to in the message: WAshINGToN CITY, Saturday, Apt-il 13, 1861. Hon. WILLIA1~I H. SEWARD, Secretary of State: SIR: On the 15th of March ultimo I left with Judge Crawford, one of the commis- sioners of the CoIIh~derate States, a note, in writing, to the effect following: I feel entire confidence that Fort Sumter will beevacltate(1 in the next ten days; and this measure is felt as imposing great responsibility on the Administration. I feel entire confidence that no measure changing the existing status, prejudicially to the Southern Confederate States, is at present contemplated. I feel an entire confi- dence that an immediate demand for an answer to the communication of the commis- sioners will be productive of evil and not of good. I do not believe that it ought at this time to be pressed. The substance of this statement I communicated to you the same evening by letter. Five days elapsed and I called with a telegram from General Beauregard to the effect that Sumter was not evacuated, but that MajorAnderson was at work niaking repairs. Tile next day, after conversing with you, I communicated to .Judge Crawford, in writing, that the failure to evacuate Sumter was not the result of bad faith, but was attributable to causes consistent with the intention to fulfill the engagement, and that as regarded Pickens I should have notice of any design to alter the existing status there. Mr. Justice Nelson was present at these conversations, three in number, and I submitted to him each of my written communications to Judge Crawford, and informed Judge Crawford that they had his (Judge Nelsons) sanction. I gave you, on the 22d of March, a substantial copy of the statement I had made on the 15th. The 30th of March arrived, and at that time a telegram caine from Governor PickeriL inquiring concerning Colonel Lamon, whose visit to Charleston he supposed had a connection with the proposed evacuation of Fort Sumter. I left that with you, and was to have an answer the following Mon(lay (1st of April). On the 1st of April I received from you the statement in writing, I am satisfied the Government will no Page 163 CHAP. LXV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 163 undertake to supply Fort Sumter without giving notice to Governor Pickens. The words I am satisfied were for me to use as expressive of confidence in the remain- der of the declaration. The proposition, as originally prepared, was, The President may desire to supply Sumter, but will not do so, & c., and your verbal explanation was that you did not believe any such attempt would be made and that there was no design to re-enforce Sumter. There was a departure here from the pledges of the previous month, but with the verbal explanation I did not consider it a matter then to complain of; I simply stated to you that I had that assurance previously. On the 7th of April I addressed you a letter on the subject of the alarm that the preparations by the Government had created, and asked you if the assurances I had given were well or ill founded. In respect to Sumter your reply was, Faith as to Sumter fully kept; wait and see. In the mornings paper I read, An authorized messenger from President Lincoln informed Governor Pickens and General Beauregard that provisions will be sent to Fort Sumter peaceably, or otherwise by force. This was the 8th of April, at Charleston, the day following your last assurance, and is the evidence of the full faith I was invited to wait for and see. In the same paper I read that intercepted dispatches disclose the fact that Mr. Fox, who has been allowed to visit Major Ander- son on the pledge that his purpose was pacific, employed his opportunity to devise a plan for supplying the fort by force, and that this plan had been adopted by the Wash- ington Government, and was in process of execution. My recollections of the date of Mr. Foxs visit carries it to a day in March. I learn he is a near connection of a meml)er of the Cabinet. My connection with the commissioners and yourself was 3uperiuduced by a conversation with Justice Nelsoim. He informed me of your strong disposition in favor of peace, and that you were oppressed with a demand of the com- muissioners of the Confederate States for a reply to their first letter, and that you desired to avoid, if possible, at that tinme. I told him I might perhaps be of some ;ervice in arranging the difficulty. I came to your office entirely at his request and without time kimowledge of the commissioners. Your depression was obvious to both Judge Nelson and myself. I was gratified at the character of the counsels you were lesirous of pursuing, and much impressed with your observation that a civil war night be prevented by the success of my umediation. You read a letter of Mr. Weed to show how irksome and responsible the withdrawal of troops from Fort Sumter was. A. portion of my communication to Jmmdge Crawford on the 15th of March was founded upon these remarks, and the pledge to evacuate Sumter is less forcible than the words you employed. Those words were, Before this letter reaches you (a proposed let- Ler by me to President Davis) Sumter will have been evacuated. The commission- ~rs who received those communications coumulude they have been abused and over- :eached The Montgomery Government hold the same opinion. The commissioners ave supposed that my communications were with you, and upon time hypothesis pre- uared to arraign you before the country in connection with the President. I placed peremptory prohibition upon this as being contrary to the terms of my comumuni- ~ations with them. I pledged myself to them to commummicate information upon what considered as the best authority, and they were to confide in the ability of myself, ided by Judge Nelson, to determine upon the credibility of my informant. I think .ny candid man who will read over what I have written, and consider for a moment what is going on at Sumter, will agree that the equivocating conduct of the Admin- stration as measured and interpreted in connection with these promises, is the proxi- ate cause of the great calamity. I have a profound conviction that the telegrams )f the 8th of April of General Beauregard, and of the 10th of April of General Walker, he Secretary of War, can be referred to nothing else than their belief that there has een systematic duplicity practiced upon them throughout. It is under an oppres- ive sense of the weight of this responsibility that I submit to you these things for ;our explanation. Very respectfully, JOHN A. CAMPBELL, A8sociale Ju8tice of the Supreme Court. P. WALKER, Secretary of War: An authorized messenger from President Lincoln just informed Governor Pickens -ud myself that provisions will be sent to Fort Sumter peaceably, or otherwise by orce. leneral P. G. T. BEAUREGARD: If you have no doubt of the authorized character of the agent who communicated ~ you the intention of the Washington Government to supply Fort Sumter by force, on will at once demand its evacuation, and if this is refused, proceed in such man- or as you may determine to reduce it Page 164 164 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. WASHINGTON CITY, Saturday, Arril ~O, 1861. Hon. W. H. SEWARD, Secretary of State: SIR: I inclose you a letter corresponding very nearly with one I addressed to you one week ago (13th of April), to which I have not had any reply. The letter is simply one of inquiry in reference to facts concerning which I think I am entitled to an explanation. I have not adopted any opinion in reference to them which may not be modified by explanation, nor have I affirmed in that letter, nor do I in this, any conclusion of my own unfavorable to your integrity in the whole transaction. All that I have said and mean to say is, that an explanation is due from you to myself. I will not say what I shall do in case this request is not complied with, but I am justified in saying that I shall feel at liberty to place these letters before any person who is entitled to ask an explanation of myself. Very respectfully, JOHN A. CAMPBELL, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States. No reply has been made to this letter, April 24, 1861. MONTGOMERY, ALA., May 7, 1861. General DAVIs, Presides t of the Confederate States: SIR: I submit to you two letters that were addressed by me to Hon. William Ii. Seward, Secretary of State of the United States, that contain an explanation of the nature and result of an intervention by me in the intercourse of the commissioners of the Confederate States with that officer. I considered that I could perform no duty in which the entire American people, whether of the Federal Union or of the Confederate States, were more interested than that of promoting the counsels and the policy that had for their object the preservation of peace. This motive dictated my intervention. Besides the interview referred to in these letters I informed the Assistant Secretary of State of the United States (not being able to see the Secre- tary), on the 11th of April ultimo, of the existence of a telegram of that date from General Beauregard to the commissioners, in which he informed the commissioners that he had demanded the evacuation of Sumter, and, if refused, he would proceed to reduce it. On the same day I had been told that President Lincoln had said that none of the vessels sent to Charleston were war vessels, and that force was not to be used in the attempt to supply the fort. I had no means of testing the accuracy of this information, but offered that if the information was accurate I would send a telegram to the authorities at Charleston, and that it might prevent the disastrous consequences of a collision at that fort.between the opposing forces. It was the last effort that I would make to avert the calamity of war. The Assistant Secretary promised to give the matter attention, but I had no other intercourse with him or any other person on the subject, nor have I had any reply to the letters submitted to you. Very respectfully, [1.] JOHN A. CAMPBELL. WAn DEPARTMENT, C. S. A., Montgomery, May 9, 1861. His Excellency JOSEPH E. BROWN, Governor of Georgia: SIR: Your letter of the 4th of May was received yesterday, and should have been answered by return mail but for the pressure ot engagements during the day. I assure Your Excellency I profoundly appreciate the solicitude you feel in regard to the coast defenses ot Georgia, but they have not escaped my attention. Prior to the receipt of your letter on the 4th of May, General Lawtons command was extended to embrace the coast, and he was ordered to report all neces- sary defenses. So SOOIi as this report is received here no time will be lost in executing the measures recommended for the security of your citizens. Should it be required to make special requisition upon Your Excellency for troops in this connection it will be done. Respectfully, [6.] L. P. WALKER Page 165 CHAP. LXV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 165 STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA, HEAD QUARTERS, May 11, 1861. Col. L. M. HATCH, Quartermaster- General: SIR: You will please furnish for me to-morrow morning the steamer Clinch, with suitable provisions for a party of ten for a week. The steamer will be required to visit all the entrances south of Charleston on the South Carolina coast an made. , d arrangements for this object must be ro.] F. W. PTCKENS. EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, Tallahassee, May 13, 1861. (Via Columbus. Received 15th.) Hon. L. P. WALKER: Troops ready. A few days required to complete equipment. When wanted, and where I Cannot furnish above 1,000 muskets. Can you supply I Florida claims the privilege of sending a regiment to Wash- ington. Will you authorize mel Can I concentrate troops at certain defenseless points on coast I Will you send officers to drill and instruct I Respectfully, M. S. PERRY. L P. WALKER: CHARLESTON, May 15, 1861. I consider two regiments of volunteers absolutely necessary for the lefense of this coast, and require authority to muster them into service. G. T. BEAUREGARD. HEADQUARTERS STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA, General BEAUREGARD:] May 15, 1861. DEAR GENERAL: I am sorry you are sick, but you will excuse for ~tating what I desire to say to you. I can get no answer from Mont- ~omery as to what they will do. I have distinctly offered to muster to the Confederate service the eight regiments of volunteers now nder orders. I am confident I can get six full regiments from them or the Confederate Army absolutely; but, as they give no answer, I ;uppose under your original orders to take charge of this command -nd to bring under your orders troops not to exceed 5,000, that you still ave anthority to order as many regiments as you think necessary to irotect Charleston and the sea-coast, to which your command was ~xtended. I therefore respectfully suggest that you order and direct hat at least two, if not three, of the regiments now nuder your orders e directed to take up their permanent positions. We will muster in o-day eight regular infantry companies and five artillery, and the 150 ~en you have here of the regular Army of the Confederate States can e, at your discretion, added. This would give ten infantry and five rtillery companies. Two companies of this artillery could be perma- ently stationed in Moultrie and three in Sumter; two regular infantr Page 166 166 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. on Sullivans Island, witli Jenkins regiment, 1,150 Strong; then four regular infantry companies at Coles Island and the mouth of Stono and Fort Pickens, or perhaps five; one at Georgetown and one at Edisto, supported by the local artillery company now there, and a regular com- pany at or near l3eaufortin all, ten regular infantry companies and five artillery. Then order ilagoods regiment, 860 strong, to Summerville, twenty-two miles on the railroad, at a perfectly healthy station, which could support the force on Stono and at Pickens even easier than from the islands, and the local regiments in Charleston, now armed and equipped, could at any time be ordered into action. This would give you a force, regulars and all, in pay of the Confederate Government, of about 3,000 men for the summer; and, if they do not desire to muster into the Confederate service any of the other regiments nownnder orders, I can then order them to retire to their homes, but to be in constant and daily readiness for a call at any moment; but they could then all be at the expense of the State alone. All I want is an immediate decision. Very respectfully and truly, F. W. PICKEKS. P. S.I desire something certain would be done as soon as possible, so mons regiment and the balance of Kershaws could be disbanded. [6.] IIEAI~QITARTERS PROVISIONAL FORCES Charleston, S. C., May 15, 1861. His Excellency F. W. PICKEN5, Charleston, AS. C.: DEAR SIR: Your favor of this date has been received. I regret much that I cannot keep any longer iii the Confederate service the volun- teer regiments you refer to. I recommended, when lately in Montgom- ery, that at least 5,000 men could be kept constantly in service for the protection of the coast, for the purpose of drilling, organizing, & c., but this arrangement does not seem to have met with the approval of the Secretary of War. Hence I have this (lay issued an order relieving all the volunteers that have been called out, except four companies ot iRions regiment, which will be relieved also as soon as practicable.* We will have to muster into the service detached companies as required for the defense of the coast batteries, as the latter shall be constructed. I must be permitted to advise that the present organization of the volunteer regiments now out should be maintained even ~Jter being disbanded, and that at least one or two of said regiments should be kept successively encamped nearest to their homes for the purpose of drill, organization, & c., so that the State could at any time have at least 6,000 or 8,000 men for the protection of its soil and inhabitants, in case of any sudden attack from the enemy. I regret that the regi- ment of South Carolina regulars and battalion of artillery is not fall, so as to be more amply provided with garrisons for the coast batteries. I will soon communicate to you my views relative to the new batteries required for the coast (lefenses of South Carolina. I remain, dear sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, U. T. BEAUREGARD, [6.] Brigadier- General, Commanding. * See next, jpO8t Page 167 ChAP. LXV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 167 SPECIAL ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS PROVISIONAL FORCES No. 115. Charleston, S. C., May 15, 1861. 1. The services of the volunteers not being required at present on Morris and Sullivans Islands, and the authorities at Montgomery having declined to have them mustered into the service of the Con- federate States they will be relieved forthwith from duty, and will report to Adjutant-General Gist for further orders. Colonel Jenkins will report at once, and General Nelson will report his command as ready to leave Morris Island as soon as the guns, & c., have been removed, as heretofore ordered. 2. Colonel mons regiment of South Carolina Volunteers, except the two companies which have been drilled as artillerists at Fort Palmetto ind the one so drilled at Fort Pickens, and one company to be selected by the colonel at said post, is relieved from duty, and Colonel Ition will report to General Gist, adjutant-general of South Carolina, for orders. The camps excepted above will remain for the present to garrison %e forts where they are stationed. By order of Brigadier-General Beauregard: 1). II. JONES, Assistant Adjutant! General. MONTGOMERY, ALA., ihiy 15, 1861. [Ion. L. P. WALKER, ~S1ecreta ry of War: SIR: I have been informed that eight regiments of infantry have )een organized, armed, and equipped in South Carolina, and volunteer o serve for one year. They are said to be ready to itiove at once. ~ermit me to suggest to you the importance of accepting such an iiu:ne- hate addition to the small force now on onr threatened frontier. To aise an equal force to serve for three years would probably require a nonth. The value of the services of eight regiments in the next month ;an:iot be estimated. The arms, too, so much needed now, cannot be btained without the troops who hold them. It is, in my opinion, of he utmost importance to us to show the largest possible force to the ~nemy in the shortest space of time. Our want of preparation may empt the United States Government to invasion. Most respectfully, your obedient servant, J. E. JOHNSTON, [6.] Brigadier- General, C. S. Army. CHARLESTON, S. C., May 16, 1861. I is Excellency Governor FRANCIS W. PICKENS: SIR: I have the honor to inclose you herewith a list of the armament if the works already constructed and to be constructed for the defenses f the South Carolina coast, from North Edisto to Broad ltiver, inclu- .ive.* Your aide, Lieutenant-Colonel Elliott, and Lieutenant Gregorie, f the Engineers, as well as Inspector-General Gonzales, accompanied ie on my tour of inspection, and are acquainted with the localities of he new works recommended and which ought to be constructed forth- :ith. Acting Lieuteiiant Blake, of the Ei~gimmeers, now on Morris Island, Not found Page 168 168 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. would be of great assistance to the above-named officers. I am of the opinion that the entrance to the magnificent and important harbor of Port Royal can be effectnally protected by two strong works on Bay Point and Hilton Head, on each side of the entrance, and the steel-clad floating battery moored half way between the two, all armed with the heaviest rifled guns that can be made but, the constructions not being practicable at present, I have resorted to local works, guarding the principal lines of communication with the interior of the State. The two works already constructed for the protection of Beanfort, wheit fully and properly armed, will answer well against any naval expedi- tion; but if they had been constructed with about the same amount of labor at the neck between Beaufort River and the headwaters of Bat- tery River, and at the neck between the latter and the headwaters of Brick-Yard creek, that town would have been thoroughly protected on all sides. I recommend that two 8-in h sea-coast howitzers, on barbette carriages, should be added to the armament of Fort Elliott, and two of its 18-pounders be exchanged with two 24-pounders, now at Fort Schnierle, near the town. Should the above works, on the new plan proposed, ever be constructed, I recommend that the armament of Fort Elliott be transferred to the new battery on the river; that the work on the headwaters of Battery Creek be armed with two 12-pounders, and that the armament of Fort Schuierle be transferred to the other work defending the rear of the town. I will now state what I consider should be the garrison of each of the works referred to in this report, besides a supporting regiment stationed at the nearest healthy locality to BeaufortMcPhersonvilleprovided with one or two light-draft steamers for its rapid transportation to any threatened point on the coast as well as for the conveyance of intelli- gence. Garrisons: North Edisto, 60 artillerists (or one company) and 1 company of infantry; South Edisto, 40 artillerists and 1 company of infantry; Fenwicks Island, 20 artillerists and 1 company of infantry; Fields Point, 20 artillerists and 1 company of infantry; Sams Point, 20 artillerists and 1 cou~pany of infantry; Beaufort, 1 company of artil- lery and 2 companies of infantry; Mackeys Point~ 20 artillerists and 1 company of infantry; Whale Island, 20 artillerists and 1 company of infantry. Total artillery, 4 companies; infantry, 9 companies. The works on North and South Edisto are ready to receive their armament, and I request that it be sent forthwith, together with their garrisons. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, G. T. BEAUREGARD, [6.] Brigadier. General, Commanding. ChARLESTON, S. C., May 16, 1861. Governor FRANCIS W. PIiKENS: DEAR Sin: I desire to say in connection with the garrisoning of the North and the South Edisto as well as Fenwicks Island fort, that Colonel Jenkins, whose regiment, I understand~ has attained much pro. ficiency in drill and discipline, offers to be detailed for that service. The above-mentioned works are located on the same line and commu- nicate easily with each other. The garrisons, both of artillery and infantry, required for them would consist of about six companies, which relieved from time to time by other companies of his own regiment, would keep the latter always in training and in efficient condition. The men could readily be drilled as artillerists by the colonel and b Page 169 Cusp. LXV.] CORBESPONDENCE~ ETC.CONFEDERATE. 169 instructors assigned to them for that purpose. Colonel Jenkins pos- sesses the desirable qualifications for the command of such a district as Edisto Island and its neighborhood, being thoroughly acquainted with its localities and water-courses, while the limited number of artil- lerists, and the difficulty which will probably be met of finding volun- teers for coast service during the summer months, renders, in my opinion, the tender of his services and of his command highly acceptable to the State in her present menaced condition. I remain, very respectfully, G. T. BEAUREGARD, Brigadier- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA, ]Jliay 16, 1861. Brigadier-General BEAUREGARD: SIR: I have received yours, dated this day, and cordially approve of your wise suggestions. According to the Presidents order, you were placed in command of the sea-coast, as well as Charleston and its vicinity. If I am to understand yours as a requisition for these com- panies, I will comply with great pleasure. If only a suggestion, I will send a copy to the War Department, at Montgomery, and respectfully urge their immediate attention to it; and if you think it a matter of immediate urgency I will still try and furnish you at least two compa- nies from those in service but now ordered to be disbanded for the pres- ent, until you can hear more definitely from Montgomery. I acted heretofore in the greatest liberality, because I desired to do everything to sustain the common Government and because they had no treasury and no organization, and now I am not met in the same spirit, but my very liberality has been technically construed against me, as I am informed, and I am held to the strict letter of everything. As to one of the regiments, I shall keep the First at Summerville, at my own expense, after they are disbanded, because I deem it absolutely neces- sary for the safety of Charleston. With very great respect, [6.] F. W. PICKEKS. ADJUTANT AND INSPECTOR GENERALS OFFICE, Brig. Gen. A. R. LAWTON, IIfontgornery, May 16, 1861. Commanding, & c., Savannah, Ga.: SIR: Your letter of the 16th instant has been received and laid before the Secretary of War. The suggestion made by you for calling into immediate service a limited force for a short period, for the pur- poses contemplated in your letter, has been duly considered. You are authorized to take into service not to exceed 600 volunteers for such period as in your judgment may be proper, considering the near approach of the season when the diseases of the climate offer the best protection. You will make a special requisition for the guns you may need for the amount of force, when the Department will, to the extent of its means, furnish the supply. Yery respectfully, your obedient servant, S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General Page 170 170 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. CHARLESTON, S. C., May 17, 1861. His Excellency President JEFFERSON DAVIS, Montgomery, Ala.: DEAR GENERAL: I send you herewith a very full and interesting letter* from one of my volunteer aides, Col. J. S. Preston, of this State, giving me an exact account of things in Virginia, which appear to be improving. I think it would be advisable to have sent away to Augusta and Atlanta as soon as practicable all the valuable guns, materials, & c., now not needed at Norfolk and the Portsmouth navy- yard, so as to put them beyond the reach of an enterprising enemy. I have just returned from a reconnaissance of the South Carolina coast from this post to near Savannah, and have selected the site of all the batteries which I considered necessary for its defenses. A copy of my report to Governor Pickens on the subject is this day sent to the War l)epartment.t In a few days a similar report will be made relative to the work required for the South Carolina coast north of this city, and then I shall be ready to be ordered to any part of the Confederate States you may think proper to send me. I remain, sir, respectfully, your obedient servaimt, [6.] G. T. BEAUREGARD. CHARLESTON, May 17, 1861. Brig. Gen. S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General: Being informed unofficially South Carolina Volunteers are to be inns- tered into service, I desire instructions whether to recall my orders disbanding them. G. T. BEAUREGARI). [6.] ADJUTANT AND iNSPECTOR GENERALS OFFICE, Montgomery, May 17, 1861. General BEAUREGARD, Charleston, #S1. C.: All the regiments of South Carolina troops that are offered by Gov- ernor Pickens will be mustered into service, those for the war to be sent to Virginia, the others for service in Charleston Harbor or the coast; the cavalry of South Carolina Army (one squadron) to be mus- tered, including the officers, as infantry. S. COOPER, [6.] Adjntant and Inspector General. MONTGOMERY, May 17, 1861. (Received 9 p. in.) General BEAUREGARD, Charleston: Recall your orders disbanding the South Carolina volunteers. They are to be mustered into service according to the telegram sent you to-day. S. COOPER. Not found. ISee May 16, p. 167 Page 171 CHAP. LXV.] CORRESPONDENcF~, ETO.CONFEDERATE. 171 [Indorsement.] I think the Governor can now act on this subject. G. T. BEAUREGARD, [6.] . Brigadier- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS PROVISIONAL Am~i~, C. S. Charleston S Capt. F. D. LEE, C., May 17, 1861. Corps of South Carolina Engineers, Sullivans Island, S. C.: SIR: On the receipt of this letter you will make all necessary arrange- ments to be absent from Sullivans Island for about three days on a tour of coast inspection from this post to Georgetown entrance, for the pur- pose of selecting site for batteries at Bulls Bay, South and North San- tee, and Georgetown entranceone site at each entrance. Colonels Manigault and Allston and General Gonzales will accompany you on said tour of inspection. Captain Martin, commanding at Georgetown entrance, will be of much assistance to you in the selection of a site for a new battery at that point to be armed with the guns of the two batteries now there. The batteries at the other points referred to above will be armed with from two to four guns, 12, 18, or 24 pounders. All the necessary arrangements for your conveyance from Mount Pleasant at about 3 p. m. have already been made and you will meet there the officers above designated. But should you have time and desire further instructions you can call at headquarters l5etween now and 2 p. m. this day. You will be provided with the Coast Survey maps to assist you in your examination and selection, which will be submitted to me for approval. I remain, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, G. T. BEAUI.~EGARD, [6.] Brigadier- General. Comm an ding. Governor M. S. PERRY, MONTGOMERY, May 17, 1861. Tallahassee: The ordnance at Fort Marion is subject to your order for the coast defense of Florida. When your regiment is equipped it will receive orders. The rapid organization of the volunteer army is far beyond our supply of accouterments. Tents and camp equipage can be sup- plied. L. P. WALKER. TALLAHASSEE, May 17, 1861. Hon. L. P. WALKER: There is more ordnance at Fort Marionaand Saint Augustine than is required for the defense of the l)lace, which I was about transporting to other points when interrupted by your order to Captain Gibbs, my officer in command. I have to request that you either revoke said order by telegraph or send the means to execute my plans of defense. I telegraphed you on the 13th relative to the troops and request an answer. [1.] M. S. PERRY Page 172 172 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLK, & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. HEADQUARTERS PROVIsiONAL ARMY, C. S., Charleston, S. C., May 18, 1861. His Excellency Governor FRANCiS W. PICKENS, Charleston, S. C.: SIR: Your favor of the 16th instant is received. The suggestions referred to by you were famished by me for your information and guidance, as I could no longer distribute the South Carolina Volunteers called out by me, but ordered to be disbanded in obedience to instruc- tions from the War Department at Montgomery, bat since then having been authorized to muster into service such of them as would be designated by you, I will distribute the latter as soon as they shall have been received into said service. With regard to the construction of those new batteries required for the defense of the coast of South Carolina, I beg leave to state that I have no means at my disposal (or I believe of that of the War Depart- ment) for that object, yet they ought to be constructed at once, as well as those I shall recommend in a few days for the defense of the coast from Charleston to Georgetown entrance, inclusive. I believe their cost will not be great, for the labor, I am told, will be cheerfully fur nished by the planters in the neighborhood of each work; but the materials, cost of transportation, subsistence, & c., must be furnished by the State or Confederate Government. To depend on the latter might consume a great deal of time.* I remain, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, G. T. BEAUREGARD, [6.] Brigadier- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA, May 18, 1861. L. M. HATCH, Quartermaster- General of South Carolina: SIR: The orders of yesterday as to relieving the volunteer regiments have been countermanded, and you will proceed to furnish them with all necessary matters from your department. By order: S. R. GIST, [6.] Adjutant-General of South Carolina.. HEADQUARTERS PROVISIONAL FORCES, C. S. A., Charleston, May 18, 1861. Col. L. M. HATCH, Quartermaster- General: COLONEL: The brigadier-general commanding desires that when Colonel Ripley forwards to you two pieces of the flag-staff from Fort Sumter that you have it delivered to Adams Express Company, who have volunteered to transport it free of charge to Mrs. Francis S. Bar tow, Savannah, Ga., with whose name I)lcase have it marked. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. H. CHISOLM, [6.] Lieutenant- Colonel and Aide-de- Camp. Part here omitted will be found quoted in Beauregard to Lee, May 19, p. 173 Page 173 C~. LXV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 173 HEADQUARTERS PROVISIONAL ARMY, C. S., Charleston S Capt. F. D. LEE, . C.~ May 19, 1861. Corps of Engineers, South Carolina Regulars, Charleston, S. C.: DEAR SIR: Your letter of the 7th instant has just been received. I regret, not knowing your State law, that I cannot give you any infor- mation relative to.promotion in your corps. If I had the authority I would gladly muster yourself and the other officers of engineers into the Confederate service as a tribute to your valuable and gallant service in the defense of Charleston Harbor. With regard to the necessity of continuing you in the State service, I give you herewith an extract of my letter of yesterday to Governor Pickens on that subject: I would also call your attention to the necessity of keeping in the service of the State the engineers at present in it until the completion of said coast defenses, for they cannot, by law, be mustered into the Confederate service, and the latter has none to send here at present. I would distribute them as follows: First. Capt. F. D. Lee, to take charge of the engineer bureau here and see to the execution of my orders relative to his department. Second. Lieutenants McCrady and Earle, to take charge of the batteries north of Charleston, about five in number. Third. Lieutenants Gregorie and Acting Lieutenants Blake and Tennent, of those south of Charleston, about eight in number. Nearly all the wood revetment of the parapets, and the gun platforms, magazines, & c., will be taken from the Morris Island batteries, ordered to be dismantled. These instructions you will follow when approved by the Governor. Respectfully, your obedient servant, G. T. BEAUREGARD, [6.J Brigadier- General, Commanding. SPECIAL ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS PROVISIONAL ARMY, No. 116. Charleston, May 19, 1861. The Charleston Light Dragoons are relieved from further duty on Sullivans Island. The quartermasters department will furnish trans- portation for the removal of the detachment now on the island to this city to-morrow. By order of Brigadier-General Beauregard: D. R. JONES, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS PROVISIONAL ARMY, C. S., Charleston, S. C., May 20, 1861. His Excellency Governor PICKENS, Charleston, S. C.: SIR: I am informed that McPhersonville is the best point in the neighborhood of Beaufort at which to locate the regiments intended for the defense of the coast south of this city, both on account of the healthy character of the spot as well as its easy communication by rail- road with other points that may either be threatened or attacked. I would therefore suggest that the regiment intended for this service 1e sent to that village. I remain, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, G. 3?. BEAUREGARD, [6.] Brigadier- General, Commanding Page 174 174 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. MONTGOMERY, May 20, 1861. Governor M. S. PERRY, Tallahassee, lila.: The regiment armed and equipped will be taken for duty in your State. The companies you mention as being in camp will proceed to Pensacola. As to the two other regiments, we do not want them. [1.] L. P. WALKER TALLAHASSEE, May 20, 1861. J. MORTON, OWENS, and WARD: The troops are raised (2,000), and were reported to Secretary Walker on the 13th instant. It will not do to disband them. Florida should be represented on the border by a regiment. Several points on the Gulf and Atlantic are almost entirely defenseless. Troops should be concentrated at certain points, to be drilled and afford protection. What shall I do with the troops 0? [1.] M. S. PERRY. HEADQUARTERS STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA, May 21, 1861. President DAVIS: DEAR SIR: I inclose the within from General Beauregard that you may see what he desires.* As I have transferred the troops over to the Confederate Government, and the sea-coast is put under the command of the general, I most respectfully suggest that he be allowed to appoint the engineers he designates and detach them for the temporary and specific pnrposes indicated. They can have the rank bf lieutenants only, except one might be captain. They are young men I had appointed, and General Beauregard seems to have a high estimate of their abilities. If any more permanent appointment is to be made, Col- onel Trapier is by far the most accomplished and scientific engineer we have had, but he has resigned his State service, and being an unassum- ing man, is now on his plantation. I have the honor to be, with great respect, yours, truly, [6.] F. W. PICKENS. HEADQUARTERS STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA, May 21, 1861. General BEAUREGARD: SIR: I received yours of the 18th instant, and take pleasure in saying that I will with pleasure retain the engineers for the present (Captain Lee, Lieutenants MeCrady, Earle, and Gregorie, and Acting Lieutenant Blake), and l)lace them under your orders to execute the work indiea~ted in your letter. Respectfully, F. W. PICKEKS. [6.] SPECIAL ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS PROVISIONAL ARMY, No. 119. Charleston, May 22, 1861. Colonel Hagoods regiment of South Carolina Volunteers will be relieved forthwith from duty on Morris island, and will be expected to * See May 18, p 172 Page 175 Cn~. Lxv.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 175 comply with such orders as may be given by authority of the Governor. Brig. Gen. P. H. Nelson, South Carolina volunteers, is relieved from duty on Morris Island, and will report to Adjutant-General Gist. Lieu- tenant-Colonel Blanding, of the Second Regiment South Carolina Vol- unteers, will remain in command of said island until further orders. By command of Brigadier-General Beauregard: D. R. JONES, 16j Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS PROVISIONAL ARMY, Charleston, AS~. C., May 23, 1861. Ills Excellency FRANCIS W. PICKENS, Governor of South Carolina: SIR: It has been reported to me that Cape Romain light-house has been and is now kept burning every night. As this is a most impor- tant lightthe most important from Cape Hatteras to FloridaI would respectfully suggest to Your Excellency that orders be giveii for its immediate extinguishment, and, the more surely to guard against the enemy seizing it for their own purposes, that the lens be removed to a place of safety. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, G. T. BEAUREGARD, [6.] Brigadier- General, Cornmandinq. HEADQUARTERS PROVISIONAL ARMY, Charleston, S. (A., May 23, 1861. The bearer, George Fielding, was a soldier of Maj. Robert Ander- son s command in Fort Sumter, and was woun(led on the 14th of April by the premature discharge of the cannon while saluting the U. S. hag. Vie has been takemi care of by the State authorities in the hospital, md has been provided with the means by the Confederate States to take him to Washington. It is hoped that he will be allowed to pass dnmolested. G. T. BEAUREGARD, Brigadier- General, Commanding. QUARTERMASTERS I)EPARTMENT, Charleston, May 24, 1861. ~rig. Gen. C-. T. BEAUREcTARD: DEAR GENERAL: Shall I charge myself with the duty of obstructing ;uch of the creeks back of Folly and Morris Islands as it may be neces- ;ary to obstruct, in order to leave no passage open for the movements f an enemy, excepting the one which was immediately under the land It Secessionville~ Shall I have the creeks obstructed at such points s you formerly deemed bet when speaking to me on this subjectl Very respectfully, L. M. HATCH, Quartermaster. General. Approved: G. T. BEAUREGARD, Brigadier- General, Commanding Page 176 176 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. HEADQUARTERS PRovISIONAL ARMY, C S., CIt~trleston, S. C., May 25, 1861. Col. BENJAMIN ALLSTON, Charleston, S. C.; Mv DEAR COLONEL: As I expect very soon to leave this station, and as I am about to transfer my command here, I shall no longer need the services which, regardless alike to your personal comfort or inter- est, you so kindly and willingly rendered to me as a volunteer member of my staff. Your assistance came at a moment when I most needed such valuable aid, and I earnestly thank you for it, as well as continued and unwearied attention in the less interesting details of official duties to the present time. Parting from you with sincere regret, I am, my dear colonel, very truly, yours, G. T. BEAUREGARD, [6.] Brigadier- General, Commanding. ORDNANCE OFFICE, Charleston, S. C., May 25, 1861. General G. T. BEAUREGARD: SIR: It is not in the power of this Department to fill your requisi- tion for two 8-inch sea-coast howitzers, to be sent to Beaufort. We have already issued the few that were in our possession, and none have ever been returned to us. We have also issued all the 24-pounder gun- carriages, and cannot immediately mount the 8-inch siege howitzers, which are without carriages. I remain, very respectfully, yours, G. MANIGAULT, [6.] Acting Ordnance Officer. CHARLESTON, May 26, 1861. L. P. WALKER: Shall I come to Montgomery for instructions, or find them at Corinth? I leave on Tuesday. G. T. BEAUREGARD. [6.1 HEADQUARTERS PuOvISIONAL ARMY, C. S., Charleston, S. C., May 27, 1861. His Excellency Governor FRANCIS W. PICKENS, Charleston, S. C.: DEAR SIR: By the accompanying copy of an order from the Confed- erate Government you will be informed that I am relieved from duty in this State.* I have, in consequence, transferred this day the com- mand of the forts and troops in the harbor of Charleston and its vicin- ity to my successor, Col. R. H. Anderson, of the Provisional Forces of the Confederate States, and I resign into your hands the command of the South Carolina Volunteers, with which Uhad been honored by your- self and the convention of your gallant State. In parting with them and the other troops under my command I can but express my regret in doing so, and my high appreciation of their zeal and patience under * See Special Orders, No. 57, May 23, Vol. LII, Part II, p. 106 Page 177 CHAP. LXV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 177 the most trying circumstances, and their gallantry in battle. May they always meet witli the most brilliant success, under whoever com- mands them, is the heartfelt wish of Your Excellencys most obedient servaiit, G. T. BEAUREGARD, Brigadier- General, C. S. Army. HEADQUARTERS PROVISIONAL FORCES, Charleston, S. C., June 10, 1861. Capt. F. N. BONNEAU, Commanding Armed Schooner Howell Cobb: CAPTAIN: The armed schooner Howell Cobb, which you command, having been tendered by the State authorities to the Confederate States and accepted by me for service in and about Charleston Harbor, you will employ her in watching closely the blockading squadron and in preventing any intercourse with the vessels of that squadron by boats or vessels from the harbor or adjacent coasts. Your attention is directed to the fishing smacks and canoes which leave the city. Prevent inter- course with the blockading squadron and report promptly the depar- ture or arrival of all ships of war. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, R. H. ANDERSON, [6.] Colonel, South Carolina infantry, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS PROVISIONAL FORCES, Charleston, S. C., June ~0, 1861. CHIEF OF ORDNANCE ,C. S. ARMY, Rtchmond, Vct.: SIR: I have been informed by Capt. C. S. Winder, Confederate Army, acting ordnance officer, that it is impossible, from the lack of proper materials in this city, to prepare carriages for the guns designed for the defense of Broad River entrance. Eighteen of these guns (six 42-pounders and twelve 32-pounders) are consequently lying here use- less. Can anything be done at Norfolk or elsewhere toward mounting these guns? I am, very respectfully, your most obedient servant, R. H. ANDERSON 6.1 Colonel, South Carolina Infantry, Gommanding. HEADQUARTERS PROVISIONAL FORCES, Charleston, S. C., July 4, 1861. His Excellency Governor F. W. PICKENS: SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of the letters of His Excellency Governor Pickens, dated June 25 and June 29, 1861, ind I beg His Excellency to accept my excuses for not having sooner replied. The delay has not been caused by lack of interest in the very important matters touched on in his communications, nor by any indif- ference to his wishes, but by pressure of official duties. The report ade to His Excellency of the weak condition of Fort Sumter and the 12 U UVOL LII Page 178 178 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C [CHAP. LXV. apprehensions of the citizens of Charleston I consider unfounded. The garrison was recently increased to two full companies by ordering Captain Calhouns company from Moultrie to Sumter. On the day before yesterday, however, orders were received from the War Depart- inent at Richmond to send this company to Virginia, and in compliance I have relieved Captain Calhoun and will replace his company by a detachment of forty men from Captain Winders. This force will be sufficient, I think, unless in some emergency, when I will immediately adopt the suggestions of His Excellency as to throwing into the fort some companies of Blandings regiment; or if the case be pressing, some of the volunteer artillery of this city. The desire which I expressed in my application for the whole of Colonel IIeyw~irds regi- ment, was founded upon the wish to hold all of Blandings regiment together and ready for service in the harbor, its proximity rendering it readily available for that purpose. Permission has at length been obtained to place a telegraph wire on the new bridge, and thus tele- graphic communication will soon be established between the city, the forts in the harbor, and those at Stono. Immediate and close attention will be given to the wishes and suggestions of His Excellency set forth in the communications above acknowledged. I am, very respectfully, your most obedient servant, R. II. ANDERSON, Colonel, South Carolina Infantry, Provisional Forces. Commanding. [6.] HEADQUARTERS MILITARY DISTRICT, Saiannah. Ga., July 10, 18G1. General S. COOPER, Adjutant- General, Richmond, Va.: GENERAL: I regret to trouble your office again with the requisition for guns for batteries on this coast. Taking it for granted that the means at the command of the Department were very limited, a requi- sition was made for only twenty guns for this purpose. The ordnance officer here was notified that these guns were soon to be sent on. Draw- ings for carriages were furnished, and they have been made. No guns have yet reached Georgia, though they were promised me nearly two months since. Georgia has the most exposed coast on the Atlantic, and there is not a single gun between the inlets to Savannah and the coast of Florida. Commodore Tattuall informs me that there are an abundance of guns at the Gosport navy-yard suitable for this purpose, and I trust that they can be forwarded at once. I require to make these batteries effective thirty guns at least, instead of twenty. That requisition was made for the then pressing wants of the coast. Very respectfully, your obetlient servant, A. It. LAWTON, [6.] Brigadier- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS PROVISIONAL FORCES, Charleston, S. C., July 13, 1861. Capt. C. H. SIMONTON, Acting Adjutant and Inspector General of South Carolina: SIR: 1 have the honor to represent to His Excellency Governor Pickeus that the Second and Sixth Regiments South Carolina Volu Page 179 Ca& p. LXV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 179 teers having been ordered to Virginia it will become necessary to replace them by other troops as soon as possible. I am, very respectfully, your most obedient servant, R. II. ANDERSON, Colonel, South Carolina Infantry, Provisional Forces, Commanding ADJUTANT AND INSPECTOR GENERALS OFFICE, Richmond, July 29, 1861. Capt. D. N. INGRAHAM, C. S. Navy, Chief of Bureau of Naval Ordnance, Richmond, Va. CAPTAIN: I am directed to request that you will fill the requisition of General A. R. Lawton for 32-pounder guns for sea-coast defenses south. Number to be sent, thirty. I am, sir, respectfully. your obedient servant, R. H. CHILTON, [6.] Assistant Adjutant-General. [Hon. L. P. WALKER :J [AUGUST 1, 1861.] DEAR SIR: Fernandina wants four guns. This Department can fur- nish them if you direct it. The people there apprehend that Fort Clinch, at that place, unarmed and nearly completed, will be taken by enemy, and that with these guns they may prevent it. Please say whether this Dep:trtment shall furnish guns, carriages, & c. Yours, & c., S. R. MALLORY. [1.] WAR DEPARTMENT, C. S. A., Hon. S. 11. MALLORY, Richmond, August 1, 1861. & ?Cret(U-y oJ the Nary SIR: Your note of this morning, informing this Department that Fernandina was in want of guns and that your Department could fur- iuish them, has been received. You are respectfully requested to furnish and forward these guns at your earliest opportunity, providing them also with gun carriages and equipments if it should be in your power. Very respectfully, L. P. WALKER, Secretary of War. RICHMOND, August 26, 1861. Maj. J. H. TRAPIER, Charleston, S. C.: SIR: I have recommended to the Secretary of War that you be authorized to purchase the prize ship A. H. Thompson and equip her as a floating battery, to co-operate with the land defenses of Port Royal Harbor. In the matter of guns we are hard pushed, but I sup- pose that Colonel Gonzales will attend to that. There has not been nor is there now any special appropriation. You can therefore pay for gun carriages. You can also pay on Colonel Ripleys certificate. D. LEADBETTER, [6.] ]ILajor ~f Engin~crs, Chief of Bureau Page 180 180 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. ORDNANCE OFFICE, WAR DEPARTMENT, C. S. A., Richmond, Va., September 1, 1861. Capt. iR. M. CUYLER, Savannah, Ga.: SIR: The men required by you may be enlisted as laborers and mus- tered in the appropriate grades. The ten additional guns requested cannot be furnished by the Navy Department. There are none, I am informed, but 42-pounder carronades on hand. Please to inform Gen- eral Lawton to this effect, and that these guns cannot be furnished for some time to come. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. GORGAS, [6.] Chief of Ordnance. COLUMBIA, S. C., September 2, 1861. Hon. L. P. WALKER: President Davis telegraphs me to retain Colonel Orrs regiment as a reserve to protect our coast for the present. Please let Colonel Orr or myself know it immediately, as you have ordered him to Virginia. Will you send back Greggs regiment~ Our difficulty is as to arms. Yours of July 15 directed election of field officers for the regiment raising. I have two companies for the war. Let me receive three more to make a battalion. Please telegraph. [6.] F. W. PICKENS. MARIANNA, FLA., September 5, 1861. Hon. L. P. WALKER, Secretary of War: The following dispatch has just been received here: SAINT VINCENT ISLAND, NEAR APALACHICOLA, September 5, 1861. The enemy have threatened to enter the harbor in light-draft steamers and burn Apalachicola. Cannon, friction-prin~ers, and powder greatly needed, and artil- lerists. Anewer. CHARLES A. GEE, Captain, Commanding. W. E. ANDERSON, [6.] Brigadier-General, Florida Militia. CHARLESTON, September 13, 1861. Hon. L. P. WALKER, Secretary of War: It appears that General Ripley has no control over the arsenal here. Arms and munitions are wanted at once, State having issued from her own resources until nearly exhausted. Please send instructions at once to enable action to be taken. [6.] F. W. PICKENS. RIChMOND, September 13, 1861. Governor FRANCIS W. PICKENS, Charleston, S. C. : The arsenal must of course remain under the control of the Ordnance Bureau here, but all proper requisitions will receive immediate atten- tion. [6.1 L. P. WALKER Page 181 CHAP. LXV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 181 HEADQUARTERS MILITARY DISTRICT, Savannah Se General S. COOPER, , ptember 20, 1861. Adjutant- General, Richmond, Va.: GENERAL: I beg to Call the attention of the War Department to the arms and munitions on board the steamer Bermuda, from England, which entered this port two days since. Learning at first that these arms had been shipped on private account, I promptly made application to the consignees at Charleston, and find that most of them belonged already to the Confederate Government and the remainder had been sold by the con signees to the Confederate officers at Charleston. Under these circumstances I cannot too earnestly appeal to the Department to leave at least 3,000 of the small-arms and six of the rifled cannon, of different calibers, for the protection of this coast. I have now been authorized by the Secretary of War to organize such forces as may be necessary for the defense of the coast, but this State has no arms. The Confederate Government has furnished me none, and even the private arms along the coast are fast being exhausted. All available arms have been sent from Georgia to Virginia, and we are left in a deplora- ble condition. That this steamer should come to our very doors, freighted with arms and munitions and every comfort that the soldier needs, and then to see them all carried away without any assistance gIven here causes a feeling of great dissatisfaction and almost of despair. I again res~)eCtfully urge that this coast may be remembered in the dis- tribution of arms. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. B. LAWTOX, Brigadier- General, Commanding. SPECIAL ORDERS, ADJT. AND IN5P. GENERALS OFFICE, No. 165. Richmond, September 28, 1861. I. Brig. Gen. T. F. Drayton, Provisional Army, will report for duty to Brigadier-General Ripley, commanding at Charleston, S. C. * * * * * * * By command of the Secretary of War: JNO. WITHERS, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS MILITARY DISTRICT, Savannah October 9 General S. COOPER, , , 1861. Adjutant- General, Richmond, Va.: GENERAL: I beg leave to recommend that another brigadier-general be ordered here, so that I may place him in command of the lower por- tion of this coast, beyond the Altamaha River. The coast is so long and the communication between Savannah and that portion of it near the Florida line so difficult and expensive that it is all important, both for efficiency and economy to the Government, that a general officer 3honld command at a central point within the limits indicated. I will add that the system of electimig the field officers of regiments has proved very inconvenient here, and as the senior colonel must com -nand at any post, I am unable to select the proper officer for the mos Page 182 182 s. c., s. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. important point. With raw troops and disbursing officers unacquainted with their duties the service and the Treasury are suffering for the want of an experienced commander near enough to be appealed to in all important matters. Not knowing the resources of the Department in this regard, and seeing by the newspapers that Col. Lafayette MeLaws has been appointed a brigadier-general, I respectfully request that he be ordered to this duty if not otherwise disposed of and the Department does not desire to make a new appointment. I will add that a recent division into districts of the Department of South Caro- lina is found to be productive already of good resnlts, and I am exceed. ingly anxious that the same arrangement shonld be made here with the least possible delay. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, Brigadier- (Jeneral, Commanding. RICHMOND, October 9, 1861. Brig. Gen. E. K. SMITH, Saint Augustine, P1(1.: General John B. Grayson is seriously ill. You will immediately assume command of the Department of Florida east of Pensacola Harbor and confer with the Governor of Florida. S. COOPE LI, [6.] Adjutant and Inspector General. IIICHMONI) October 10 1861. General JOHN B. GRAYSON, Tallahassee, PUt: GENERAL: The President having heard with regret of your ill state of health, desires, while hoping to hear of your speedy recovery and ability to return to duty, enabling him to exhibit the confidence hereto- fore felt in your zeal and ability, that you be informed that General E. K. Smith has been ordered for the present to take command of the I)epartment of East and Middle Florida. The urgent necessity for active and energetic measures in view of apprehended attack having been strongly presented to his consideration, it is desired that any information you can give to aid General Smith in the performance of his responsible duties which your military experience and observation may have procured while in command of the department will be freely communicated to General Smith upon his assumption of the command. I am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant, It. II. CHILTON, [6.1 Assistant Adjutant. General. ORDNANCE DEPARTMENT, WAR DEPARTMENT, C. S. A., Richmond, October 14, IdGJ. Capt. It. M. CUYLER, Ordnance Officer, Savannah, Ga.: SIR: I have read your letter of the 9th instant with great satisfac- tion, and thank you for the list of armaments on the Georgia sea-coast, a copy of which I will send to the Chief Engineer. It is a subject of painful regret that arms are so scarce, but I trust a few months hence will see us better supplied. The armory here turns out 1,000 a mont Page 183 Ca& p. LXV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE 183 now, and other establishments will soon be in operation throughout the country. I will send you a present supply of rifle powder from Baton Rouge Arsenal. We shall before long have a small supply of cannon powder from Tennessee. The mills there will soon turn out a ton a day. I give you these items that you may know we are not wholly without resources in prospect. I shall rely confidently upon you, after reading your letter, for the most energetic measures to supply ordnance stores to meet the requisitions upon you. The carriage required for Fernan- dma was an 8-inch, not a 10-inch. According to Captain Gill, either can be furnished at short notice. A special messenger has been sent to pick up the three guns at Wilmington, two of which are for Savannah and one for Fernandina, and take them forward. Make your requisi- tions for infantry accouterments and haversacks, knapsacks, and can- teens on Captain Gill, as there are large contracts out in Georgia. Please continue the construction of 8 and 10 inch columbiad carriages as soon as oak can be had. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. GORGAS, Lieutenant- Colonel and Chief of Ordnance. RICHMOND, October 31, 1861. Governor JOHN MILTON, Tallahassee, P la.: Will send you some muskets at the earliest possible moment. I do not know what the Gordon has brought, nor whether any part of her caigo belongs to the Government.* J. P. BENJAMIN, Acting Secretary of War. SPECIAL ORDERS, ( ADJT. AND INSP. GENERALS OFFICE, No. 198. Richmond, October 31, 1861. * * * * * * * XIII. The follo~ving companies will be organized into a battalion, to be designated the First Battalion of South Carolina Cavalry, Lieut. Col. John L. Black commanding: Captain Trezevants, Captain Owens, Captain Nesbitts, Captain Twiggs, Captain Walkers. * * * * * * By command of the Secretary of War: JNO. WITHERS, Assistant Adjutant- General. CHARLESTON, November 3, 1861. [General S. COOPER:] Enemy passing close in, somewhat scattered. Two of his steam-ships reported ashore near Georgetown; crews prisoners. Commander Tatt- nall at Port Royal. Am in connection with General Lawtou and Gen- eral Anderson. Desire authority to retain the services of General Tra- pier, should the enemy land, fora time. Port Royal to be re-enforced and supplied to-day and to-morrow. RIPLEY, [6.] General. This in reply to Milton, Vol. VI, p. 299 Page 184 184 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. NOVEMBER 4, 1861. [General RIPLEY:] You are authorized to retail General Trapier, agreeably to your tele. grain of yesterday. S. COOPER. [6.] CHARLESTON, November 5,1861. General S. COOPER: General Drayton reports enemys fleet engaged our batteries, Port Royal, about 10 this morning. One steamer reported lit and towed off; another aground. This afternoon passed out of range. IR. S. RIPLEY. [6.] RICHMOND, November 6, 1861. Brig. Gen. R. S. RIPLEY, Commanding, (f;C., Charleston, AS1. C.: GENERAL: The Secretary of War desires that you will cause to be organized and placed in camp near Charleston the three companies of light artillery under Maj. Edward B. White, to be known as the Pal- metto Battalion of Light Artillery, South Carolina Volunteers, and that as soon as the fourth company shall be in readiness to join, you will cause it to be mnstered into service and attached to the battalion. Very respectfully, & c., S. COOPER, [6.] A (llntant and Inspector General. CHARLESTON, November 7, 1861. General S. COOPER: The enemy did not renew the attack at Port Royal yesterday. Had assembled in force within the bar at sunset. Graxid attack expected to-day. Both forts rc.enforced. General Ripley started last iuight for Port Royal. J. II. TRAPIER, [6.] Brigadier- General. CHARLESTON, November 7, 1861. Gelleral COOPER: Our forts at Port Royal have been hotly engaged all day with the enemy. At sunset firing had ceased. Result not known. J. II. TRAPlER. [6.] MILLEDGI~VILLE November 7 1861. President JEFFERSON DAVIS: I am much gratified at the information contained in your telegram. General Lee has my highest confidence and shall have my cordial co-operation and snpport. JOS. E. BROWN. [6. Page 185 CHAP. LXV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 185 TALLAHASSEE, November 7, 1861. Hon. J. ~. BENJ~M~, (Via Columbus. Received 8th.) Richmond: Seven companies Davis regiment mustered. Much needed now. No field officers appointed. Send commissions. G. Troup Maxwell recom- mended for major. General Trapier leaves Charleston 10th. No muni- tions of war received. Let me know by telegrapli how forces shall be raised upon the requisition of General Trapier for 7,000. Governor Moore, of Alabama, says we have four regiments in camps. Part of General Walkers brigade, unarmed, destined for Tennessee. If arms and orders be had from Richmond they could move forward immediately. This was in reply for assistance at Apalachicola. Respectfully, JOHN MILTON, Governor of Florida. COLUMBIA, November 8, 1861. Adjutant-General COOPER: The enemy are landing in great force. Fort Walker, at Hilton Head, has been abandoned by our troops, who retire ~to] Bluifton. All our positions in extreme danger. Our situation most critical. The Gov- ernor thinks my services may be valuable. I ask the Department to permit me to report to General Lee or Ripley. Please answer instantly to Columbia. JOHN S. PRESTON, Lieutenant- Colonel and Assistant Adjutant- General. [Answer.] NOVEMBER 8, 1861. Report to General Lee. [6.] S. C[OOPER]. CHARLESTON, November 8, 1861. General S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General, Richmond: The following telegram has beeii received from Brigadier-General Drayton: I have been compelled, after a gallant and desperate defense of four hoursammu- nition exhausted, seven or eight guns on water battery out of thirteen either dis- mounted or unfit for serviceto abandon Fort Walker and retire upon this place Bluifton. Particulars will be given when official returns are received. J. H. TRAPIER, [6.] Brigadier- General, Commanding. COLUMBIA, S. C., Nbvember 10, 1861. President DAvIs: I telegraphed Mr. Benjamin, as soon as the fleet was know ii to have heavy war vessels, that they would pass and enfilade the forts. The affair is bad enough, but not as bad as panic makes it. Our men are safe. Please send me Calhouns artillery company and Greggs regiment Page 186 186 8. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. We will have a desperate fight at Stono when they get more troops. In about three weeks we will require 20,000 men to meet them, besides our garrison forces. If I had arms I would ask no favors. Can you not send me some? I can get plenty of men, but no arms. I have sent 12,000 arms to Virginia, and now feel the dreadful effects. Savannah is in immediate danger. Let me hear. F. W. PICKENS. [6.] HEADQUARTERS, Coosawhatchie, November 11, 1861. Hon. SECRETARY OF WAR, Richmond, Va.: SIR: I have sent Capt. Henry J. Hartstene, C. S. Navy, down to Port Royal Harbor to examine the position, strength, and condition of the enemy, and to ascertain, if possible, his intentions. I desigii to place him under Captain Ingraham to close the inland passes to Charleston and to prepare the water defenses and batteries. I request you will apply to the honorafAe Secretary of the Navy to have him ordered to report to me for duty. I have found him very zealous and efficient, and he has already made a visit to the enemys position. I have the honor, & c., II. E. LEE, [6.] General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS, Coosawhatchie, November 11, 1861. General THOIAs F. DRAYTON, Commanding, & c.: GENERAL: I send Capt. William S. Walker, C. S. Army, and Lieuten. ant Minor, of the Navy, to Hardeeville, with the view of proceeding to Blnffton to examine the position of the enemy, & c. Please afford them all the facilities iu yoar power. It will be necessary for yon to push the cavalry as close to the enemy as may be prudent, to watch his movements and circumscribe his operations, and to give all the protection to the conutry and confidence to the people in your power. A strong guard must be kept at New River bridge. Very respectfully, R.E. LEE, [6.] General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS, Coosawhatchie, S. C., November 11, 1861. General A. R. LAWTON Commanding in Georgia: I have received your letter of the 10th, * and will endeavor to see you as soon as possible. In the meantime I send Commander Buchanan and Captain Sinclair, of the Navy, to consult as to the defenses of the water approaches, the latter to remain on that duty. The entrance to Cumberland and Brnnswick must be secured and all the armed troops in the State brought into the field. Ample provision of subsistence and ammunition of all kinds must be prepared, and if you could select * See Vol. VI, p. 313 Page 187 CHAP. LXV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 187 a suitable person to collect supplies of rice at some safe place for gen- eral distribution, say Purysburg, if you think it necessary, it would be of great advantage to the operations in this State. Have the means of transportation ready for the troops operating in the field. Every measure must be taken to prevent the enemy using the inland naviga- tion to reach Savannah in either direction and to oppose his approach from points where he might land. I have the honor, & c., R. E. LEE, General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS, Colonel DILWORTH, Savannah, Ga., November 12, 1861. Corn manding at Fernandina, Eta.: COLONEL: Lieut. William A. Webb has been assigned to duty in the batteries at Fernandina. You are desired to urge forward their com- pletion and armament and to select meu to maui the guns. The com- panies selected for the purpose will be placed under the instructions of Lieutenant Webb while at the batteries and during their service, the officers of the companies being assigned to the command of the guns, and at least ten men to each gun. You will also avail yourself of the services of Lieutenant Webb in remounting the guns of the batteries and in preparing them for immediate service, arranging the ammuni- tion, & c. The enemys fleet is now on this coast, an(1 may visit your coast at any time. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, It. E. LEE, [6.] General, Commanding. CHARLESTON No General S. COOPER, Richmond: , vember 12, 1861. We need more troops for the defense of this city. I ask for Greggs regiment. [6.] J. H. TRAPIER. MILLEDGEVILLE, November 15, 1861. Hon. J. P. BENJAMIN: I am satisfied that your proposed (livision of the rifles between the coast and Kentucky is just. You have over 9,000. Shall be greatly gratified if two of the rifled cannomi can be placed on Fort Pulaski, which lacks sufficient long-range guns.* JOS. E. BROWN. HEADQUARTERS, Coosawhatchie, November 17, 1861. His Excellency F. W. PICKENS, Governor of the State of South Carolina, Charleston, S. C.: SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communi- cation of the 16th instant. In reply to that portion of your letter in This in reply to Benjamin, Vol. VI, p. 321 Page 188 188 s. c., s. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. which you request me to direct a requisition to be made for the number of troops I may require, I have the honor to inform you that I have directed my adjutant-general, Captain Washington, to furnish you an extract of my Special Orders, No. 1,~ current series, from these head- quarters, a copy of which has also been furnished Lieut. Col. John S. Preston, assistant adjutant-general, whom J have appointed the mus- tering and inspecting officer. This order will render a requisition unnecessary. Instructions have already been given General Trapier to assist as far as practicable in collecting the cattle on the islands, and also in the removal of the slaves if desirable. Should it become neces- sary the rifle powder you report on hand can readily be used for mus- kets, but I regret to inform you that it is out of my power to say at present from what source an additional supply of cannon powder is to be obtained. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, R. E. LEE, [6.] General, C. S. Army, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS, (Joosawhatchie, November 17, 1861. Lieut. Col. JOHN S. PRESTON, A djutant and Inspector General: COLONEL: Your letter of to-day has just been received. I am authorized by the general commanding to say that he is directed by the War Department to issue the arms arrived by the Fingal to the volunteers of South Carolina and Georgia that enter the service of the Confederate Government for the war. Hence the limitation in the order was intended to apply to those to whom arms are supplied. Those who are supplied with arms by the State only can be mustered in for the terms you propose. I understood from the Governor and General Gist (I might have misunderstood them) that three regiments for the war could be raised without difficulty. The order is amended accordingly. Very respectfully, & c., T. A. WASHINGTON, [6.] Assismnt Adjutant- General, C. S. Army. SAVANNAH, November 17, 1861. Hon. J. P. BENJAMIN: Have brought over between 9,000 and 10,000 Eufleld rifles for the Confederate States, 1,000 for the State of Louisiana, 1,100 for the State of Georgia; in all, about 12,000 rifles. Have for Confederacy 10,000 blankets. Shall I proceed to Richmond l [6.] E. C. ANDERSON. RicHMOND, November 17, 1861. Governor JOHN MILTON, Tallahassee: Have ordered for you all the ammunition and supplies I could spare. General Robert E. Lee is in command of the department composed of See Vol. VT, p. 322 Page 189 CHAP. LXV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETCCONFEDERATE. 189 South Carolina, Georgia, and East Florida. He has sent ammunition to Fernandina, and I have given him the disposal and distribution of all the arms and munitions of war received at Savannah that could possibly be spared for his department. General J. H. Trapier is sub- ordinate to General H. E. Lee and will, no doubt, be so employed as best to secure the defense of Florida. J. P. BENJAMIN, Acting & cretary of War. SPECIAL ORDERS,) ADJT. AND INSP. GENERALS OFFICE, No. 226. Richmond,November 18,1861. * * * * * * * III. Lient. Col. John S. Preston, assistant adjutant-general, Pro- visional Army, will report for duty at Charleston, S. C., to General R. E. Lee, C. S. Army, commanding. * * * * * * * By command of the Secretary of War: JNO. WITHERS, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS, Coosawhatchie, November 19, 1861. Colonels EDWARDS and CLINGMAN and Captain MOORE: General Ripley is of opinion that the enemy are about at Fort Point, and directs that you hold your commands ready to march at a moments notice, ridding yourself at the same time of all surplus baggage, and arrange your transportation with the view of moving as light as possi- ble. You will receive further [orders] in due time. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, T. A. WASHINGTON, [6.] Captain and Assistant Adjutant- General, C. S. Army. HEADQUARTERS, Coosawhatchie, November 20, 1861. Col. W. E. MARTIN, Commanding Mounted Regiment, Pocotaligo, S. C.: DEAR SIR: Your letter of the 19th (1861) is received. The general commanding directs me to impress you with the necessity of your keep- ing up a sharp reconnaissance below you in the direction of the enemy. Watch his movements constantly, and report his operations promptly from time to time to these headquarters. To this end exercise your iudgment in selecting the detachment from the most efficient men of your command, with orders to proceed carefully and take every precan- uon against surprise. It may not be judicious to cross on to Port Royal Island, but a vedette should be kept up constantly at the ferry. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, T. A. WASHINGTON, [6.] Captain and Assistant Adjutant-General, C. S. Army Page 190 190 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. SPECIAL ORDERS, ADJT. AND JNSP. GENERALS OFFICE, No. 234. Richmond, November 22, 1861. * * * * * * * Ill. The Twenty-fourth Regiment Mississippi Volunteers, Colonel Dowd commanding, will immediately proceed to Savannah, Ga., and report for duty to General R. E. Lee, commanding. * * * * * * * By command of the Secretary of War: JNO. WITHERS, [6.] Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS, Coosawhatchie, November 23, 1861. Hon. J. P. BENJAMIN, Secretary of War, Richmond, Va.: SIR: I received on my arrival here to-day your letter of the 14th installt.* I have disposed of the arms by the Fingal as you directed. Only 7,520 Enfield rifles were marked for the War Department. One- half of this number, or 3,760, have been forwarded to General A. S. Johnston by a special messenger. One-half of the equipments and one- half of the fixed ammunition will be sent. The quantity of each can- iiot now be stated, as the packages, put up to deceive, have not been opened. The ordnance officer thinks there are not more accouterments than for half the number of rifles. I have also directed the 500 sabers to be sent to General Johnston. Besides the rifles for the War Depart- ment there were in the Fingal 1,000 for the State of Louisiana, with a supply of ammunition; 1,100 for the State of Georgia, with a supply of ammunition; 1,000 for the Navy Department, with a supply of ammu- nition, making in the whole 10,690 Enfield rifles. This, though small, has been a great accession of sti-ength to us. I have also directed 10,000 pounds of cannon powder to be retained as you direct, and the 7,000 to be sent to Richmond. Some of the latter quantity has already been distributed by the captain of ordnance, according to instructions received fi-oiui Colonel Gorgas. The cannon brought by the Fingal are said to be for the Navy. I had previously ordered Col. A. R. Wrights regiment to Savannah, and directed it to be armed with the Enfleld rifles. Arms will only be given to troops for the war; but I shall only have enough for one regiment from C eorgia and two from South Caro- lina. I am very much obliged to you for permission to use all the resources of the Government within my reach, and your promise to sup- port me with all the means at your disposal. Very little has been organized here, and both in Georgia and South Carolina there are two kinds of troops, Confederate and State, which I fear may not harmo- nize or prove the most serviceable or economical. It is in procuring supplies, equipments, means of transportation, & c., that they are more apt to come in conflict. Two sets of quartermasters and commissaries in the market will produce embarrassment. I am particularly in need of field artillery. The battery from North Carolina, Captain Moore, is the only one I have in this State, nor have I any cavalry, but the mili- tia of the State. Another brigadier-general, if one of experience could be obtained, would be very desirable. An officer from Carolina would be more acceptable to the State than any other, and other things being * See Vol. VI, p 31 Page 191 CHAP. LXV.] COftftESPONDENCE, ETO.CONFED1~RAT1~. 191 ~qua1 would on that account be agreeable to me. Col. Henry ileth, ow with General Floyd, will, I think, from what I learn, apply to you Cor further service, and I would be very glad to have him in any capac- ty. He is the only officer of any experience that I know could be ;pared without any detriment. As regards the commanders of the forts in Charleston Harbor, I !iade during my late visit there the best arrangement I could. The )attery of artillery that was divided between Moultrie and Sumter I )laced in Sumter under Major Wagner, which required all the men. Dol. John Dunovants regiment was ordered to garrison Moultrie. I :now nothing of Major Wagner, but he was represented by General Prapier as an efficient officer. Having no confidence, however, in his ;xperience, I placed Commander Ingraham in charge of the prepara- ion, armament, & c., of all the batteries for the defense of Charleston, ~nd directed him to assign to each of them the naval officers placed inder his command as ordnance and artillery officers. I hoped in this .~ay to give confidence and to insure better service of the batteries. 1wo of these young officers, Lieut. George T. Sinclair and Lieutenant linor, have been withdrawn by the Secretary of the Navy, and I have .o one to replace them with. Capt. F. Buchanan and A. Sinclair I yself returned to their appropriate stations, as I reported to you, for he reasons given. Capt. T. S. IRhett, of the artillery, who has been rdered to report to me, I design to place in the field to instruct the eld batteries. I will make inquiries as to the habits of Major Wagner. I have the honor to be, your obedient servant, IR.E. LEE, [6.~ General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS, 861. eneral li. ~. RIPLEY, Coosawhatchie, November 94 1 Charleston, ~. C.: GENERAL: I have the honor to inform you that it is the desire of the mlnanding general that you should immediately institute measures to ;tablish a strict surveillance over the movements of persons to and om the city of Charleston; that you should pay special attention to atching the approaches to the city by water, and give directions to te commanding officers of posts and camps to permit no boats to pass util they are acquainted with the character and objects of those on 3ard; that you should station guards or guard-boats at such points id landings as may be now unwatched, and have pickets thrown out prevent suspicious persons from passing along the avenues that lead the town. It is also the wish of the general that you should confer ith the city authorities and concert measures by which the assistance the police may be rendered available for this service, and consult em as to the propriety of establishing a system of passes, so that no e can leave the city by railroad or..otherwise without permission of e proper authorities. The general is also desirous that defenses ould be constructed as soon as practicable upon Charleston Neck. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, T. A. WASHINGTON, [6.] Assistant Adjutant. General Page 192 192 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. SPECIAL ORDERS, ADJT. A~ INsP. GENERALS OFFICE, No. 242. Richmond, November 27, 1861. * * * * * * IX. The following companies of Georgia Volunteers, now in North- western Virginia, are relieved from further service with the Wise Legion, and will report for duty to General Lawton at Savannah, Ga.: Wise Guards, Capt. M. J. McMullan; Calhoun Repeaters, Capt. H. J. MeClary; Bartow Avengers, Captaiu Thornton; Irwin Invincibles, Capt. George W. Holmes. * * * * * * * By command of the Secretary of War: JNO. WITHERS, [6.] Assistant Adjutant. General. SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ ADJT. AND INSP. GENERALS OFFICE, No. 248. 5 Richmond, November 30, 1861. * * * * * * * III. Captains Leake and Thornton will immediately proceed with their companies of Virginia artillery to Coosawliatchie, S. C., and report for duty to General B. E. Lee, commanding. * * * * * * * By command of the Secretary of War: JNO. WITHERS, [6.] Assistant Adjutant- General. RICHMOND, VA., November 30, 1861. Governor PICKENS, Columbia, S. C.: Your letter by Colonel Chesnut received. I have no power to appoint a brigadier until a brigade has been raised and received into service. Your recommendation is regarded with the respect given to everything you propose in relation to the defense of South Carolina. It is very desirable that the troops should be for as long terms as you can get them. Two brigades from the regular service have been ordered to join General Lee. Three light batteries will go forward without delay. JEFFN DAVIS. [6.] RICHMOND, November 30, 1861. Governor MILTON, Tallahassee: I learn that vessels at Apala~1micola are detained from going to se~ with cargo by some unknown military authority. It is not lawful no~ is it the policy of the Government to prevent the departure of vessek with cargo, unless there is imminent risk of their capture by a block ading vessel of the enemy. J. P. BENJAMIN & oretary of 7War. [6. Page 193 CHAP. LXV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 193 HEADQUARTERS, General R. ~. RIPLEY, Coosawhat chic, December 3, 1861. Comdg. Department of South Carolina, Charleston, S. C.: SIR: The general commanding desires me to acknowledge the receipt of your several letters of the 28th and also one of the 29th, and iii reply I have to express his regret that your request to have detailed from Colonel Dunovants regiment certain companies for the protectioii of the Combahee cannot be granted at present. From your letters he would infer that besides the four 32-pounder rifled and banded cannon which you report as having placed at White Point battery, and which disposition he approves, there are still four navy 32-pounders, four 12- pounders, and two 24-pounders. The four 12-pounders having been located by you for the defense of the Ashepoo and Combahee, you will forward for the disposition of General Drayton the two 24-pounders, and the remainder, four navy 32s, send to Coosawhatchie for the dis- position of the commanding general himself. The general does not desire that any powder or ammunition of any kind should be taken from either Forts Moultrie, Sumter, or Stono, but hopes that you have already carried out your suggestion of making a demand upon the Governor for the supply of Castle Pinckney, & c. He is also highly gratified at the success of your experiments with the musket and blasting powders. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, T. A. WASHINGTON, [6.] Captain and Assistant Adjutant. General. HEADQUARTERS, Coosawhatchie, S. C., December 3, 1861. 3eneral T. F. DRAYTON, Commanding at flardeeville: GENERAL: The general commanding directs me to inform you that e has ordered two 24-pounders to be sent to you from Charleston, .~hich he wishes placed in position at Red Bluffi The two mountain owitzers which you have he desires you to place in the hands of the avairy operating in your front. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, T. A. WASHINGTON, [6.] Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS, Coosawhatchie, December 3, 1861. Aeut. Col. J. S. PRESTON, Adjutant and Inspector General, Columbia, S. C.: COLO~o~L: Upon my arrival here to-day I read your letter of the 28th Itimo. I am much disappointed at your report of the progress made mustering in the service of the Confederate States the troops of the tate, and still more at the prospect you hold out. There are no means f defending the State except with her own troops, and if they do not ome forward, and that immediately, I fear her suffering will be greatly ggravated. All the troops for whom arms can be furnished ought to e now in the field, and they will not find half enough. I beg you will epresent this matter to the Governor and to General Gist and urge 13 R RYOL LII Page 194 194 S. C., S. GA.; MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. them to organize regiments as fast as possible. The backwardness in entering for the war is indefensible, for whether it lasts twelve months or twelve years, it cannot be arrested, and all are pledged to its termi- nation. I have information of the troops in and about Charleston, of those under General Drayton, those along Charleston and Savannah Railroad, and in the district of Georgetown. If there are any others that you are aware of I should like you to make an inspection and rel)ort of them. My great desire is to get a force in the field to resist the landing of the enemy, and to confine him if possible to his ships. They are in great force, and we have nothing to oppose them. But we want artillery, infantry, and cavalry, armed and instructed, commanded by the best officers, and I must request you to nse every exertion to organize them. I am, & c., R. E. LEE, [6.] General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS, Coo8awhatchie, 1)ecember 3, 1861. Messrs. WM. ELLIOTT, EDMUND IIHETT, and LEROY YOUMANS, Committee, & c.: GENTLEMEN: I had the honor to receive the resolution passed by the citizens of Beaufort District at their meeting at Coosawhatchie on the 1st instant, requesting me to establish martial law over the sea- coast of Sonth Carolina within limits. The present condition of things, in my opinion, does not render such a course advisable. There is as yet no operation of the enemy to justify the interruption of the civil laws, and thongh many of the citizens of the State are necessarily engaged in military duties, there must still be sufficient to attend to its civil service. In no part of the Confederacy has it yet been found necessary to arrest the due course of the laws of a State. It should only be resorted to as a last extremity, which I do not see has yet arrived in South Carolina. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. E. LEE, [6.] General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS, L1oosawhatchie, December 5, 1861. His Excellency F. W. PICKENS, Governor of South Carolina, Columbia: I have had the honor to receive Your Excellencys letter of the 2d instant, and am highly gratified at your report of the condition of effi- ciency and instruction of General De Saussures brigade. I am very much obliged to you for the statement of soundings at the entrances 01 the inlets and bays of the coast of the State. I hope the battalions and regiments you are organizing will soon be ready for service in the field, where they are now much wanted. Unless these troops have entered the Confederate service for the war I shall not be able to comply with Your Excellencys request of giving Enfield rifles to the flanking com- panies of the regiments, since my instructions from the War Depart ment restrict their issue to troops for the war. Should there be sufficient remaining after arming the regiments which I hope are now being organized by Colonel Preston, it will give me pleasure to furnish rifles to the two flanking companies of the regiments of Colonel& De Saussure and Dunovant, in accovdance with your request. Th Page 195 CHAP. LXV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 195 blasting, musket, and rifle powder which you have given from the State stores can be very usefully combined for the service of the bat- teries for the defense of Charleston, as the experiments on the mixture of blasting and musket powder in the practice of 32-pounders may be regarded as successful. With a mixture of five parts blasting and three of musket at an elevation of two degrees the first graze of the ball was 1,200 yards with four ricochet. This is considered about as good as can be obtained with proof cannon powder. I learn from General Ripley that the batteries at Forts Moultrie aiid Sumter are in very good condition and properly armed. It is difficult as yet to discern the intentions of the enemy. On a visit which I recently made to Port Royal Sound his fleet stretched from Hilton Head to Bay Point, and the vessels stood so thick that I was unable to count them. Everything appeared per- fectly quiet, and there was neither a passing boat nor man to be seen. The same condition of things apparently existed to-day from a more distant view I had of the fleet from Palmetto Point, on Broad River, though a number of his vessels are anchored inside the Savannah Bar. The defenses around Charleston are progressing, but not as fast as I could wish for waiit of laborers and engineer officers. I hope, however, that everything will be in readiness to resist the attack of the enemy at every point to which he may think proper to move. While so many avenues of approach are open to him it is difficult to say which one he will select. I think by concentrating our force, both men and guns, at the strongest point on his line of advance he can be successfully resisted. I am very much obliged to you for the suggestions contained in your letter, and hope you will not hesitate to favor me with your views whenever it is convenient. I am, with high esteem, your obedient servant, [6.] R. E. LEE. HEADQUARTERS, Goosawhatchie December 8 Col. JAMES JONES, ~ 18G1. Commanding Regiment & uth Carolina Vols., Gardens Corners: COLONEL: I fear from what is reported to me that the guard duty at Port Royal Ferry is not performed in the most efficient manner. It does not seem to be understood who is in command there. As I understand that a regiment of the enemy is now quartered at Beaufort, it is impor- tant that the guard at the ferry should be vigilant and efficient, else the safety of your whole regiment may be endangered. I would recom- mend, therefore, that you place one of your own companies there under an efficient officer, unless you make satisfactory arrangements with the companies now on duty. It has also been reported to me that all the flats, boats, and canoes have not been collected, and that negroes are running away to the islands. Cunninghams Bluff has been stated to be a favorite rendezvous for the negroes, and I desire that you direct Captain Fripps or some other company to break it up, secure the boats, negroes, & c., that may be found there, and to prevent its being further used by them. Respec~fuh1y, your obedient servant, R. E. LEE, General, Commanding. P. S.I wish you would make arrangements through your commis- 3ary to furnish rations to the persons employed on the obstructions lear the ferry, for which Captain Maffitt will make requisitions. [6.] R. E. L Page 196 196 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. HEADQUARTERS, Coosawhatehie, December 9, 1861. Col. 0. E. EDWARDS, Commanding Thirteenth Regiment South Carolina Volunteers: COLONEL: You will, with the effective men of your regiment, take the road to Gardens Corners, and halt at the first convenient spot beyond Pocotaligo. Should you receive no call from Colonel Duno- vant for support, you will returil to your encampment at this place. Take one days rations in the haversacks of your men, cooked, if prac- ticable, and not over twenty rounds of ammunition in the cartridge- boxes. I am, & c., RE. LEE, [6.] General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS, Coosawhatchie, December 9, 1861. General II. S. RIPLEY: GENERAL: In examining the report of Captain Ives of his inspection of the works proposed for the obstruction of the Combahee, Ashepoo, and Pon Pon Rivers, I have been pleased to observe that the selection of the site of the battery for the latter river at Wiltons Bluff is admir. ably adapted for its defeiise, and that the construction of the battery has been energetically pushed forward by Captain Perrin. It also appears from his report that about 300 yards below the battery a shoal extends from the right bank of the river to within about fifty yards of the left, and that the depth of the channel at that point at low water is about thirteen feet. If the obstruction you propose to the navigation of the river were located at that point, the work required would not be great, and it would arrest the progress of the enemy within easy range of the battery and thus prevent its being forced. Moreover, the moral effect upon the men in the battery in knowing that the enemys prog- ress would be arrested would be beneficial, their fire more steady, and their resistance more firm. I understand that the position selected for the proposed obstruction is above the battery. This may have its advantages, but if the enemy can approach the batteries and drive off the garrison, he will have little difticulty, I fear, in passing the barrier. The benefit of placing the barrier below the battery is apparent in the obstruction you adopted for the Coosawhatchie, now under construction by General Gonzales. Unless there are circumstances which render a contrary course advisable at Wiltons Bluff I suggest that you adhere to the same plan. If the obstruction has not been commenced above the battery, there will be no difficulty or delay in changing the location. Yours, respectfully, & c., R. E LEE [6.] General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS, Coosawhatchie, December 9, 1861. Capt. J. N. MAFFITT: CAPTAIN: The general commanding directs me to acknowledge the receipt of your dispatch, and to request that you will afford the officer commanding the forces such aid as you can in driving back the enemy should he attempt a landing on this side. Respectfully, & c., W. H. TAYLOR, Assistant Adjutant- General. [6. Page 197 Cg~p. LXV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 197 General ROBERT E. LEE, RICH1~vIOND, December 10, 1861. Coosawhatchie, S. C.: The President has received a telegram from William C. Humplireys, at Norfolk, the substance of which he directs to be sent to you for what it is worth. It is as follows: Just arrived from Washington, where I have been prisoner since the battle of Bull Run. An expedition has left Annapolis; rendezvous at Port Royal; destina- tion, Fernandina, Fla. B. F. Butler, the commander, leaves Boston to-day. A re-enforcement of 30,000 men left for Port Royal. J. P. BENJAMIN Secretary of 7War. HEADQUARTERS, Col. WILLIAM E. MARTIN, Coosawhatchie, December 10, 1861. Commanding Mounted Regiment, Pocotaligo, S. C.: COLONEL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 9th instant,* in reference to your expedition to Beaufort Island, and in reply I am directed by the general commanding to express his gratification at the successful accomplishment of its objects and the ultimate good conduct of your command, and especially of the gallant behavior of Private Vincent F. Martin, whose bearing throughout is deserving of the highest meed of praise for coolness and bravery. The general desires me to add that your own conduct meets with his entire approbation. I am, colonel, very respectfully, & c., T. A. WASHINGTON, [6.] Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTER3 Goosawhatchie, December 10, 1861. General J. C. PEMIIERTON, Commanding Fourth Military District of South Carolina: GENERAL: From the report of Captain Ives it appears that the obstruction to the Ashepoo River now in process of execution is not the most advantageous point. If constructed in that part of the river it should be placed at the bend below the present site, where the depth and width are about the same, the former thirteen feet and the latter eighty yards. The advantage of the lower position is that the defense could be located in the wood on the right bank of the river, where it would be masked from the enemy during his approach, and thus be secured from attack while opposing the removal of the barrier. The obstruction being below the intrenchment would give a feeling of security to the men and tend to a firmer resistance, whereas if above a contrary effect would be produced. There is another point on the [river] recommended by Captain Ives, below Chapmans Fort and immediately below the mouth of a creek that flows into the Ashepoo from the west. The difficulty of construction would here be greater, as the river is 125 yards wide and 25 feet deep. The defense of this point, however, would be more effective than the former, and would give protection to about fifteen miles more of country along the river, See Vol. VI, p. 36 Page 198 198 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. embracing some of the richest plantations upon its banks. If labor can be furnished by the planters, the establishment of the work below Chapmans Fort is worthy of consideration, and I beg leave to call your attention to it. Very respectfully, & c., R. E. LEE, [6.] ______ General, Commanding. SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ ADJT. AND INSP. GENERALS OFFICE, No. 265. 5 Richmond, December 13, 1861. * * * * * * III. Col. Walton Ectors Thirteenth Regiment Georgia Volunteers and Captain Lathams Virginia light artillery company, with its bat- tery, will immediately proceed to Coosawhatchie, S. C., and report for duty to General R. E. Lee, commanding. * * * * * * * By command of the Secretary of War: JNO. WITHERS, [6.] Assistant Adjutant- General. SPECIAL ORDERS, ADJT. AND JNSP. GENERALS OFFICE, No. 266. 5 Richmond, December 14, 1861. * * * * * * * IX. The Fourth Battalion Louisiana Voliluteers will immediately proceed to Coosawhatchie, S. C., and report for duty to General R. E. Lee, commanding. The members of this battalion who have been detached as a guard to prisoners at Tuscaloosa, Ala., will rejoin their proper companies so soon as they are relieved from that duty. * * * * * * * By command of the Secretary of War: JNO. WITHERS, [6.1 Assistant Adjutant- General. CHARLESTON, S. C., December 16, 1861. His Excellency Governor PICKENS, Columbia: The necessity for troops in the field is so urgent that I beg leave to reqnest Your Excellency to inform me whether you have any from the State of South Carolina ready to receive the arms placed in my hands to arm regiments that enter the Confederate service for the war. My orders to issue none to those who enter for a less period have been reit- erated, and I have been further instructed that unless troops for the war can be obtained from the State immediately to arm some regiments that have offered themselves for that period from other States for service in this department. By this means we shall have the service of additional troops to those that may be organized by the State. Please answer me at your earliest convenience. R. E. LEE, [6.1 General, Commanding. CHARLESTON, S. C., December 16, 1861. General S. R. GIST, Adjt. and Insjp. Gen. of South Carolina, Columbia, S. C.: GENERAL: I have had the honor to receive to-day your letter of the 12th instant, and beg leave to express my thanks for the confidenc Page 199 CHAP. LXV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 199 and support promised me by us Excellency the Governor, and yotlrself.* I did not need this fresh assurance of your kindness and consideration, and feel deeply obliged at your placing the troops of the State under my command. I hope you will allow me to call upon you for aid and assist- ance in all matters pertaining to the State defense. I will give orders to relieve the [troops] now on duty in guarding bridges, & c., as soon as their places can be supplied by the troops now in the field, and shall be happy to get into the field the batteries you mention. We have need of all the resources of the State. Eighty vessels of the enemy were counted at Port Royal on the 12th, and they appear to be in strength on Port Royal Island. I consider we have not an hour to lose. The land defenses around the city are progressing, and if our men do their duty at the batteries, which I feel certain they will do, the enemy ought not to be able to advance by the water approaches. I am, & c., R. E. LEE, General, Commanding. SPECIAL ORDERS, ADJT. AND INSP. GENERALS OFFICE, No. 268. Richmond, December 17, 1861. * * * * * * * XXX. The Twentieth Regiment Mississippi Volunteers, under Col. D. R. Russell, and Phillips Legion, Georgia Volunteers, will l)roceed at once to Coosawbatchie, S. C., and report for duty to General R. E. Lee, commanding. * * * * * * * By command of the Secretary of War: JNO. WITHERS, Assistant Adjutant- General. COLUMBIA, December 17, 1861. Hon. Mr. BENJAMIN, Secretary of War: Will you be so kind as to allow General Lee to give the arms he has to companies mustered in for the war unconditionallyfield officers appointed by the President or assigned to duty by General Lee. Col- onel Dunovant has a regiment unconditionally Cor the war. Let him give to his fwo flanking companies arms, and also to the two flankers of De Saussure~s regiment. They are in actual service, but no arms, and Lee holds them for none but new whole regiments. Seut to him in last few days twenty companies, but not full regiments. Received as companies only. F. W. PICKENS. JOINT RESOLUTION expressing the sentiments of the people of Florida toward the Confederate Government and her armies in the field. Whereas, the people of Florida, in common with those of the other States of the Confederacy, recognizing their dependence upon an over- ruling Providence for the success of their cause and trusting in the con- tinued blessing of the God of Battles upon their arms, realize a deep *See Vol. VI, p. 345 Page 200 200 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. sense of their obligation to the Government of the Confederate States, our officers and so]diers, for the achievements which have already illus- trated our national existence; and Whereas, it is meet and becoming that the General Assembly, repre- senting the people of Florida, should give expression in an appro- priate form to the sentiments by which they are animated: Be it resolved by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the State of Florida in General Assembly convened, That our thanks are due and are hereby tendered to the Government of the Confederate States for the energy, ability, and patriotism displayed in administering the Government during the whole progress of the war now waged in defense of our rights, our homes, and our liberties. Resolved further, That we do hereby award to our commanding gen- erals and their officers and men the meed of our praise and admiration for their courage, skill, endurance, and patriotism manifested on every battle-field since the commencement of the war, assuring them that a grateful people will ever retain a lively source of devotion to their country and of their sacrifice for the cause which called them to the field. Resolved furt her, That Florida feels a just sentiment of pride iii being represented in the Cabinet, and we deem it due to the occasion to declare our appreciation of the appointment by the President of the Hon. S. H. Mallory as Secretary of the Navy, in whose knowledge, experience, ability, and l)atriotism the country may confide for the suc- cessful administration of the Department committed to his charge. Resolved further, That the daring and brilliant achievements of our troops on Santa Rosa Island gives assurance of the spirit by which they are animated and with which they will meet the invader should he attempt to land on our soil; and whilst we shall ever hold in grate- ful remembrance the survivors of that expedition, we will cherish the memory of the fallen, whose courage and gallantry have endeared them to our country. Resolved further, That we especially tender our thanks to General Bragg for his gallant conduct in the recent bombardment of Fort Pickens and for the patriotism and ability he has manifested in mak- ing the necessary preparation for successfully meeting and repelling the attack of our insolent foes. Resolved further, That His Excellency the Governor be, and he is hereby, respectfully requested to transmit a copy of the foregoing reso- lutions to the President and Vice-President of the Confederacy and to the Hon. Stephen H. Mallory. Passed the House of Representatives December 17, 1861. A. J. PEELER, Clerk House of Representatives. Passed the Senate December 17, 1861. JOHN B. WHITHURST, Secretary of the Senate. T. J. EPPES, President of the Senate. Approved December 17, 1861. JOHN MILTON, Governor. STATE OF FLORIDA: I hereby certify the foregoing to be a true and correct copy of the original resolutions on file in the office of the Secretary of State Page 201 CHAP. LXV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 201 In testimony thereof I have hereto set my hand and the great seal of the State. Done at the Capitol in Tallahassee, this 22d day ol January, A. ID. 1862. [SEAL.] F. L. VILLEPIGUE, [6.] Secretary of State. HEADQUARTERS, Coosawhatchie December 18 General A. R. LAWTON, 1861. Commanding, & c., Savannah: GENERAL: In acknowledging the receipt of your letter of yesterday, reporting the probable time of departure of the Twenty-fourth Missis- sippi Regiment for Fernandina, I am directed by the general command- ing to say that he considers the service of these troops in the defense of Cumberland Sound important for the protection of the coast ot Georgia, now seriously threatened at that point, and which cannot otherwise, as far as he knows,be re-enforced. This regiment is still for service in the department, and will be replaced in your command by the Thirteenth Regiment Georgia Volunteers, as you will see by Special Orders, No. 21, paragraph II. He regrets as much as you do the paucity of arms and troops in the department. These he is endeavoring to increase, and had hoped that ere this some new regiments from Georgia would have been in the field. Please state what are the prospects of re-enforcements from that quarter. Very respectfully, & c., W. H. TAYLOR, Assistant Adjutant. General. HEADQUARTERS, Coosawhatchie December ~O General R. S. RIPLEY, 1861. Commanding, d~c., Charleston, S. C.: GENERAL: Your telegram announcing the attempt of the enemy to shut the port of Charleston by the obstruction of stone vessels sunk in the channel has just been received. This effort, prompted by feelings unbecoming a great nation, however abortive, I think plainly indicates that they despair of ever getting possession of the city, whether their attack be made by land or water. While it should not cause you to relax your efforts to strengthen and complete the works now in progress, it may allow you time and means to expand your operations so as to give protection to the islands and points on the main which invite their predatory excursions. I beg therefore you will give this matter your earliest attention. I am, & c., R. E. LEE, General, Commanding. SPECIAL ORDERS, ADJT. AND INSP. GENERALS OFFICE, No. 273. Richmond, December 23, 1861. * * * * * * * III. Capt. E. G. Dawson, with his company (the Terrell Artillery), Georgia Volunteers, will proceed immediately to Savannah, Ga., and report for duty to General Lawton, commanding. * * * * * * Page 202 202 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. Xlii. Capt. J. H. Waddy, assistant adjutant-general, Provisional Army, will proceed to Coosawliatchie, S. C., and report to General R. E. Lee, commanding, for duty with Brig. Gen. J. C. Pemberton. By command of the Secretary of War: JNO. WITHERS, 16.] Assistant Adjutant- General. EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, Hon. J. P. BENJAMIN, Tallahassee, December 23, 1861. Secretary of War, Richmond: Three regiments of infantry for the Confederate service for twelve months are being raised upon a requisition of General Trapierpre- sumed that it is by authority of the Secretary of Warupon the Exec- utive of the State. Shall the Executive furnish forces as they may be called for by Generals Lee and Trapier ~ Let me know immediately and oblige, Respectfully, JNO. MILTON, [6.] Governor. HEADQUARTERS, General R. S. RIPLEY, Coosawhatchie, December 21, 1861 Comdg. Second Mit. Dist. of South Carolina, Charleston, S. C.: GENERAL: Col. John S. Preston, adjutant and inspector general, C. S. Army, reports that up to the 23d instant he had received from the adjutant-general of South Carolina, and mustered into the Confederate service, twenty-one companies of infantry for tWelve mouths. Two companies of cavalry, also two companies of infantry, for the war. These troops he states he had forwarded to Charleston to report to you, or, by special request of the Governor, to Colonels Stevens or Elford. When 1 directed the State troops to report to you I had supposed that they would have been organized into regiments. Please inform me whether the regiments of Colonel Stevens, Elford, and Means are full. As soon as the two latter are equipped, armed, & c., I request that you will send them to General Evans. In a letter received from him to-day he reports that he has only 610 men, including the two batteries of Captains Wal- ter and McCord, a force not sufficient to defend his position. The enemy drove in his pickets at Bennetts Point on the night of the 22d. He desfres the use of a steam-boat to make a demonstration against the enemy at Rockyille. Can you furnish him with one ~ I will direct him to apply to you. I am, & c., H. E. LEE, [6.] General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS, Coosawhatchie, December 24, 1861. General N. G. EVANS, Comdg. Third Military Dist. of South Carolina, Adams Run, S. C.: GENERAL: Your letter of the 23d has been received. I have written to General Ripley to know whether there was a steam-boat in Charles Page 203 CHAP. LXV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 203 ton available for your purpose. Apply to him for one. I do not know whether it will be safe for a steamer to venture into the Stono. Of this you must judge, and make such disposition of her as that she will not be captured. Should scows or flats answer your purpose better, Gen- eral Ripley can probably furnish you. I have also requested General Ripley to forward to you as soon as possible Colonels Means and Elfords regiments and James battalion. I do not understand how, with the regiments of Colonels De Treville and Branch and the bat- talion of Lieutenant-Colonel Black and the batteries of Captains Wal- ter and McCord, you should only have 610 men. I have the honor, & c., IR. E. LEE, General, Commanding. WAR DEPARTMENT, C. S. A., Richmond, December 24, 1861. Brig. Gen. J. II. TRAPIER, Tallahassee ,Fla.: SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your letter of 7th instant on the subject of certain mounted troops in Florida.* My pred- ecessor in office gave written assurance to Colonel Davis that a regi- ment of mounted mei~ to be raised by him, if fully armed and equipped, would be received into the service of the Confederate States. This promise is binding on the good faith of the Administration and cannot be disregarded. It is true that the President was not aware of what had been done, and wrote to Governor Milton under the impression that there was some error in the matter; but, although he thinks the policy of raising mounted [troopsi in Florida a bad one, and does not wish it continued, I am not aware that he even for a moment thought of revoking the promise made by his Secretary, or of disappointing Colonel Davis in his anticipation of commanding his regiment after all the labor and expense of recruiting and organizing it had beemi under- gone. Under the assurance given to Colonel Davis not only have eight companies been mnstered into service, but they have been organized into a battalion and a lieutenant-colonel has been appointed to them by my co-operation, given in consequence of my predecessors engagement. It is now too late to recall this. I regret exceedingly that anything shonld have been done in the way of raising or organizing troops in Florida at all distasteful to Governor Milton, the more so as both the President and myself concur in his views of the impolicy of raising cavalry in Florida; but the Department was too far committed to per- mit withdrawal without great injustice, and I am confident that Gov- ernor Milton on being informed of the facts will concur in opinion that the regiment has to be organized. You will therefore complete its 3rganization as early as possible and inform the Department. If these troops are not needed in Florida, order the regiment at once to Bowling Green to report to General A. S Johnston you with infantry as far as you~ , and we will try to re-enforce may need aid. Your obedient servant, J. P. BENJAMIN, Secretary of War. * See inclosure No. 2 to communication from Baker to Secretary of War, January 11, 1862, p. 211 Page 204 204 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. HEADQUARTERS, Goosawhatchie, December 25, 1861. Col. A. M. MANIGAULT, Comman(ling, d~c., Georgetown: COLONEL: Your communication of the 23d instant to General Rip- ley relative to the anticipated diminution of the force under your com- mand by the withdrawal of that portion derived from General llarllees legion, has been referred to the general commanding this department, who directs me to say in reply that he regrets that you are called upon to give up so material a portion of your command at a time when every man is needed, and that he desires you to make every effort to supply the places of those withdrawn by forming organizations within the limits of your own district. He has no troops available with which to re-enforce you, and knows of no way of doing this except by such troops as may offer from the State. He is sorry to hear that the Tenth Regiment is suffering from measles, but hopes the cases continue tri- fling, and that the number of sick is on the decrease. Hereafter you are desired to report direct to these headquarters. I am, & c., W. H. TAYLOR, [6.] Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS, Goosawhatchic, December 29, 1861. Lieut. Col. J. GORGAS, Chief of Ordnance, Richmond, Va.: COLONEL: 1 have heard that there are some 24-pounders at Wilming- ton, N. C., unemployed and without carriages. If they are serviceable and not wanted, may I ask you to send six to the Charleston [Arsenal]. There are now at that arsenal some 24-pounder traveling or siege car- riages without guns on which they can be mounted. I am much in need of guns of that character, and would be glad to get them. I have also understood that there are several tons of niter at the Charleston Arsenal, where it is only required for the manufacture of fuses, port. fire, & c. Lieutenant-Colonel Gill, in a letter received from him some days since, stated that after the 20th of this month he expected to manufacture two tons of powder per week, provided he could obtain sufficient niter. If there is more niter at the Charleston Arsenal than is required at that place, I have thought it would be a great advantage to the operations of Colonel Gill to have it sent to him, and therefore take the liberty to refer the matter to you. I am, & c., R.E. LEE, [6.] General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS, Coosawhatchie Dece Capt. JAMES L. BLAIR, mber 29, 1861. Commanding Battery, Cumberland Island, Ela.: CAPTAIN: In reply to your communication of the 22d instant, just received, the general commanding directs me to state that General Trapier, commanding in the harbor of Cuinberland Sound, recommends that the guns on Cumberland Island be removed to Fernandina Page 205 ~HAP. LXV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 205 Jntil this question is determined the general thinks it will be useless o construct the battery which lie directed at his last visit to the island. I am, & c., W. H. TAYLOR, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS, Coosawhatchie De irig. Gen. T. F. DRAYTON, , cember 30, 1861. Commanding, & c., iliardeerille: GENERAL: Your communication of this day and date is received. he general commanding hears with deep regret of the heavy reduction f the regiments and corps within your district. He is very desirous f increasing your command to such an extent as would render it effect- ye in offensive operations. He is at this time unable to re-enforce on, there being no point from, which any troops could be withdrawn :ith safety. He instructs me to say, however, that he will do this at s early a day as practicable. I am, & c., T. A. WASHINGTON, Assistant Adjutant- General. STATE OF FLORIDA, EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, ion. J. ~. BENJAMIN, Tallahassee, December 30, 1861. & cretary of War: SIR: A few days ago I addressed a letter* to you from Marianna, closing copies of reports of General Floyd, in command at Apalachi- ola, and of Lieutenant Mickle, with a proposition to defend the place ith State troops at expense of the Confederate Government and for 2asons assigned. The facts are that Florida has not arms, and cannot rocure them; and with her State troops well drilled and equipped, ould act, in my judgment, unwisely to take the arms and place them the hands of iuexperienced men (simply because mustered into the onfederate service) for the defense of the State. Moreover, if those ho shall be mustered into the Confederate service should be ordered om the State there would be no means of defense left. I would not troublesome, but respectfully invite your serious consideration to ie fact that Florida freely gave up her arms and munitions of war to e Confederate Government, and would now simply ask the use of fles or muskets to arm two infantry regiments for Confederate service rid wherever their services may be required. Permit me to repeat at Florida will raise 1,000 men for the war, agreeably to the requisi- on contained in the letter of the 30th June and your late circular, and inquire whether I have not the authority to receive the companies, :~der them to a camp of instruction, and report them. The reason of us inquiry is that General Trapier had mustered one of the companies, id I therefore have not ordered it into a camp of instruction. General rapier is a very interesting gentleman, and doubtless an excellent offi- ~r, although candor requires me to say that I do not entirely concur this views in all military moves, but have with much pleasure yielded See Vol. VI, p. 354 Page 206 206 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. to his wishes from the high regard I entertain for him personally, believing that not much injury would result before lie would become convinced of the correctness of my opinions. I will venture the pre- diction that in less than two months he will be more anxious to get rid of what is known as Davis Cavalry Regiment than he was to receive it. It will prove useless and vastly expensive. But you will pardon me when I inform you that the State, being unable to equip the regi- ment, and through its Executive having opposed its being raised for the reasons then assigned, and upon the requisition of General Trapier, supposing him authorized by the Government, consented to the regi- ment being received for Confederate service in the State, now the opin- ion is reasonably entertained that the Confederate Government will equip the regiment. It is coml)osed generally of brave men and worthy citizens anxious to render efficient seivice, and having been raised by a special permit from the Secretary of War, certainly under all the circumstances you will not hesitate to arm them with sabers, carbines, and pistols. The State cannot equip them and they cannot equip themselves, and they should not consume the substance of the State in idleness while will- ing to be employed. If they cannot be armed as cavalry they should be disbanded or converted into an inthutry regiment, and the State will, as infantry, be enabled to arm them with rifles, in the place of another regiment to be raised, and the regiment will be useful, as much so as any other in the State; and if anything should occur to demand the service of cavalry the State cavalry will be ready, armed and drilled and well mounted, to render the service, and no expense will be incurred until they shall be ordered out, if then. But I am not disposed to dic- tate in the matter, and will endeavor to be amiable, although the amia- bility may appear like the smile of torture. I am convinced that there have been now and theu deceptions practiced by telegraphic communications, and I should be pleased to receive copies of commu- nications between the Secretary of War and myself as Governor of the State. In the course of human events, if you shall ever have time to visit Florida, I should be pleased to welcome you at my residence, and if you ever have a leisure moment inform me (if you can) where the family of my old friend W. C. Micou resides, and if his widow is living, and her address. Very respectfully, [6.] JOHN MILTON. ST 4TE OF FLORIDA, EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, Hon. J. P. BENJAMIN, War: Tallaha8see, January 3, 1862. & creta.i-y of SIR: I am iiidebted to the courtesy of General Trapier for a copy or your letter to him, dated at Richmond the 24th ultimo, relative to the cavahi-y companies now commanded by Lieut. Col. W. G. M. Davis. The inclosed copies of a correspondence* upon the subject, between General Trapier, whom I coiisidered fully authorized to correspond with me upon the subject, was regarded by me as settling the question that Davis and the cavalry he commanded would be received into the Confederate service. You were informed, as was the General Assembly of this State, that no troops should be mustered into the Confederate * See Baker to Secretary of War, January 11, 1862, p. 210, wliicli probably incloses papers herein referred to Page 207 CHAP. LXV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 207 service in Florida except agreeably to the Constitution of the Confed- erate States of America and the constitution of the State of Florida. The Constitution of the former made a requisition upon the Executive of the State necessary, and as the Executive of the State I had made known my willingness to respond to the utmost ability of the State to any requisition which had been or might be made. I felt it my duty to present the views which I entertained with regard to the service of the cavalry proposed, but did not assume to dictate upon the subject. I believed then, and believe now, that the raising of the regiment would be I)rejudicial to the Confederate Government, and greatly injurious to the best interest of the State. The reasons for this opinion were fully and freely made known, but without effect. The Confederate Govern- ment insisted, and having, as I supposed, through General Trapier made the requisition for the cavalry, I complied with it, leaving the future to determine whether the opinions I had expressed would be proved correct, and if correct, to place the responsibility upon the Confederate Government. But the respect which I entertain for you officially and personally demands a reply to that portion of your letter in which it is stated that my predecessor in office gave written assurance to Colonel Davis that a regiment of mounted men to be raised by him if fitly armed and equipped would be received into the service of the Confederate States. This promise is binding in the good faith of the Administration, and cannot be disregarded. Now, sir, I assert that the companies which were mustered into the Confederate service were not at the time of being mustered, and are not now, fitly armed and equipped; therefore, that no obligation had arisen upon the promise of your predecessor when the cavalry companies were mustered into the Confederate service, and that, by virtue of that promise, none has arisen since or will probably be imposed. Moreover, if I have been correctly informed, one of the terms promised to the regiment, written assurance, was that the regiment should elect the field officers. If such be the fact, it is my duty to inquire if the good faith of the Administration has not been disregarded by the appointment of field officers; and not only the good faith of the Administration but the right of franchise which the laws of the State secured to the indi- viduals composing the regiment and which right should have been respected. Brave men, who claim to be free, seldom submit patiently to the abuse of their rights, and the public welfare may require you to refer again to the obligations imposed upon the Administration by the written assurance of your predecessor. This I assert in no spirit of unkindness, with no feeling of disrespect. And may I not be permitted to inquire what obligations were imposed by the printed assurance of official circulars that such troops shall only be mustered into the Con- federate service when armed and equipped F Patriotic statesmen who witnessed the untiring, however feeble and unsuccessful, efforts of Mr. W. G. M. Davis to prevent Florida from seceding and vindicating fearlessly and gallantly her rights, cannot appreciate the favor which the Confederate Government, administered by those [who] were distin- guished by their noble daring for the rights of the South, have conferred apon Mr. W. G. M. Davis. Justice to the Confederate Government, the State of Florida, General Lee, and especially to General Trapier, require me to inform you that Florida cannot furnish armed and c~quipped even the infantry, artillery, and coast guards necessary to the entire defense of the State. The State has already under arms more men in proportion to population than any other one of the Con- federate States, and in view of the extended coast and consequen Page 208 208 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. exposure of Florida, but few States will need as many forces for defense if in the progress of the war Florida shall command that consideration of the enemy which to an able commander-in-chief; who desired the subjugation of the South or the abolition of slavery, would present itself; and I would respectfully suggest that unless General Lee can give his personal attention to the defenses of Florida that General Trapier should be authorized to make requisition for the forces, arms, & c, which from personal observation his judgment may suggest to be necessary. Permit me again, most respectfully, to invite your attention to the defenseless condition of this place (the, capital of the State), and to submit to your consideration the importance of its defense. At this time the force in arms for its defense is one infantry company of fifty- seven men at Saint Marks, a coast-guard of about eighty men on duty from the mouth of Crooked River to the East Pass oft~ Apalachicola, State forces, and three companies of cavalry, not fitly armed and equipped, iii Confederate service. 1 have invited the attention of Gen- eral Trapier to the facts and requested him to order a regiment to be stationed near here for the defense of the place. It is perhaps the most important part of the State to defend, but all parts are important enough to require defense. Why is it the most iinportant~? Not sim- ply because it is the capital of the State, but it may be considered the central spot of our slave population, and if in the possession of the enemy would be a place of refuge for slaves from adjacent counties in Georgia, where slaves are numerous, and there is more dissatisfaction among slaves in this and adjoining counties than other parts of the State. The enemy are convenient to them and they know it. But it has been said that if the enemy should capture Tallahassee they could be easily driven off or captured, and that the enemy know the fact. I cannot undertake to say what the enemy know or believe, but I believe, and therefore inform you, that the enemy could not at this time be pre- vented from capturing Tallahassee, if com.nanded by a skillful officer, although the force under his command might not exceed 5,000 men. Troops can be landed upon our coast at places unprotected, and by a forced march of ten hours capture Tallahassee. Moreover, if the enemy deemed it important to hold possession, they could not be driven from it or captured without immense expense and great loss of life. Their facilities for concentrating troops and munitions of war would greatly exceed the means of the Confederate Government. They would be near the coast, with a railroad at their command leading from Saint Marks to the capital, a distance of only twenty-one miles. What means would the Confederate Government have of concentrating forces, arms, and munitions of war to rout the enemyl None by railroads, steam- boats, or vessels of any kind; hence the great military necessity of continuing the Pensacola and Georgia Railroad from Quincy to Chat. tahoochee River, a distance of twenty-two miles, where, being con- nected with steam-boats from Columbus, Ga., the transportation of forces, arms, and munitions of war could be accomplished promptly and comparatively at little expense. Permit me again to invite your attention to the proposition to defend certain points heretofore desig- nated to you by previous correspondence, at the expense of the Confed- erate Government, because the State has not the means to support the troops necessary, or of retiring the State troops and yielding the defense of the State entirely to forces in Confederate service excep Page 209 CHAP. LXV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 209 when called upon by the officers ill command of the military depart- ments in the State to sustain them with State troops. And once more permit me respectfally to present the views entertained by the Execu- tive of the State to the War Department as to the most efficient anif least expensive manner of defending Florida: First. By having signal~ established upon the coast from the western boundary of the State to the eastern, iii connection with signals on the coasts of Georgia and South Carolina, these signals to be nuder the charge of, and to be kept up by, coast-guards. I mean by coast-guards seamen in boats of about thirty-five feet [in] length, manned with a number of men necessary to manage them with oars and sails, and the men of each boat armed with a 4-pounder, muskets or Enfield rifles, and cutlasses. Second. At the most important points guns of large caliber should be in battery ready for use, and to be used only by the necessary coml)lement of experienced artillerymen. Third. Between these important points small bodies of infantry should be stationed. At each camp there shonld be at least two good horses, to be used only by expressmen to carry intelligence derived from the coast-guards or their own observations to headquarters of any imposing approach of the enemy. Fourth. Companies of light artillery at convenient points to sustain the infantry, aided by the State forces. I mean by State forces infantry, ixtillery, and cavalry, armed, equipped, and drilled. Hence the objec- tions urged by me to a regiment of cavalry being raised in the State for Confederate service. In its formation men would be and were taken lYom the infantry, artillery, and cavalry companies of the State, all -eady in efficient orgaiiization and without expense to the State to be ucurred, or to the Confederate Government, and yet always ready as mute-men to co-operate with the forces of the Confederate Govern- rient in defense of the State whenever necessary. The State had and ias and will have at least cavalry enough armed, equipped, and well zlrilled for the defense of the State against the insurrection of slaves or ~n invasion by the enemy, ready at any moment to co-operate with the ufantry and artillery in Confederate service, and for the purpose to be ~ommanded when necessary by the gallant officers to whom the mili- ary departments of the State have been intrusted, and therefore in my udgment there was no necessity then, is none now, or any circumstances ~xisting to justify the interference with State organizations by mounting en additional companies with or without arms and equipments, entirely guorant of cavalry tactics. But, sir, as I have before stated, I con- ;idered and yet consider the matter settled by the correspondence etween General Trapier and myself, and would, if the State had the eans, arm and equip Mr. Davis and every man of the regiment, and ii respect to the good faith of the Confederate authorities. But, sir, he State has not the means. I therefore appeal to you to arm and ~quip them as cavalry should be armed and equipped, with carbines, -abers, and pistols. They are a fine body of men, are good citizens, nd if they shall be armed and equipped and properly drilled upon any ccasion that may be presented will do credit to themselves and the ountry. I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, JOHN MILTON, [6.] Governor of Florida. 14 R RVOL LII Page 210 210 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. WAiE~ DEPARTMENT, C. S. A., Richmond, Th., January 5, 1862. JOHN MILTON, Governor of Florida, Tallahassee, lila.: SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your favor of the 26th ultimno, with its inclosures, and am extremely gratified to per- ceive that the defenses of Apalachicola are in so satisfactory condi- tion.* In relation to your suggestion that tke expense of the defense there would be less, and the defense more certain, if the Confederate Govern- ment would become definitely responsible for its defense by State author- ity, I need scarcely say that such an arrangement could only be made by the sanction of Congress. If such sanction be obtained by the Florida delegation it would relieve this Department of a portion of the respon- sibility for public defense, a burden almost beyond the mental or physi- cal endurance of any single individual. 1 am not sure that I understand Your Excellencys remark about the difficulty of associating the State troops and those of the Confederacy under one command and the impossibility of transferring the State troops at Apalachicola to the Confederate service without breaking up their organization. From the letter of General Floyd, inclosed in yours, it appears that his force is about 800 men, and I can scarcely think of an organization applicable to such a number of men that it wonid be necessary to break up in order to effect a transfer. If, how- ever, you will be good enough to inform me what the organization now is under the State law, I will try to devise some means of effecting the transfer without materially, if at all, interfering with the present organ- ization. 1 will be happy to accept into the Cdnfederate service the regiment that you are organizing for twelve months, to be armed by the State; yet I cannot but deplore the policy of such short enlistments, proven by all experience to be the most expensive and least efficient of troops for any service. If there are any cannon now at Saint Andrews Bay, or any can be procured for that point, I will also accept a com- pany of artillery as proposed by you. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. P. BENJAMIN. [6.] & cretary of War. RICHMOND, January 11, 1862. lion. SECRETARY OF WAR: DEAR SIR: The papers inclosed have been received by me from Gov- ernor Milton, of Florida, with a request that they might be submitted to the President and yourself. I I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. WAYLES BAKER. [Inclosure No. 1.] IIDQRs. DEPARTMENT OF ALABAMA AND WEST FLORIDA, Near Pensacola, lila., December 4,1861. His Excellency JOHN MILTON, Governor state of Florida: SIR: Your letter of the 22d ultimo has been received. I regret exceedingly that I have no guns of any kind to spare. All that could * See Vol. VI, pp. 354356. See foot-note Milton to Benjamin, of January 3, p. 206 Page 211 CHAP. LXV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 211 be spared have been already sent to varions points, some within the territory referred to by you and others elsewhere. It is quite impossi- ble to do anything more in this way. I can, however, furnish you an officer for the purposes required, who is entirely competent for the task and who will report himself without delay. Your suggestion as to the extension of my command, coming as it does from the official head of the State of Florida, is a most gratifying proof of confidence, which I beg to assure you is highly appreciated. While the weight of present official labors would make it impossible to bestow any large share ol personal attention upon the points mentioned, I shall yet shrink from no responsibility which the Government may see fit to impose upon me. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, BRAXTON BRAGG, Major- General, Commanding. [Inelo8uro No. 2.] HEADQUARTERS PRovISIoNM. FORCES, DEPARTMENT OF MIDDLE AND EASTERN FLORIDA, Tallahassee, Pla., December 7, 1861. General S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General C. S. Army, Richmond, Va.: GENERAL: I find myself in a very embarrassing position with refer- ence to some mounted troops which I find in process of organization in this department. On the one hand 1 have presented to me a letter addressed to W. G. M. Davis, by the late Secretary of War, under date September 6, 1861, in which Mr. Davis is informed that a regiment of niounted men, fully armed and equipped, and electing their own field officers, will be accepted. Under this authority Mr. Davis proceeds to organize, and has now in service eight companies, and announces two others ready to be mustered in. But on the other hand Governor Milton submits for my information a letter from President Davis him- self, in which occurs the following paragraph: I am snrprisel to learn that authority has been given to raise a cavalry regiment in Florida. I entirely concur in your views in relation to that matter, and will make inquiry as to what has been done with a view to correct what must be a misappre- hension on the part of the recruiting officer This letter is dated October 25, 1861. Since that date nothing fur- ther has been heard from the President in relation to the matter. I am compelled, therefore, to ask for further instructions. Is it the wish of the War Department that the troops mustered into service under the authority of the late Secretary of War, under date September 6, shall be disbanded, or shall they be retained and the regiment completed by the receiving of the two other companies now ready to be mustered? I need as part of my force to do the duty of scouts and patrol parties ten companies of mounted men, but it is not necessary that they should be nuder regimental organization. There are already mustered into Confederate service in this department four companies (independent) of mounted troops, besides those received under the authority of the letters referred to above of the late Secretary of War. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. II. TRAPIER, - Brigadier-General, Commanding Page 212 212 S.C. S. GA.. MID.& E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. [Inclosure No. 3.] HEADQUARTERS PROVISIONAL FORCES, DEPARTMENT OF MIDDLE AND EASTERN FLORIDA, Tallahassee, December 12, 1861. His Excellency Governor JOHN MILTON, Tallahassee, Fla.: SIR: I have the honor to transmit herewith a statement showing the regiments, battalions, and companies of Florida Volunteers already mustered into the service of the Confederate States and now on duty in this military department, to which is appended a further statement showing what additional forces are now organized and ready to be inns- tered into the same service. May I ask of Your Excellency the favor to state whether the Confederate Government has the sanction of Your Excellency to retain in service these troops already mustered, as also your consent to the mustering into the service of the Confederacy the two other companies now organized and ready for inspection? I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. H. TEAPIER, Brigadier- General, Commanding. [Sub.inclosure.] Statement showing the regiments, battalions, and companies of Flor- ida Volunteers mustered into the Confederate service and now on duty in the Department of Middle and Eastern Florida: Third Regiment, Col. W. S. Dilworth commanding; Fourth Regiment, Col. E. Hopkins; First Battalion Infantry (six companies), Major Hopkins; First Battal- ion Cavalry (eight companies), Lieut. Col. W. G. M. Davis; company of infantry, Captain Bailey; Grayson Artillery, Capt. William Baya; Marion Light Artillery, Captain Martin; Captain Owens company of mounted men; Captain Picketts company of mounted men; Captain Hopkins company of mounted men; Capt.William Turmans company of mounted men. Additional forces organized and ready to be minis- tered: Captain Cobbs company of mounted men; Captain Hughes company of mounted men. Respectfully submitted. J. H. TRAPIER, Brigadier- General, Commanding. His Excellency Governor MILTON, Tallahassee, lila. [Inclosuro No. 4.] STATE OF FLORIDA, EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, Tallahassee, December 12, 1861. Brig. Gen. J. H. TRAPIER: SIR: Your highly esteemed favor of this instant is before me, in which you ask of me to state whether the Confederate Government has the sanction of Your Excellency to retain in service these troops (a list of which is annexed) already mustered, as also your consent to the mustering into the service of the Confederacy the two other companies now organized and ready for inspection. It affords me pleasure to express the consent of the Executive of Florida, and to assure you, general, that to the utmost of my power any other requisition that may be made upon the State of Florida by the Confederate Govern- ment for forces shall be responded to promptly and cordially, and tha Page 213 CHiP. LXV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 213 you have and shall have the unreserved confidence and co-operation of the Executive of the State. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, sir, [6.] JOHN MILTON. WAR DEPARTMENT, C. S. A., JOHN MILTON, Richmond, Va., January 12, 1862. Governor of Florida, Tallahassee,Fla.: SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letters of the 30th ultimo and the 3d instant. I trust Your Excellency will believe that it is in no spirit of disrespect that I have hitherto refrained and still now refrain from entering into any discussion of the question of constitutional law raised in your correspondence. I entertain the sin- cere conviction that under the grant of power to raise armies the Con- federate Government can call on the people of the States to enter into its service, either individually or by companies, or battalions, or regi- ments, or brigades, with or without elective officers, on any conceivable conditions or terms that Congress deems expedient, and that all this is not in the remotest degree an infraction of State rights, but only the exercise of a power expressly delegated by the State. Your opinion is different, and I believe the Governor of Georgia shares your views. If; however, I agreed with you, my action in this Department could not be changed, because in the exercise of functions purely ministerial I would not deem myself at liberty to set up my judgment against that of Congress and the President. For these reasons, which I trust will commend themselves to your judgment, I have not deemed it decorous iii me to enter into the argument which you seemed to invite, and have confined myself to the discharge of my duties nuder the mandate of the law as written. Referring to the remaining topics of your communication, in relation to the defenses of Florida, I can only say, in addition to what was con- tained in my letter of the 5th instant, that I will, at the very earliest moment that I possibly can, furnish the arms and munitions called for by you; but I have verbally explained to Judge Baker what I desired to avoid committing to writing, viz: We have not now a solitary mus- ket left on hand; nor can we at an early day hope to send you any arms unless there be indications of an expeditioii against your State. With inferior forces fronting the enemy at almost every point on the frontier, as well as on the coast of South Carolina, Alabama, and Georgia, I am compelled to send every weapon I can secure to aid in actual conflict; and glad as I would be to furnish arms at any exposed point, I must give preference to points actually attacked over those that are only exposed to attack. If the enemy should appear on your soil all our eftorts would be directed to your defense. Till then I am forced to abstain from diverting any portion of our limited means from our sister States actually invaded. I may add, however, that we have large sup- plies of arms and munitions on the way from abroad, and if two or three cargoes only escape the vigilance of the enemy my plea of poverty will be withdrawn and I shall promptly send you whatever material of war may be necessary for inspiring your citizens with that confidence which is always the result of thorough preparation. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. P. BENJAMIN, [6.] & cretary of War Page 214 214 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. WAR DEPARTMENT, C. S. A., General R. E. LEE, Richmond, Va,, January 13, 1862. Coosawhatchie, S. C.: SIR: I have made arrangements with Messrs. John Fraser & Co., of Charleston, for running in the cargo of arms and ammunition now on board the Gladiator at Nassau, by dividing it and placing it on board two small fast steamers. The harbor of Mosqnito, on the Florida coast, has been selected for the landing, and it is believed to be necessary that a couple of moderate sized guns be placed at New Smyrna to pro- tect the landing in the event of our steamers being chased, in by a Yankee gun-boat. Will yon be good enough, if possible, to send tem- porarily some defense of this kind to New Smyrna. The cargoes will be so valuable and so vitally important to our defense that no precau- tion should be omitted. It will be necessary to act very promptly, if at all, as I hope the steamer will arrive within ten or fifteen days. Your obedient servant, J. P. BENJAMIN, [6.] Secretary of War. FERNANDINA, January 16, 1862. Hon. J. P. BENJAMIN, Secretary of War: M~ DEAR SIR: Intelligence of a foray on Cedar Keys. Not partic- ulars enough to know if for occupation. Hope not. Am on my way down with a train to take off the women and children. Captain McBlair sent for two 10-inch columbiads for batteries on this side. Please send two more 10-inch for battery on Cumberland Island (the Georgia side). It is very important. General Mercer desires it and General Lee approves. Please give them. It is bad in operation that General Lees command does not cover Middle as well as East Florida. It places part of General Trapiers department out of Lees command, and thus produces a disjunction of the department, in part of which General Trapier is not subject to his command while in another part he is. Do give General Lee an officer of his choice to be located here. General Trapier has not beeii here for over three weeks. His headquarters is at Tallahassee. In great haste, yours, very truly, D. L. YULEE. General Lee is a capital commander. [6.] / HEADQUARTERS, Hon. ~. ~. BENJA~nN, Coosawhatchie, January 17, 1862. Secretary of War, Richmond, Va.: SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt this day of your letter of the 13th instant. I have written to General Trapier making him acquainted with its contents, and directed him to carry out your wishes without delay.* Captain McBlair, C. S. Navy, on duty at Fer- na:idina, has also been notified by telegraph to hold in readiness two *See Vol. VI. p. 370 Page 215 CHAP. LXV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 215 Parrott 6-pounders, with fifty rounds of ammunition, subject to the orders of General Trapier. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, [6.] iR. E. LEE, General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS PROVISIONAL FORCES, DEPARTMENT MIDDLE AND EASTERN FLORIDA, Fernandina , General S. COOPER , January 23 1862 Adjutant and Inspector General, C. ~. Army, Richmond, Va.: GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of a commu- nication from the Secretary of War, dated the 12th instant, in which the Secretary says: The President desires that your headquarters be established at Fernandina, as being the only point in your district liable to serious attack by heavy forces. The case seems to call for some explanation on my part of the reasons which determined me to make Tallahassee my headquarters. These are as follows: First. It is central, being midway between the eastern and western limits of this military department. Second. It is directly upon the main channel of communication between these limits. Third. It is, in my judgment, the true strategic point in this department, for the obvious reason that it is the capital of the State, is situated in the wealthiest portion of it, is easily assailed from the Gulf coast, and would make a safe base from which to operate against either Georgia or Alabama. If the enemy nieans to subjugate the State of Florida, the possession of Tallahassee and the surrounding country will do more to accomplish that end, it appears to me, than if he were to overrun the whole of the eastern portion of the State. Therefore it is that I have attached much impor- tance to the defense of the capital, and have been striving from the time of my appointment to this command till now to organize addi- tional forces for this purpose. Of course this work of organization would proceed more rapidly and satisfactorily were I on the spot myself, and could be in constant communication with the Executive of the State, than if I were at a distant pointat least, there was every rea- son to expect that such would be the case. The city of Apalachicola is also an important point, and should not be neglected. It lies near the western limit of this department. It is at present defended by State troops alone. I have been also endeavoring to organize a force of Con- federate troops to take the place of these. The above are the reasons that have decided me in establishing my headquarters at Tallahassee. I submit them for the consideration of the Secretary of War and the President. If the latter still desires that I shall remove them to this place I shall not, of course, wait for an order, Pending his decision, however, I feel that I am at liberty to remain at Tallahassee. I am, very respectfully, sir, your obedient servant, J. II. TRAPIEII, [6.] Brigadier- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Centerville J General S. COOPER, , anuary 28, 1862. Adjutant and Inspector General C. S. Army: SIR: Having heard to-day that the Federal fleet has succeeded in cutting off communication between Savannah and Fort Pulaski, I ver Page 216 216 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. respectfully offer, if the War Department desires, to send reliable men (or to go myself if thought advisable) to endeavor to penetrate their lines at all risks and get into the fort and open signal communication between it and the city. The distance is less than eighteen miles and the fort, I think, visible from the steeples of the city; but at any rate places can be obtained from which it is visible and guns can be easily heard from one to the other. If my man is once there I feel confident that perfect communication can be kept up. Two or three should be sent to keep attempting until one gets through, and I would only stip- ulate for them that commissions be given them, so that if taken prisoners their treatment may be that of officers. Mr. E. Pliny Bryan, of Mary- land, who has been doing us most valuable and dangerous service for over six months, has already volunteered to undertake it, and from my corps of signal operators I feel confident that I can get as many others as are desired. I would most respectfully suggest that if there are any other isolated forts in danger of being cut off that precautions be taken to secure signal communication beforehand. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, E. P. ALEXANDER, r6.] Captain of Engineers, C. S. Army. TALLAHASSEE, FLA., January 29, 1862. His Excellency JEFFERSON DAVIS, President Confederate States, Richmond, Va.: SIR: A resolution most offensive and injurious, a copy of which I have the honor to transmit herewith, was introduced into the conven- tion of this State recently assembled at the capital. It contains a charge, in support of which if the least shadow of evidence could be adduced none further would be needed to show that I am utterly unfit for the position which I hold, or any other, even the most subordinate in the military profession. It is true the resolution in question did not receive the sanction of the convention, but neither did it receive its rebuke and condemnation, which were very necessary in ordcr to remove the impression upon the troops of this military district which the reso- lution, even if its mover stood alone, is sure to produce. But it is not only because of the prejudice to the military service, which is sure to result from the bare announcement of such a resolution, that I am about to appeal to you, but for other reasonsreasons which are personal purely. I accepted the commission which you did me the honor to con- fer upon me under peculiar circumstances. It was accompanied (with- out waiting for my notice of acceptance) by the order to take command of this military department, and was presented in person by one of the most distinguished citizens of this State, who most earnestly and per- sistently solicited my acceptance of the appointment upon the plea that Florida was in danger because of her defenseless condition and because of her troops being without a leader. I had no military aspirations, but I desired to serve the country in her hour of need. All uninviting then as was the field, I yielded to Mr. Yulees solicitations, accepted the appointment, and repaired to Florida as soon as released by my superior officer, General Lee, from the duties which had been temporarily assigned to me in South Carolina. Since my arrival here I have labored unceasingly to provide, as far as the means of the Government and the resources of the State allowed, for its defense, and now, because of Page 217 CHAP. LXV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 217 trifling disaster, which it was impossible to prevent except by means and at an expense wholly incommensurate with the object to be pro- tected, I am grossly insulted by the sovereignty of the State of Florida. Aware, as this convention must have been, that I am acting under the orders of a superior officer, they listen complacently to the cowardly assault, and without waiting for a single word of defense or explana- tion they allow it to find its way into print without condemnation or even rebuke. Under these circumstances, sir, it is a duty which I owe to myself to request, as I do now, formally to be removed from the coIn- mand of this military district. I desire to transmit to my children a name without reproacha thing which I feel it may be impossible to do where such wanton and assassin-like attacks as that recently made upon me are allowed to pass without indignant denunciation. I trust you will pardon my thus trespassing upon your time, but I have some claim npon Your Excellency, for in volunteeriiig my services to the country I did not part with the privilege of exposing wrong and injus- tice and of asking to be released from service where the reputation of the officer and the feelings of the gentleman seem to be held as things equally cheap and worthless. I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. II. TIIAPIER, Brigadier. (Jeneral. [Jndorsement.] Secretary of War for attention and report. J. D. [Inclosure.] ORDERS OF THE DAY. The following preamble and resolutions, relative to Brig. Gen. J. II. Trapier, were taken up and read: Whereas, it is deemed requisite and necessary by the people of Florida that in the present critical condition of public affairs the volun- teer soldiers of the State should be commanded by a general who will share with them the dangers of camp life at an exposed point; and Whereas, some 3,000 of our soldiers are at present stationed on Amelia Island, where an attack from the enemy may be and is daily expected; and Whereas, Brig. Gen. James H. Trapier, who has been assigned to the command of such forces, and has seen fit to absent himself almost constantly from said post of danger since he assumed the command assigned him: Therefore Be it resolved by the people of Florida in convention assembled, That it be recommended to the Government of the Confederate States to either require Brigadier- General Trapier to remain with the soldiers at some threatened and exposed point in the State, or to assign some general to the command who will deem it a duty to rQmain with said soldiers at such exposed point. Resolved, That a copy of this preamble and of these resolutions be signed by the president of this convention and attested by the secre- tary, and a copy thereof be furnished to Brig. Gen. James II. Trapier, and also that a copy be forwarded to the Secretary of War of the Con- federate States. [6. Page 218 218 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. HEADQUARTERS PROVISIONAL FORCES, DEPARTMENT OF EAST AND MIDDLE FLORIDA, Tallahassee, February 10, 1862. General S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General C. S. Army, Richmond, Va.: GENERAL: By a recent ordinance of the convention of Florida the State troops now at Apalachicola, composed of the following companies, viz, seven of infantry, one of artillery, and one of cavalry, numbering about 600 men, under the command of a brigadier-general, with his staff, are ordered to be discharged from the State service. It is my intention to muster all of the above troops, if possible, into the Confed- erate service, either as companies or as a battalion. Governor Milton informs me, however, that he has received a communication from the Secretary of War to the effect that the whole organization as stated above would be received by him. As I have received no authority of this nature, and as it is entirely discordant with the usages of the serv- ice up to this time, I must ask for information and instruction on the subject. It may be well to mention here that Apalachicola is a flourish- ing town of about 3,000 inhabitants, at the mouth of the Apalachicola River, and is the largest exporting and importing port in Florida, and that the secure defense of this post and the entrance of this river is no less of vital importance to this town as it is to the plantations in Florida, Alabama, and Georgia which border the banks of the Apalachi- cola and its tributaries, the Chattahoochee and Flint Rivers, as high up as the town of Columbus, Ga. This latter town being of great value, as I have been informed, also, to the Confederacy, in a manufacturing point of view, I consider it important, therefore, to have a large force stationed at Apalachicola. I respectfully request that I may have an answer to this sent to me by telegi-aph. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. II. TRAPIER, [6.] Brigadier- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS PROVISIONAL FORCES, DEPARTMENT OF EAST AND MIDDLE FLORIDA, Tallahassee, February 11, 1862. General S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General, Richmond, Va.: GENERAL: I must in justice to myself urge upon the Department of War, and I do so most respectfudiy, the propriety of informing me in a written communication whether or not the reasons assigned by me for making my headquarters at this place are deemed by the Department sufficient and satisfactory. It cannot, I presume, be regarded amiss for me to remark here that the selection of this point was based upon the supposition that I was expected to look to the defense of the impor- tant points in the middle as well as those in the eastern section of the department. If in this supposition I am incorrect, and it is the design of the Department that the eastern portion alone of the State shall occupy my attention, then no one can be more decidedly of opinion than myself that this is not the proper place for headquarters. The present designation to my military district implies that I am responsible eqnally for the defense of Middle and East Florida, and to this responsibility Page 219 CHAP. LXV.l CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 219 shall be held, and very justly, unless specially released therefrom by authority of the War Department. General Lee, in compliance with an application from me, has made a requisition npou Governor Milton for two more regiments for the defense of Middle Florida. These regi- ments I am now endeavoring to organize. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. II. TItAPIER, [6.] Brigadier- General, Commanding. BANK OF (JOLIJMEUS, Hon. ~. ~. BENJAMIN, Columbus, Ga., February 22, 1862. secretary of War: DEAR SIR: The recent gun-boat exploits of the enemy have aroused as to the possibilities of a raid up the Chattahoochee, to which we are convinced that our defenses at Apalachicola would offer no effectual resistance, and our people are devising some means of defense, such as selecting a suitable point on the river and with stone-loaded boxes pre- pared to sink at once and in such places as would prove perfect obstruc- tions to navigation and would be capable of defense. With this in view ind acting for onr city as also the towns and country below, with whom we are so closely connected, we have applied to Governor Shorter, of Alabama, and have been authorized to act for that State as we may judge best from our own familiarity with the country and from the best guidance we can have from competent engineers or others. We have dso sent to Governor Brown for like authority and await his reply; apon receipt of which to-morrow one of us will go to see Governor Mil- ton, of Florida, and we write to you now hoping it may seem proper to von that some such measures be immediately adopted, and perhaps you night see fit to detail some officer to select a suitable point and see the inns placed there. Our main intent is, however, to utter a conviction, ;hared with us by the various communities on the river and by all the Ditizens of Apalachicola themselves, so far as we have conversed with hem, that Apalachicola cannot be defended with the means and men ow there, and the attempt can only result in the loss to the Confed- z~racy of both, while a point up the river could be held with less force f troops and guns and leave some to be used elsewhere. There is othing at Apalachicola to be contended for but the l)lace itself while barrier against entrance to the country on the river can be placed ;ome miles above. The first forty miles are a continual morass and here is nothing to invite a raid even for some distance farther, but there -re large amounts of cotton at some landings on the river. There were ,000 bales in one lot, which failed to find shipping to England last ;pring and were moved to np-river landings; besides this there are per- aps $4,000,000 worth of baled cotton at other landings between Apa- achicola and this place and at this place, which facts are known to .en who can pilot up the river. All parties are ready to make vigorous ;ftorts to place this property, as well as this avenue into our country, mt of the enemys reach, if some competent director were here to plan ud supervise, aided by the intimate knowledge of the localities which an be furnished here. We have no object tQ serve in this matter eyond the common defense, and trust this may find you able to take ;Ome step in furnishing ns guidance at least. The writer (W. H. Y.) i Page 220 220 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. well known to Mr. Memminger, and would refer you also to our iRepre- setitative, Hines bit, Vice-President Stephens, and others from our State to whom we are known. Yours, respectfully, W. H. YOUNG, President Bank of Columbus. JAS. F. BOZEMAN, ]lfayor of Columbus. W. T. WOOD, Of Apalachicola. The Chattahoochee is a swift and narrow river and easily defensible at proper points. [6.1 RICHMOND, March 1, 1862. Hon. J. P. BENJAMIN, Secretary of War, & c.: SIR: We respectfully ask your early attention to the inclosed com- munication, addressed to us, and earnestly hope you will, as soon as practicable, relieve the portion of Florida to which it relates from its present exposed condition. Be pleased to advise ns of your action in the premises. Yours, very respectfully, A. E. MAXWELL. JAMES M. BAKER. R. B. HILTON. J. B. DAWKJNS. [Inclosurel TALLAHASSEE, February 14, 1862. Hon. Messrs. MAXWELL, BAKER, HILTON, and DAwKINS, Senators and Representatives of the State of Florida, Richmond, Va.: GENTLEMEN: The undersigned citizens of this portion of the State feel called npon to represent to you the utter defenseless condition of this section, containing so large an amount of wealth in negroes, cot- ton, stock, provisions, and capital, and ask your prompt and immedi- ate attention to the matter, and that you use your influence with the proper Department at Richmond to give protection to this section of the State, offering such temptation to our enemies to invade and make desolate our homes and all we have of value. It may be true that points on the coast exposed to the approach of the enemy in their gun- boats and ships of war cannot be defended, but surely some effort should be made to have troops stationed on a line from Saint Marks to the Ocklockonee Bay, at which points the enemy can land, and by an easy march of from twenty to forty miles reach the capital of the State, which is within a short distance of the railroad leading from Thomas ville to Savannah. We are informed by the general in command here that only three and a half companies are stationed between this place and the coast, and these partly armed with inferior weapons and almost destitute of ammunition. The enemy have reconnoitered and are reconnoitering at Saint Marks, Shell Point, and Ocklockonee Bay, and there is a well-founded apprehension, nay, a conviction, on the part of the citizens here that we are entirely at their mercy, and that an army of several thousand men could land at any of the points specified and reach this place in from five to ten honrs, and we have no means o Page 221 Cn~. LXV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 221 opposing such an invasion. We are informed that application has been made to the Secretary of War for a portion of the 6,000 stand of arms now in Florida, and that a response has been received that these arms and a large amount of ammunition are destined for places out of this State. We think we are entitled to some protection, and though we have a small amount of population and large extent of country to defend, every man of us is ready and anxious to meet the invader and drive him back or die in the attempt. But how can we, without arms or ammunition l Florida gave up all the arms and munitions of war seized at the time she seceded to the Confederate States, and never received her quota of arms from the Government, while other States received theirs. The Second Florida Regiment, in Virginia, have the arms purchased by her. We understand that the authorities at Rich- nond look npon Fernandina as the most important place to be defended, ~vhile General Trapier and the officers of his staff are unanimously of ~he opinion that this section offers the greatest inducements to the mnemy to take possession of. Fernandina is situated on an island, and Ihe surrounding country is poor, containing but little to sustain and 1empt its occupation. Yet nearly all the troops, cannon, and muni- ions of war east of the Apalachicola are there centered. We also beg hat you will suggest to the War Department the propriety of sending ere the Second Florida Regiment, the officers of which are thoroughly ~cquainted with the topography of the country, which will enable them mmediately to occupy the points offering the best advantage for lefense. Surely, when the sparseness of our population is kept in zmew and the interests at stake, this request might be complied with. Ne are informed and believe that this regiment, whose term of service ~xpires in July next, would re-enlist for the war if permitted to come )ack and defend their homes. We present this communication to you inder a firm conviction that you will make every effort to enable us to lefend ourselves, and that we will not be compelled to abandon our .omes and be dispossessed of our all without, at least, the satisfaction if defending ourselves. We are in great l)eril, and need immediate nd prompt action. We have reasons for believing that an expedition s now preparing to take possession of this portion of our State. E. HOUSTOUN. C. E. DYKE. J. B. CARLISLE. J. B. GALBRAITH. [6.] [AND 57 OTHERS.] SAVANNAH, GA., March 2, 1862. resident DAVIS: If possible, I will leave Tuesday morning; if prevented will inform ou.* R. E. LEE. GAINESVILLE, FLA., March 8, 1862. At a meeting of the citizens of Alachna and other counties, specially 3dled together for the purpose of taking into consideration our present irnest and pressing dangers, Mr. Edward ilaile, of Alachua County, as called to the chair, and J. M. Arnow, esq., was requested to act as 2cretary. This in reply to Davis, Vol. VI, p. 400 Page 222 222 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA, & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. On motion of the Hon. 1). L. Yulee the following resolutions were unanimously a(lopted: Re8olved, That we hereby appoint Maj. J. B. Bailey and Edward Haile to proceed immediately to Richmond, Va., and there to impress in the strongest language upon the Government of the Confederate States the great irnportaiice of keeping in East Florida an army as a nucleus around which our citizens may rally for the defense of our homes and firesides. Resoleed further, That said delegates are hereby requested and instructed to call upon and confer with General Lee, and urge him to permit the troops now in East Florida to remain for its defense until the Department at Richmond be apprised of our situation and further orders therefrom had. On motion of Colonel Coiclough it was unanimously ordered that said delegates urgently request General Lee to transfer General J. H. Trapier to some other point, as it is universally admitted that from some apparent incapacity or want of industry the people have lost con- fidence in him, and are not willing to cluster around him as a military leader. On motion of Maj. J. B. Bailey it was unanimously resolved that Colonel Colclough be, and is hereby, instructed to call out a sufficient force necessary to destroy such portions of the Florida Railroad and Jacksonville road as he, in conjunction with the military authorities, think proper should be destroyed to prevent the advance of the enemy into the interior of Florida. EDWARD HAlLE, Chairman. J. M. ARNOW, Secretary. Upon the adoption of the resolution relative to the removal of the iron from the railroads, Mr. Yulee thereupon told the superintendent of the road to hold himselt subject to Colonel Colcloughs orders. JAS. B. BAILEY. [6.1 SPECIAL ORDERS, ADJT. AND INSP. GENERALS OFFICE, No. 55. Richmond, March 10, 1862. * * * * * * XXII. The battalion of Georgia Volunteers lately organized by Capt. Charles A. McDaniel, of Company B, Cobbs Legion, will rendezvous as soon as practicable at Augusta, Ga., and report thence to General B. E. Lee, commanding, & c., at Coosawhatchie, S. C. * * * * * * * By order of the Secretary of War: JNO. WITHERS, [6.] Assistant Adjutant- General. RICHMOND, VA., March 13, 1862. His Excellency JOHN MILTON, Governor of Florida: GovERNoR: I have had the honor to receive your letter of the 5th instant from the hands of Hon. D. S. Walker inclosing a resolution passed by the executive council in relation to the regiment commanded by Colonel Davis.* This regiment was ordered to move to Tennessee * See Vol. VI, p. 404 Page 223 CH~. LXV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 223 in pursuance of instructions from the Secretary of War, and it is pre- ~ui~ed,in consideration of the time which has elapsed since the order was given, that it is already ou its way to report to General A. S. Johnston. As regards my order of the 1st to General Trapier, to which you call my attention, I would say that it was my intention that only Colonel Dowds regiment should move immediately. The rest were to be retained until all the public property, guns, & c., were secured. Jn the meantime I desired General Trapier to see what arrangements could be made for the defense of the State by organizing new troops for local defense, & c., and it was then to be determined under the instructions from the War Department what other forces could be spared to rein- state our operations in the West. If an adequate force can be obtained it is my own desire to hold the interior of the State and defend the Saint Johns as well as the Apalachicola, and with this view I would ;uggest to Your Excellency the importance of calling every available nan in Florida into the field. I am, & c., IR. E. LEE, General, Commanding. RICHMOND YA March 14 3overnor JOHN MILTON, .~ 1862. Tallahassee, lila.: I will give part, if not all, of the arms just received to your new evies of troops for the war, as soon as mustered into service. J. P. BENJAMIN, [6.1 & cretary of War. 1862. ion. J. P. BENJAMIN, MILLEDGEVILLE, March 24 & cretary of War: The term of service of the State troops expires very soon; one regi- ent goes out in a week. Can you place 8,000 Confederate troops in heir places for the defense of Savannah ~ If the State troops leave iid their places are not filled immediately Savannah must fall into the ands of the enemy. Shall 1 attempt to detain the State troops, or fhat is your wish ~ General Lee is familiar with the facts and locality, ud the place assigned to the State troops, together with their effi- iency. Please answer. JOS. E. BROWN. EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, 862. ion. J. ~. BENJAMIN, Milledgerille, Ga., March 25 1 & cretary of War: SIR: I telegraphed you yesterday, stating that the term of enlistment f the State troops now in service, to whom has been intrusted in a ery great degree the defense of the city of Savannah, is soon to expire. )ne company has already been mustered out of service, and others fol- iw very soon, and a large number of them go out during the month of ~pril. Our whole coast is now virtually in the possession of the enemy, xcept the city of Savannah. The city is the key to the State, and fo Page 224 224 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. many reasons which will readily occur to you, should be defended at all hazards. The State troops have had confided to them the fortifica- tion of the land approaches to the city, and have displayed remarkable industry and energy in the prosecution of the work, till the fortifica- tions are now very strong. If these troops go out of service their places must be supplied immediately with others, or all this labor must be lost and the city surrendered to the enemy. I wish to urge upon your earliest attention the importance of placing at Savannah, without delay, at least 8, O()O troops, in addition to the Confederate troops now there, for the defense~ of the city. I do not think it secure with a smaller number. If this cannot be done without delay, please inform me frankly of the true condition of affairs, and I will do all in my power still to defend the city with State troops. I presume a large proportion of the State troops would re-enlist in the State service, and that other recruits could be had to take the places of such as refused. I wish to avoid all conflict, however, and propose to give up the whole matter to the Confederate authorities, and render them all the assistance in my power, if this is thought the wiser course. The State troops now in service are not included in the quota of the State, but are in addition to it. Georgia will make no poiut on this, however, but will continue to maintain an army of her own for her own defense, in addition to her quota, if it is desired by the President, and the expense will be ulti- mately refunded to her by the Confederacy; or she will promptly fur- nish her quota whenever there is a call upon the different States, and will confide the whole matter to the wisdom and prudence of the Con- federate Government. Please reply to this letter immediately, and state whether you wish me to make efforts to keep the State troops in service, or shall I disband them and rely upon you for our defense. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOS. E. BROWN. [6.] MILLEDGEVILLE, March ~25, 1862. Hon. J. P. BENJAMIN, Secretary of War: I have a quantity of armsparis of the cargo of the Gladiator imported for the State. The Confedem-ate officers at Savannah have taken possession of them and sent them off to Confederate troops. The boxes were plainly marked J. E. B. I cannot submit to any seizure, and demand the return of the arms or others of like quality in their place immediately.# JOS. E. BROWN. BRIGADE HEADQUARTERS, Lake City, March 28, 1862. His Excellency Governor MILTON, Tallahassee, Fla.: SIR: I have the honor to report to you that I have recently returned from Alachna and Marion Counties, where I have been to forward the raising of guerrilla forces. The people appear to enter into it with enthusiasm. While in Marion County a report reached me that the enemy had gone up Dunns Creek to raise the yacht America, which * For reply, aee Randolph to Brown, March 28, Vol. VI, p. 421 Page 225 CHAP. LXV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONPEDERATE. 225 had been sunk there. I immediately ordered Captain Pearson with his company to repair to Dunns Creek and throw trees in the creek to shut the enemy in. The execution of this order was only prevented because there were no meaiis by which the company could cross the Saint Johns River iii order to reach Dunns Creek. A report (unofficial) reached inc this morning saying that Captain hopkins company (under Lieutenant Stephens) had effectually blocked up the enemy in Dunns Creek. This, however, needs confirmation. Nevertheless, I have this day sent Colonel Dancy to that section with orders, and these allow him to call upon any forces in that vicinity for imm~diate action against the enemy. I have also given him a requisition upon Captain Baldwin for some powder (subject to my order) to supply the citizens who may join him. Immediately upon the receipt of your orders of the 24th instant I issued an order to Captain Ingram, corn- manding Alachna Rebels, to remove the iron from such portions of the Florida Railroad and road leading from Jacksonville to Baldwin as was necessary to prevent the enemys use of either road, & c. From subse- quent investigations I find that up to ten miles from Fernandina toward Baldwin the destruction of bridges, trestle-work, & c., has rendered that road impassable to the enemy for that distance, and which it would probably take them two months to reconstruct, if they meditate recon- struction. Reports from scouts assure me that they have as yet repaired no part of it, and have not atteiupted to do so. In case of closing upon the enemy in that quarter or toward Jacksonville, these roads, for such distance as we may safely use to transport troops, & c., will be of great importance to us, as mule teams might not be had, or forage for them, besides the country being in many places very bad for wagon operations. I shall certainly carry out Your Excellencys instructions with the discretion you allow me to prevent the enemys use of said roads if the present removal of iron is deemed insufficient. I have the honor to inclose to you copies of two orders issued by Gen- eral Trapier, which I saw to-day and requested copies of them. It seems that his orders are now being executed. I herewith inclose copy of your orders to me of March 24 in accord. ance with your request. I have made all investigation regarding the arms now being removed from Smyrna, and learn that the most of them are being deposited at Ocala. Your Excellency orders me to arm certain companies at Gainesville, reserve a stated number of arms for the use of the troops raised for my command, and forward the bal- ance to Tallahassee. I find great difficulty in securing transportation by teams, as they are almost entirely engaged in hauling the arms from Smyrna. I sent my aide-de-camp, Captain Taylor, forward before I received your orders to gain all information and report. I shall use every means to have Your Excellencys order fully carried out, and am much gratified that you will in this way arm our own troops as they need arms. I have the honor to inclose a statement* which I required of ~uy assistant adjutant-general regarding the appointment by Your F~xcellency of a quartermaster and commissary for this post. I am z~ndeavoring to organize as fast as practicable, and deem this appoint- rient as highly necessary to the furtherance of that object. Captain Ingram, who will bear this, is authorized to receive and convey to me -ny communication from Your Excellency. For the appointment of quar- ermaster and commissary (for I believe one efficient man could do all hat is required) I have to depend upon your usual excellent judgment, Not found. 15 u RYOL LII Page 226 226 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. having myself no preferences to recommend. I shall fully report all progress to Your Excellency as it may occur, and have the honor to remain, Your Excellencys obedient servant, H. F. FLOYD, Brigadier- General, Commanding. [Inclosure No. 1.] SPECIAL ORDERS,) HDQRS. PROVISIONAL FORCES, C. S., DEPT. OF MIDDLE AND EASTERN FLORIDA, No. 90. ) ~anderson, March 10, 1862. Captain Buckman, First Florida Battalion, with his company, is hereby charged with the special duty of removing the iron from the track of the Florida Railroad and the Jacksonville railroad as soon as the trains on the latter shall cease running. The iron will be trans- ported to the junction of the Tallahassee railroad and the proposed Georgia connection; the cross ties, & c., burnt. Captain Hickman, assistant quartermaster, will furnish the transportation. By order of General Trapier: H. H. ANDERSON, Major and Assistant Adjutant- General. [Inclosure No. 2.] SPECIAL ORDERS,) IIDQRS. PROVISIoNAL FORCES, DEPT. OF MIDDLE AND EASTERN FLORIDA, No. 108. ) Tallahassee, March 18, 1862. Special Orders, No. 90, is hereby modified as follows: The iron from the Florida Railroad will not be taken up south of Callahan, and all the iron removed from this road will be placed at Baldwin. The iron from the Jacksonville road will be placed at Lake City. By order of General Trapier: H. H. ANDERSON, Major and Assistant Adjutant- General. NoTE.The foregoing order is in progress of execution by Captain Lesley, substituted for Captain Buckman, to whom the Order, No. 90, was directed. [Indorsement.] APRIL 12, 1862. By the influence of Hon. David L. Yulee and General Joseph Finegan, an injunction was obtained from a circuit judge to arrest the work. Messrs. Yulee and Finegan have endeavored to interpose many obstacles. JOHN MILTON. [Inclosure No. 3.] HEADQUARTERS, Tallahassee, March 24, 1862. Brig. Gen. RICHARD F. FLOYD: SIR: The order issued by General Lee, which was believed to be to evacuate East, South, and Middle Florida, has been countermanded revoked. The President and Secretary of War will afford all possible facilities for the defense of Florida, and to recover positions which are important to general defense. I issue a proclamation immediately mak- ing known this factto counteract any injury from your proclamation of the 19th instant. The arms and ammuiiitio:i which may be brough Page 227 CHAP. LXV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 227 from Smyrna, protect from violent or unlawful seizure. You are author- ized to arm all the companies which may be at Camp Lee, near Gaines- ville, for Confederate service during the war, with Enfleld rifles, or other choice weapons, and such a proportion of ammunition and caps, blankets and shoes as may be necessary, taking from the captains of companies bond and security to redeliver the rifles and other arms upon the demand of the Governor and commander-in-chief of Florida to any one authorized by him to receive them. You can retain 1,000 Enfleld rifles and necessary fixed ammunition at Lake City, or other place you may select in East Florida, to be distributed among those who may be in military service under your command. In all cases take bond and security for the redelivery of the arms upon the demand of the Governor and commander-in-chief. The iron on such parts of the Florida Railroad and the road leading from Jacksonville to Baldwin as may be necessary to prevent the enemys use of either road to the injury of the State, have removed to Lake City. Place under arrest any who attempt or offer to attempt to prevent if, and if necessary inform me and I will proclaim martial law in East Florida forthwith. After taking for use the arms and ammunition mentioned forward or have forwarded to Tallahassee all the balance of arms, munitions of war, blankets, shoes, & c. Respectfully, JOHN MILTON, Governor and Commander-in- Chief. [Inclosures to Pemberton to Cooper, March 30, 1862, Vol. VI, p. 421.] [Inclosure.] HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF GEORGIA, Savannah, March 27, 1862. ~Japt. J. R. WADDY, Assistant Adjutant- General, Pocotaligo: CAPTAIN: I beg leave to acknowledge the receipt of two telegraphic dispatches from Major-General Pemberton in relation to arms belong- ing to the State of Georgia, and herewith inclose statement of Cap- tain Cnyler, ordnance officer, in relation thereto. These arms were all received by Captain Cuyler under directions from the Chief of Ordnance ~t Richmond as the property of the Confederacy. His attention was iiot called to any marks upon them, nor to the claim of any one to any portion of them. They were therefore shipped and distributed in accordance with his instructions. After this was done he was notified that some portion of them belonged to the State of Georgia. At that time there were only forty left in his hands, and General Jackson was informed through his ordnance officer that they would be turned over to him. The only remedy now would seem to be to turn over the proper lumber to the State authorities out of the next arrival from Florida. It is evident from this statement that the arms were never in any sense seized. I am also informed by General Jackson that in the last arrival ~f arms in Charleston there were 1,980 Enfield rifles for the State of 3eorgia, which have been shipped to Richmond and are now claimed y the Governor of Georgia. These should also be replaced out of the ext arrival. I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. R. LAWTON Brigadier- General, Commanding Page 228 228 S. C.~ S. ~*A., MID. & B. FLA., & WEST, N. C. [CHAP. LXV. [Sub-inclosure.J ORDNANCE OFFICE, & fvannah, Ga., March 27, 1862. Brig. Gen. A. B. LAwToN, Commanding Department of Georgia: GENERAL: In reply to your verbal order of this morning I have the honor to make the following report of the arms, & c., received from Sniyrna and how they have been distributed: No. No. Marks on boxes.* Description of arms. boxes. arms. British muskets, rifled 118 2, 360 Smooth-bore muskets 12 240 Short Eafleld rifles 8 160 Do 4 80 Do 6 120 37 740 Lon~~Enfie1d rifles 3 60 Do 2 40 Do 31 620 Do 1 20 Do 3 60 Do 10 200 Artillery carbines 2 180 British muskets, rifled 24 480 No marks taken. Long Enfleld rifles 8 160 Do. ShortEnfleld rifles 4 80 Do. Artillery carbines 2 40 Do. Total 282 5, 640 * Marks omitted. From this statement it appears that I received 31 cases, or 620 Enfleld rifles, marked J. E. B.; 38 eases were received of which the marks were not taken; only 8 of the 38 were long Enfleld rifles, so that as all the others marked J. E. B. were of this description it is fair to presume that no more of the 38 boxes were the property of the State of Georgia than 8 boxes long Enfleld riflesprobably not more than 4 of the 8. To make it plainer: Guns which 1 know to be marked J. E. B., 620 long Enfleld rifles; guns about which I am in doubt, 160 Enfleld rides. The guns were issued as follows, without reference to the original marks: To Col. C. M. Avery, New Berne, N. 0., 4500 long Enfield rifles; to Gen- eral Earl Van Dorn, Jacksonport, Ark., 1,600 British muskets, rifled; to General A. S. Johnston, Decatur, Ala., 1,200 British muskets, rifled; Colonel Chalmers, Corinth, Miss., 440 short Enfleld rifles and 360 long Enfleld rifles; Col. J. Gorgas, Chief of Ordnance, Richmond, 220 artil- lery carbines, 40 English muskets, rifled, 240 smooth-bore muskets, 40 long Enfleld rifles. Retained here by order of General Lee, 1,000 long Enfleld rifles. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, RICH. M. CUYLER, [6] Captain of ArtiUery and Ordnance. WAR DEPARTMENT, C. S - A., Richmond, Va., April 2, 1862. His Excellency Governor JosEPII E. BROWN, Milledgeville, Ga.: SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 25th ultimo to my predecessor, Mr. Benjamin, and beg leave t Page 229 Cn~. LXV.J CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 229 assure you that I fully aj~preciate the noble efforts of your gallant State in the common cause, and would most gladly ease the burden she has imposed upon herself. For the present, however, we must rely upon her constancy for the defense of her coast, as we find ourselves so pressed by invading armies along our northern frontier and on the sea- coast that it is impossible to send troops to your assistance. In this State alone we have to contend against five invading armies and pow- erful naval forces. The reorganization of our armies under the recent acts of Congress has proved so difficult, and promises to be attended with such danger if continued in the presence of the enemy, that the President has rec- ommended to Congress the passage of an act putting into military service for the war all persons not exempt from military duty between the ages of eighteen and thirty-five. The bill has been reported in the Senate and I have hopes of its speedy passage. It will at once relieve our difficulties of reorganization by continuing the Army as it stands and furnishing a large body of recruits. We shall have veteran troops in the field and camps of instruction to season and drill the new levies. With this organization you will have troops enough to defend your 2oast, and the only difficulty we shall experience will be the scarcity of arms. We are making great exertions to supply ourselves, and we are encouraged by past success to hope for the arrival of large numbers ow afloat. If you will keep your State troops in the field until Con- ~ress acts on the conscription bill I think that you will have no further 2mbarrassment. I regret very much the mistake that occurred about your arms, and I am assured by the Confederate officers that it was anintentional. I have ordered General Pemberton to return arms of 2qual value out of the first lot that he receives. Your arms had been ~o dispersed that it was impossible to recover them. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEG. W. RANDOLPH, [6.] Secretary of War. 3overnor JOSEPH E. BROWN, RICHMOND, VA., April 2, 1862. ]IJiilledgeville: I have replied to yours of the 2~ith ultimo to Mr. Benjamin. Keep he troops in service if possible a few weeks longer; then I hope your ;mbarrassment will be relieved. GEG. W. RANDOLPH, Secretary of War. ion. G. W. RANDOLPH, MILLEDGEvILLE, April 3, 1862. Secretary of War: My agent sent to Florida to look after the guns imported for this ;tate has returned. He reports that the State arms, as well as those :1W the Confederacy, have been sent to Richmond. Your officers have ow seized 3,400 Enfleld rifles, imported for this State by three different rrivalstwo at New Smyrna and one at Charleston. Can this all be mistake ~ Please order the number of same quality replaced immedi- tely. It cost me great risk and heavy expense to import these guns Page 230 230 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. I cannot submit to these illegal seizures. I appeal to your justice for immediate redress, as I wish to avoid all harsh measures. Answer at Savannah, where Igo to.night.* [6] JOS. E. BROWN. TALLAHASSEE, April 7, 1862. His Excellency JEFFERSON DAVIS: The following dispatch just received: MARIANNA, April 7, 1862. Governor MILTON, Tallaha8see, Fla.: Information direct from St. Andrews. Steamer Florida captured by Yankees yes- teiday morning. Yankees piloted in by Powell and others, of Washington County; says they will load the steamer with negroes. Captain Nelson thinks probably may get aground and a force might retake her. R. L. SMITH. I recommend that Richard F. Floyd be appointed immediately briga- dier-general [and] assigned to the command of this military department. Prompt action is necessary to defend the State.t JOHN MILTON. [6.1 RICHMOND, April 8, 1862. General J. (13. PEMBERTON, Pocotaligo, S. C.: GENERAL: Your communication of the 27th of Marcht has been sub- initted to the Secretary of War, who directs that you will apply to Governor J. E. Brown for invoices of the arms seized,and such other description of them as the Governor can give, and will replace them by arms of the same character as nearly as possible. He says you have been directed to impress the lead, and may exercise the right in cases of great extortion and emergency, but as a general rule will avoid impressments. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, R. H. (JHILTON, [6.] Assistant Adjutant- General. STATE OF FLORIDA, EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, Tallahassee A Hon. G. W. RANDOLPH, pril 10, 1862. Secretary of War: SIR: By letter dated the , a requisition was made on the State for two regiments and a half of infantry, and soon after that time General Lee made a requisition for four cavalry companies for service in this State, and ordered the cavalry regiment commanded by Col. William G. M. Davis to report to General A. S. Johnston. The four cavalry companies were promptly raised, and were mustered into the Confederate service for three years or during the war. The abandon- ment of Fernandina and the defenses on the Saint Johns River surren- dered all of Florida east of the Saint Johns River to the control of the * For reply, see April 5, Vol. VI, p. 425. tFor reply, see Vol. VI, p. 429. tSee Vol. VI, p. 419 Page 231 Ca& p. LXV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 231 enemy, and incidentally caused much delay in raising the infantry required. But by the 15th instant two regiments and a battalion will be fully organized and subject to your orders, and companies enough have volunteered for service for three years or during the war to compose three full regiments of infantry. Will three regiments be accepted ~ Besides the forces alluded to, General Trapier accepted the services for short periods and for local defenses of a cavalry company at this place, and several infantry companies in different parts of the State, of which I have received no official notice. To serve during the war and wherever their services may be necessary, two regiments and a battalion will be subject to your orders by the 15th of this month. One regiment is at Camp Leon, near this place, it being the Fifth iRegi- ment, and commanded by Colonel ilateley. The Sixth Regiment, at the Mount Vernon Arsenal, on the Chattahoochee, will be organized by the election of field officers on the 14th instant. Some of the com- panies which will compose the battalion have been used in saving the arms, & c., landed at Smyrna, but will be at Camp Lee, if I am correctly informed (Camp Lee is near Gainesville, in East Florida), in time to elect a commander during this week. The cavalry regiment com- manded by Colonel Davis is still in the State, and your attention is respectfully invited to the inclosed correspondence.* I have heard, but not officially, that General Trapier modified the order to report to General Johnston. The arms, & c., which were landed at Smyrna have been saved from the enemy. The distance to haul has been considera- ble, and the means of transportation insufficient, but I hope that all will soon be where you may desire. Many reports are in circulation that guns, ammunition, blankets, and shoes were taken possession of and are in the hands of officers and soldi~rs in the Confederate service, and that arms, shoes, & c., were distributed among citizens near Smyrna. I am not correctly informed as to the facts; but I not only request, but most respectfully urge, a rigid inquiry on the part of the Confederate Government into the facts, and that it shall be made promptly. The authority of the State, if necessary, siiall be used to sustain the inquiry and recover the property. With regard to the arms which were received by the steamer Flor- ida, the inclosed correspondence* by telegram will prove to you the misapprehension of Mr. Benjamin. Nine hundred rifles were sent by your order to General Jones, at Pensacola, and takeii and sent to the Governor of Louisiana; 160 were placed in the hands of two companies at Ricos Bluff, and the rest are at the arsenal. iNotwithstanding I felt fully authorized by Mr. Benjamin to retain all for the use of those mustered into Confederate service here, I should have sent them upon the claim of Governor Moore, of Louisiana, but for the very exposed condition of the State and the threatened approaches of the enemy, not only in ascending the Apalachicola River, but in attacking this place. As soon as arms can be obtained from those landed at Smyrna, I will send those at the arsenal to Governor Moore by a special agent, unless in the meantime you shall supply him with other arms. The military department composed of Middle, East, South, and a part of West Florida is too large and too much separated for any one brigadier-general to perform the duties. There should be a military department composed of parts of Georgia, Alabama, and Florida, as recommended in a letter from me dated the 29th of October, 1861. * Not found as inclosures Page 232 232 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV If the suggestion had then been promptly acted upon, much loss and anxiety would have been avoided. It is not now too late, by the organ- ization of such a department, if an officer of energy and ability shall be appointed to the command, to accomplish much or the protection of Georgia, Alabama, and Florida. Apalachicola City should be recov- ered and held, to avoid an immense loss of slave property and to pre- vent incursions of the enemy by land and water. The ordinance of the late convention disbanded the State troops the 10th of March and forced the necessity of evacuating Apalachicola; and unless more fore- sight and energy than have yet been displayed shall be promptly exer- cised Tallahassee will be in possession of the enemy in less, probably, than sixty days. We have here only a regiment and cavalry company under the late requisition, and without arms, with the exception of two companies of the regiment armed with muskets. With the exception of Hollands battalion, all the forces that were at Fernandina and on the Saint Johns, together with Davis regiment, are near Jacksonville, and in my judgment will render little or no efficient service there, as the enemy are reported to have evacuated Jacksonville. I have no idea that the enemy will retnrn to Jacksonville, but direct their attention to Apalachicola and Tallahassee. I should have ordered the cotton on the Apalachicola River to have been removed or burned, but the officer in command here informed me that he had received instructions on the subject and had issned orders accordingly. Permit me to express the hope that you will urge npon the President the necessity of placing an officer of ability and energy in command here immediately. One regi- ment will, in my opinion, be sufficient for the defenses on the Saint Johns, if proper measures of defense shall be promptly adopted. If necessary, volunteer companies will aid in the defense. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, [6.] JOHN MILTON. COLUMBIA, April 10, 1862. President DAVIS: Your dispatch received. All troops now mustered into Confederate service. Not a single State company left. Telegraphed Ripley to send immediately three finest regiments from Charleston and one regular infantryvery fine. He can spare them for the present, I think, as he has enough other troops. Ten regiments left in his district. I tele- graphed Pemberton the same, too. If you telegraph Ripley to send on Colonel Dunovants regular infantry and Colonel Manigaults he will obey. They are in splendid order. Let me know and I will do any- thing I can.~ [6.] F. W. PICKENS. BRIGADE HEADQUARTERS, Lake City, April 11, 1862. His Excellency Governor MILTON, Tallahassee: SIR: Having heard from common report that khe city of Jackson- ville had been evacuated by the enemy on the 9th instant, I sent my aide-de-camp, Capt. J. M. Taylor, to that place to ascertain the condi- tion of things there and to report the same to me. I have the honor *For reply, see April l1,Yol. VI, p. 435 Page 233 CHAP. LXV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 233 to inclose his report herewith.* I received this morning a letter of import~ince from Captain Pearson, and send you a copy of the same herewith by Lieutenant Pearson. I had many representations made to me within the last twenty-four hours showing that the country border- ing the Saint Johns River is infested by unmerous and dangerous traitors, and that a bad state of things existed there. These represen- tations are fully confirmed by Captain Pearsons letter, as you will see. Your Excellency having required of me to inform you at any moment of any section in which it would be proper to have martial law pro- claimed and rigidly enforced, I now unhesitatingly have the honor to report to you that it is necessary that it should go into immediate effect in the following counties: Nassau County, iDuval County, Clay County, Putnam County, Saint Johns County, and Volusia County. That martial law should be ordered in these counties appears to be a measure of absolute necessity, as they contain a nest of traitors and lawless negroes. Should Your Excellency adopt this measure, I will send a force in those counties, together with Captain Pearsons com- J)any, sufficient to enforce it. As soon as I hear from you I will carry out your orders with the utmost promptitude. Thus far treason has boldly appeared in our midst with impunity; the hour to deal with it summarily has arrived. I write to the adjutant-general to-day. I have the honor to be, Your Excellencys very obedient servant, R. F. FLOYD, Brigadier- General, Commanding ~3tato Troops. [Inclosure.] CAMP MCCARTY, On Ocklawaha Rirer, April 8, 1862. General RICHARD F. FLOYD, Lake City, lila.: DEAR SIR: I now have the honor to report to you the result of five days scout, the hardest kind of service, in obedience to your orders conveyed through Colonel Dancy to attack the Federals on Dunns Lake. I marched my company (leaving a small detachment to serve camp, & c.) a circuitous route through the woods to Rice Creek and crossed them over the Saint Johns in the night in small detach. ments to prevent the enemy knowing anything of our whereabouts. When we arrived at the river we learned that they, the enemy, had not gone to Dunns Lake, nor do I believe they intend going there again, but I learned that they were coming to Orange Mills Saturday or Sun- day to burn Doctor Mays property, and I repaired to that point imme- diately to see them make the attempt; and, sure enough, on Saturday evening the largest and best gun-boat they had on the Saint Johns came up and anchored about two miles and a half below Coles Mills, and about 11 to 12 oclock I crossed the balance of my men over to Simkins houses; there spent the balance of the night in arranging for fight in the morning, having but little doubt but we would get one, as they had on a former occasion asked where the troops were, saying they understood there were some 200 somewhere in the woods, an dthey, the Federals, had a few rotten pumpkins they wished to throw at them. Now, what do you think when I tell you that we offered them fight all day long on Sunday and they declined? We lay under or in reach of their shells all day; they knew we were there,but did not know the precise spot. After lying there all day we could get uothing from *Not foun4 as an inclosure Page 234 234 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. them. I let a party of my company sally out on the river-bank in full view to try and coax them out. I am now pretty thoroughly colivinced in my mind that you have nothing to fear in your section of country from invasion; they will not come into the woods to fight. With a reasonable guerrilla force we can keep them back. I am now a guer- rilla in every sense of the word; we neither tell where we stay nor where we are going, nor when we shall return; assemble the company at the sound of a cows horn. We have made some arrests of both white and black, and hung one negro last week belonging to Mays. I have detachments on scout pretty nearly all the time; when over a sergeants command I go myself. I regret very much to have to report to you that at least three-fourths of the people on the Saint Johns River and east of it are aiding and abetting the enemy; we could see them at all times through the day communicating with the vessel in their small boats. It is not safe for a small force to be on the east side of the river; there is great danger of being betrayed into the hands of the enemy. I fear this will be no better until martial law is proclaimed and several of them hung. I have two or three men spotted that ought to be hung. I know some facts that would astonish you. Lieutenant Pearson, the bearer of this, is on his way to Talla- hassee; if you have any commands in that direction, command him. I would like to hear from you on his return how our cause progresses in the West, & c. Very respectfully, yours, J. W. PEARSON, [6.] Ochiawaha Rangers. HEADQUARTERS, Richmond, Va., A 12, 1862. His Excellency JOHN MILTON, Governor of Florida: SIR: I have just received a letter dated Tallahassee, Fla., April 4, 1862, from Colonel Dilworth, the late commander of the Department of Florida, informing me that he was using all the available troops, both cavalry and infantry, and that it was not possible to spare two armed cavalry companies for the defense of Pensacola. Could not the State raise and arm two companies for that purpose? The order for the movement of Colonel Davis regiment is still in force, but I hay enot been notified of the cause of its delay. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, R. E. LEE, [14.] General, Commanding. LAKE CITY, FLA., April 12, 1862. Brig. Gen. R. F. FLOYD, Commanding Florida State Troops, Lake Gity, Pta.: SIR: In obedience to your instructions dated the 28th of March, I left Lake City with Mr. J. S. Purviance, a volunteer for the expedition, on Saturday morning, the 29th, on the train for Baldwin, and thence by the Florida Railroad to Gainesville, in hopes of obtaining arms and muni- tions of war for the expedition, but failed to procure any, with the exception of one half keg of powder from Captain Baldwin at Sander ~ I returned to Waldo on the 30th, and thence proceeded, partly o Page 235 Cii~m LXV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 235 foot and partly by wagon, to Doctor Mays plantation, where I proposed organizing a party for the expedition to intercept the enemy should they return to Dunns Creek after the steamer Saint Marys. On my way, and on arriving at the plantation above named, I found that the two volunteer companies organizing in that vicinity had mostly gone to Hawkinsville, on the Saint Johns, to assist in protecting and securing the Government property then being transported from New Smyrna. Iii consequence I determined to call on Captain Pearsons company, camped about fifteen miles from Doctor Mays plantation, and procured a horse and proceeded to his camp, which I reached on the 1st of April. I arranged with Captain Pearson to meet at the landing on Etonia Creek, eight miles from the Saint Johns River, on Thursday evening, there to await my return from a visit to the east side of Saint Johns River with such information as I could obtain relative to the move- ments of the enemy, and should it be found that they had passed up the river for Dunns Creek then to throw the company across the river on Friday night and march on the east bank up to Duiins Creek, a distance of ten miles, with the necessary implements for blocking up the creek. On examining the river on Thursday and inquiring of Mr. Crnse, living at Orange Mills, I found the enemy had gone down the river a few days previous, and Mr. Cruse gave it as his opinion from an inquiry made by him of Captain Stephens, the commander of the eneniys forces, that they did not intend returning up the river, at least for some time. On Friday, the 4th, I recrossed the river late in the afternoon to the place of rendezvous agreed on with Captain Pear- soii, and informed him what I had learned (as stared above), when he expressed his determination to cross the river to Orange Mills and there lie in ambush and await the coming of the enemy at that place, and should they land, to then and there attack them. About forty men were taken over the river that night and landed within a quarter of a mile of the mill wharf, the boats making two trips during the night under the pilotage of Mr. Purviance, a distamice of sixteen miles each way. The remainder of the men were to march down on the west side cf the river to Doctor Verdiers place opposite to the mill, to be crossed on Saturday night. The crossings were effected at night to avoid publicity and every means taken to secure secrecy. Before these last men were c~rossed, and just at dusk Saturday afternoon, the enemys propeller hove in sight and cast anchor some four miles below the mills and immediately opposite the place of Mr. Cornelius Dupont. Every preparation was made by posting sentinels to guard against a surprise luring the night and to be in readiness to ambush the men betimes he following morning, which was accordingly done. The men remained 3oncealed from the river until about sunset on Sunday, previous to which, from the movements of boats on the river and persons on shore, t became evident ihat the enemy had been informed that danger urked in that vicinity, and Captain Pearson, as well as mysehf, deemed lirther delay or attempt at a surprise useless, and Captain Pearson hetermined to recross the river, and as soon as night approached lie narched his company to Palatka, and by an early hour on Monday Imorning was seven miles on his road from Palatka toward his camp, aving crossed his men without the least delay or accident at the ferry. I)uring Sunday night Mr. Purviance and Doctor Babcock, both volun- eers for the expedition, and myself, with five of Captain Pearsons men, eturned with the boats to the landing on Etonia Creek, and thus mded my attempt to surprise the enemy, which I am convinced failed through information furnished them by traitors living in our midst an Page 236 236 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. communicating with the enemy with impunity by means of boats and otherwise. There were not less thau four boats from different points on the river that communicated with the propeller during Sunday. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, [14.] F. L. DANCY. ORDNANCE OFFICE, Savannah, Ga., April 17, 1862. Lieut. Col. J. GORGAS, Chief of Ordnance, Richmond: One messenger just arrived from Florida. About 150 barrels cannon powder will be here to-morrow; 7,500 rifles ou the waywill be here in a week. Shall I divide the powder betweeu Atlanta and Raleigh, as per your order~ I ought to have a reserve near Savannah. Very little cannon powder here not at batteries. IRICilD. M. CUYLEIR, [14.] Captain, Artillery and Ordnance. EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, STATE OF FLORIDA, Tallahassee, April 17, 1862. General It. E. LEE: SIR: Yours of the 8th of April* was received on yesterday, informing me of the appointment of General Finegan, upon the application of the Florida delegation. Agreeably to the constitution of the State, the Governor is the commander-in-chief of the army and navy of the State and of the militia thereof. The military defenses of the State are intrusted to his judgment. Such being the fact and having to the best of my ability sustained the Administratiou of the Confederate Govern- ment by President I)avis, whom I regard with admiration as a states- man and a soldier, I confess that I was surprised, and not agreeably, at the appointment of General Finegan, upon the recommendation of the Florida delegation, in preference to General Richard F. Floyd, recom- mended by me, and, if I have been correctly informed, the recommenda- tion was sustained by Senator Baker, a Senator, and Mr. Dawkins, our Representativefrom East Florida, the part of the State in which the Sena- tor and Representative and General Floyd and General Finegan reside. General Floyd is about fifty years of age, the sou of General Floyd, who was favorably known in the war 18121815, is a native of Georgia, and but few gentlemen of the South are as well educated or as well qualified to perform the duties incumbent upon the brigadier-general in this military department, and the appointment of no other would have inspired more confidence, or been more satisfactory to the citizens of the State and the officers and soldiers of the Confederate service in the State. General Floyd, at a moments notice, left his family and property on the Saint Johns River, repaired to the command at Apalachicola, and main- tained the defense of that place, although informed the defenses of the Saint Johns had been abandoned and his accomplished family of ladies and his entire property left to the mercy of the enemy. A friend rescued his family; his property was lost. Suddenly he was reduced from opulence to poverty, and what is worse, exposed to injustice from the Government, to support which none has more courage and few as much See Vol. VI, p. 429 Page 237 CHAP. LXV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 237 ability. But His Excellency President Davis, as a brave and honor- able soldier in power, if misled by misrepresentations, will remember kindly the claim to his confidence of General Floyd. Candor requires me to say that while I entertain a very sincere respect for the Florida delegation, there is no reason why I should suppose them qualified to advise as to the military defenses of the State. The duties they were elected to perform do not necessarily con- nect them with the military defenses, and agreeably to the constitution and the laws of the State made in pursuance thereof the Senators - are elected by the General Assembly and the Representatives by dis- tricts. The Governor alone is elected by the eiitire people of the State and to his judgment the military defenses are intrusted. But if the Florida delegation were informed of any military services having been reudered by General Finegan in this State or elsewhere, to induce the belief that he was qualified to perform the duties required in the military department by a brigadier-general, or that his appointment would inspire confidence, they possessed knowledge the Governor did not possess and have acted wisely in communicating it to the President. Certainly none will be more gratified than myself if the appointment shall prove fortunate, and to the best of my ability will endeavor to render it so; but there are few officers who would have commanded so much of my confidence in their ability and whom I could have co-operated with as cordially as with General It. F. Floyd, the only gentleman in Florida occupying a distinguished positioii whose reputa- tion has never been assailed by the vile miscreants who delight in the slander and abuse of honorable men occupying distinguished positions, not even excepting His Excellency President Davis. General, Florida is in a hopeless condition. Your attention is respectfully invited to the copies inclosed of official reports.* It is unnecessary for me to say in the discharge of official duties, anticipating treason, my efforts to pre- vent it were disregarded by the General Assembly of the State, and subjected me to abuse from the press, which, if not controlled by trai- tors, sympathized with them; and the press was sustained for the time being by political tricksters, men anxious for popular favor and desti- Lute of the moral courage required by patriotism. Will you be pleased to consult with the President, and if you and he think it advisable, I ~vill proclaim martial law, as requested by General Floyd. If advisable, inswer by telegraph and by letter. No injury can occur from delay to ito so until I can hear from you.t I have the honor to be, general, with respect, JOHN MILTON, [14.1 Governor of Florida. HEADQUARTERS PROVISIONAL FORCES, DEPARTMENT OF MIDDLE AND EASTERN FLORIDA, April 19, 18G2. eneral S. COOPER, Adjutant-General C. AS~. Army: SIR: I have the honor to inform you that I have information that ;ome 50,000 bales of cotton are stored at Columbus, Ga., 20,000 at ~ufaula, and 10,000 stored at different points on the river. For the rotection of the Apalachicola River there is a battery of ten guns *See Floyd to Milton, April 11, and Dancy to Floyd, April 12, pp. 232, 234. IFor reply, 8C0 April 2b, Vol. XIV, p. 483 Page 238 238 S. (I., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. erected at Ricos Blufftwo 24-pounders, two 32 pounders (army pat- tern), four 32-pounders (short naval guns), and two 32-pounders (rifled guns) mounted on field carriages. Colonel Hollands battalion is sta- tioned at the battery, but as the force is reduced very much from sick- ness I will order the Sixth Regiment, when turned over to me by the Governor, which will be in a few days, to supporting distance in the rear of the battalion to prevent a flank movemeimt of the enemy by land. I regard it of the utmost importance that the enemy should be prevented from reaching Columbus. I am not aware that there are any other works of defense on the river except those at Ricos Bluffi I take the liberty of calling the attention of the Department to the subject in hopes that something may be done in Alabama and Georgia toward the defense of the river. Very respectfully, JOSEPH FIKEGAK, [14.] Brigadier- General, Commanding. HDQRS. DEPT. OF SOUTH CAROLINA AND GEORGIA, Pocotaligo, April 21, 1862. His Excellency JOSEPH E. BROWN, Governor of Georgia, Milledgevilie, Ga.: SIR: In accordance with instructions received from the War Depart- ment I have the honor to request that you will furnish these headquar- ters with invoices of the arms belonging to the State of Georgia but seized and appropriated to the use of the Confederate States, in order that they may be replaced by arms of a similar character as nearly as possible. I am, & c., J. C. PEMBERTON, [14.] Major- Generat, Commanding. STATE OF FLORIDA, EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, Tallahassee, April 23, 1862. Hon. GEORGE W. RANDOLPH, Secretary of War: SIR: Your attention is respectfully invited to the inclosed reports. Eight of the companies reported by Captain Noyes to have armed themselves with Enfield rifles have been mustered into Confederate service. Captain Owens is a cavalry company; had been previously armed by the State with Maynard rifles, sabers, and Colt revolvers. The seven first named will be in a regiment to be organized next Sat- urday by the election of field officers. The seven, together with four other companies, will make eleven infantry companies raised for, the war and not embraced in the adjutant-generals report. I regret very much that any article belonging to the Confederate Government has been interfered with, but I presume official reports will make it appear to you that what occurred has been by the order or consent of officers in Confederate service over whom I had no authority. If I shall fail to receive the arms from the companies mustered into Confederate service before the regiment shall be organized, it will ke discretionary with you, if it shall be necessary to our defense, whether the regiment shall be ordered to report to General Beauregard at Corinth, or delive Page 239 CHAP. LXV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 239 the arms to be forwarded where they may be more needed. If, how- c~ver, the arms shall not be very necessary elsewhere, as the Govern- mnent will have to arm the forces raised in this State, the arms should remain for service here. It is very discouraging to soldiers to be in ~ervice or camps without arms and ammunition. Every effort shall be ased to recover arms, ammunition, & c., which have fallen into the hands of citizens or soldiers at Smyrna or on the route. But the 7bandonment of and the sale of arms by Confederate officers, and at a line when it was reported and believed that the forces were all to be withdrawn from this military department, induced in part the nefarious 4ansactions made known by the report of Captain Noyes. Captain r{oyes left here this morning with the arms and ammunition he col- ected for Corinth, via Savannah, Columbus, and Mobile. had I known ~n attempt would have been made to take any of the arms by steamer lown the river, as reported, I should have advised against it. It is a langerous experiment while the enemy commands the river with gun- )oats. Another company will be attached to the Fifth Regiment in a short ime. Many causes beyond my control conspired to prevent companies ~ssembling at the camps of instruction. In consequence of the enemy setting possession of Fernandina and the Saint Johns River, the ~onnties east of the river and several counties west of it failed to espond to the call for volunteers. Nevertheless enough companies esponded to make a regiment of infantry more than the requisition tade by the War Department. But I repeat what I have before said, ,OOO men divided into small companies, well armed and acting as guer- illas or rangers and ably commanded, can do more to defend Florida mom the enemy than thousands in regular service until there shall be a -ery decided improvement in the management of forces iii this State. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, JOHN MILTON. P. S.The necessary orders will be issued to carry into efti~ct the ite act of Congress to provide for the public defense as soon as I shall eceive the regulations adopted relative to it. I desire at the same ime to organize for militia service persons not embraced in the act. expected you would have been in possession of the reports inclosed efore this time, and would have been, but Captain Wathington, to hose care they were intrusted, was prevented by sickness from raveling. J. M. [Inclosure No. 1.] HDQRS. ADJUTANT AND INSPECTOR GENERALS OFFICE Tallahassee, April 21, 1862. I is Excellency Governor JOHN MILTON: SIR: I have the honor to report to you the following companies raised )r the war, which constitute the Fifth Regiment of Florida Volunteers, t Camp Leon, to wit: Milton Light Infantry, Capt. A. Z. Bailey; )ixme Yeomen, Capt. R. N. Gardner; Trapier Guards, Capt. William D. Iloxham; Wakulla Tigers, Capt. S. A. Spencer; Madison Guerrillas, )apt. J. W. ilolleyman; Frink Guards, Capt. John Frink~ uards, Capt. G. Vanzant~ Anderson Infantry, Capt. William Baker Bailey, .; Bartow Rebels, C apt. A. J. Lea, of which regiment John C. Hate. ~y is colonel, Thompson B. Lamar lieutenaut.colonel, and Benjamin Davis major Page 240 240 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. The following companies compose the Sixth Regiment, eight compa- nies of which are at the Mount Vernon Arsenal and two at Ricos Bluff: Magnolia State Guards, Capt. L. M. Attaway; Campbellton Greys, Capt. H. B. Grace; Jackson County Volunteers, Lieut. John L. Hays; Jackson County Company, Capt. H. 0. Basset; Union Rebels, Capt. A. D. McLean; Choctawhatchie Volunteers, H. K. Hagan; Florida Guards, R. H. M. Davidson~ Gadsden Greys, Capt. Samuel B. Love; Gulf State Infantry, Capt. James C. Evans; Washington County Com- pany, Capt. A. MeMillan, of which regiment J. J. Finley is colonel, A. D. McLean lieutenant-colonel, and I). L. Kenan major. I have also the honor to report two artillery companies mustered into the Confederate service for three years or the war: The first, known as the Milton Artillery, with six field pieces, commanded by Capt. J. L. Dunham, and now stationed at the Mount Vernon Arsenal; the other, known as the Leon Artillery, commanded by Capt. R. H. Gamble, and at Camp Lee, with six field pieces; and to report also four cavalry compa- iiies mustered for three years or the war: Marianna Dragoons, Capt. R. L. Smith; Aucilla Troop, Capt. J. Caraway Smith; Milton Rangers, Capt. Clinton Thigpin; company from Jefferson County, Capt. John Partridge. Besides these companies five companies for local defense were assigned to General Trapier and by him ordered to be mustered into Confederate service: One cavalry company, known as the Talla- hassee Guards, and commanded by Capt. P. B. Brokaw, for twelve months, and stationed near Shell Point, and four infantry companies, one known as Dilworth Volunteers, and commanded by Capt. James Tucker, and upon duty on the Suwanee River and at the railroad bridge where it crosses the river; one company known as Key West Avengers, and commanded by Capt. Henry Mulrennan, at Tampa Bay, and a com- pany known as the Gnlf Coast Rangers, and commanded by Capt. John C. Chambers, near Cedar Keys. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. H. MILTON, Adjutant and In8pector General. [Inclosare No. 2.] TALLAHASSEE, April 22, 1862. Governor JOHN MILTON: Sin: In compliance with your instructions of the 17th instant to pro ceed to East Florida and take charge of all the arms, & c., landed a~ Smyrna, and proceed with them with all the dispatch possible to Cor inth, Miss., I left Saint Marks on the same day and proceeded by rail road to Camp Langford, near Jacksonville, where I found Captair Simkins, C. S. Army, quartermaster, in charge of the arms, and on read ing your instructions and also the telegram from the Secretary of Wa. he gave me a letter authorizing me to take control of all the arms an munitions on the line of the road under his charge. I then proceede on the Florida Railroad to Archer and took charge of all the arms an munitions I could find. At Archer I found 57 boxes cartridges; a Gainesville, 33 barrels powder, 65 boxes cartridges, 16 boxes pereussior caps; at Waldo, 97 boxe3 cartridges, 5 boxes pistol cartridges, 11 barrel: powder, 12 cases arms, with one open box containing 9 Enfield rifles and 7 boxes percussion caps; at Lake City, I found 7 boxes arms, 3 barrels powder, and 1 keg rifle powder, 9 boxes percussion caps, and 4. boxes cartridges, making a total in all of 76 barrels, 1 keg of powdei 262 boxes cartridges, 5 boxes pistol cartridges, 32 cases percussion eap Page 241 Ciiip. lxv.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 241 23 cases arms, 1 open box with 9 rifles (Enfleld). I was informed at Gainesville that the following companies had armed themselves from the cargoes landed at Smyrna, viz: Captain Moseleys company, Cap- tain Dudleys company, Captain Thomas company, Captain Eichel- bergers company, Capt. T. Ingrams company, Captain Slones com- pany, Captain Bullocks company, Captain Owens cavalry company (150), Captain Hagans, a militia company, nnder General Pyles. Also that Lieutenant Hopkins, of Marion County, had 16 Enfleld rifles turned over to him by Capt. D. B. Bird. I learned further that a Mr. Clark, of Jacksonville, had some 25 rifles for a guerrilla company. It was further reported to me by several responsible citizens that Captain Kendrick, who it is said had been sent by General Trapier to assist Major Baruwell to procure teams, and in the removal of the goods from Smyrna, had sold arms and ammnnition to the amount of *1,000 to Capt. Jacob Summerlin, of llillsborough County, and received pay for the same from Summerlin; also that he had 1,000 ounces of quinine in his possession, and had been retailing the same at $1 and $2 per ounce; that he had also had in his possession 24 cases surgical instruments, with other articles, such as gray cloth, rifle powder, & c. I am author- ized to refer for authority for the statement relative to the proceedings of Captain Kendrick to Mr. Prevatt, on the Central railroad; to Mr. Comic, of Columbia County, and to Mr. MeFall, near Gainesville, who turned over to me a case of surgical instruments, for which I receipted to him. At the time I was making my investigation Captains Kendrick and A. Johnson were in charge of the property at llawkinsville, and from the reports current respecting their conduct it would seem due to justice that a prompt examination into their proceedings should be had. Captain Simkins left Jacksonville on the evening of the 18th, in the steamer Governor Milton, for Enterprise, with the intention of bringing the balance of the Smyrna cargoes from llawkinsville to Black Creek or Jacksonville. Mr. R. iR. Reid, in his employ, started from Gaines- ville for Ocala with teams to forward from that point to the Florida Railroad the arms and ammunition stored there. Mr. Acosta reports about 1,000 stand of arms remaining at llawkinsville and Ocala, and that there are some fifty wagon loads of stores at Ocala. I have brought to Madison all the arms and munitions I could find on the line of road, which are being hauled from Madison to Quitman, on the Savannah and Albany Railroad,with as much dispatch. No other arms can reach the road under five days. I propose sending the thirty-five cases now at the Tallahassee depot to Monticello to-morrow morning, where I have six teams employed to carry them to Station 17; from thence I shall proceed to Corinth, Miss. Very respectfully, r14.] A. B. NOYES. IIDQRS. DEPT. OF MIDDLE AND EASTERN FLORIDA, April 26, 1862. 3eneral S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General: SIR: I respectfully request authority to reorganize as soon as possi- de all the twelve-months volunteers required to be reorganized for the war under the conscription act. Until the elections of the field and ~ompany officers are over it will be impossible to maintain that disci. dine which is deemed essential to the efficiency of the service. Colonel I)ilworth is very desirous to have the election over in his regiment as 16 R RVOL LII Page 242 242 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA, & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. soon as possible, and if I felt that I had authority in advance of instructions from the War Department I would order the election in this regiment before it left the State for Corinth. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOSEPH FJNEGAN, [14.] Brigadier. General, Commanding. CHARLESTON A Hon. G. W. RANDOLPH, , pril 28, 1862. Secretary of War: The steamer Cecile arrived here yesterday morning, bringing 3,000 arms. Very respectfully, & c., J. C. PEMBERTON, [14.] Major- General, Commanding. ORDNANCE OFFICE, Maj. G. W. RAINS, Savannah, Ga., April 29, 1862. Commanding Augusta Arsenal: I send you 100,000 Enfield cartridges, 78,000 British musket car- tridges, and 200,000 percussion caps. Have just sent General Beaure- gard 395,000 cartridges. Am short of haversacks and canteens for immediate issue. Am ordered to move this depot to Macon. RICH. M. CUYLER, [14.] Captain, Artillery and Ordnance. COLUMBIA, April 29, 1862. President DAVIS: By the terms of the ordinance of the convention the Governor and council are empowered to declare martial law to such extent in such places and at such times as shall be required by the exigency of public affairs. We have consulted General Pemberton as to the extent and place and the following is the reply: CHARLESTON, April ~8, 1862. Governor PICKENS: I desire that martial law be proclaimed from the Santee to the Edisto River, if it meets with approbation. .J. C. PEMBERTON. Will General Pemberton be permitted to act in conjunction with us in this matter ~ Let me know at once.* F. W. PICKENS. [14.] HEADQUARTERS, Richmond Va His Excellency JOHN MILTON, , ., May 3, 1862. Governor of Florida, Tallahassee: GOVERNOR: Your letter of the 25th of April, with its inelosures, was received to-day. Fifteen hundred arms have been ordered to Pensa * For reply, see April 30, Vol. XIV, p. 486 Page 243 CHAP. LXV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 243 cola, which will be given to the troops, including those from Florida, at that place. Previously to this an order was issued for 2,500 irms for the troops in Middle and East Florida, but I have not learned whether they have been received. I shall be obliged to Your Excellency if you will give me such information as you may be able to obtain on the sub- ject. I inclose to Your Excellency a copy of the law providing for the crganization of bands of rangers, and the regulation of the Department under the same.* I am, Governor, very respectfully, your obedient servant, R. E. LEE, [14.] General. EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, Milledgeville, Ge., May 7, 1862. Hon. G. W. RANDOLPH: DEAR SIR: Inclosed I send you a copy of your dispatch t to me of April 5, 1662, in which you promise to punish any Confederate officer .vho again knowingly interferes with the States arms imported by me. ~y a letter from Colonel Gorgas dated May 1, 1862, I am informed that welve boxes of my Enfleld rifles were received by the Nashville and hat they have been ordered by General Lee toGeneral E. K. Smith,of vast Tennessee. Mr. Gorgas adds that he did not deem it worth while o send them to me. I simply state the case and remind you of your romise, not doubting that you will act properly in the premises. When iay I expect all that have been seized to be returned? I shall regret o be compelled to resort to counter seizures as the only mode of redress -gainst these arbitrary wrongs of your officers. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOSEPH E. BROWN. [First indorsement.] Chief of Ordnance for report. [GEG. W. RANDOLPH.] [Second indorsement.] The twelve boxes of arms referred to were received here from the argo of the Nashville, and were by General Lee directed to be for- .~arded to General Kirby Smith, Knoxville, to be by him placed in the ands of the Fifty-second Georgia Regiment, at Chattanooga without rms. General Smith was informed of the destination of the arms, ~id Governor Brown requested to communicate with General Smith if !e desired any other disposition made of the arms. [14.] J. GORGAS. HEADQUARTERS PROVISIONAL FORCES, DEPARTMENT OF MIDDLE AND EASTERN FLORIDA, ~eneral S. COOPER, Tallahassee, May 8, 1862. Adjutant and Inspector General: GENERAL: I have ordered two companies of the Fourth Regiment lorida Volunteers, serving at Tampa Bay, to join their regiment at See General Orders, No. 30, Adjutant and Inspector Generals Office, April 28, 862 Series IV. See Vol. VI, p. 425 Page 244 244 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. Jacksonville. If this regiment should be needed for service out of the State it can move more rapidly by being concentrated. When the Third Regiment was ordered to Corinth one or two of the companies were serving near the upper Saint Johns, guarding the public property landed at Smyrna. It took them some time to reach their regiment, as they had to march to the Florida Railroad, the enemy being in pos- session of the river. The regiment reorganized to-day at Midway. To-morrow they will go to the Chattahoochee River, where steamers await them to carry them to Columbus. Three companies of the First Regiment Cavalry marched this morning, and the balance will go on as infantry. They have been drilled in that arm of the service and can serve as such. I shall have nine companies of cavalry left, which is fully as much of that arm of the service as I require in this department. I have the honor to be, general, your obedient servant, JOSEPH FINEGAN, [14.] Brigadier- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS, Richmond, Va., May 13, 1862. His Excellency JOSEPH E. BROWN, Governor of Georgia, Milledgeville: GOVERNOR: I regret to perceive by Your Excellencys letter of the 7th instant to Colonel Gorgas that you suppose it was intended by me to take possession of certain Enfield rifles received by the Nashville. The cargo of the Nashville was saved with much difficulty and brought to Wilmington at a time when it was believed from the movements of General Burnside, then in possession of New Berne and other points on that coast, that he was preparing to attack that city. The whole cargo was reported as belonging to the Confederate States, and was forwarded here with all possible dispatch, except certain arms issued to the troops at Goldsborough. Before the arrival of the arms in this city orders were given for a certain number to be forwarded to General Kirby Smith, Knoxville, for the armament of the Georgia regiments sent by Your Excellency to that place. In the act of forwarding the arms to Knoxville Colonel Gorgas reported that twelve of the boxes were marked with your initials, J. E. B., and that he was confident, though he had no other evidence, that they were intended for the State of Georgia. I told him to report the facts to you and ascertain your wishes. I was unwilling to retain the arms in this city and thought it hazardous to send them back over the road and through Wilmington, which at that time was entirely engrossed with the transportation of troops, stores, & c., and therefore authorized them to be forwarded with the other arms to Knoxville, with the express understanding that they were not to be issued until you signified your assent, and then only to the Georgia troops. As you had been obliged to send these troops from the State unarmed, from your previous willingness to furnish all the arms in your power, I believed that would be the destination you would give them. I acknowledge your right as to their distribution, and but for the circumstances which I have related I should have forbidden their leaving the city until you had been heard from. I will now direct that they be sent through Chattanooga to Milledgeville and request General Smith to telegraph to you the time of their departure. I exceedingly regret my misapprehension of Your Excellencys intentions, especiall Page 245 CHAP. LXV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 245 as I have no other arms to issue to the Georgia regiments in their stead. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, R. E. LEE, General. General S. COOPER, CHARLESTON, May 24, 1862. Richmond: The steamers Kate and Cecile just arrived, running the blockade and bringing 100 cases rifles aiid 2,700 rifles, 350 barrels of powder, 211 boxes tin, 2 kegs gunpowder, 52 cases shoes, 24 bags saltpeter, a supply of medicines, and other valuable Government stores. [14.] . J. C. PEMBERTON, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS, Brig. Gen. JOSEPH FINEGAN, Richmond, Va., May 27, 1862. Commanding Department of Florida, Tallahassee: GENERAL: The report of Mr. F. A. Acosta, special agent for col- lecting the arms landed at Smyrna, has been received at the Depart- ment. I am pleased to learn the facilities you afforded him on his arrival in Tallahassee for carrying out the instructions of the Secretary of War. He, however, states that upon his arrival in Gainesville and while collecting the arms with which the Seventh Regiment Florida Volunteers, then in camp of instructionb, had been partly armed, these being a portion of the arms from Smyrna for which he had sent, you arrived in person, and upon the authority of my letter ot the 3d of May to Governor Milton determined to retain 2,500 stand of arms from this lot for the use of the Florida troops, thus stopping his efforts to collect the arms issued to the Seventh Regiment, and appropriating others at different points on the railroad. As the agent was acting under the directions of the Secretary of War you should have afforded him every facility in carrying out his instructions and not thrown any obstacles in the way of their execution. These arms are greatly needed by our troops at Corinth, where there are many in front of the enemy unarmed, and were specially designed for their use. My letter to the Governor was intended to inform him of orders previously given and to inquire what number of arms had been issued to troops in Florida t vision might be made, if possible, from further cargoes to hat pro- supply defi- ciencies. In no case should it have taken precedence over the Secretary of War. Mr. Acosta also states that Captains Owens, Stephens, and Harrisons companies of cavalry, as well as some of the militia and men at the different railroad stations, have been armed with Enfield rifles. This arm is intended solely for infantry, and ought only to be issued to those in service for the war. it is not designed for cavalry, and you are desired to cause all the rifles to be returned for issue to infantry mustered in for the war. They cannot be devoted to cavalry or to the arming of troops for temporary or local service. The more common arms (those of the cavalry if possible) must be used for the latter purpose. Your early attention to this subject is desired. I have the honor to be, & c., [14.] B. E. LEE Page 246 246 S.C.,S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. President JEFFERSON DAVIs, CoLu1~n3IA, June 3, 1862. Richmond, Va.: Resolved, That in view of the threatening aspect of things and the great proba- bility of an early attack on Charleston, it is the opinion of the Governor and council of South Carolina manifest that nothing but extreme necessity will justify a further withdrawal of any more troops from this State. I transmit the above and agree with its spirit.* [14.] F. W. PICKENS. COLuMBIA, June 3, 1862. President JEFFERSON DAVIS, Richmond, Va.: We sent two of best South Carolina regiment~ to Beauregard. Three with Gregg carry superb rifles, 1,400 strong, and two with Ripley very fine. Season is far advanced and unless we are whipped in Virginia they cannot attack Charleston, and if they do only by water it can be defended if commanding officer does his duty and the forts are fought as they ought to be, which I doubt. If you are in difficulty, of course we must spare, and I think you can order Dunovants regi. ment of regulars, equal to any in any service. Order that and Colonel De Saussure, now under Drayton. They are best placed. Let me know if you order them, and when, and if Richmond is safe.* [14.] F. W. PICKEKS. COLUMBIA, S. C., June 4, 1862. President JEFFERSON DAVIS, Richmond, Va.: Telegram received.t The enemy will not regard our climate. They landed in force yesterday, and to-day Johns and James Islands attack commenced. Last evening we drove them and took prisoners. Gun- boats in Stono to be expected, after the bad judgment in dismantling Coles Island. General attack expected to-morrow. I doubt it. I name two best trained regiments cautiously to you. None can be spared just now or the Savannah railroad will be lost. Deeply regret. I trust valor will make all safe. F. W. PICKENS. [14.] MAYORS OFFICE, City of Savannah, June 9, 1862. President JEFFERSON DAVIS, Richmond, Th.: General Pemberton has withdrawn nearly all the troops from the defenses of the city, leaving us in a helpless condition. Is this your order or consent ~ We cannot believe that it is your intention to leave us at the mercy of the enemy. If such is your intention, we solemnly pro- test against it in behalf of the citizens of Savannah and the State of Georgia. An early reply is desired. GEO. N. WYLLY, [14.] Mayor Pro Tempore. * For reply, see Vol. XIV, p. 540. Ibid., p. 540 Page 247 CHAI~. LXV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 247 CONFIDENTIAL.] COLU1~IBIA, S. C., June 11, 1862. President JEFFERSON Dxvis, Richmond, Th.: I fear Charleston is to be sacrificed by a total incompetency in the officer commanding and a total want of knowledge of the country. I earnestly call your immediate attention to it. The enemy have made a lodgment on James Island and will make regular approaches. F. W. PICKEKS. Governor F. W. PICKENS, RICHMOND, VA., June 12, 1862. Columbia, S. C.: Your telegram received, and read with regret and disappointment. To which commanding officer do you refer? Can you suggest some one who will supply the want of local knowledge? I desire your advice, and you may rely npon my doing whatever is practicable. JEFFERSON DAVIS. President JEFFERSON DAVIS, COLUMBIA, June 12, 1862. Richmond, Va.: Would be entirely pleased with Beauregard. Deeply obliged for your kindness. Will telegraph him now. Sea air [will] strengthen him.* F. W. PICKENS. HDQRS. DEPT. OF MIDDLE AND EASTERN FLORIDA, General S. COOPER, Tallaha8see, June 13, 1862. Adjutant and Inspector General: GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of letters from the General-in-Chief dated 26th and 28th nltimo, in reference to arms landed at Smyrna. For the information of the General-in-Chief on this subject I have the honor to inclose an official report made by Capt. E. C. Simkins, assistant quartermaster, acting under instructions from the Quartermaster-General, receiving arms and other public prop. erty landed at Smyrna. It will be seen by Captain Simkins report that all the arms landed at Smyrna have been accounted for. Of the 407 arms reported as in this military department eighty two have been issued to the Fourth Regiment on their way to the West to complete the arming of that regiment. The Seventh Regiment will leave the State in a few days and will take with them the arms reported as in their possession. Orders have been issued to Captain Stephens and Harrisons cavalry companies to turn over the Enfield rifles in their hands to the Fifth Regiment Florida Volunteers, mustered for the war and ordered to Jacksonville to relieve the Seventh. Major Baruwell is a member of General Trapiers staff and has not been on duty in this department since I assumed command. The companies of the Third * This in reply to Davis, Vol. XIV, p.560 Page 248 248 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. Regiment Florida Volunteers and the First Regiment Cavalry, reported as having some of the arms, are serving out of the State. I ordered Colonel Perry, commanding Seventh Regiment, to collect from General Pyles, Captain Cone, and Lieutenant Hopkins (State officers) the arms reported as in their possession. I presume this has been done. I will make at an early day for the information of the General-in-Chief a state- ment of the number of arms furnished to the troops mustered into the Confederate service for the war by the Confederate States and by the State of Florida. I have the honor to be, general, with great respect, your obedient servant, JOSEPH FINEGAN, Brigadier- General, Commanding. [Indorsement.] ADJUTANT AND INSPECTOR GENERALS OFFICE, June 23, 1862. Respectfully submitted to General R. E. Lee, commanding. By command of the Secretary of War: JNO. WITHERS, Assistant Adjutant- General. [Inclosure.] TALLAHASSEE, FLA., June 12, 1862. General JOSEPH FINEGAN, Commanding Department of Middle and Eastern Florida: GENERAL: Since making a report to you on the 16th of May at Gainesville, Fla., in regard to the arms landed at Smyrna, and under my charge, I have now the honor to report that upon a more careful investigation and search for these arms, which were rumored to have been scattered through the State,Jam enabled to account in full for every one as the following summary statement will show: By whom received. Boxes. Guns. Remarks. 332 6,701 59 1, 169 407 552 28 8 120 19 55 100 32 24 101 180 154 9,740 Captain Cuyler, chief of ordnance, Savannah ibox, 11 guns, 180, 260, 1-40. A. B. Noyes, special aent 1 box, 9 guns. Captain Buckman, chief of ordnance, Department of Middle and Eastern Florida. Seventh Regiment Florida volunteers General Pyles Florida militia Captain Cone, commanding volunteer company Captain Owens, Marion Dragoons Lieutenant Hopkins, commanding detachment Captain Baya, Grayson Artillery Captain Stephens, Saint Johns Rangers Captain Bird, Company E, Third Florida Regiment... - Captain 5train, Company H, Third Florida Regiment. - Captain Phillips Colonel Davis, First Regiment Florida Cavalry Major Barnwell, commanding Smyrna detachment Total number of guns received at Smyrna The guns shipped to Captain Cuyler, chief of ordnance, Savannah, Ga., were supposed by me to have been sent to Richmond, as per my original instructions (a copy of which I have the honor to inclose).* I since learned that he received orders to turn them westward to the armies of Generals Johnston and Van Dorn. Mr. A. B. Noyes was * Omitted Page 249 CHAr. LXV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 249 sent by the Governor of this State (acting, as I learned, under instruc- tions from the Secretary of War) as special agent to assist in forward- ing the arms, ammunition, & c., toward Corinth, and as our armies at that time were in great need of all the arms and ammunition that could be possibly concentrated at that point, I deemed it advisable to give him every facility in furthering his mission without inquiring into his authority so to act. I beg leave to say iii this connection, without reference to Mr. Noyes, who was very energetic in forwarding those articles, as I understand, that the progress of the arms, & c., was by no means expedited by the arrival of so many special agents, sent from all quarters at the expense of the Government. The 552 arms in the hands of the Seventh Regiment Florida Volunteers were taken under a supposed authority from the -Governor of the State by the various companies composing that regiment while in transitu through Florida. Since they have been allowed to retain them I deemed it right to take receipts from the proper officer of that regiment for them, which I now hold as a voucher. Besides these arms, the guns receipted for by General Pyles, Florida militia, Captain Cone, commandiig volunteer company, and Lieutenant Hopkins, commanding detachment of Captain Huggins company, at Smyrna, Fla., amounting to fifty-five guns, have been either all turned in or ready to be delivered to one or the other regiments in this State raised for the war. Captain Owens (now Cap- tain Chambers) company, Marion Dragoons, have by your order turned the guns taken by them over to the Seventh Regiment. Captain Stephens company still retain their guns, and also Captain Bayas company, making a total of guns (including those retained by your order) now remaining in the State as follows. Guns. Captain Ingram, Seventh Florida Regiment 80 Captain Blount, Seventh Florida Regiment 80 Captain Eichelberger, Seventh Florida Regiment 41 Captain Slone, Seventh Florida Regiment 80 Captain Moseley, Seventh Florida Regiment 76 Captain Bullock, Seventh Florida Regiment 100 Captain Thomas, Seventh Florida Regiment 90 General , Seventh Florida Regiment 5 Pyles, Florida militia 28 Captain Cone, volunteer company - Lieutenant Hopkins, detachment Captain Huggins compaily 19 Captain Owens, Marion Dragoons 120 Captain Baya, Grayson Artillery Captain Stephens, Saint Johns Rangers 100 Captain Buckman, chief of ordnance, Department of Middle and Eastern Florida 407 Total 1,289 The arms taken by Captaimi Birds order for arming a portion of the companies under his command at Smyrna, consisting of his own and Strains companies, Third Regiment Florida Volunteers, are still retained by them. Captain Phillips company, Third Florida Regi- ment, also retained theirs. Colonel Davis, First Florida Cavalry Regiment, while in command in East Florida near the line of railroad by which these arms, & c., were being transported, deemed it proper for the defense of the country, and the security of the arms, & c., then in transitn, to take the number opposite his name in statement, and has retained them in his possession since leaving the State with his regiment. Maj. John G. Baruwell, while in command at Smyrna, and just before abandoning his position, saw proper to arm such of his command as were then present with Enfield rifles. It is my impressio Page 250 250 8. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. that the two Mississippi companies then there were already armed with Enfield guns. The remaining companies, consisting of Birds and Girardeaus (now Strains), Third Regiment Florida Volunteers, and a detachment consisting of thirty men of Captain Bayas company (Grayson Artillery), were armed. By reference to the muster-rolls of Biras and Girardeaus companies (now Strains) I find that they num- bered on the 5th of August (the date of mustering), 1861: Birds com- pany, 89 men; the other (Girardeaus), 84 men. It appears, within my own personal knowledge, that after this time both companies were increased in numbers, adding, however, the number of men in those two companies originally mustered, viz: Originally mustered, 173; to the number in artillery detachment, viz, 30, there appears 203 men; deduct- ing the number of guns taken by Bitd for his own and Strains com- panies, viz, 56 guns, there remains 147 guns, which must have been distributed by Major Baruwells order at Smyrna, there leaves only to be accounted for 7 guns. It is fair, however, to assume that as these companies (Birds and Girardeaus) have increased up to this time from their original mustering, that Major Baruwell distributed the 7 additional guns, and I have consequently charged the amount (154) opposite his name in the statement. I have never been able to get a definite statement from Major Baruwell as to the number of guns and other articles distributed by him at Smyrna, or by what authority he took them, although he has been addressed on the subject, as the accompanying communication from Major Teasdale will show. After the many exaggerated statements from ignorant persons in regard to the terrible thefts committed upon public property at Smyrna it will be seen from the foregoing statement and report that the arms at least have been preserved, and I am glad to be able to report that there is not now, as I believe, a single gun of this cargo remaining in the State of Florida which is not in the hands of a soldier ready to use it in the defense of his country. I am, general, your obedient servant, E. C. SIMKINS, Captain and Assistant Quartermaster. [Indorsement.] Respectfully referred to the Adjutant and Inspector General with a request that the report be laid before the General-in-Chief. JOSEPH FINEGAK, Brigadier- General, Commanding. [Sub-inclosure.] ASSISTANT QUARTERMASTERS OFFICE, Tallahassee, June 12, 1862. Capt. E. C. SnIxINS, Assistant Quartermaster, Tallahassee, Ela.: CAPTAIN: In compliance with your request of this morning I have to state that about the 3d of April last I inclosed to Maj. J. G. Barnwell (by the hands of Surg. J. S. Bond, C. S. Army) invoice and receipts for certain packages taken by him while at or near Smyrna, consisting of arms, shoes, & c. I requested of Major Barnwell to send receipts for the property, which he has failed to do. I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. R. TEASDALE, [14.] Major and Assistant Quartermaster Page 251 CHAP. LXV.] CORRESPONDENCE, EI~C.CONPEDERATE. 251 General S. COOPER, COLUMBIA, S. C., June 16, 1862. Adjutant and Inspector General, Richmond, Va.: General Pemberton urges the State for re-enforcements. The Gov- ernor and council ask that the conscripts of the State. be ordered at once to camp, and all be assigned to General Pemberton. I am ready to order into camp. Will require twenty days to collect. What answer shall give to Governor and council. J. S. PRESTON, Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding Camp of In8truction. [Indorsement.] ADJUTANT AND INSPECTOR GENERALS OFFICE, June 17, 1862. Copy of a telegram just received. Respectfully submitted to His Excellency the President. JNO. WITHERS, [14.] A8sistant Adjutant-General. President JEFFERSON DAVIS, COLUMBIA, S. C., June 21, 1862. Richmond, Va.: Just consulted with General Cooper. I shall be greatly pleased with General Hill, and Cooper agrees also. Let Pemberton be ordered to take Hills place, if it can be done, or Magruder, if you think best. He says that Longstreet cannot be spared. Cooper will remain until morning. F. W. PICKENS. General COOPER: CHARLESTON, S. C., June 21, 1862. M~ DEAR SIR: In accordance with your request I beg to note briefly some of the points upon which we conversed this morning in relation to the declaration and operation of martial law in this city. The opinion entertained by some of the inconsistency between martial law and certain provisions of the Constitution of the Confederate States need not be further alluded to than as it makes one of the cases where a doubt of the rightful authority of a law, to a certain degree, impairs the moral influence it would otherwise exercise. Assuming, however, that in this objection there is no weight, and not deeming it necessary to consider it here, let me at once come to the matter in its practical operations. With however much of rightful authority it may be declared and enforced, martial law is still to be regarded as an evil, even if neces- sary because of the force of circumstances. It cannot be otherwise when it is assumed that by its unrestricted operation the forms of gov- ernment are superseded, the securities and guaranties of person and property are suspended, and the duties and obligations of government and citizens, reciprocally to each other, are shifted from the foundations npon which they have been placed by the organic law of our political society. It must be obvious, therefore, that so great a changeand i Page 252 252 S. 0., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. that, if in nothing else, so great an evilshould not be extended beyond the limits of that necessity which is relied upon as its justifi- cation. Hence, therefore, whenever martial law is declared, if you specify the particular object to which it is to be made applicable, you will not affect the constitution of civil society farther than as it is con- nected with such specified objects. These, then, alone become excep- tional matters, and in relation to all others the organization of society retains its harmony; the operations of civil government, except as to these specified objects, is continued, and all the purposes desired to be accomplished by the declaration of martial law are secured without the disturbances of such other matters as are not necessary to be inter- fered with. When, however, the declaration of martial law is not limited to specified objects, and intended for the accomplishment of certain purposes, but is general in its terms and sweeping in its oper- ations, it i~ then assumed that all laws are suspended and no rules of cond act are establisJiied, except those promulgated under the autbority of martial law. This, then, of course, renders it necessary that there should be a new specification of offenses. to be punished under the authority of this code. This is not only a work of great labor, alto- gether unnecessary, but involves this other consequence, that an act, unless so specified as an offense, cannot be punished. No one has held that even under martial law that can be punished which has not been prohibited; nor has any one ever contended that the offense so declared by the positive laws of the land can be cognizable by martial law nuless it has also declared such acts to be offenses; for the theory of martial law suspends those positive laws which, because of their vitality, had created these offenses. You are, therefore, forced, under a general declaration of martial law, either to make a new code of laws graduated to the necessities of each communitya work of great labor or to suffer numerous offenses which society in its accustomed con- dition has forbidden to go unpunished, or to declare that some one person shall, at his discretion, and perchance after its commission, determine whether it is an offense and what shall be its punishment. It is not because you desire to abrogate the positive law or change the form of government that you declare martial law. It is to be pre- sumed that the desire is to preserve these, but that some necessity, controlling in its nature, renders in certain matters this departure necessary. To the extent, therefore, of that necessity, declare martial law, but no further, because the motive for its declaration will carry you no further; and beyond this the greatest evil is developed and the greatest mischief is produced. But not only would the declaration of the specific objects to wbich the declaration of martial law is applicable and limited accomplish all that was desired or required by its decla- rations, but it would do much more. It would render the application of martial law to these specified objects more certain, because of the co-operating influence and aid which the ordinary civil tribunals would afford, continuing as they would in the exercise of their accustomed functions. It is true such aid would be felt indirectly, but not on that account less efficiently. In every large community, like that which makes up the population of a city, there are varied interests which constantly require the pro- tection of civil authority. In the existence of this civil authority that confidence is felt which is one of the essential bonds of society. Remove it, and you lose all security. Nor is it possible for you to sup- ply that loss by such rules of a military character as you may proclai Page 253 Ca& r. LXV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. CONFEDERATE. 253 under martial law. But if you have that community retaining its organization, recognizing its civil magistracy, obeying its laws, you have it in that condition in which the sacrifices made to a necessity for the exercise of martial law in certain particulars will be supported and enforced, because of the restraints which the customary operation of all laws imposes on those who live under them. You have the author- ity of the magistrate in the civil department, in his administration of the laws which he enforces, giving a sanction for the administration of those other laws which military necessities produce under the name of martial law. You have also aid to the operation of martial law afforded from another motive. It cannot be disguised that the effect of martial law is intended to be produced in its control of the practices and conduct of those who are disloyal or disaffected. A community loyal and well disposed is never presumed to require the exercise over it of the author- ity of martial law. I know in this city it has been said that the large number of troops in its limits required it. I cannot but think that in this there has been some confusion. The large number of troops may have rendered necessary the application of military law, but it could scarcely have rendered necessary the enforcement of martial law over the whole city. You see, however, at a glance, that when you make a general declaration of martial law over a whole community you do not distinguish between the loyal and disloyal citizen, nor between the proper and improper practices of the two, but, confounding them and their habits and practices, reduce both to a common standard, and lose in this common sentence of both the aid you could receive from the good against the bad. And in such a discrimination as I have sug- gested, by which you clearly indicate the objects to which martial law applies, and as to all other matters leave the community in its accus- tomed course, you remove from the general a serious disadvantage, and at the same time give him useful aid. You confine his attention to a few matters, and these belong to him, becanse when designated they become connected with military considerations. He deals with these only, and his power is felt by those who in these violate his orders. All good citizens who eschew participation in such prohibited practices become his supporters and aids in the suppression of what he forbids. He is not regarded as tyrant or despot; and the moral influence which he must possess to be eminently useful becomes diffused through the wide circle of those who are attracted to him from a desire to put down and punish those who affect the public welfare. I have 110 hesitation in saying that under other than the existing arrange- ments not only would the personal position of General Pemberton be ereatly more agreeable but infinitely more useful. I throw these considerations hastily before you. They are not, how- ;ver, of recent adoption. The subject in its general bearing has been ~o some extent familiar to me. In the early period of the secession of us State, when it was considered proper to declare martial law within ~ertain limits, I then gave much consideration to the details, and prac- lically suggested the system upon the principles to which I have dverted.* I have the honor to be, with great respect, your obedient servant A. G. MAGIRATH. * See Campbell to Cooper, June 22, Vol. XIV, p. 570 Page 254 254 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. Hon. G. W. RANDOLPH, S. 0., June 23, 1862. Secretary of War, Richmond, Va.: The British steamer Memphis ran the blockade and arrived in the city about 5 p. m. Her cargo consists of 112[,000] pounds of powder, 4,700 Enfleld rifles, 700 Belgian rifles, ammunition for Enfleld rifles (exact amount not known), 7,000 pairs of shoes, and 1,000,000 percus- sion caps, also 4 tons of lead. I desire to retain 2 500 rifles 50,000 pounds of powder, 100,000 percussion caps, and a fair propoition of Enfleld cartridges for this department. J. C. PEMBERTON, [14.~ Major- General, Commanding. STATE OF SOUTH CAROLiNA, Columbia, 5. 0., June 23, 1862. Col. S. BASSETT FRENCH, Aide-de-Camp: DEAR SIR: I received last night yours dated the 19th instant, and hasten to say that unless an efficient part of Beauregards army is immediately ordered to support the left of Kirby Smiths line of defense we are in great danger of being overrun through East Tennessee. Beauregard is too near to the valley of the Mississippi. The river is already opened, and Halleck has no object in pursuing him with his army, for the main object of Hallecks great army was to open up the Mississippi by going down upon Memphis, & c., but it is now opened from the mouth; therefore a large and active part of it will be directed toward North Alabama, North Georgia, and to bear through Chatta- nooga on East Tennessee, and if the enemy ever get a strong foothold in East Tennessee we can never get them out of it, for it is so moun- tainous and so many Union men are there. This, too, will give them control of Southwestern Virginia to Abingdon. Beauregards army must be inactive where it is, and a portion of his large force ought to be immediately ordered to support Kirby Smith, as we are in great danger. General Price onght to be allowed to recross the Mississippi and enter Southern Missouri. He and his men will do far more for us there in an independent position than to be kept in an intrenched camp, for his brave and hardy men to languish and die in inactivity. Floyd and Pillow ought to be restored to command even if only tem- porarily, until Buckner can make his report, and a court of inquiry could then be held, but we are in the midst of a great revolution, where the whole population are in arms, and we must, to a certain extent, relax the rigid rules of strict army government, in order to use all our men in their proper places. Floyd will give great strength to us in Western Virginia and Pillow in Tennessee. An independent command for Floyd will finally produce division and ill feelings, when we onght to be united. I trust, if you know of any high military man who has access to President Davis, that he may be indnced to use his influence to urge in a private and quiet way these measures for immediate adop- tion. It will do much to strengthen our service and our defenses. I return my thanks to the Governor for his kind remembrance, and most heartily give him all my cordial sympathies. They have weakened us too much by drawing off regiments from the defense of Charleston. Now that all our sea-coast towns have fallen, it is of the last importance to defend Charleston. In great haste, but very respectfully and truly, [14.] F. W PICKENS Page 255 CHkp. LXV.1 CORRESPONDENcE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 255 AUGUSTA, GA., June 24, 1862. Hon. G. W. RANDOLPH, Secretary of War, Richmond, Va.: SIR: I would respectfully inform you that there is in this place and immediate vicinity near or quite 100,000 bales of cotton. The enemys vessels, I understand, can come within 80 and 100 miles of here, and a good, hard, pine-woods road all the way. This place at present can offer little or no resistance, should an attack be made on it. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. E. TWJGGS, [14.] C. S. Army. President JEFFERSON DAVIS, COLUMBIA, S. C., June 25, 1862. Richmond, Va.: General Cooper informs me he has written you.* The enemy are risking their approaches nearer over Charleston Bar, and everything ndicates an attack soon. I therefore urge the appointment of some reneral who will command the confidence of the various branches of lefense. Whatever is done must be quickly. If you nominate any ~eneral, I will meet him at Charleston. If attacked by land as well as water, at least four more trained regiments necessary. [14.] F. W. PICKENS. CHARLESTON S 3eneral S. COOPER, , . C., July 3, 1862. Adjutant and Inspector General: The steamer Herald arrived in this harbor this morning, bringing ~06 barrels of pow~1er for Navy Department, 40 cases rifle (6() barrels), nd 1 case of printing materials for Treasury Department, coffee, home. ;puns, shoes, & c. It is quite evident from reports received that the ;nemy is leaving James Island. Three transports left the Stono yes. erday, but, as they do not leave the harbor until after night, it is mpossible to say whether they go north or south. J. C. PEMBERTON, [14.] Major- General, Commanding. PECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPT. OF S. CAROLINA AND GA No. 96. Charleston, S. C., July 3, 1862. I. Major Nelson will, with his battalion of South Carolina infantry, roceed to Adams Run without a moments delay and report to Brig- dier- General Evans, commanding. * * * * * * * By order of Major-General Pemberton: J. H. WADDY, Assistant Adjutant- General. ~ol. JAMES CHESNUT, COLUMBIA, July 4, 1862. Richmond, Va.: The enemy have evacuated James Island, and four transports, it is i~id, passed out of Stono with troops, bearing north. I suppose iiow See Vol. XIV, p. 569 Page 256 256 S. C., S. GA., MID. & 7E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. all forces will be ordered to defend Washington and Baltimore. Please get an order immediately to reoccupy Coles Island and extra guns sent there; also to Georgetown. If reports are true against Huger, it will not do to send him here, but get the ablest man you can. Received but two telegrams from you. F. W. PICKENS. [14.] SAVANNAH, GA., July 24, 1862. President JEFFERSON DAVIS, Richmond, Va From the advice of the very best counsel, I am convinced that notn- ing but the immediate declaratioii of martial law will save the service from injury of the gravest nature. I must request respectfully the declaration of martial law by telegraph. The decision of a number of cases, already brought before the judge, cannot be delayed beyond the hour of 10 oclock to-morrow morning. H. W. MEIICEII, [14.1 Brigadier- General. CHARLESTON, S. C., July 24, 1862. General S. COOPER, Richmond, Va.: The steamer Hero ran the blockade and arrived here this morning, bringing 50,000 pounds of powder, 60 tons of saltpeter, 7 cases of rifles, a large assortment of medicines and medical instruments, 360 boxes of tin. General Pemberton absent, visiting Second Military District. J. B. WADDY, [14.] Assistant Adjutant- General. RICHMOND, VA., July 25, 1862. General H. W. MERCER, Savannah, Ga.: The law to which you were referred confers the power for a specific purpose. Your attention was called to it because your telegram indi- cated that you asked the exercise of the power for a different purpose. Your answer did not remove the impression, and the Secretary of War submitted the question as it stood to the Attorney-General, whose response has not been received. JEFFN DAVIS. [14.] CHARLESTON, S. C., August 2, 1862. General S. COOPER, Richmond, Va.: General Pemberton absent. The Leopard ran the blockade this morn- ing, bringing 75,000 pounds of powder, a large number of English rifles, and a large amount of fixed ammunition and au assorted cargo. J. It. WADDY, [14.] Assistant Adjutant- General Page 257 Cn& p. LXV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 257 CHARLESTON, August 5, 1862. His Excellency President DAvIs, Richmond, Pa. I hope martial law will continue in force. It is more necessary than ever at this time. Our harbor obstructions must be completely success- ful in one month. I leave for Richmond to~morrow.* J. C. PEMBERTOX, [14.] Major- General, Commanding Department. CHARLESTON, S. C., August 26, 1862. General S. COOPER, Richmond, Pa.: Steamer Scotia arrived here yesterday, bringing 1,600 stand arms and 1,000 barrels powder. Other stores not yet known. General Pemberton absent in Savannah. J. 11. WADDY, Assistant Adjutant- General. SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ ADJT. AND INSP. GENERALS OFFIcE, No. 211. 3 Richmond, September 9, 1862. * * * * * * * XXIII. The battalions of South Carolina Volunteers, commanded respectively, by Maj. S. P. M. Byrd and Lient. Col. A. 1). Smith, will be consolidated into a regiment, to be commanded by Col. A. P. Smith and Maj. S. P. M. Byrd. * * * * * * * By command of the Secretary of War: JNO. WITHERS, Assistant Adjutant- General. SPECIAL ORDERS, ADJT. AND INsP. GENERALS OFFICE, No. 212. 3 Richmond, September 10, 1862. * * * * * * * XXV. Capt. H. K. Aikens seven companies mounted Partisan Rangers and Captain Brooks company infantry Partisan Rangers will report for duty to General G. T. Beauregard, commanding, & c., at Charleston, S. C. * * * * * * * By command of the Secretary of War: JNO. WITHERS, A ssistant Adjutant. General. SPECIAL ORDERS, ADJT. AND INSP. GENERALS OFFICE No. 214. 3 Richmond, September 12, 1862. * * * * * * * XXXI. Capt. Clifton H. Smith, assistant adjutant-general, Provis- onal Army, will proceed to Charleston, S. C., and report for duty to 3eneral G. T. Beauregard, commanding, & c. * * * * * * * By command of the Secretary of War: JNO. WITHERS, Assistant Adjutant- General. * This in reply to Davis, Vol. XIV, P. 593. 17 R RVOL LII Page 258 258 s. c., s. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. CHARLESTON, September 30, 1862. President DAVIS: There are 200 guns at the forts in this harbor. If you could iminedi- ately assign such a man as General Ripley to command Sumter and Moultrie, it would give great confidence to the defense. I write fully by mail.* F. W. PICKENS. [14.] STATE OF FLoRIDA, EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, Tallahassee, October 5, 1862. Hon. GEORGE W. RANDOLPH, Secretary of War: SiR: Your letter of the 26th ultimo wa~ received by dne course of mail. I regret that you have no discretionary power to act as sug. gested by inc with regard to those subject to the conscript act in Flor- ida. I am inclined to believe the act of Congress cannot be wisely or successfully enforced in this State, while I believe that 99 out of every 100 capable of bearing arms would cheerfully volunteer nuder more favorable anspices. Inclosed you will find a copy of a communication from General Finegan. Agreeably to a telegram received on the 3d, the enemy were landed and only one mile distant in the rear of our batteries on the Saint Johns, and had been attacked by our forces only 700 strong. The result not known here. The forces, with the exception of three companies, have been ordered from West Florida, and also all but a few p~en from Middle Florida, to East Florida to the defenses on the Saint Johns River. I presume there is no State where, in proportion to the amount cultivated, such abundant crops of corn, peas, potatoes, and sugar-cane have been made, and wbmch will afford a more abundant supply of pork and beef, than Florida. The enemy are apprised of these facts and will avail themselves of the advantages to be derived from our abundance, to the exclusion of the Confederate States, and may make of Florida a waste, howling wilder- ness, or colonize it with negroes, unless suitable measures for defense shall be promptly adopted. Time and again I have suggested what I thought suitable measures, but without any desired effect. I am informed that the Fifth and Eighth Regiments recently ordered from this State have been reduced by sick- ness and other casualties and rendered almost useless for service in Virginia or Maryland. The climate, water, & c., have proved destructivc to them. I am also informed that the Second Florida Regiment does not number fifty effective men. Colonel Floyd, of the Eighth, will bc constrained by continuous ill health to resign. Colonel Hateley, of the Fifth is reported mortally wounded, and there will be no colonel lef but Colonel Perry, of the Second; and it is also reported that most o the company officers have resigned or been killed. If these facts bc true, will it not be better to consolidate the renmants of the thre regiments and place them under the command of Colonel Perry fo. service wherever most needed, whether that shall be in Florida, Vir ginia, or elsewhere. In Florida they would perhaps be more efficient from being acclimated, than troops not acclimated. We need infantry and artillery here, and in my judgment no more cavalry; and it woub have been better to have let the ten independent companies remai *For reply, see Vol. XIV, p.631 Page 259 CHAP. LXV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 259 without a regimental organization. As independent companies, acting in different parts of the State, they would have been much more efficient and less expensive, but thrown into a regiment and concen- trated in East Florida, the necessity will be created for other cavalry companies in West and Middle Florida. In parts of Georgia and Alabama small crops of corn have been made, and the corn in Florida will be sufficient to supply deficiencies, unless it shall fall into the hands of the enemy or should be exhausted by a useless number of cavalry forces, which may not only prevent supplies to other States, but cause families in Florida to suffer for bread.* I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, JOHN MILTON, Governor 0. Florida. [Inclosure.] LAKE CITY October ~ His Excellency JOHN MILTON, 1862. Gorernor and Commander-in- Chief of the Militia of Florida: GOVERNOR: The commanding officer at Saint Johns Bluff reports that 3,000 Federals have landed at Mayport Mills. I have to request that you call out, say, two or three companies of militia for the defense of the capital during the necessary absence of some of the troops from Tallahassee. T have asked for one or two regiments of infantry to be sent me from the coast of Georgia, and will feel greatly obliged to you if you will urge the Secretary of War to send them with as little delay as possible. The enemy have been again (the third time) repulsed by our battery. I have directed the conscripts to be all armed. In great haste, yours, truly, JOSEPH FINEGAN, Brigadier- General. EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT His Excellency JEFFERSON D~vis, Tallahassee, October 10, 1862. President of the Confederate States: The important events which are transpiring in more important States, ipon which the lives amid liberties of millions depend, engross your unre- nitted attention and claim the active exercise of all your physical and utellectual energies. But in the maintenance of the vast efforts which ~ou are making for the salvation of the people of the several States I egard the Governors of the respective States as sentinels upon the .vatchtowers of liberty, who will be faithless if they do not frankly ake known opinions which they may reasonably entertain and submit kcts and arguments to your consideration in matters appertaining to he high trust confided to you. In a letter addressed to you on the ~9th of October, 1861 ,t I endeavored to urge upon your serious consider -tion the importance which the enemy would attach to their conquest ~f Florida as a base of operations against the Gulf States and as ecessary to their commerce. They at the time had possession of Key Vest in South Florida, and now have possession of Fernandina and aint Johns River in East Florida and Pensacola and Milton in West florida, and Apalachicola and Saint Andrews Bay are subject to be ccupied by timem at their will. Saint Marks is in Middle Florida, ~venty-two miles distant from and connected with Tallahassee by a *Por reply, see Vol. XIV, p. 629. t See Vol. VI, p. 300 Page 260 260 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. railroad, and under existing circumstances the enemy can take Saint Marks and this place with but slight resistance. We have iio adequate force to (lefend it, scarcely enough to act as pickets to notify us of the approach of the enemy. That they intend to occupy Iilori(la perma- nently is manifest from their having completed the fort near Fernan- dma at considerable expense and connected it by railroa(l with the city, and the other l)reparations which they are making upon our coast to defend themselves from attack by water. Permit me to invite your attention to the certificate of the comptroller of the State, exhibitin gthe iiumber of slaves, cattle, & c., and their value in the respective 1)ortiolls of the State. I would also respectfully invite your attention to the inclosed copy of a letter addressed l)y me to Brig. Gen. Jobn II. Forney at Mobile,* and to add that at this time there are not more than forty men (a part of a cavalry company) in arms to defend the I)art of this State embraced between Apalachicola River aIl(l Milton, unless General Forney has recently ordered a company to Yellow River, near the west- em boundary of Walton County. Abundant crops of corn, 1)otatoes, sugar-cane, amid peas have been made in every portion of the State except Ihillsbomongli County, and an unusually large number of hogs ai-e being flittemmed for bacomi and pork, and in almost every portion of the State there is a large quantity of cottonlast years crop. On the western bank of Chattahoochee River, and at gin-houses on plantations not far distant from the river, and at Columbus, Ga., there are, I presume, not less timan 200,000 bales of cotton. With the map of the State and the statement of the statis- tics, exhibiting the character and value of J)roperty in the various por- tions of it, your sagacity as a statesman ammd experience in military life will readily suggest the important points to be defended. From an examnimmation of tIme map of Florida imi coimnection with the inchosed table it will be perceived that the whole of East and South Florida has but about one-half the number of slaves that are in Middle Florida alone, independent of West Florida. The returns show 16,202 slaves for the east and south (now considerably diminished), 26,247 for the middle, 8,117 for the west. These numbers will show relatively the value of other property in these respective districts, with the exception of cattle, in which time east and south exceed, but which is immore than compen- sated by other destructibhe property in the middle which takes their place. It will be further observed that the counties bordering on the Saimit Johns River, and to which access may be had by that stream, to wit, Duval, Putnam, Saint Johns, Marion, Volusia, amid Oramige, together with Nassau, have but 8,024 slaves altogether, while Leomi County alone in the middle has 8,727; Jefferson, 6,001, amid Gads- den, 4,151. These counties are within a few miles of tIme coast at Saint Marks and at Apalachicola, and together with J ackson County, in the west, which has a slave population of 4,444, is time largest slave district imm time State. I do not comnphain but simwerely regret that suggestions an(l remonstrances made by me, with a full knowledge of the geography and resources of the State, and an intimate acquaimmtammce with time cli ar- acter and dispositioims of time citizens in every portion of it, amid made after mature reflection, have been so frequemitly disregarded, in conse~ qucimee of wh~icli,in my humubie Ju(lgmnellt, (hisaster after (hisaster has occurred, until the State is exposed to and threatemmed ~vith immediate subjugation, and many of our citizens have beconme indignant and alniost reckless as to the fearful results. how could it be otherwise, * Not found as an inclosure, but see Milton to Forney, October 11, Vol. LII, Part II, p. 372 Page 261 CHAP. LXV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 261 when they know that from the want of proper exertions to prevent it the wives and children of many of our brave soldiers who are in Vir- ginia and Kentucky have been captured and taken off from the State, perhaps to be associated with slaves at Hilton Head ~ I do not wish, however, to dwell upon the past, but iii view of threatened invasion and the rapidly approaching destruction of the State and of all that is dear to a brave and honorable people, who have generously contributed their mite to maintain the Confederate Governmentin behalf of the wives and children of the brave, and the widows and orphans of brave men who have fhllen in battle, I do appeal to you for forces and muni- tions of war to defend the State, and especially this part of it, where we have much to apprehend, if Saint Marks and the capital should be taken or immediately attacked, from the loss of slaves and other prop- erty, and possibly greater loss from servile insurrection. This letter will be handed to you by the Hon. Thomas Baltzell, a for- mer chief justice of the State, to whom has beemi made kiiown the views I entertain with regard to what is necessary for our defenses. I have the honor to be respectfully, sir, JOHN MILTON, [14.] Governor of Florida. RICHMOND, Yx., October 20,1862. Col. JAiw~s CHESNTJT, Jr., Columbia, S. C.: Your dispatch of the 19th instant received. The leave is granted. As far as l)racticable inform yourself of the p1-ogress of enrolling and the manner of executing it; also of the condition of the coast defenses and their garrisons by official inspection. Then report to me in person. JEFFERSON DAVIS. COLUMBIA, October 23, 1862. President DAVIS: We have several fine regiments of State reserves organized. Would you desire us to order them immediately in companies only, or as regi- ments, to Beauregard l Affair at Pocotahigo over for the present. F. W. PICKENS. COLUMBIA, October 23, 1862. President DAVIS, Rick m ond, Va.: The enemy is reported to have landed at Coosawbatchie in numbers variously estimated from 3,000 to 13,000. In this emergency the Gov- eriior and council submit to your judgment the policy of receiving the organized regiments of State reserves for temporary service during the emergency. They will be armed. JAMES CTIESNUT, Jn., Chief of Military Department Page 262 262 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ ADJT. AND INS?. GENERALS OFFICE, No. 249. Richmond, October 21, 1862. * * * * * * * XIX. Captain Westcotts, Captain Robinsons, and the three com- panies of Florida Partisan Rangers, under Capt. T. W. Brevard, are hereby constituted into a separate battalion, under the command of Maj. T. W. Brevard. * * * * * * * By command of the Secretary of War: JNO. WITHERS, [14.] Assistant A dj utant- General. SPECIAL ORDERS, ADJT. AND INS?. GENERALS OFFICE, ~ o. 251. 5 Richmond, October 27, 1862. * * * * * * * XVI. Brig. Gen. Howell Cobb, Provisional Army, will report for duty to General U. T. Beauregard, commanding, & c., at Charleston, S. C. XVII. Brig. Gen. J. II. Trapier, Provisional Army, will report for duty to General G. T. Beauregard, commanding, & c., at Charleston, S.C. * * * * * * * By command of the Secretary of War: JNO. WITHERS, [14.] Assistant Adjutant- General. SPECIAL ORDERS, ADJT. AND INS?. GENERALS OFFICE, No. 253. Richmond, October 29, 1862. * * * * * * * V. Capt. Charles Wood, assistant adjutant-general, Provisional Army, will report to General U. T. Beauregard, commanding, & c., at Charleston, S. C., for duty with Brig. Gen. R. S. Ripley. * * * * * * * By command of the Secretary of War: JNO. WITHERS, [14.] Assistant Adjutant- General. COUNCIL CHAMBER ,~ October 30, 1862. Resolved, That the proposition of the Secretary of War, contained in a communication to James Chesnut, jr., chief of the department of the military, accepting four regiments of the First Corps of Reserves of State troops, upon conditions expressed in said communication, be reluctantly declined upon the ground of the impracticability of so fill- ing and maintaining the regiments, and that the Secretary of War be informed of this conclusion by telegraph as well as by letter. [14.] COLUMBIA, October 31, 1862. President DAVIS: I offer to loan you 3,000 good arms for troops from any other State that may now be organized upon their reporting immediately to Gen- Executive Council of the State of South Carolina Page 263 CHAP. tXY.1 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. CONFEDERATE. 263 eral Beauregard for duty in this State, and if hereafter ordered out of this State the arms to be returned to the State authorities. I hear you have such troops in the West, and I think it the quickest way to get the force at Charleston, now so much in danger. I hope you will agree to it. [14.] F. W PICKENS. RICHMOND, VA., Norember 1, 1862. Governor PICKENS, Columbia, S. C.: You have not been fully informed as to the troops in the West. Your proposition cannot be accepted. I hope the regiments you had organized, and which were offered for service, will enable you promptly to re-enforce the command at Charleston. You know the urgency, and we must all exert every faculty and make any sacrifice. [14.] JEFFERSON DAVIS. RICHMoND, November 1, 1862. Hon. JAMES CHESNUT, Jr.: Colonel Flfords proposition was accepted as made and supl)osed to be authorized. Any modification not in conflict with law will be acquiesced in. 0-. W. RANDOLPH, Secretary of War. RICHMOND, November 1, 1862. His Excellency F. W. PICKENS: Colonel Elfords proposition was accepted, as he submitted it under the impression that it was sanctioned by yourself and the council. We are desirous of putting the four regiments immediately in the field, and will accede to any proposition not in conflict with law by which it may be done. Can you suggest any modification of the proposals that will effect the object ~ If not, Colonel Preston will be instructed to proceed immediately with the enrollment, and I must request your excellency to give him all the assistance in your power. 0-. W. RAIN DOLPH, [14.] Secretary of War. COLUMBIA, N 3, 1862. (IT. W. RANDOLPH, Secretary of War: The four regiments were organized, and one of them in part in serv- ice before the late act was passed. They enibrace persons between thirty-five and fifty years. Suppose you take the regiments as organized, enroll all in them liable to your conscription, and then, by order of Colonel Preston, assign them to duty for the present in the regiments where they now are. Accept the organization as thus constituted for the emergency, and when that has passed discharge all not liable to conscription and retain for permanent service those that are. The only new proposition in this is the enrollment and assignment of those liable, which it is supposed will fulfill the requirements of the law. Please answer at once. JAMES CHESNUT, JR Page 264 264 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. President DAVIS, COLUMBIA, November 3, 1862. Richmond, Va.: The regiments offered were accepted by the Secretary of War on such conditions as to make it impossible for us to execute them, and Colonel Chesnut has so informed the Secretary by telegram. I now most respectfully suggest that you immediately call out all up to forty- five. It is as easy to get them as up to forty, and I have offered your enrolling officer every aid in bringing them here now. I hope you will send the order. [14.] F. W. PICKENS. COLUMBIA Nore G. ~ RANDOLPH, mber 3, 1862. Richmond, Fe. Have just telegraphed the President. See it. We can put the regi- ments in if you will allow us all from thirty-five, and we hold them up to fifty for present emergency, and as soon as the pressure is passed you can discharge all over the conscript agethis to be known in advance; but if not, order all out up to forty-five, and I will cheerfully aid Colonel Preston with all the power I have. [14.] F. W. PICKENS. RICHMOND, November 4, 1862. Governor PICKENS: I do not understand the difficulty about the four regiments. My wish was to get prompt re-enforcements to General Beauregard, and at the same time to fill up old regiments as far as practicable. If it will aid the first object to receive the four regiinemits as organized for three years or the war, and for service in South Carolina, I will concur in that arrangement. [14.] JEFFN DAVIS. RICHMOND, November 4, 1862. Hon. JA~s CHESNUT: I understand your proposition to be that we shall receive the four regiments for a limnit~d time, and then disband the regiments and assign the conscripts. I accept the proposition and will receive the four regi- ments for ninety days from this date. The remnainimig regiments will be disbanded at once and the conscripts enrolled. A general order in reference to enrollment will be out in a few days. Order the four regi- ments to report forthwith to General Beauregard. If there are men enough under eighteen iind over forty to make a call of the militia of any avail, that might also be made. Answer by telegraph. ~ G. W. RANDOLPH, [14.] Secretary of War. COLITMBIA, November 4, 1862. G. W. RANDOLPH, Secretary of Wer, Richmond, Ye.: Telegram 4th November received. You uln(Ierstand proposition cor- rectly. Four regiments to be accepted for ninety days, leaving con Page 265 CHAP. LXV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 265 scripts in them during that time; then the four regiments to be dis- banded, conscripts in them to be assigned by Secretary of War; others in the regiments not liable to conscription to be then discharged. The four regiments will be ordered to report forthwith to General Beauregard. Will put the militia iii condition to be called out. JAMES CHESNUT, JR., [14.] Chief of Military Department. G. W. RANDOLPH, COLUMBIA, November 4, 1862. Secretary of War, Richmond, Th.: I suggest to you the propriety of accepting on the same conditions four more regiments, viz, Colonels Bacon, Secrest, Wilson, and Wil- liams. We beg leave, however, earnestly to say that while this is the best we can do, these troops will by no means, either in number or dis- cipline, meet the requirements of General Beauregard for the defense of the city and the State. JAMES CHESNUT, JR., Chief of Military Department. RICHMOND, November 5, 1862. Hon. JAMES CHESNUT: Your telegram has been received, and the four regiments will be accepted. The President thinks it better to accept them for three years or the war. If you have been authorized to tender them for that time, the President, under a special proviso, is authorized to receive them. Can you do it? U. W. RANDOLPH, Secretary of War. lion. C-. W. RANDOLPH, COLUMBIA, November 5, 1862. Secretary of War, Richmond, Va.: Telegram of 5th instant~ received. The four regiments of Colonels Bacon, Secrest, Williams, and Wilson, accepted by you on same terms as the first four, will be l)romptly ordered into Confederate service for ~imnety days. Do not feel authorized to tender them for three years or the war. JAMES CHESNUT, JR., Chief of Military Department. COLUMBIA, Novemn ber 5, 1862. President DAVIS, Richmond: Accepted before yours was received the proposition made through Secretary of War as to the four regimeiits of Colonels Cash, Elford, Witherspoori, and Ryan for ninety days, aiid the regiments are already )rdere(l to rendezvous at their respective camps preparatory to report ag to General Beauregard. F. W. PICKENS Page 266 266 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. RICHMOND, VA., November 7, 1862. His Excellency JoHN MILTON, Tallahassee, Fla.: Sin: Your letter of the 10th ultimo, calling my attention to the dan- ger now threatening the State of Florida, and asking for additional forces and munitions of war, was submitted to the perusal of the Sec- retary of War and General Lee. The situation of the State has been a subject of frequent reflection. I am fully sensible of the perils which beset it, and the only unsolved problem in connection with its defense is how to procure an adequate force. General Lee reports that he can- not send the Florida regiments home, and we have noother re-enforce- ment that could be spared without injustice to other sections equally important and equally threatened. Arms, however, have already been sent to you, and the Secretary of War tells me that he has informed you of his readiness to arm such troops as you may be able to organ- ize from men not subject to conscription. Engineers are now survey- ing the Chattahoochee, and when they report a plan of operations the work of defense iii that quarter will be energetically prosecuted. The Military District of Florida has been extended in accordance with your suggestion, and as soon as I can determine on a commander he will be assigned to duty. I shall co-operate to the full extent of my power in all your efforts against the common enemy, and trust we shall be able to check his further encroachments. General Howell Cobb, whose reputation for administrative capacity has during the war beeii increased by exhibition of fitness for military command, has been ordered to pro- ceed to the district embraced in the country between the Suwannee and Chattahoochee rivers. His acquaintance with the people of Geor- gia and Alabama will, I hope, accelerate preparations for the requisite military operations. Very respectfully and truly, yours, JEFFERSON DAVIS. [14.] EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, Tallahassee, lila., November 10, 1862. His Excellency JEFFERSON DAVIS: SIR: Inclosed is an application for a military department.* To-day I received the order establishing the departmententirely satisfactory so far as portions of Florida are embraced. Choctawhatchee should be the western and the Suwannee the eastern boundary, which has been done agreeably to the order. Other counties are suggested in Georgia and Alabama besides those named by me in the application upon which the department was formed. All that is desired or desirable is that an officer of military education and experience should be assigned to the department, and it is important that his staff officers should have at least sufficient intelligence in military science to comm and respect from sensible and observing men in the discharge of their respective duties, and in the department at least two intelligent and practical emigineers should be upon duty. Very respectfully, JOHN MILTON. [14.] See Y~1. XIV, p. 717 Page 267 CHAP. LXV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 267 EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, Tallahassee, November 11, 18G2. His Excellency JEFFERSON DAVIS: Sin: On yesterday I inclosed to Your Excellency an application signed by the Governors of Georgia, Alabama, and Florida for the establish- mnent of a military department composed of parts of the three States, and mentioned that I had received an order estal)lishing the depart- ment, embracing the portions of the States, except additional counties desired by the Governor of Georgia to be embraced. Upon reference to the order I find that I was mistakenthat it only established a new brigade department in Florida. My situation as Governor of the State of Florida is extremely embarrassing and unpleasant. Inclosed isa COI)Y of a letter from a gallant officer and citizen of Apalachicola, invit- ing my attention to the unhappy and almost hopeless condition of at least 500 people of Florida, the great majority of whom are women and 3hildren; and from other portions of the State I have similar appeals made to me as the Governor of the State. Apalacliicola is more easily defended by obstructing the Saint Marks River than any position on the Chattahoochee River between that place and Columbus. I have studiously avoided coming in conflict with any action of the Confeder- ate Government under Your Excellencys administration, appreciating the almost insurmountable obstacles which it was necessary to over- 3ome in achieving the independence of the Confederate States. I shall 2ontinue to sustain the action of the Government, as you will discover I have resolved to do, by the message I shall present to the considera- tion of the General Assembly of the State, which will convene next Monday. The military department should be established and promptly, and its resources brought into active service. It possibly may be too late to occupy the city of Apalachicola successfully with troops, but if relieved from my present political situation and in the command of the department, with a reasonable force at my command, I should not hesi- tate upon the subject. The batteries need but little repairs to authorize the mounting of the guns necessary, and when mounted obstructions ~an be placed to keep any approach of the enemy under control, and Lhese obstructions can be interposed in despite of the enemy. But little Uorce is requisite, if wisely disposed of, to sustain the defenses in the ear of the city, and the position has been proved to be healthy, and, Therefore, if properly occupied, there is no reasonable cause of appre- ~ension affecting the availability of the measures of defense. I advised against the measure relied upon to occupy and defend the bluff on Saint Johns River and predicted the result. It as well as my predictions are natters of record. You having been tIme Secretary of War of the United States, and )resumed familiar with the records of the office, I may be excused for ~xpressing opinions to you frankly with regard to military movements. It has been proposed to sink permanent obstructions in Apalachicola Itiver. The object accomplished would be the destruction of Apalachi- lola as a commercial l)ort for the prosperity of Columbus, Ga., provided he river, protecting the right flank of the enemy in an attack by land pon Columbus, did not involve both places in ruin. Upon this subject y views, as submitted to General Forney, have been submitted to iou. Florida will submit gracefully to any sacrifice necessary to the ugh purposes of the Confederacy, but will resist to the bitter end *cnlation and speculation for the benefit of other localities by the sacri- ice of tIme rights of the State. If my judgment is not approved for the lefenses to be mnado at Apalachicola, then let obstructions in the river me protected by batteries, and removable at the expense of the Con Page 268 268 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. federate Government upon the termination of tbe war; but at all events let the women and children of Apalachicolathe mothers, wives, and children of soldiers absent in the service of the Governmentbe saved from dishonor and starvation ; otherwise indelible infamy should be affixed to the power by which, in the absence of natural defenders, they shall have been abandoned to dishonor and death. I have joined in the appeal for the military department with the Governors of Georgia and Alabama. The necessity of such department was suggested and urged by me more than a year ago. But a geographical department without military forces, and a department with military forces, without a suitable officer in command, will be of no avail; hence the suggestions in the joint application. We differed in the appointment made by you of an officer to command the present department. I yielded to your selection, and extended all patronage in my power to contribute to its success. The officer selected had industry, untiring energy, the power and speed of an engine, without the necessary military education, experience, or sagacity. He was recommended by the representatives of Florida, and the appointment urged by Mr. Mallory. I yielded kindly to the power of appointment and did all in my power to make it successful. What has been the result ~ The loss of every gun of value, the utter ruin of many of our citizens, and the disgrace of the Confeder- ate arms in East Florida; and the few remaining guns left on the Chat- tahoochee River will be taken if, nuder existing circumstances, an attack shall be made. Appoint an officer to the command of the military de. partinent applied for who has received a military education and has had military experience, and the public security will be greatly enhanced. I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, JOHN MILTON, Governor of Florida. SECRETARY OF WAR: [Indorsement.] The assignment of General Cobb and detail of engineers answer in part the requirements. A separate department would be weaker thait a district. The geographical limits do not prevent raising troops in Georgia and Alabama. Please consider and reply. [14.] J. D. COLUMBIA, November 14, 1862. His Excellency President DAVIS: I start to-morrow in the discharge of the duties to which you assigned me about Charleston. Will be there probably until the 21st; after that will return to Camden for a few days. Communications will reach me at Charleston until the 21st, and at Camden until the 1st of December. [14.] JAS. CHESNUT, JR. SPECIAL ORDERS, ADJT. AND INSP. GENERALS OFFICE, No. 268. 5 Richmond, November 15, 1862. * * * * * * * XIII. Captain Childs and Captain Lees companies South Carolina artillery will be consolidated, and will be attached to and form a part of Maj. J. J. Lucas battalion South Carolina heavy artillery. * * * * * * * By command of the Secretary of War: JNO. WITHERS, Assistant A djutant- General. [14. Page 269 CHAP. LXV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 269 EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, Tallahassee, November 15, 1862. His Excellency President DAVIS: The appointment of General Howell Cobb to command the military department will be entirely satisfactory to Georgia, Alabama, and Florida. JOHN MILTON, Governor. SPECIAL ORDERS, ADJT. AND INSP. GENERALS OFFICE No. 275. Richmond, November 21,1862. * * * * * * * XXVII. Capt. John F. Lay, assistant adjutant-general, Provisional Army, will report for duty to General G. T. Beauregard, commanding, & c., at Charleston, S. C. * * * * * * * By command of the Secretary of War: JNO. WITHERS, Assistant Adjutant- General. 1862. President DAVIS, COLUMBIA, December 12 Rich~nond, Va.: If the conscript law were immediately and fully executed in this State, would give far more strength to Beauregard. If you could call cut conscripts through State officers, it would be more efficient. I offer any means to Colonel Preston. F. W. PICKENS. RICHMOND, VA., December 14, 1862. 3overnor F. W. PICKENS, Columbia, S. C.: President absent. Colonel Preston has been instructed to use State fflcers in calling out conscripts, as far as compatible with law. WM. PRESTON JOHNSTON, Colonel and Aide-de.Camjp to President. WAR DEPARTMENT, C. S. A., Rickmond J I~rig. Gen. HOWELL COBB, , anuary 2, 1863. Quincy, Eta.: Proceed to raise troops as suggested by yon* in the fewest counties dequate, as I must suspend the conscript law therein. I have written kdly to you. t J. A. SEDDON, Secretary of War. See Cobb to Beauregard, Vol. XIV, p. 703. See Seddon to Cobb, December 30, 1862, Vol . XIV, p. 737 Page 270 270 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. CHARLESTON, S. C., January 5, 1363. Hon. W. PORCHER MILES, Member of Congress, Richmond, Va.: Mv DEAR COLONEL: Can you not persuade the Government to take advantage of the present favorable condition of affairs for issuing an address, powerfully written, to the Northwestern States, calling upon them to cast aside the despotic, destructive, and contemptible Lincoln Government; to form a separate Confederacy of the Northwesterii States, to include Ohio, with its capital at Saint Louis; then to enter into an alliance, offensive and defensive, with the Southern Confeder- acy, so as to have a perpetual free use of that common artery, the Mississippi River, for which the Northwestern States contend they are mainly fighting. It seems to me that our evident community of inter- ests, our natural opposition to a high tariff and to protective duties in favor of fisheries, a large navy, and commercial marine, & c., ought to cement an eternal alliance between us, if they will only let the negro question alone. I should regret not to have time to write more on this important subject, were 1 not convimiced you will anticipate all I could say about it. Be expeditious, however, for circumstances may vastly change our prospects a few weeks hence. Now, I believe, is the most propitious moment to attempt to divide our enemies and bring about a welcome and honorable peace without further expenditure of blood and treasure. As to the Northeastern States and others of the present Union, they will be left out in the cold to quarrel amongst themselves or form an alliance with the Canadas for better or for worse. Of course I desire that all the present slave States shall join our Southern Con- federacy. I am as happy to hear of our late successes in Virginia, Temi- nessee, and Mississippi as though I had taken a part iii them. Lee and Bragg have done remarkably well, especially the former, whose battle of Fredericksburg would do honor to any general of any country. May they continue to meet with such successes is my most sincere wish. Our preparations are still progressing, but more heavy guns are much needed here and at Savannah. General Whiting has called upon me for assistance to repel the threatened attack on Wilmington, but I could only send him Gist with one brigade and three batteries, for all my available forces in South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida do not amount to more than my forces at the battle of Manassas. You remember, I suppose, what they were. It takes, moreover, nim)ety hours for 1,000 men to send any large force to and return from Wil- mington; hence it would be endangering Charleston and Savannah to send him more troops from my department, especially when the threat- ened attack omi Wilmington may be merely a feint to attack Charleston or Savannah, as meditated and proclaimed long ago. Weldon or Golds- borough, in my opinion, is niore important to the enemy than Wilmington. Yours, very truly, [14.] G. T. BEAUREGARD. CHARLESTON, S. C., January 7, 1863. Hon. W. PORCHER MILES, Miember of Congress, Richmond, Va.: DEAR COLONEL: Should the Goverumemit desire to send me back to the West, be fore I shall have got through here with the Abolitionists, I hope my friends in Congress will oppose it most determiimedly, in jus- tice to myself and to this section of country. After a great deal o Page 271 Ca& i~. LXV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 271 arduous labors I am just getting things in my department in a satis- factory condition. With more heavy guns for this city and Savannah and more men at the proper time, I hope to be able to give a good account of my trust; whereas, if I were ordered now to retrieve affairs in Tennessee I would probably get there too late to do much good, and my health, I fear, -would not stand the cold weather of that latitude, especially when as much exposed to it as I would necessarily have to be. Moreover, I found so little sympathy on the part of the Govern- ment last winter and spring, when, although prostrated by a terrible sickness, I was moving Heaven and earth to save our cause in the val- ley of the Mississippi, that I do not desire or rather I would dread, being placed again in a similar position. Should the worse come to the worse you are at liberty to show this letter to my friends. I send you herewith a telegraphic cipher for our private use, furnished also to Governors Bonham, Browi~, and Milton, and the copy of a let- ter just addressed to the first two, which may give you my views of the present course of events in North Carolina.* Yours, truly and sincerely, G. T. BEAUREGARD. WAR DEPARTMENT, C. S. A., Richmond, Va., January 8, 1863. Brigadier-General FINEGAN, Lake City, East Florida The execution of the conscript acts in your department is so far sus- pended that you are authorized to organize for the home defense com- panies cOml)osed of persons of any age, with the authority to elect their company officers and to be organized into battalions or regiments under orders from the President, and with field officers appointed by him. If the President should hereafter think proper to disband these companies, none but those liable to conscription will be retained in the service without their consent. JAMES A. SEI)DON. Secretary of War. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF MIDDLE FLORIDA Hon. JAMES A. SEDDON, Qaincy, January 12, 1863. Secretary of War: SIR: Your letter of the 30th ultimo, t after being on the way for twelve days, reached me to-day. Desirous of avoiding such delays and anxious for an early reply to this communication, I send it by one of my staff. Your telegraph of the 2d instant authorized me to raise troops in the manner I had suggested. As, however, you said in the telegraph you had written me fully, I acted only to a limited extent under that authority, waiting for the receipt of your letter for fuller instructions. It was fortunate I did so, as the authority given in your letter is entirely different from what I supposc(I from the telegraph it would be. I regret very much that I was so unfortunate in making myself understood in my letter of the 9th of December, inclosed to you by General Beauregard, as it will lead to much delay in the raising of See Beauregard to Bonham, Vol. XIV, p. 743. tlbid., p. 737 Page 272 272 S. CX, S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. trool)s for this district, if the plan I proposed should ultimately be adopted. The authority I asked for was to raise volunteer companies, battalions, or regiments, including men subject to conscription. These companies to be raised precisely as other volunteer companies had been raised under the act of Congress, offering to the men the same bounty and privileges that had been extended to all other volunteers that had been raised under that act. The officers to be commissioned by the President who should be presented with my approval. The announcement to be made to them that they were raised for the defense of this section of the country, and would not be removed unless the necessities of the public service absolutely demanded it. Being mustered into the service for the war, they would be subject to the order and control of the Government as all other troops. With this power I believed I could raise in the counties in my district, including the counties of Alabama and Georgia lying on the navigable waters of the Chattahoochee and Flint Rivers, all the troops that would be required for the defense of this district if the Government would promptly arm and equip them. This was the proposition I thought I had submitted, and to which I regarded your telegraph of the 2d instant as a favorable response. it appears, however, by your letter of the 30th ultimo that the extent of the power you intended to confer is the authority to raise troops under the act of Congress of October 13, 1862, authorizing formation of volunteer companies for local defense. That act provides for the organization into companies of those who are willing to serve without pay or allowance, and it is pro- posed to allow those subject to conscription to join these companies, with the distinct understanding that they are liable to be conscripted at any moment that it may be deemed advisable to do so. I must say to you in all candor that any attempt to raise troops under this authority will be a hopeless failure. That act was intended to give protection in case of capture to a class of men who were able to serve the country without pay and did not wish to enlist in the regular service. To extend to them the rights and privileges of l)risoners of war was evidently the object of the act. it was never intended to meet the cases of those whom we are imow seeking to bring into the field. I will not, however, discuss that point, as I am sure that you will see upomi a moments reflection that no effort made here under that act will be attended with any success. If the plan I have attempted more fully to explain in this letter, or something like it, cannot be done it is useless to make farther efforts to raise troops in this part of the country; but in the way prol)osed I still believe the required number of trool)s can be brought into the field within a reasonable period. I am aware that troops cannot be spared at this time from more important points, and it was for this reason that I suggested that new troops should be raised in the way proposed. I do not attach an undue importance to the territory within my command, and yet I think it is entitled to a more efficient defense thami has here- tofore been extended to it. In my letter of the 9th ultimo I l)resented some of the reasons of this opinion, and I think that opinion would be strengthened by a fuller consideration of the subject. At all events a sufficient number of troops should be placed here to hold an invading enemy in check until re-enforcemnents could be had. I do not believe the enemy we have to deal with will be tempted into an invasipn not other- wise intended by an increase in our means of defense. I have not found, in my experience with them, their anxiety for a fight stimulate Page 273 CnAr. LXV.] CORRESPOND1~NCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 273 by increasing the number of troops they had to meet. I would cer- tainly prefer to offer them this temptation to the one which now invites them to an invasionour defenseless condition. I see no reason to change the opinion heretofore expressed as to the number of troops which are required, but I shall be happy to have authority to raise even a smaller number if my former estimate is considered too large, with the certainty of speedy re-enforcements. A less number than I have asked for would probably be sufficient. So far as Florida is concerned I must be permitted to repeat that more men ought not to be withdrawn from the State either as conscripts or otherwise. She is more exposed by virtue of her extensive seacoast to the maranding warfare of the enemy than any other State. She has (lone her part nobly in sending troops to the frontier, both east and west, and I do think she ought to be allowed to retain within her own limits those who have not gone. Conscious that I am traveling beyond the proper bounds of a subordi- nate, I venture to suggest that in the future raising of troops not only for this defense but generally, that instead of relying wholly either upon the conscript law or the volunteering system, the two should be worked together. Do not suspend the conscript law when you call for volunteers, but let the enrolling officer be on hand to take all as will not volunteer, and between the two you will soon have in the service every man that ought to be there who is not protected by some ill- advised exemption clause. If the President has not the power he should ask Congress to give it to him, and if Congress refuses lie ought to exercise it anyhow. The l)ublic good (lemands it and the country will approve and sustain him in it. If this should be adopted as the general policy of the Government, your army will soon fill up, perhaps with new regiments. Better that than rely upon the slow-coach process of the unaided conscript law. If the anthority I have asked for is to be given, it is important that I should know it at the earliest possible moment. With that view, Captain Barrow, of my staff, will take this letter to Richmond and return with your answer. I am, & c., hOWELL COBB, Brigadier- General, Gomdg., District of Middle Florida. WAR DEPARTMENT, C. S. A., Richmond, January 13, 1863. His Excellency JOHN MILTON, Governor of Florida, Ta llchassee, Fla.: SIR: The President has referred your letter, transmitting a copy of ~he resolution adopted by the Legislature of Florida in reference to the aising of troops for State defense, to this department. In reply I have the honor to inclose a copy of a letter* recently addressed to Brig. Gen. Howell Cobb, and to express the hope that the course of -iction indicated therein will meet the views of the Legislature. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAMES A. SEDDON, [14.] ___ Secretary of War. 18 R RVOL LIII * Not found as an inclosure but see Seddon to Cobb Decemb . 737. , er 30, 1862, Vol. XIV Page 274 274 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. STATE OF GEORGIA, ADJT. AND JNSP. GENERALS OFFICE, General G. T. BEAUREGARD, Milledgeville, January 13, 1863. Commanding, d~c., Charleston GENERAL: In the absence of the Governor I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 7th instant* advising His Excellency of the assembling of a heavy force of the enemy at Ne~ Berne, N. C., of the probability of its ultimate descent U~OI1 our coast, and, in consequence, of the necessity of holding in readiness all the available defensive resources of this State. Your letter will be sub- mitted to His Excellency immediately on his return, but in the mean- time I can assure you that whatever the State can do to assist in repelling invasion will be done. Onr resources now, however, are but limited, and we shall be able to add only two regiments of State troops armed to the Confederate forces. What remains of the militia may be armed with pikes and knives, or such shotguns as they can pick up. Our heavy ordnance, field artillery and small-arms, with the most of our ammunition and ordnance stores, were turned over to the Confederacy last April. We might add in an emergency a few thousand men had we arms for them~ Can you supply ns with muskets or rifles l Georgia has indeed stripped herself of her men and munitions of war for the general cause, and there is within the State now but little left, general, for you to rely upon. It is proper that you should nuderstand our condition fully, that you may make your calcnlations accordingly. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, HENIIY C. WAYNE, [14.] Adjutant and Inspector General. SAVANNAH, January 16, 1863. Brig. Gen. THOMAS JORDAN, Chief of Stafr, Charleston: GENERAL: I respectfully offr~r the following memorandum on the resources in Georgia for maintaining the troops of this department, more especially those in the Military District of Georgia, and on the great advantage of making a railroad connection with the grain and cattle country of Florida, and inclose a small map showing the avail- able and non-available sections. I am prompted to invite yonr con- sideration to this from the report of the chief commissary of Georgia that our supply of fresh beef will be exhausted in less than two months, and our troops thrown back on slender supplies of bacon. A full report from him on the whole subsistence question will be sent you. A review of the Confederacy wonld show that Georgia and Florida are the only States east of the Mississippi with important supplies to spare, and that the already heavy calls npon the former from the troops to the north and east of her is likely to increase. The grain crop of all Northern Georgia was generally very poor, only sufficient to last the people until next crop. A portion of Western and Middle Georgia, which is penetrated by the railroads radiating from Atlanta, will send their surplus to that city and on to Braggs army. The portion near Augusta will send its spare supplies to South Carolina. The troops of this military district must therefore rely ahnost entirely oii that section * See Beauregard to Bonham, Vol. XIV, p. 743, copy of which was prol)ably sent to Brown Page 275 CHAP. LXV.] CORRESPONDENCE~ ETC.CONFEDERATE. 275 containe(l within the red line on the accompanying map, all north and west being non-available. This is penetrated as follows: First. By the Central railroad and its branches, and the Southwestern railroad and its branches from Savannah to 1~Jacon; thence to Albany on Flint River, and to the Chattahoochee IRiver, affording good means of transpor- tation of material far, say, twenty miles on either side of the roads. Second. The Savannah, Albany, and Gulf Railroad and extension reach- ing from Savannah 200 miles to Thornasville, near the Florida line. Most of the counties connected with these roads have yet a large surplus of corn and some cattle; comparatively few a surplus of bacon. The counties to be excepted as having now no grain surplus may be roughly stated as those near the first fifty miles ft-oin Savannah, on the Central railroad, and near the first 100 miles of the Savannah, Albany, and Gulf Railroad, say nearly to the Alapaha River, and I may remark that their cattle are too poor and dispersed through the swamps to be available for some time yet. Of all the counties it may be said that the difficulties of local transportation are great. The planters are generally unable to carry their produce to the depots, and the railroads (particularly Savannah, Albany, and Gulf Railroad) are too deficient in rolling-stock to remove supplies as received. Notwithstanding the preference given by all these railroads to Government freight, the unfortunate management and competition of purchasing agents, spe- cially in Southwestern Georgia, have increased the price of corn and threaten to entail great and needless expense upon the Government. It would seem expedient to reserve for the maintenance of General Beauregards command at least the country drained by the Savannah, Albany, and Gulf Railroad, and to remove its produce to safe depots. The Savannah, Albany, and Gulf Railroad reaches within twenty-two miles of the town of Monticello, in Middle Florida, on the Great Florida Railroad, running east and west through that State. Should a connec- tion be formed between the Savannah, Albany, and Gulf Railroad and this Florida road, it would open to your uses the large supplies in corn and live stock (also valuable bacon, sugar, and sirup) now compara- tively shut up in Middle Florida and the upper and central portions of the peninsula. The crops there have been good, and the supply will be most important in view of the heavy calls now being made on South- western Georgia and the very limited resources of the Georgia sea- board. Indeed, it is to Florida only that we here can look for commis- sary stores when our present sources become exhausted. I suggest a connection from Monticello to Quitmaim, or some point near it on the Savannah, Albany, and Gulf Railroad, because I believe it the only practicable line under present circumstances, aiid one likely to accom- plish the results desired. There are iron rails enough to spare in Georgia and Florida, timber on the spot, and no difficult obstacles to encounter on the line. Spikes may be scarce, but I think enough could be got. With proper energy it could be completed before the middle of next summer. I have indicated this connection on the map by a dotted red line. I would mention the great requirement of an effective arrangement of qu~rtermnasters wagon trains, by which the produce may be carried from the plan tations to the railroad depots. Very soon planters will need all their animals for- plowing. Any details on these subjects desired by the commanding general will be collected and furnished (if possible) with pleasure. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, HENRY BRYAN, ~14.] Major and Assistant Inspector- General Page 276 276 S. C.. S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. WAR DEPARTMENT, C. S. A., Richmond, lTa., Jan nary 20, 1863. Brig. Gen. HOWELL COBB, General Commanding, J~c.: SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge your letter transmitted by your adjutant. I regret that, through sonic misapprehension of your intended mode of proceeding in raising troops within your command, I have retarded rather than advanced the accomplishment of your end. I had supposed you would more readily raise forces from the white arms-bearing population of the counties to be designated by you for the suspension of the conscript act, by having it clearly prescribed by the muster-rolls of their organizations that they were to be confined to the local defense of their particular district, and that they might expect, when the necessity for their service no longer existed, they would speedily be disbanded, and only those of conscript ages held to further service, than by the attempt to organize companies, battalions, and regiments of volunteers for the war, liable to be hereafter trans- ferred to other fields of service. I should still think so, but for my deference for your judgment, based on a superior knowledge of the sentiments of your people and the circumstances under which they are called to act. In one respect you are certainly under a misapprehension, the removal of which may yet induce on your part a preference for the mode of rais- ing troops indicated by me. You think the law allowing organizations to be formed for local defense and special service did not provide for the pay and subsistence of the men. This is not so; but on their being called into service and while serving it is expressly provided that they shall be paid and subsisted as other troops. It being expected that they would be at once employed and held in service by you as long as their organizations were deemed important, they would thus, in the particulars of pay and subsistence, have been on precisely the same footing as other troops. They would not, it is true, have been entitled to bounty, but this would have constituted the only difference between them and volunteers, and in this respect they would have stood on the same footing with conscripts. I am not, however, disposed to be tenacious of a plan I only suggested, because I supposed it most likely speedily to effect the raising of troops. The mode suggested by you is somewhat less acceptable, because it infringes more on the spirit of the conscript act and will require its longer (perhaps per- manent) suspension within your command, and because it introduces into the permanent service a body of raw troops and inexperienced officers. Still, the great object is to command as many troops as possible at the earliest time, and if your plan of action will accomplish that, the Depart- ment will not only acquiesce, but be much pleased at the abandonment of the mode suggested by it. You are, therefore, free to pursue your plan, only advising me in what counties of your command you recoin- mend the snspensioim of the act, and taking care that the men volun- teering should distinctly understand that they engage for three years or the war; and that though it is expected they will be employed in their district so long as a necessity exists for such force there, still, there is no engagement to that effect; but that, like all other troops of the Provisional Army, they will be liable to be ordered wherever and to whatever service the President may deem .~ udicious. There is one other matter, too, that it would be well for you to have regard to in selecting counties for the suspension of the conscript act Page 277 CHAP. LXV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 277 The First Georgia Regiment, very much reduced in numbers, was sent, some weeks since, to Georgia, to be recruited by conscripts, and more recently has been ordered to report to you for service. It is thought by the President important that this regiment should be recruited full, as he thinks it would prove more effective than raw troops, and you had better take care that enough conscripts be first obtained to accom- plish this before you recommend expansion over too large a surface. This is the more important, as, from the material of which this regi- inent was formed, more than ordinary reluctance may be felt to volun- teer into it. With cordial wishes for your success, most respectfully, youms, JAMES A. SEDDOK, [14.] Secretary ~/. War. ThcmnioxD, VA., January 20, 1863. Mr. F. L. DANCY, Buena Vista, Fla.: IDEAR SIR: Your letter in reference to abandonment and loss to the enemy of the battery on Saint Johns River has remained unanswered thus long because received on the eve of my departuue from Richmond upon a visit to the Southwest. I had not before seen so full an account of the circumstances of the case, and beg you to accept my thanks for the particularity of your statements. I have submitted your letter to the perusal of General Cooper. Florida regiments in Virginia and elsewhere have uniformly acted with gallantry and have received the applause of their commanding generals. The bad conduct of the gar. rison at the battery can only be explained, therefore, in the manner in which you account for it. The loss of the position was a serious calam- ity, but it is to be hoped that we shall be enabled not only to prevent further encroachments of the enemy, but soon to regain the whole of the territory now occupied by them. Very truly, your friend, JEFFERSON DAVIS. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF MIDDLE FLORIDA, Quincy, January 29, 1863. Hon. JAMES A. SEDDON, Secretary of War: SIR: I am in receipt of your letter of the 20th iiistant. If I had properly understood the authority intended to be conferred by your ibrmner letter I should have made the effort to raise the troops under it. I am satisfied, however, that I shall be more successful in the mode I had the honor to suggest, and have determined on that course. Besides, if successful, it will place at the command of the Government that number of additional troops, and, as I trust and believe, well officered and disciplined. I iimclose a copy of the circular I have issued, that you may be informed of the steps I have taken. I desired to have included the counties in Alabama on the Chattahochee River, as well as other counties in Georgia, but seeing your anxiety to confine my operations to as narrow limits as practicable, I have conformed my conduct to the wishes and J)olicy of the Department. If Congress will so legislate as to authorize both the system of volunteering and th Page 278 278 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. conscript law to go on at the same time, I am satisfied you would soon get into the service every man liable to duty. I venture to repeat this suggestion, as it is based upon facts transpiring under my daily observation. With sentiments of sincere regard, I am, very truly, yours, & c., HOWELL COBB, Brigadier- General, Commanding District. [Inclosure.] ~IIEADQUARTEIIS DISTRICT OF MIDDLE FLORIDA, Quincy, January 23, 18G3. I have been authorized by the Secretary of War to receive into the military service of the Confederate States companies, battalions, or regiments organized within the following territorial limits, to wit: In the counties of Florida. lying between the Suwannee and Choctaw- hatchee Rivers, and the following counties in the State of Georgia: Decatur, Miller, Early, Clay, Quitman, Stewart, Chattahoochee, Marion, Sebley, Muscogee, Webster, Randolph, Terrell, Sumter, Lee, Calhoun, Dougherty, Baker, Mitchell, Worth, and Thomas. All persons, whether subject to conscription or not, will be received into these organizations. The companies, when organized, will select their own commissioned officers, amid the men will be allowed the bounty of $50, and be mus- tered into the Confederate service for three years, or the war, unless sooner discharged. All field officers will be appointed and commissioned by the President. The opportunity is now offered to all who are able and willing, within these limits, to serve the country to do so in volunteer organizations of their own choice, and those who are subject to the conscript law and thu or refuse to avail themselves of the opportunity will be promptly enrolled as conscripts, under the provisions of that law. Notice will be given in due time of the points at which the com- panies, after being organized, will rendezvous. HOWELL COBB, [14.] Brigadier- General, Commanding District. COLUMBIA, February 3, 1863. President DAVIS, Rick moud, Va.: By telegraph from Charlotte to Mr. Trenhoim, we learn the Ironsides is off Charleston Bar, and other iron-dads are in the neighborhood; that the British frigate Cadmuns has arrived off the harbor, with instruc- tions to Mr. Bunch to embark with his family as soon as possible, an attack on Charleston being immninemit; that it is thought on good author- ity that it may occur in forty-eight hours. I am requested by the house of Representatives, in secret session, to telegraph you, and it the intel- ligemice be correct, to urge upon the President the necessity of adopting the promptest measures to concentrate an adequate force at Charleston for the defense of the city. [14.] M. L. BONHAM. RICHMOND, YA., February 4, 1863. His Excellency M. L. BONHAM, Governor of South Carolina: DEAR SIR: Upon the information contained in your telegram of yesterday, and in response to the request of the House of Represent Page 279 CHAP. LXV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 279 tives, action has been taken to provide re-enforcements for the defense of Charleston. General Whiting has been ordered to send one brigade immediately, and to hold another ready for transportation. General French has been ordered to supply force withdrawn by General Whit- ing as far as is safe, and he has replied that it shall be done. Other troops will be placed in best position to furnish force promptly to the point of real and heaviest attack and to defend them all. With great respect, yonr obedient servant, [14.] JEFFERSON DAVIS. COLUMBIA, February 4, 1863. Hon. J. A. SEDDON & creiary of War, Richmond, Va.: The reserves will be retained for thirty days. M. L. BOKIIAM. EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, Milledgecille, February 7, 1863. Hon. JAMES A. SEDDON, ~eeretary of War: DEAR SIR: The statements of General Beauregard and of Brigadier- General Mercer cause inc to fear an early attack upon Savannah by a heavy force of the enemy. As you are aware, we have a very made- ~uate force there for its defense. If re-enforceinents are not sent by your order, and the attack is made, there is strong reason to fear that the city innst fall. I shall in a few days have two regiments of State troops ready for service, who xviii be sent to Savannah iii case of the continued prospect of attack, but this, which is all the State can do, will be wholly insufficient. I therefore most earnestly request that you send early re-enforcements to Savannah. The Fifty-fifth Regiment Georgia Volunteers, now at Cumberland Gap, while its commanding officer has behaved very badly, is an eXcellent body of men, and under the com- mand of Lieutenant-Colonel Persons would be most effective and val- nable. On account of the character of the regiment having suffered by the conduct of Colonel Ilarkie, I feel that it is due the men and other officers of whom it is composed that the regiment be placed where it can have active service, and by its bravery and high-toned valor wipe out any supposed stain which rests upon it. I therefore specially ask that it be transferred to the coast immediately, that it may participate in the pending conflict. I also ask the same favor for Colonel Smiths legion, now at London, Tenn., if compatible with the public interest. Our military authorities and our whole people feel great interest in having the defenses of Savannah strengthened as soon as possible. I am informed that the Sixty-third Tennessee Regiment commanded by Colonel Fain, now stationed at Cumberland Gap, is not attached to any brigade and could at once take the place of the Fifty-fifth Georgia in the brigade. This I trust may be considered as another reason in favor of the early transfer of the Fifty-fifth Georgia to the coast. I greatly prefer that all the re-enforcements sent be Georgians, if it can be so arranged. Very respectfully, & c., JOSEPH E. BROWN. [14. Page 280 280 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. RICHMOND, VA., February 7, 1863. His Excellency Governor BoNnAivi, Columbia, iS. C. If the First Corps of Reserves are not disbanded, but are still organ- ized in regiments, constituting a part of the militia of the State, can you not, as commander-in-chief of the militia of the State, bring them again into the field to aid in repelling the invader l The officers, either field or company, who may be liable to conscription, will be allowed for the time to remain in command to avoid the delay of reorganization by new elections. JEFFERSON DAVIS. [14.] COLUMBIA, February 7, 1863. President DAVIS, Richmond, Va.: The action of the Legislature makes the organization by the council void. The troops, except conscripts, are being disbanded. In view of the threatened invasion, I could have wished them to remain for the present; but it is proper for me, with the views of the Legislature, to urge the sending of an adequate force of Confederate troops for defense of the coast. Under our acts am constrained to reorganize the militia before I could bring them into service, which requires time. M. L. BONHAM. [28.] STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA, HEADQUARTERS, Hon. JAMES A. SEDDON, Columbia, February 8, 1863. Secretary of iVar: SIR: I have the honor to iiiclose a copy of the act amending the negro labor law of December, waiving the condition in the first. On your assent to the other terms of the act, which please signify at once, I will have the labor which General Beauregard requires furnished as soon as possible. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, M. L. BONHAM. [Inclosure.] AN ACT to amend an act entitled An act to organize and supply negro labor for coast defense, in compliance with requisitions of the Government of the Confederate States; and to authorize and direct the Governor to proceed to furnish negro labor nader said act. SECTION 1. Be it enacted by the Scnate and House of Representatives, now met and sitting in General Assembly, and by the authority of the same, That an act entitled An act to organize and sup~u1y negro labor for coast defense, in compliance with requisitions of the Government of the Confederate States, passed on the 18th day of December, anno iDomini 1862, be, and the same is hereby, amended, and that the State agent appointed under the fourth section of said act shall have the power, and is hereby authorized to appoint, with the approval of the Governor, such number of assistant agents as in his judgment may be necessary to enable him to execute the provisions of the sixth sectio Page 281 CHAP. LXV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 281 of said act, and as a compensation for their services while so employed they shall be entitled to receive $2 per diem. SEC. 2. That the eleventh section of said act be so amended that, instead of the fines and penalties therein imposed upon such owners of slaves as shall neglect or refuse to send their slaves according to the requirements of said act, such defaulters shall be liable to a fine of $1.50 per diem for each slave for the time they shall be liable to send such slaves, to be imposed and collected by the commissioners of roads in the district where such default has been i~ade,in the manner now provided by law for default iii the performance of said duty. SEC. 3. That the Governor be, and is hereby, authorized and directed to proceed to furnish negro labor to the Confederate Government under said act, notwithstanding said Government has not through the proper officer authorized thereto, assented and agreed to the provisions con- tained in said act, declaring said Government liable to the owner for any loss or damage of or to the slave or slaves during his or their service: Provided, however, That the State does not by this act waive the right to insist upon such liability as well as all the provisions of said act, and the amendments thereto, and he is hereby directed to take such proceedings as he may deem necessary and proper to bring said provisions to the notice of the Congress of the Confederate States, and procure their assent to all its terms and conditions. In the Senate house the 6th (lay of February, 1863, and in the eighty-seventh year of the sovereignty of independence of the State of South Carolina. W. P. PORTER, President of Senate. A. P. ALDRICH, Speaker of house of Representatives. Governor M. L. BONHAN, RICHMOND, XA., February [9 (?)], 1863. Columbia, S. C.: Whatever can be done to defend South Carolina will be performed by the Confederate States Government. I am disappointed at the dis- charge of the regiments of State troops serving at Charleston, and hope the militia not subject to coiiscription will be organi/ed as rapidly as your circumstances will permit. JEFFERSON DAYJS. HEADQUARTERS STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA, Columbia, Fe 10, 1863. His Excellency President DAVIS: DEAR SIR: Your telegram of last night has been received, also your letter of the 4th instant. I regret the reserves could not be retained for thirty days from the expiration of their term of service. The Leg- islature, by act ratified on the 18th of December, 1862, provided in the sixth section thereof that the service of the said First Corps of Reserves be nol extended beyond their term of enlistment, to wit, for three months from their enlistment. I deem it my duty to present to you two evils that will arise from ordering out the militia this sprin Page 282 282 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. rcHAP. LXV. when organized. Those districts from whicli a large portion of the militia will be drawn will not have left enough labor to plant and cul- tivate the crops requisiie to supply them with provisions. Moreover, the troops, when organized, will be but raw militia, individually brave, but undisciplined. Whilst I shall cheerfully do all in my power to aid with the militia, the successful defense of the coast will need veterans, and hence I was gratified at the information that action has beeu taken to provide re-enforcements for the defense of Charleston. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, M. L. BONHAM. [14.] HEADQUARTERS STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA, Columbia, February 10, 1863. Hon. JAMES A. SEDDON, Secretary of War: SIR: My letter of the 8th instant in reference to the negro labor act may mislead. The amended act ratified the 6th of February directs the Executive to furnish the labor, notwithstanding the Confederate Gov. eminent has not assented and agreed to be liable for loss and damage of negroes; but the State does not waive its right to insist upon such liability, and I am instructed to bring the matter before Congress. I inclosed you a certified copy of the amended act on the 8th instant ask- ing your assent to the other provisions, which please answer as soon as practicable. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, M. L. BONHAMA [14.] HEADQUARTERS, Augusta, February 10, 1863. Brig. Gen. T. JORDAN, Chief of Staff, & e., Charleston, S. C.: GENERAL: I deem it proper to draw the attention of the command- ing general to the defenses of the Savannah River below Augusta, so that being possessed of the data he may take such action, if any should be required, as may be deemed by him advisable. Last winter I was instructed by General Lee, then in command, to put up such batteries and obstructions on the Savannah River below this city as I might find practicable for its ultimate defense, the great importance of the Gov- ernment powder-works, arsenal, and foundry and machine-works, in addition to the immense supply of cotton here stored, making it of the first importance that every step should be taken for their preservation. At that time the defenses of the city of Savannah were feeble, and the fall of Fort Pulaski would unmask the city and river to the enemy; the forces were inadequate to the defense, and none could be spared for the upper river. No artillery could be spared, nor small-arms supplied. Such were the conditions upon which the general reluctantly was com- pelled to leave the upper river defenses to my charge to protect Augusta from a raid by the river, then high in its stage of water, and though abruptly winding and narrow in its channel, still capable of being ascended without serious difficulty by gun.boats. With the assistanc Page 283 CHAP. LXV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 283 of the city authorities I had erected a one-gun battery (8-inch colum- biad sent me on application by the chief of ordnance) on a shelf of land projecting from a high bluff bank, the latter rising 150 fret above the water; the battery is about thirty feet above the river. Adjacent to this columbiad, which is mounted en barbette and has excellent range on a stretch of the river, I also had constructed an intrenchment for about 300 troops, sixty feet above the water on a prolongation of the shelf, with platforms for three or four smaller pieces, if such could be procured. Some 6-pounders (old iron ones) were afterward sent to this place, called Shell Bluff, from many composition, and an 8-inch siege howitzer on its carriage was afterward prepared at the arsenal for this l)05t; but the river getting too low before it was ready, it still remains at the woi-k-shop, ready, however, for use. Obstructions were also placed in the river near the battery, consisting of a ponderous iron chain supported by a line of rafts, the latter being anchored securely to the bottom of the stream. This work was after- ward removed in part to allow steam-boats to pass after the danger had passed over of an attack by the enemy, since which time, having no one to look after its preservation, it has been broken loose by the drift-wood and boats, and now no longer exists as an impediment. The city author- ities last June, at my suggestion, took up the matter of the river obstruc- tions (having no time to attend to the matter myself and no officer to place in charge), and sent a committee of gentlemen to determine at what point and in what manner obstructions should be erected. This resulted in piling the bed of the river entirely across the stream about eighty miles below the city. My suggestion that such obstructions should be near and under the fire of Shell Bluff was neglected for reasons that I do not now call to mindperhaps for a greater economy of procuring timber. My time was altogether occupied in my legitimate duties, so that I did not see the work until a short time since. I think a high rise of the river will wash a new channel entirely around one or both flanks of the piling, which will thus incommode or render the passage of a gun- boat difficult, but not impracticable. The only reliable defense of the river, then, consists in the high bluffs generally on the Georgia side, com- manding the narrow river, which is rarely wider than 300 feet, amid from which sharpshooters would have entire control of the channel and the defenses at Shell Blult I think the two would be entirely sufficient to defend the navigation of this abruptly winding, narrow stream if gar. risoned with troops. Not less than 500 should be at the latter place on occasion, amid about the same number distributed along the different bluffs (with rifles) between there and Savannah. A land raid on time G eorgia side I think would not be attempted on account of the distance, but one might be made from Port Royal via Pocotahigo to Hamburg. As time Savannah River is nowhere fordable in this section, Augusta could be readily secured fromn such kind of attack by seenring the few ferry-boats available and guarding or cutting the city bridges if timely information was received. Having just been placed in charge of the Ibundry at Selma, Ala., in addition to retaining my command at this place of the various Government works, it will be out of my power to attend to the military defenses should ami emergency arise in the future requiring attention to the defense of the upper Savannah River. \Tery respectfully, your obedient servant, GEG. W. RAINS, [14.] Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding Page 284 284 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. - [CHAP. LXV. WAR DEPARTMENT, C. S. A., Richmond Febra His Excellency M. L. BONHAlVI, , ary 14, 1863. Governor of South Carolina, Columbia, S. C. SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 8th instant, inclosing a copy of the act of the South Carolina Legis- lature amending the negro-labor law passed iii December, and waiving the condition in the first act. The Department is much gratified by the prompt and satisfactory action of the Legislature, and hereby sig- nifies its acceptance of the law as now passed. With high regard and respect, your obedient servant, JAMES A. SEDDON, [14.] Secretary of War. STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA, HEADQUARTERS, Columbia Febru General G. T. BEAUREGARD, , ary 14, 1863. Commanding, & c.: GENERAL: I have before me Major Harris letter of February 9 and telegram of same date, his letter of February 12 and a copy of the com- munication of Captain Echols to Major Harris of 15th of January, referred to inc by yourself February 10, also Major Harris telegram of February 13. I have not as yet succeeded in procuring a competent person to take charge under the act for the organization and supply of negro labor for coast defense, and upon reading the act you will see that it is impossible to get along without such person. The 400 called for first by Major Harris have to be furnished under the act as the others, and I will be unable to start them any sooner. I would there- fore suggest, if possible, that the Confederate Government should hire on the coast until I can put the machinery of the act in operation, so as to furnish them until I can supply the 2,700. 1 shall proceed to order the labor without waiting longer to get an agent, but I may be under the necessity of calling upon you to detail officers or other persons to attend at the depots on the days fixed for their assembling to give receipts and prepare supplies, & c. The act does not authorize my ordering the hands to carry implements of labor, and a call upon them to do so, which I shall make, I fear will not be responded to, as the retention by the Confederate authorities i u December last of such as the negroes then discharged had in possession led, I learn, to many of the owners of the next set sent down refusing to send working implements. Allow me to suggest if they cannot be procured by the Confederate Government I had better be authorized to say they will not be retained by the Confederate authorities when the hands carrying them are discharged. The number of hands each division will afford when called upon, you will perceive, is very uncertain, as there is no means of estimating the number of road hands in a division or how many owners will pay the fine rather thau send the hands, so that the number may fall far short or exceed the number now called for, which is 2,700. If the number falls short I shall supply it from another division as soon as practicable; if above, I presume you can use them. To show that this labor cannot be very speedily put in service, I call your attention to the terms of the act, especially the fourth, sixth, and ninth sections. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, [14.] M. L. BONUAM Page 285 Ca& r. LXV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. .285 General 0-. T. BEAUREGARD, VA., February 17; 1863. Okarlestom, 5, 0.: It is necessary for intelligent action here that exact information should be possessed of your forces and their position, and that this should be furnished from time to time, at least every ten days. Re-enforcements have been sent, and whatever is requisite will be furiiished as far as practicable. JEFFERSON DAVIS. CHARLESTON Fe His Excellency President DAVIS, , binary 17, 1863. Richmond, Va.: Will render weekly returns hereafter and give all information to keep War Department accurately informed. General Beauregard at Savannah. Clingmans brigade arrived to-day. TIIOS. JORDAN. COLUMBIA, February 22, 1863. President DAVIS, Rickmond, Vet.: I have ordered out as soon as organized for three months, unless sooner discharged, those troops in the limits of First, Fourth, and Tenth regiments; reserve between forty and fifty and sixteen and eighteen. Telegraph myself and General Beauregard if you accept them. Those just out of service are to organize for service until called. M. L. BONHAM. [Indorsement.] The PRESIDENT: I have made no call on Governor Bonham, but as suggested by your- self, desired General Beauregard to report what troops, if any, he expected to derive from such call. In reply he telegraphed that if arms could be afforded, lie thought sonic regiments could be commanded. Knowing from Colonel Gorgas he could not meet the call for arms from General Johnston and supply these troops likewise, I have given no authority for any action, hoping that the arrival of arms by some steamer in a few days might enable me to give a favorable response. Most respectfhlly, J. A. S., [14.] Secretary. RICHMOND, VA., February 24; 1863. Governor M. L. BONHAM, Golambia, 5. 0.: Though the proposed term is but half of that authorized by Confed- 2rate law, the militia, if sent armed and equipped, will be accepted as tendered. The pressing necessity of the case calls for the greatest dis- patch.* [14.] _________________ JEFFERSON DAViS. See Vol. XIV, pp. 784, 785 Page 286 286 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. COLUMBIA, February 24, 1863. President DAVIS, Richmond, Va.: Militia not yet organized for the field. The order requiring portions to rendezvous suspended until further notice before telegram received. Arms-bearing population so much exhausted that reorganization diffi- cult and slow; if necessity not extreme, it would be well not to call militia in the field. Can arm, but all camp equipage and subsistence supplies turned over to Confederate States. Will continue organiza- tion for field, but for fear of real suffering prefer to leave boys out, certainly at present. [14.] M. L. BONHAM. RICHMOND, VA., February 25, 1863. Governor M. L. BONHAiu, Columbia, S. C.: M~ DEAR SIR: Your letter of February 20 and telegram of the 24th were received this morning. The previous telegram with regard to the acceptance of the militia was replied to by telegraph yesterday. The camp equipage and subsistence required by the troops called out will be furnished by the Confederate officers. The importance of retaining a sufficient number of men at their homes for the planting of the grain crops is fully realized. It must be determined by your discretion whether it will be desirable to order the youths under eighteen years to the field. It would be well to proceed with the organization as rap- idly as possible, that the largest practicable number of troops may be ready to go into service should the necessity require. Of this the com- manding general of the department will be able to advise you, and by keeping in communication with him you may hear the earliest infor- mation of any emergency that may occur. Very respectfully and truly, yours, [14.] JEFFERSON DAVIS. TALLAhASSEE, March 23, 1863. His Excellency PRESIDENT DAVIS, -Richmond, ITa: The enemy, with a large number of black troops, occupy Jackson- ville, iii this State, and we are threatened with a general invasion. Can you spare troops from other portions for the defense of this State~ We have no State troops in service and I have none at my command. JOHN MILTON, [14.] Governor of Florida. GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPT. OF S. C., GA., AND FLA., No. 46. 5 Charleston, March 26, 1863. I. The troops engaged in the action with the enemy at Pocotaligo on the 22d of October, 1862, will have inscribed on their colors Poco- taligo, 22d October, 1862, in honor of the veteran-like steadiness and unsurpassable courage displayed on that day in their conflict with and defeat of an enemy of almost incredible superiority iii numbers. The whole country has been already informed of and appreciates the bril- liant events and incidents of the battle of Pocotaligo, and it has only remained thus officially to authorize an honor so brilliantly won. Th Page 287 JHAP. LXV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 287 field of Pocotaligo, made memorable by those who held it on the 22d of Jctober, 1862, surely cannot be yielded up to any force with which the ;nemy may attack iu that quarter. II. In honor of distinguished South Carolina officers killed, or dead 7uom wounds received iu battle, certaiu forts aud batteries in the First ~Ii1itary District will be designated and known as fellows: Fort, south- ~ast and near extremity of New Bridge, in Saint Andrews ,as Fort 3laddin; fort near and northwest of Fort Gladdin as Fort Barnes; zattery on city side of New Bridge as Battery Gadberry; Half Mooii Hattery No. 1 as Battery Aiken; Half Moon Battery No. 2 (north of rio. 1) as Battery James. By conimanci of General Beauregard: THOMAS JORDAN, Chief of ~ iOfl. JAMES A. SEDDoN, RIcHMOND, March 28, 1863. ASecretary of War: Sin: I understand that heavy guns are now being made at the iredegar Works for the defenses of Richmond. I most earnestly beg hat such guns may be sent to General Beauregard. Surely there is iore pressing need for every heavy gun at Charleston just now than bout this city. Let me beg of you to look into this matter and give i~eneral Beauregard every heavy gun you possibly can. Very respectfully, W. PORCHER MILES. [Fir8t indorsement.] MARCH 31 1863. Referred to Ordnance Bureau. There is conflict of claim between Port Hudson amid Charleston. Nhich most pressing l J.A. S., & cretary. [second indorsemeut.] APRIL 1, 1863. I recommend very strongly that the next six heavy guns be sent to ~eneral Pemberton for Yicksburg and Port Hudson; chiefly the latter. J. GORGAS, [14.] Chief of Ordnance. CHARLESTON, S. C., April , 1863. ion. W. PORCHER MILES, Member of (Jon~qress, Richmond, Va.: DEAR COLONEL: I inclose you herewith the list of heavy gnus in he First Military District called for by you, i. e., eighty-one (10-inch, -inch, 8-inch, 42-pounders smooth-bore, ditto rifled, and 32-pounders ifled); also twelve 10-inch mortars. If those are considered suflicient for he defense of this important harbor against theeneniys monitors, & c.,by he quidnuncs of the War Department, then they know more on the sub- ~ct than a board of general officers, composed of Ripley, Trapier, and list, I assembled lately to report on that and other important matters elating to the defenses of Charleston. They state that at least thirty- ight heavy guns still due on outstanding requisitions are absolutel Page 288 288 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. required. I have no doubt that the Secretary is desirous of doing all he can for this place in guns and troops, but I owe it to myself and to the country to have my records all right. I shall do the best fighting I can with the means at my command. The enemy may take this place, bnt its condition will be such that they will not be able to boast much of their success. They are already in force in the Stono and the North Edisto having seven monitors in the latter and their Alligator in the former (besides other vessels in both), so the trial of strength will soon commence. The War Department will now be able to determine whether this place or Wilmington is to be attacked. If Hooker has two to one against Lee, then I pity the former, for I defy him to handle with suc- cess over 100,000 men. McClellan or Rosecrans could not do it. We will have supplies in the country, but it would take a proper head to distribute them properly. There is abundance of rice in South Caro- lina, but it is not where it should be corn ditto, & c. The same may be said of iron in the Confederate States for guns, & c. You refer to the Presidents prejudices against certain officers pre- venting their promotion. I pity the country which has for its chief magistrate in times like these one who consults his preferences or dis- likes in appointing to office men whose zeal, intelligence, and l)atriotism are acknowledged by all. The past, with regard to Price and others, ought to be a strong and profitable lesson to him. Only one of those two brigades sent here from North Carolina was unarmed (Cookes), but it lacked 528 rifles and accouterments, which were furnished to it here. I am not surprised at the veto of the bill increasing the two South Carolina artillery regiments, for the reason stated by you. I hope the staff bill (House) will be more fortunate, for I consider it a very good one, and much needed at present. With regard to Chesnut, I have and desire to say but little. I have been disappointed in him, and that is sufficient for my purposes. I have seen enough of history and seen enough of men to be able to appreciate his professed friendship at exactly what it is worth. I judge merely by their acts and not by their words. In passing from my staff to that of the President under the present circumstances, and in his remarks to Mr. Baruwell iRhett, last autummi in the South Carolina Senate, relative to the condition of the Army of the Potomac after the first battle of Manassas, he showed clearly that his heart is not with me, but with Chesnut alone. Well, Jet it be so. But I am forgetting that I have not timnejust now to write about my own affairs. The enemy of our invincible cause is in the Stono, only a few miles from here, and I must attend to him, and to him alone. Hoping to see you here in the event of an attack, I remain, truly, your friend, G. T. BEAUREGARD. P. S.Ask Mr. Yancey to show you (and to Yiller~, Orr, and other friends) that paper signed by Johnston, Smith, and myself. It is historical. [14.] CHARLESTON, S. C., April 9, 1863. Hon. CHARLES J. YILLERI~, Member of Congress, Richmond, Va.: Mv DEAR CHARLES: Your favor of the 5th is at hand. I see with pleasure that the artillery regiment bill has passed the Senat Page 289 CHAP. LXV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 289 over the Presidents veto, and hope it will be as fortunate in the House. I am actuated only by the good of the service, and not by animosities or wishes that may be at variance with the Presidents views. My friends and enemies must understand that I look only to the success of our cause in everything that I support, whether it corresponds or not with the ideas of others. I have been trying in every way possible (but have failed) to get additional artillerists here, as it was essential to the safety of this place. Further than that I desired nothing, neither for self nor friends. We have had the first bout with the enemys formi- dable iron-dads and have been successful, but do not flatter yourselves with the hope that the struggle is all over now. We are only at the beginning of it. The defense of this place, with the present restricted means of the country in men, guns, and materials, is one of the most difficult problems I have yet had to solve, especially when not sup- ported, as I should be, by those in authority. May God protect our cause is the sincere wish of your sincere friend, G. T. BEAUREGARD. EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, C. S. A., Richmond, V April 11, 1863. Hon. J. A. SEDDON, Secretary of War: SIR: Inclosed please find copy of dispatch just received from Colonel Lee.* I think it would be advisable to order General Ransom to pro- ceed with his brigade to Charleston. You will thus restore these two brigades of Ransom and Cooke to the same organization, which was broken by the detachment of the junior brigade from the temporary division as organized by General Lee. Should you concur in this, it would be well to advise General Beauregard of your wish that the two brigades should be cQnnected under the immediate command of the senior brigadier; or, if you decidedly prefer it, General Lees recom- mendation may be entirely carried out by giving to Ransom the tem- porary rank of major-general. Very respectfully, yours, JEFFN DAVIS. JOINT RESOLUTION of thanks to General G. T. Beauregard and the officers and men of his command for the repulse of the iron-clad fleet of the enemy from the harbor of Charleston on the 7th of April, 1863. Resolved by the Congress qf the Confederate States of America, That the thanks of Congress are eminently due, and are hereby most cordially tendered, to General G. T. Beauregard and the officers and men of his command engaged in the affair, for their brilliant and signal defeat of the iron-clad fleet of the enemy in the harbor of Charleston on the 7th of April, 1863. Resolved, That the President be requested to communicate this reso- lution to General Beauregard and his command. Approved May 1, 1863. [14.] * See Vol. XIV, p. 894. 19 U UVOL LII Page 290 290 8. 0., 8. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. JOINT RESOLUTION of thanks to the officers and soldiers engaged in the defense of Fort McAllister, Ga. The Congress of the Confederate States of America do resolve, That the thanks of Congress are due, and are hereby tendered, to the officers and soldiers engaged in the defense of Fort McAllister, Ga., on the 1st of February and 3d of March last, for the gallantry and endurance with which they successfully resisted the attacks of the iron-clad ves- sels of the enemy. Resolved further, That the foregoing resolutions be communicated by the Secretary of War to the general commanding the Department of South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida and by him be made known in appropriate general orders to the officers and troops to whom they are addressed. Approved May 1, 1863. [14.1 CHARLESTON, May 11, 1863. General S. COOPER: (Received 12th.) Let me respectfully, but earnestly, request you to reconsider the order to send more troops from the defenses of this city. I have written you to-day by mail. CHAS. MACBETH, [14.] Mayor. ion. JA~~n~s A. SEDDON, CHARLESTON, May 14, 1863. Secretary of War: SIR: The people of Charleston deeply regret that no entreaties or representations have been of any avail in moving the President from his determination to strip us of troops. When it is borne in mind that General Pemberton this time last year had nearly 13,000 more troops than General Beauregard is allowed to retain, it will be seen what risks our city is exposed to5,000 infantry for South Carolina and Georgia and Florida that is the total we are allowed tosretain. This is virtually giving up the Charleston and Savannah Railroad whenever the enemy choose to move again upon it, and with it an immense amount of rice. They may then penetrate to Branchville and cut our communications with the interior. Our heavy artillery cannot be taken out of our forts and batteries and marched to meet the enemy at any point they may attack. We must keep these works manned, and our artillery is now barely adequate for the purpose. (The Presi- dent for the symmetry of a bad organization vetoed the only measure by which practically we could have increased this arm of our defense.) But if there was some great good to be effected by exposing us to the hazards which the President, we think, greatly underestimates, we would be perfectly reconciled to being allowed to depend upon the old men and boys now in Charleston and the vicinity (the vicinity not containing 100 in a circuit of many miles); but how 3,000 or 4,000 men can be of vital importance to Yicksburg we do not understand. Surely Lee (if no pursuit of Hooker is contemplated) could spare many thousands from the defense of Richmond. And although every point ought to contribute to the extent of its ability, we really think that we did more than that when we sent off Cookes, Cliugmans, Walkers Page 291 CHAP. LXV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 291 and lastly Gists very large and fine brigade. Our old men will doubt- less shoulder their guns as we all did last summer for weary months but this gives a very few hundred in all. Everybody is in the field. I do not know any other city in the Confederacy that has been obliged to call out (not for a day or two, as in Richmond, but for months) its exempt population and keep them under arms to defend it against the regular army of the enemy. But there is no help apparently for it, and we must make the best of it. I hope siiicerely all may be as you anticipate.* Very respectfully, WM. PORCHER MILES. P. S.You insist that the enemy has diminished his force largely in this vicinity, although General Beauregard continually asserts that he has no evidence of any material diminution, but the contrary. We fear your means of information are not so certain and reliable as his. [14.] Hon. J. A. SEDDON, CHARLESTON, May 11, 1863. Richmond, Va.: Cavalry being indispensable to guard railroad to Savannah, I shall send another regiment infantry and one light battery to General I~eni- berton. G. T. BEAUREGARD. A., July 10, 1863. Mr. MACBETH, V Mayor of Charleston, S. C.: It is very desirable that all the citizens of Charleston able to bear arms and not subject to enrollment for military service should be I)romptly organized for local defense, under the act of Congress to iiiduce such voluntary service. I request your efficient aid in this matter. [28.] JEFFERSON DAVIS. RICHMOND V Governor BONHAM, , A., July 10, 1863. Columbia, S. C.: Can you send 2,000 or 3,000 local-defense troops or militia for imme- diate service at Charleston ~ If so, please notify General Beauregard and forward them as rapidly as possible. JEFFERSON DAVIS. President DAVIs, CHARLESTON, July 17, 1863. Richmond, Va.: My call for troops to fill your requisition nearly completed. It is tele- graphed from Richmond that you by proclamation direct all lersons between eighteen and forty-five not in service to report ~o camps of * This probably in reply to Seddon, Vol. XIV, p. 940 Page 292 292 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. instruction. My organization of the 5,000 embraces most of these. Shall I break up that ~ If so, I dont think 5,000 nuder fifty years of age can be obtained. [28.] M. L. BONHAM. RICHMOND, VA., July 18, 1863. Governor M. L. BONHAM, Charleston, S. C.: The proclamation embraces all subject to conscription. Those so subject and now at Charleston or about to go there may be enrolled, but not withdrawn from their companies until the exigency has passed. The privilege of selecting their companies will not be forfeited by such enrollment. [28.] JEFFERSOIN DAVIS. CHARLESTON, July 21, 1863. President DAVIS, Richmond, Va.: Telegram received. About 2,000 militia and volunteers at and near city. None of the troops raised nuder the late call for local defense are here. The withdrawal of those up to forty-five will disorganize com- panies formed for local defense under your late requisition. Shall I proceed to reorganize to meet that requisition, leaving out conscripts up to forty-five ~ If so, I cannot raise the 5,000 without taking boys under eighteen. Let me hear as soon as practicable. [28.] M. L. BONHAM. WAR DEPARTMENT, C. S. A., Richmond, July 28, 1863. Brig. Gen. II. W. MERCER, Commanding, Savannah, Ga.: GENERAL: I have received your letter of the 21st installt* asking authority to impress 1,000 slaves to complete the fortifications at Savannah. The Department is reluctant to use the power of impress- ment, but in view of the exigency now existing you are authorized to impress such slave labor as may be necessary. Care should be taken, however, to comply with the terms of the law. See General Orders, No. 37. It is very desirable that the impressment should be made under the authority of the State of Georgia, but iii case of the Gov- ernors refusal to act you must proceed nuder the Confederate law. Your obedient servant, JAMES A. SEDDON, [28.] Secretary of War. INSPECTOR-GENERALS OFFICE, Charleston, S. C., July 28, 1863. Brig. Gen. THOMAS JORDAN, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: In obedience to instructions from department headquar- ters dated July 26, 1863, relative to the defensive works of the First * See Vol. XXVIII, Part II, p. 215 Page 293 CHAP. LXV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 293 Military District of South Carolina, I ordered Major Bryan to proceed to Sullivans Island, and I repaired in person to James island, where I visited the works of Batteries Ryan and ilaskell. I beg leave to report as follows: About 1,500 negroes are now employed on James Island, or, rather, have been sent there. Four hundred of them, I understand, are working at Battery Cheves and 1,100 at Battery ilaskell. No work at all had been done at Battery Ryan for the last four days. Captain Gregorie, of the Engineer Department, informs me that he was directed to complete the works at Legares Point before proceeding further with Battery Ryan. It is easy to perceive, however, that all the works on James Island could and should be carried on simultane- ously. When I reached Battery ilaskell the negroes were leaving it at double-quick step, because of a few shots that had been fired at the works from Morris Island. The very large gang of negroes employed at ilaskell is not properly organized. The overseers, nine in all, are not acquainted with the hands they work. They cannot manage them. They do not keep them in hand. The fact is that instead of nine over- seers we should have at least twenty to thirty. It is absolutely neces- sary that more should be procured. They could be detailed from our own troops now stationed on the island. No night work had been done so far. Captain Gregorie is of opinion that as long as there is no shell- ing by the enemy there can be no loss of time by working during the day only. Night labor with such a non-organized gang of negroes would, he thinks, amount to very little. Battery ilaskell was begun on the 14th instant. It covers about 15,000 square yards. It is very much exposed to the enemys fire and would require very strong trav- erses. A magazine for the mortar battery and a central magazine for the whole line were all that remained for the completion of the works. The laborers are much in want of water buckets and of cooking utensils. They have no water near at hand, and lose much time in providing themselves with it. The assistant inspectors of the department will be actively employed in visiting the different works of this district and will report daily the results of their inspections. Respectfully, ALFD. ROMAN, Lieutenant- Colonel and Inspector- General. His ExCellency M. L. BONIIAM, RIOHM& ND, VA., August 6, 1863. Governor of South Carolina: SIR: Your letter of the 28th ultimo was received by me a day or two since. Within a very recent period an increased number of heavy guns, smooth-bore and rifled, of both navy and army pattern, have been sent to Charleston. Doubtless most of them have already arrived there and are now in service. Evans brigade has been ordered to Charleston, and the remainder of Colquitts will be at once. In relation to the incomplete gun-boat (Charleston) it is deemed proper and best that whatever shall be done with her must be done under full consultation with Captain Tucker, and under his command. The Secretary of the Navy, I am informed, has communicated by telegraph with you on this subject. Be assured that the executive branch of the Government will continue to do all that is possible for the safety and relief of the city, which we pray will never be polluted by the footsteps of a lustful, inhuman foe. It must never pass to the even temporary subjection o Page 294 294 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. the mean and cruel enemy. I trust that the organization of the militia on which you were engaged is nearly, if not quite, complete. What is its number and efficiency ~ Most respectfully, your obedient servant, JEFFERSON DAVIS. [28.] HILLSBOROUO-H, N. C., August 25, 1863. Governor M. L. BONHAM or G. T. BEAUREGARD: Will you accept a company of cadets from this place for the fight of Charleston ~ Reply immediately. Respectfully, S. W. R. MOORE. E. B. MOORE. W. R. CATIICART. [Indorsement.] GENERAL: I hope you will, with approval of Governor Nance. M. IL BONHAM. [Second indorserneut.] GOVERNOR: These cadets could not be sent into the field before ours, and I do not believe they would be satisfied to do guard duty in Charleston. Please telegraph Mr. Moore to that effect. G. T. BEAUREGARD. [28.] RICHMOND, VA., Au gust 26, 1863. General G. T. BEAUREGARD, Charleston, S. C.: Dispatch of 25th received. Opinion as to the advantages of holding Sumter, if possible, concurred in. By using (lebris of fort, assisted by sand-bags, it is hoped effective guns can be maintained in position. Temporary rank of major-general is conferred on Colonel Gilmer, of Engineers, to render him more useful in the defense of Charleston.* JEFFERSON DAVIS. [28.] OFFICE OF CHIEF ENGINEER, Charleston, S. C., August 26, 1863. Brig. Gen. THOMAS JORDAN, Chief of Stafl~: GENERAL: I have the honor to inform you that out of the 3,900 negroes furnished us for work on the fortifications in this district since the 10th of July, only 2,500 effective hands now remain, owing to dis- charges made on written requests of owners, forged passes furnished to negroes by unknown parties, desertion, and sickness. By the continued operation of these causes, the most serious of which is the demand of owners for the discharge of those slaves that have been held to service for over thirty days, this force will very speedily be reduced to 1,500 men, which is wholly inadequate for as prompt a construction of the 5For reply, see Vol. XXVIII, Part II, p. 306 Page 295 CHAP. LXV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 295 fortifications as the safety of this city now demands. For this purpose an effective force of at least 5,000 slaves is necessary, and I earnestly recommend that measures be taken to supply us with that number without delay. As all previous attempts to supply us with labor have l)roved ineffectual, I deem it advisable to resort to such a system of impressment as the State authorities may under the circumstances consider most proper and expedient. I have the honor to be, yours, very respectfully, D. B. HARRW~ [28.] Lieutenant-Colonel and Chief Engtneer. S. W. H. MOORE, [AuGus1 26, 1863.?] Ililisborough, N. C.: General Beauregard apprehends the cadets could not be sent into the field sooner than those of this State, and would not be satisfied to do guard duty in Charleston, where they would be needed. Allow me to thank yourself and the gallant youths who so nobly tender their services. M. L. BONHAM. HILLSBOROUGH, N. C., August 26, 1863. Governor BONHAM: Forty-five cadets have deserted from ililisborough Military Academy to aid in defense of Charleston. I understand they telegraphed you and were accepted. I am sure you were not aware of the circum- stances. I reqnest you will not receive them, as many are mere boys, and are acting without the consent of their parents. Their names are Shorm, Monroe, Wallace, Moses, Coiclougli, Moses, Powell, Cain, Powell, Cain, Saunders, Buchanan, Bynan, Smith, Bynonn, Chiles, Withers, Palmer, Rawlingson, Palmer, John son, Sairy, McNight, Battle, Mellett, Fox, Mellett, Brandford, Pitts, Ramsey, Emmet, Jordan, Moore, Gray, Moore, Jackson, Hundley, Vance, ilundley, Sims, Watson, Cathcart, Henderson, McSwaiu. Very respectfully, & c., WM. M. GORDON, [28.] Major and & zperintendent. CHARLOTTE, August 27, 1863. Governor M. L. BONHAM: Your dispatch received. We are on our way to Charleston. Please have quarters assigned. Will arrive to-morrow afternoon. S. W. H. MOORE, [28.] Lieutenant, Volunteer Cadets. RICHMOND VA General G. T. BEAUREGARD, , ., August 29, 1863. Charleston, S. C.: Your dispatch is unintelhigible.* I desire to know what effective force is available for the defense of Charleston. Send reply by mail. t [28.] JEFFERSON DAVIS. * See Vol. XXVIII, Part II, p. 312. t Ibid., p. 332 Page 296 296 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. C. S. ENGINEER OFPICE, AS~avannah, Ga., Augu8t 31, 1863. Capt. GEORGE A. MERGER, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Hdqrs. Mit. Dist. of Ga., Savannah, Ga.: CAPTAIN: I have the honor to make the following report of the num- ber of negroes and the places to which they have been assigned: Imjpres8ed force. River batteries Department force Clearing woods Interior lines Isle of Hope Beaulieu Springfield Cutting hurdles, poles, & c Hewing timber - Loading lumber, & c - Turned over to chief quartermaster for cutting fuel Surveying parties 342 323 46 321 427 115 147 183 39 15 44 3 Total 2,005 Contract and hired force. Employed before impressment: Spratt and Callahan 111 Williams & Co 32 Kneeland, Thompson & Co 25 Hired 105 Surveying parties 33 Total 306 Negroes will be withdrawn from the other works and placed on the river batteries whenever the condition of the work there admits of an increase of force. Very respectfully, [28.] JOHN MCCRADY, Captain and Chief Engineer, State of Georgia. SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ ADJT. AND JNSP. GENERALS OFFICE, S. C., No. 46. Charleston, S. C., September 6, 1863. I. The companies belonging to the Second Regiment (six-months troops), Col. William Fort commanding, in the districts of Edgefield, Baruwell, Beaufort, Colleton, Orangeburg, Lexington, and Newberry, will rendezvous at the most convenient points on the lines of railroad on Thursday next, the 10th instant, to move without d& lay to Poco- taligo. Troops belonging to this regiment not convenient to railroads will provide their own transportation and report at Pocotaligo on Fri- day, the 11th instant. This regiment will report for duty to Brigadier- General Kapier. II. The companies belonging to the Fifth Regiment, Col. J. II. Williams commanding, in the districts of York, Union, Spartanburg, Newberry, Laurens, aiid Chester, will rendezvous at the most con- venient points on the lines of railroad on Friday, the 11th instant, to move without delay to Charleston. This regiment will report for duty to Brigadier-General Ripley. III. The companies belonging to the First Regiment, Col. T. B. Roberts commanding, in the districts of Pickens, Anderson, Abbeville, Greenville, and Edgefield, will rendezvous at the most convenient points on the lines of railroads on Saturday, the 12th instant, to move without delay to Charleston. This regiment will also report to Brig- adier-General Ripley. IV. The companies belonging to the Third Regiment, in the districts of Williamsburg, Georgetown, Marion, and lorry, will report without delay to Brigadier-General I~apier at Georgetown Page 297 CHAP. LXV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 297 V. The commanding officers of companies are charged with the imme- diate execution of this order (on its being published in the papers) and all the officers of the militia are hereby required to aid in its execution with the greatest promptness and dispatch; and the com- manding officers of companies are authorized to issue certificates of transportation to railroad companies, arrangements for which will be made by the quartermaster-general of the State. VI. The troops will provide themselves with four days cooked rations and such articles of clothing, & c., as they think necessary for their comfort~ By command: A. C. GAJILI~GTON, [28.] Adjutant and Inspector General, A9OUth Carolina. STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA, hEADQUARTERS, Charleston, September 6, 1863. General G. T. BEAUREGARD: GENERAL: Your letter of the 5th instant* has been received and the six-months troops ordered out accordingly, with the addition of order- ing four companies of the Third Regiment in and around Georgetown to report to General Trapier at that place. I hope to have some of them at their places of rendezvous by the 12th instant or sooner, and all by the 15th or sooner. Inclosed I send you a copy of General Garlingtous report, showing the strength of the six-mouths troops.t They were organized by the 1st of August last, and on the 8th of that month I telegraphed the Secretary of War that the 5,000 six-months troops called for by the President are ready for the field except the Charleston Brigade, which is in the field iii its militia organization. Very respectfully, your obedient servauit, [28.] M. L. BONHAM. HEADQUARTERS SECOND SUB-DIVISION, September 25, 1863. Capt. W. F. NANCE, Assistant Ad.jutant- General, Charleston, S. C.: CAPTAIN: In reply to the note stating that it is the wish of the gen- eral commanding that I should forward without delay the names of such officers and men as especially distinguished themselves for zeal and gallantry in the discharge of their duties on Morris Island during the time I was on duty at that fort, I have the honor to state that it is extremely difficult for me to do so, for the sole reason that they all gen- erally behaved so well that it would be invidious to particularize. The officers generally were prompt, collected, and courageous, and very zealous in the discharge of their duties, and the men were so ready to expose themselves unnecessarily to the enemys shot that I had con- stantly to give orders to compel them to remain under cover. When one night it was announced that the enemys infantry were coining up rapidly to the assault, the lines were manned with the greatest alacrity, and the only wish seemed to be that the Yankees would come close enough to enable us to repay them with the musket and bayonet for their previous and long-continued cannonade. The hardest service was performed by the Eighth North Carolina Regiment, commanded by * See Vol. XXVIII, Part II, p. 339. tNot found Page 298 298 S.C., S.GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CH~. LXV. Colonel Shaw, which after several days duty in Battery Wagner out side of the bomb-proofs, and all the while exposed to the enemys shot and shell, with no other protection except that offered by the compara- tively low parapet on the right of the work, was obliged to spend the eighth day in the sand between Battery Wagner and Fort Gregg, and there, with a portion of the Fifty-fourth Georgia Regiment, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Rawis, and part of the Sixty-first North Caro- lina, under Captain Mallett, was exposed to an extraordinary fire from the fleet. Induced doubtless by the presence of a large number of our troops there, the Ironsides, monitors, and some of the wooden vessels of the enemy kept up a most rapid and dangerous fire for many hours at close range. This fire was sustained by the men and officers with as much coolness and courage as any troops ever exhibited. Very respectfully, T. L. CLINGMAN, [28.] Brigadier- 6eneral. SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ ADJT. AND INSP. CTENERAL~S OFFICE, No. 248. Richmond, Va., October 19, 1863. * * * * * * * XVIII. The commanding generals at Charleston, S. C., and Wil- mington, N. C., will afford to the late acting British consuls in their respective departments the necessary facilities for holding communica- tion with any of Her Majestys ships arriving at ports within their command. By command of the Secretary of War: JNO. WITHERS, [28.] Assistant Adjutant. General. WAR I)EPARTMENT, C. S. A., Richmond, Va., October 22, 1863. His Excellency M. L. BONHAM, Governor of South Carolina, Columbia, S. C.: SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge your letter, inclosing resolu- tions of the General Assembly of South Carolina asking that a force be placed within couvenient distance of the gaps of the mountains by which the State may be entered from Georgia, Tennessee, and North Carolina.~~* The resolutions of the General Assembly shall receive early and respectful consideration, with every disposition on my part to afford all the means of defense against the incursions of time enemy which the more pressing needs of the general service will allow. The General Assembly, as well as Your Excellency, must recognize that permanent security in any locality can only be obtained by success in the larger arenas of conflict, amid that for such success conceutration of our armies is essential, notwithstanding the liability which may result to many dis- tricts of exposure to the raids of the enemy. It is hoped, therefore, that the inability of the Department to afford the defense requested will be ascribed only to deficiency of adequate resources, and not to insensi- bility to the wishes of your State. With high esteem, JAMES A. SEDDON, [28.] Secretary of War. * See duplicate, transmitted to General Beauregard, Vol. XXVIII, Part II, p. 422 Page 299 CHAP. LXV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 299 EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, Tallahassee, November 6, 1863. General G. T. BEAUREGARD, Charleston, S. C.: GENERAL: I have had the honor to receive your letters of the 27th nitimo and General Gilmers report,* with your indorsement, relative to the defenses of the Apalachicola River and the means of subsisting the citizens in the city of Apalachicola. Inclosed you will find a copy of a l)roclamatiollI issued by me relative to distilleries, and I will inclose to you a copy of the annual message I shall address to the General Assembly. I am very much obliged to you, general, for inviting my attention to the subject and thus affording me the opportunity of sus- taining the position I have taken in regard to it by referring to your views. I am also greatly obliged to you for the photograph, which I hope to hand Mrs. Milton ina few days, to be preserved in my family. 1 am now about to leave here on to-days train to visit my family, and shall be absent a few days. Immediately after my return to this place I will submit to your consideratiou a reply to the arguments of General Gilmer. In the meantime, I do not wish to be considered discontented with, though not convinced by, his arguments and conclusions. I am satisfied that much of the information he has received has been derived from sources connected with a movement made over twenty years ago, to divert commerce via Apalachicola to Columbns, to railroads to that place from Pensacola and Mobile, and then that the mighty efforts made by citizens of Georgia and Alabama upon the subject have been prompted by selfish motives and prejudicial to the best interest of this State rather than to perfect military defen ses. I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, JOHN MILTON, [28.] Governor of Florida. SPECIAL ORDERS, ADJT. AND INSP. GENERALS OFFICE, No. 276. Richmond, Ye., November 20, 1863. * * * * * * * YJII. Maj. N. IR. Chambliss, artillery, Provisional Army, Confederate States, will relieve Maj. J. T. Trezevant, artillery, Provisional Army, Confederate States, commanding Confederate States arsenal at Charles- ton, S. C. Maj. J. T. Trezevant, on being relieved, will assume corn mnand of the ordnance depot now being established at Columbia, S. C. * * .* * * * * By command of the Secretary of War: JOHN WITHERS, Assistant Adjutant- General. STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA, HEADQUARTERS, Columbia, December 14, 1863. Hon. J. A. SEDDON, Secretary of War: SIR: I have the honor to inclose you copies of a letter from Col. Nathaniel Heyward, a very wealthy planter and prominent citizen of the low country in this State, with a copy of the remarks of Generals Beauregard and Walker indorsed thereon, showing the inadequacy of * See Vol. XXVIII, Part II, p. .150. Not found Page 300 300 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. (OHAP. LXV. the force at their disposal for the accomplishment of Colonel ileywards object. Also a communication from General Beauregard, through his adjutant-general, to General W. S. Walker, * with a copy of General Walkers circular annexed thereto, urging the citizens of that section to remove their property beyond a certain line therein mentioned, which can be easily traced upon a map. Also extracts from a letter of an intelligent officer in the service to a private citizen, which I cite simply to show the inadequacy of the force in that portiou of the State. The falling behind the line indicated will be the abandonment to the enemy of the finest cotton and provision regions of South Carolina and of a line possessing more advantages for defense, with a proper force, than that proposed to be occupied, and will expose Charleston and Savan- nah, it seems to me, almost certainly to siege and capture. It would be easier to prevent the enemy effecting a permanent lodgment upon the mainland than it will be to dislodge him aWter he has established him- self. Under these circumstances I write to urge upon you in the most earnest manner the importance of increasing the force so manifestly inadequate to the protection of that section of the country. Yery respectfully, yours, M. L. I3ONHAM. [Inclosure No. 1.1 CHARLESTON, November 20, 1863. General G. T. BEAUREGARD: GENERAL: As a property holder on the neck of land between the Ashepoo and Combahee Rivers, permit me in behalf of myself and neighboring planters, while thanking you for the interest and attention bestowed upomi the defense of the low country of South Carolina, to solicit the return of some of the pieces of ordnance removed from posi- tions near the entrances of these rivers at the beginning of the sickly season last spring. In view of the pending threat of an attack we regard the presence of a few effective guns exceedingly important to elkct the repulse of the enemy from a region not merely rich in prod- uce, but not insignificant in a military aspect. A lodgment of this uieck by the foe would mimi this section, and it would open the country to the devastation of raids, the interior of the State and the South Carolina Railroad to the advances of the enemy upon the rear of Charleston, requiring an army to watch continually and keep him in check. It appears to our unmilitary eyes the most economical plan to defeat the first attempt at gaining a foothold on the main. We respectfully sub- mit that one or two rifled 24-pounders in position to command the Ashe- poo, and the same number on time Combahee and Cheraw where they unite, miglmt defeat the expedition and save after consequences fatal to the low country and dangerous to Charleston. We are under the impression that such guns are in this department, perhaps on Sullivans Island, where they can be of no use against iron-dads. An additional support of mounted infantry from either Rutledges or Andersons regi- ment, and another battery of field artillery, if compatible with your views of the importance of defeating the projected lodgment, would add, we believe, very much to the certainty of the result. Having made bold to bring to your attention these Views, and asking your favorable consideration, I remain, general, your most obedient servant, NATHANIEL HEYWARD. * See Feilden to Walker, November 30, 1863, Vol. XXVIII, Part II, p. 530 Page 301 CHAP. LXV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 301 [First indorsement.] IIDQRS. DEPT. S. CAROLINA, GEORGIA, AND FLORIDA, Charleston, S. C., November 20, 1863. Respectfully referred to Brigadier-General Walker to know if with his present force he could serve and protect the gnus if sent to the positions referred to. I can well understand the importance to the Confederacy of saving the crops of that s& tion of country. G. T. BEAUREGARD, General, Commanding. [Second indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS THIRD MILITARY DISTRICT, Pocotaligo, November 27, 1863. With our present force I could not serve or protect guns placed in the position indicated. The points suggested by Mr. ileyward are the proper ones for the complete protection of the peninsula, if we had rifled guns and men to man them. W. S. WALKER, Brigadier- General, Commanding. [Third indorsement.] IIDQRS. DEPT. OF S. CAROElNA, GEORGIA, AND FLORIDA, Charleston, December 1, 1863. Respectfully returned to Mr. N. ileyward for his information. G. T. BEAUREGARD, General, Commanding. [Inclosure No. 2.] HEADQUARTERS ASHEPoo SUB-DISTRICT, Green Pond, December 10, 1863. SIR: Herewith please find an official letter from General Beaure- gard* and a circular from Brigadier-General Walker, which I am instructed to give as much publicity to as possible in this sub-district. Will you please make their contents known to your neighbors l Very respectfuily, your obedient servant, WM. STOKES, Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding. [Sub-inclosure.] CIRCULAR.] HEADQUARTERS THIRD MILITARY DISTRICT, Pocotaligo, S. C., December 8, 1863. I would call the earnest attention of all planters and owners of slaves in the Third Military District to the accompanying letter from General Beauregard. Throughout the military administration of Generals Lee, Pemberton, and Beauregard the planters have been warned officially and privately of the insecurity of their slave property. Since the enemy have resorted to recruiting their ranks from slaves, the loss of able-bodied blacks has become not only a private loss, but a public injury, as it increases the ranks of our enemies. I warn the planters that I have good reason to believe that their property on the coast of South Carolina is in more danger now than at any time since the com- mencement of the war, and I consider it the duty of every patriotic * See Feilden to Walker, November 30, 1863, Vol XXVIII, Part II, p. 530 Page 302 302 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. man to remove all the men whose age and physical strength fit them for soldiers within the line indicated in General Beauregards letter. This line runs from Charleston in the rear of Ashepoo River to its headwaters, thence in the rear of Edisto River to Branchyille, thence along the southern boundary of Baruwell District to the Savannah River. Very respectfully, yonr obedient servant, W. S. WALKER, Brigadier- General, Commanding. [Inclosure No. 3.] POCOTALIGO, December 3, 18G3. * * * * * * * The raid of the enemy a few days ago is the immediate cause of this communication. Such demonstrations cannot be prevented by the force here, and in 99 cases of 100 the enemy will be enabled to escape with- ont punishment. The extent of coast from the Ashepoo to the Savan- nah is very great, and the distance ridden over necessarily by General Walkers inspector of outposts in making a single round is 450 miles on an exact calculation. The whole of this vast extent of outposts is accessible everywhere and is cut up and intersected throughout by streams, woods, and marshes. What force has General Walker under his command for this (outpost) duty? Two regiments of cavalry fur- nishing habitually about 1,400 effective men; one-fourth for outposts at a time. Everything that can be done under these circumstances is to guard the main avenues of approach along which the enemy might make a serious attack. This, you perceive, leaves unguarded miles and miles of coast, along which the enemy may penetrate in small parties without encountering a sentry. Once through the outposts there is no obstacle in their way to the plantatioiis until they reach Old Pocotaligo or the depot. Patrolling parties serve but little to prevent their movements, and in this affair the other night it is well ascertained that the pickets rounds visiting outposts passed within a few yards of the whole Yankee party, who stepped aside into the woods and allowed them to go by, wishing to avoid observation and being afraid, they said, that if they attempted capture one might escape and give alarm. Our force is so sniall as scarcely to afford outlying sentries. It is impossible to establish interior picket-posts. Now, when you consider that an army like General Lees, of 50,000 to 100,000 men, the front is not often wider than thirty or forty miles, and yet that scouts from either side penetrate almost daily the lines of the other, what chance have we? Moreover, for your information, I can tell you that although the Yankee outpost line is not over sixty miles, and their force quadruple ours, nevertheless our scouts are among them continually, and but a few days before the raid one was within three miles of Beanfort for some time, and another within 400 yards of flilton Head. There is not a picket of theirs which we cannot capture or destroy at any time should it be an object. Another disadvantage we suffer from here is the constant communication which is unques- tionably kept up between the negroes on the plantations and the run- aways with the Yankees; and these latter furnish the best guides in the world. Not a change of a picket-post is made but that they know it in a short time. Such is the general condrtion of affairs in this dis- trict. We are liable incessantly to these night raids, knowiiig the impossibility of preventing them, and the certainty of public censur Page 303 CHAP. LXV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 303 whenever they occur; and the effect is to demoralize the men and dis- hearten the officers. Xo officers commission under such circumstances is a guarantee for the loss of reputation. * * * * * * * The force of this district is not sufficient to protect the property here, nor is it enough to make a snccessful defense if the line is attacked in force. * * * * * * * If this line is abandoned from any cause great misery and loss of property will be the result. [28.] EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, C. S. A., Richmond, Va., December 18, 18G3~ General G. T. BEAUREGARD, Commanding, & c., Charleston, S. C.: GENERAL: I have the honor by the direction of His Excellency the President to inform you that a scout who has just arrived from Balti- more and has frequently brought General Lee and the Confederate Government reliable information, reports that the Washington Gov- ernment have abandoned all hope of taking Charleston and there the whisper is that they are about to attack Savannah. He further stated in support of this intelligence that the U. S. monitor Weehawken was lost on her way from Charleston to join the expedition against Savannah. It is deemed more probable, however, that the enemy will turn his forces against Wilmington, if he gives up the siege of Charles- ton, but the report as made is communicated to you for your informa- tion and guidance. I remain, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. M. BROWNE, [28.] Colonel and Aide-dc-Camp. STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA, EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, Columbia, December 19, 1863. General G. T. BEAUREGARD, Comdg. Department of South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida: SIR: I have the honor to forward by direction of His Excellency the Governor a certified copy of certain resolutions recently adopted by the General Assembly of this State. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, B. F. ARTHUR, Private Secretary. [Inclosure.] HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, December 12, 1863. The committee on the military, to whom was referred, at the called session of September with leave to report at the regular session, sun- dry resolutions in relation to the conduct of our troops engaged in the defense of Charleston, and also resolutions from the Senate on the same subject, report: That they recommend that all the resolutions referred to be laid on the table, and that in lieu thereof the following be adopted. Respectfully, W. F. HUTSOX, Chairman Page 304 304 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. Resolced, That the conduct of the troops engaged in the heroic defense of the city of Charleston and her dependencies entitles 1)0th officers and men to the thanks of their country and the highest meed of praise due to gallant and unflinching soldierly endurance. Resolved, That the State mourns with sorrowing pride the gallant heroes who have given their lives to the defense of our beloved city. Their names will ever live among our cherished memories; their children ever be the objects of our fostering care. Resolved, That the Governor be requested to send a copy of these resolutions to the commanding general of the department. I certify that the within is a correct copy of the report as it passed the Legislature at the late session. WM. E. MARTIN, Clerk of the Senate. DECEMBER, 1863. [28] WAR DEPARTMENT, C. S. A., Richmond, Va., December 21, 1863. His Excellency M. L. BONHAM, Governor of South Carolina, Columbia ,S.C.: SIR: I have received your letter of the 14th instant with its inclosures. I regret that the forces at the command of the Department will not allow itwith due regard to the paramount considerations of general defense, on which, after all, each special locality must in the end depend to afford, as it would gladly do, more complete defense than now given to the l)roductive districts to which you refer. The forces in the Dis- trict of South Carolina are already decidedly larger, in proportion to the threatening force of the enemy, than in any other arena of threat- etied conflict. To add to them might endanger more essential points than the one in Your Excellencys view. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAMES A. SEDDON, [28.] Secretary of War. SPECIAL ORDERS, ADJT. AND JNSP. GENERALS OFFICE, No. 310. Richmond, Va., December 31, 1863. * * * * * * * XXII. Col. John S. Preston, chief of the Bureau of Conscription, will assume the control of the whole bnsiness of conscription in the State of Florida, lately under the supervision of Brigadier-Generals Gardner and Finegan. * * * * * * * By command of the Secretary of War: JNO. WITHERS, [28.] Assistant Adjutant- General. CHARLESTON, S. C., Jan~~ary 6, 1864. Hon. CHARLES J. VJLLER, M. C., Richmond, Va.: M~ DEAR CHARLES: I send you herewith a letter from your mother to Henri of the 18th of November. My latest from New Orleans is o Page 305 CHAP. LXV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 305 the 4th of December. All were theii well. Doucette wrote me on the 19th of November. I have sent her letter to iRen6; send him your mothers also. His address is Walkers division, H ardees corps, Dal- ton, Ga. We have nothing new here. It is impossible to tell yet what the enemy is about, but I think he is a little at a loss to know what to do. I am using extensively the humbuggeries of war to deceive him, such as signal rockets, beating of qrums, firing of salutes, & c., near my 8(lvanced positions, especially where I am the weakest. I wish some of Longstreets or Johnstons brigades would come to winter in my (lepartment, between here and Savannah. They would suffer there less from cold and hunger than where they are. Such a change of position would not at all prevent the execution of the plan of campaign I sent to Mr. Soul6, especially if most of Longstreets corps were sent into North Carolina (about Weldon and Wilmington) and in this vicin- ity, as already indicated. I send you herewith a letter* to Colonel Miles, which you can read before delivering. It contains my very gen- eral views about that Army memorial to Congress. Cannot Congress and the State governments do something toward sending back to the ranks absentees, skulkers, and those ~~exempts~~ of proper age who ought to be in the service~ That would do away with the necessity of calling out the women, children, and old men. I regret Colonel Miles showed my notes on the gun-boats to Mr. Mallory, not that I care for what he may say, but they were written for sensible members of Congress to use in exploding that gun-boat humbug, which has had its run. It should be put down as soon as possible. Yours, sincerely, 0. T. BEAUREGARD. HEADQUARTERS, Savannah Brigadier-General JORDAN, ,January 12, 1864. Chief of Staff: GENERAL: I am in receipt of the commanding generals inquiry as to whether some way cannot be devised for destroying the enemys dock-yards, machine-shops, & c., at Scull Creek, t and in reply I have to say that careful inquiries have been made as to the character of the country adjacent to the enemys works, and I find that no point within range of 32-pounders can be found except on Hilton Head or Pinckney Islands. The enemy holds the former in force and the latter by strong pickets. To possess Pinckney Island it will be first necessary to dis- lodge the pickets. A considerable force would then be required to hold the island and put guns in position. Our means of water trans- portation are inadequate, I fear, for such an operation. As to the Io(igment on Hilton Head Island, I consider it impracticable. It is )ossible a secret expedition may be organized for the destruction of the yards and shops. On this point I will report more fully as soon as a report called for from Brigadier-General Walker on this matter shall have been received. I am, general, respectfully, your obedient servant, J. F. GILMER, [35.] Major-General and Second in Gommand. * See Beauregard to Miles, January 5, Vol. XXVIII, Part II, p. 605. See Vol. xxxv, Part I, p. 513. 20 R RVOL LII Page 306 306 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. MAYORS OFFICE, Savannah, January 23, 1864. General BEAUREGARD, C. S. Army, Now at Savannah: GENERAL: I avail myself of your presence in the city to address you on a subject of vital importance to our citizens. City council have in successful operation a city store, where provisions gathered at various points in the country by a purchasing committee are sold at a price merely covering costs and charges. This has had the double advantage of preventing extortion and of bringing supplies into the city. The purchases are made by agents regularly deputed by me, who go to various points in the country to purchase. We have been, how- ever, cut off from obtaining supplies from the borders of the Savannah River on either side, because the Government has monopolized all the transportation on the river, thus depriving the planters there of their usual market here, and cutting the city off from its supplies of corn, wood, & c. Maj. A. G. Porter, one of our agents, recently purchased some corn in South Carolina bordering on the river. Major Stewart, of this district, has kindly afforded the commission transportation for a few hundred bushels of corn from Parachucla, and for this act I learn he has been reported at headquarters, because the quartermaster iii Carolina apprehends procuring supplies for the army in that district. I had submitted to me a letter from Captain Buckner to Colonel CoJ. cock making loud complaints on this matter. I made a statement c facts to Brigadier-General Mercer that the corn was purchased by an~ for the city. At the time we had received none. Captain Buckner claimed jurisdiction indefinitely over the entire country contiguous to the banks of the Savannah River. This is not generous at least, as he must have known that the troops in South Carolina have drawn very large quantities of corn from Georgia, which have been forwarded by Major Davenport. We are in a bad condition here for corn. For a whole week hardly a house in Savannah had even its supply of grits, that necessary article of consumption having risen as high as $16 per bushel. I earnestly appeal to you to allow such corn as is bought bona fide for the city store in South Carolina near the river to be brought to the city on the Government boats when, as they often do, they have room for 100 bushels or thereabouts, and to enable the agent to get forward the corn he has already purchased for the city. I have every reason to believe that if transportation could be afforded along our river, corn would soon drop down to $3 a bushel. All of which is most respectfully sub- mitted to your consideration. Your obedient servant, R. D. ARNOLD, - [35.] Mayor. SPECIAL ORDERS, ADJT. AND INSP. GENERALS OFFICE, No. 23. Richmond, January 28, 1864. XIII. Capt. Francis D. Lee, Corps of Engineers, Provisional Army, C. S., is assigned to the duty of supervising the construction of torpedo- bearing steam-boats, in accordance with the recent orders of the Sec- retary of War, under the direction and from the hands of the Engineer Bureau. He will take his station at Charleston, S. C., with permission to visit other points of the Confederacy whenever his presence is required by the natnre of his duties. * * * * * * * By command of the Secretary of War: JNO. WITHERS, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 307 CHAP. LXV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 307 SPECIAL ORDERS, ADJT. AND INSP. GENERALS OFFICE, No. 25. * Richmond, January 30, 1864. * * * * * XII. The troops mustered into the Confederate service for six months from the State of South Carolina will be discharged on the 1st day of February, 1864. * * * * * * * Ily command of the Secretary of War: ~JNO. WITHERS, As8istant Adjutant- General. CHARLESTON, S. C., February 7, 1864. Col. W. PORCHER MILES, M. C., Richmond, Va.: DEAR COLONEL: Your letter of the 13th ultimo reached me at Savannah, where I had gone to complete our defensive ariangements there against the reported threatened attack of the enemy, which is still in embryo, however, but it may not come off at that point. I think Wilmington is a greater objective point to the enemy than Savannah. I regret much to hear of the great affliction you refer to in your letter. I can well sympathize with you, for I experienced the same loss several years since, and it was long before I recovered from the shock entirely. I thank you and the other members of Congress for the very flattering resolution passed relative to the defense of Charleston. It more than repays me for the ingratitude and jealousy of another part of the Gov- crniiient. Of course I never expected anything else from that quarter, but that his hatred should react even to those who are laboring under lily orders, so faithfully and devotedly to the country, is perfectly incomprehensible to me, for we are all engaged in the same boat, and if she sinks we will all perish together. Cannot some good angel open his eyes and ears and extirpate from his heart the corroded parts that are poisoning his whole system l The curse of God must have been on our people when we chose him out of so many noble sons of the South who would have carried us safely through this revolution! I read Hon- orable Sparrows report on Myers case with a sorrowing heart. I had no idea that men occupying such high positions could act so like pig- mies to gratify their malicious passions. What a bad counselor hate is! I send you herewith copy of a letter on the subject of my commis- saries.* Unless my just recommendations are granted I must ask to be relieved from command,forlcannolongerberesponsible for the action of officers who are not under my control. That Austrian system can only bring disaster and disgrace on our arms. You must excuse me for requesting you to be cautious about that new inspector-generals bill; it will be adding .another wheel to already a too cumbersome machine. What we want is simplicity and a direct acting power engine. C ive the generals in the field full authority to select their staft~ officers, and hold them (the generals) responsible for the result; if they fail, set them aside, just as Lincoln is doing. After a while we will find an effi- cient officer. There are bureaux enough about Richmond. What is required is proper men to fill them. With Bragg in Coopers place (who, I ui~derstand,is old and infirm) and G. W. Smith as Secretary of War all would yet go right. I hope you do not intend that another Probably Beauregar4 to Cooper, January 25, Vol. XXXV, Part I, p. 543 Page 308 308 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. general shall be ajpointed. Be careful that the Myers affair be not re-enacted in a higher sphere. I send you a newspaper slip relative to Grants preparatioiis for the spring campaign. Does it not show as clear as the noonday suit what his future plans are~ I hope so, but our preparations must be very secret, for not one word on the subject has yet reached me. With kind regards to all, I remain, sincerely, your friend, [35.] G. T. BEAUREGARD. JOINT RESOLUTION of thanks to Col. Thomas G. Lamar and the officers and men engaged in the defense of Secessionville. Resolved by the Congress of the Confederate States of America, That the thanks of Congress are due and are hereby tendered to Col. Thomas G. Lamar and the officers and men engaged in the gallant and success- fnl defense of Secessionville against the greatly superior numbers of the enemy on the 16th day of June, 1862. Approved February 8, 1864. [14.] TALLAHASSEE, FLA., February 16, 1864. Brig. Gen. THOMAS JORDAN, Assistant Adjutant- General and Chief of Stafi: GENERAL: I find it very difficult to obtain reliable informatioii. Naturally there is much excitement here, and a disposition on the part of officials and citizens to believe all rumors, however exaggerated and impi-obable. The number of the enemy in front of General Finegan is variously estimated from 10,000 to 16,000. My own impression is that 8,000 will cover the whole number landed. In tbis I may be mistaken, but doubt it. There is a rumor of a landing of 2,000 men at Edwards Landing. This is not well authenticated, though coming very direct. I have just seen a letter from Lieutenant Booth of the cavalry, saying that his scouts report a landing of the enemy at the Ocklockonee River (some forty miles from this place); in what force he does not say, but supposes it may be merely a raiding party from the gun-boats; but this place is entirely open, even to a small raiding party. There are here, I ascertain npon accurate inquiry, $6,000,000 in money, more than $300,000 in commissary stores, including at least 125,000 pounds of bacon and pork, large amounts of sugar and sirup, besides large and val- uable amount of quartermasters stores. For the removalof these stores no provision has been made, and there is no defensive force here, even for adequate guards for public property. I sent to you a telegram this afternoon which this report is designed to elaborate. A due degree of precaution would require, I submit, a small force to be kept here under all circumstances. One company (small) of cavalry has this evening been ordered back from Taylor County, some thirty miles distant, and will probably reach here to-morrow. I have advised freely with the officers here, and endeavored to arrange matters upon the best basis possible. Captain Gibbes, the provost-marshal, has returned. I find him an intelligent, zealous, and efficient officer. He concurs with me in my views expressed in my last report. He can fully, for all purposes, dis- charge the duties of post commandant, and with two small companies of infantry and a mounted detail (which might be selected from men unfit for field or exposed duty) hc could have a well-regulated post Page 309 Ca& p. LXV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 309 with a defensive force equal to an emergency, and no necessity would exist to separate a field officer from his command as heretofore. I therefore earnestly repeat the recommendation of my former report upon this point.~ I find a general concurrence in this view. Brigadier- General Gardner has not yet arrived at Quincy. So soon as he does I propose to visit and communicate with him. I feel some reluctance in alluding to General Finegan, as I have had no opportunity of personal observation, but I feel it my duty to express to you the general senti- ment. I have conversed with the best men here, and those just from the army. It is doing him no injustice to say that there is want of confidence in him as an untried and inexperienced officer, with troops of the same character generally. It is unquestionably a fact that much confidence would be imparted by the presence of an officer of rank and reputation. Major Keyes, the chief commissary, tells me if he had the cars he would send to Quincy a large portion of his stores. Under all the circumstances I think it would be advisable, or else to retain some force here. To-day I visited the magazine and found it in good condition and properly guarded. My attention has been called to the condition of the prison here, and I shall make an inspection of it to-morrow. No register or record was found here when Captaiu Gibbes entered upon duty, and there are prisoners who have been in confinement for months with no charges filed against them. I will report fully upon its condi- tion with any recommendations which suggest themselves. I shall also inspect the hospitals in transitu from Lake City to this point. Twenty Patients who were ordered here under no guard are reported to have deserted. The number of desertions is alarming. Colonel Gamble, of this place, showed me a letter from Taylor County in which the l)osltLon of the organized deserters is represented as bold and dangerous. 1 can see nothing which can be done at present toward checking them. Mr. Houston and others reliable, just from the neighborhood of Gainesville, report the conduct of the enemy as conciliating in the extreme, not injuring persons or property, sending back negroes, and urging the continued cultivation of the farms, bidding very strongly for the Union sentiment of the State. They have given dtizens passes out of their lines; represent themselves in large force, with the intention of a per- manent occupation of the State. I shall continue to keep you advised of all I consider reliable, and shall be pleased to have any instructions or intimation of views from headquarters. Respectfully submitted. JNO. F. LAY, [35.] Major and A8sistant Adjutant- General. [Indorsements on Beauregard to Cooper, February 18, 1864, Vol. XXXV, Part I, p. 618.] [First indorsement.] FEBRUARY 24, 1864. Respectfully submitted to the Secretary of War. S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General. [Second indorseinentI MARcH 3, 1864. Engineer Bureau for consideration. J. A. SEDDON, & oretary of War Page 310 310 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. [Third indorsement.] ENGINEER BUREAU, March 4, 1864. Respectfully returned to the honorable Secretary of War. This railroad connection has been favorably considered, and Maj. Minor Meriwether, of the Engineer Corps, directed (with your approval) to take prompt measures for the execution of the work. A. L. HIVES, Lieutenant-Colonel and Acting Chief of Bureau. IIDQRs. DEPT. OF S. CAROLINA, ~IEORGIA, AND FLORIDA, Charleston, ~. C., February 18, 1864. Hon. W. PORCHER MILES, M. C., Richmond, Va.: Mv DEAR COLONEL: I can but express my surprise at the seeming blindness of all classes to the motives and consequences of the move- ments of the cuemy under Sherman from Vicksbnrg. Several days since I felt it my duty to send my views by telegraph to the War Department (see the inclosed copy marked A*) to avert, if possible, aiiother Yicksburg disaster, for want of timely concentration of our dispersed forces. It is evident to my mind that if the enemy is actually burning the bridges in his rear, and has taken the field in force, with oniy a limited supply of provisions and munitions of war, he intends to change his base of operations from the Mississippi River to where lie can renew those supplies when exhausted; manifestly some point on the Gulf of Mexico and as near to Mobile as practicable. Pascagonla must therefore be regarded as his first objective point and Mobile the second. Hemice we ought to concentrate at once all our forces immedi- ately available on the Pascagoula front to delay and prevent him from getting a foothold there, if possible; and heavy gangs of negroes should be at once employed felling trees and otherwise obstructing the roads, & c., in the eiiemnys front, rear, and flanks, to delay him until his sup- plies may be exhausted, or a sufficient force collected from contiguous departmeiits to insure his utter destruction. But suppose the enemy shall have established himself at Pascagoula, what then ~ If lie can get into Mobile Bay with some gun-boats through Grants Pass and remain there to cut off conununications with Forts Morgan and Gaines he will undoubtedly do so; if not, he will at once land troops on Dau- phin Island aimd proceed to the regular attack and reduction of Fort Gaines, with the assistance of the navy, if practicable; otherwise without it. This operation will probably take about two weeks. He will then establish batteries of long ramige, heavy Parrott guns, as against Fort Sumter, to batter down, in combination with the emiemys iron-clad gun-boats, the exposed walls of Fort Morgan, and emideavor to render that work untenable or harmless when his fleet shall l)eiietrate Mobile Bay; thus cutting oft all communications betweeii that work and Mobile, and compelling its surrender in a few weeks more; say two or three from the time of the fall of Fort Gaines. The enemys fleet would then use the bay as a harbor, and the army at Pascagouha would transfer its base to the western shore-of Mobile Bay, as close to the city as the depth of water and our batteries would permit, securing thus a lodgmemit as near the objective point as any army could possibly desire. The siege of Mobile would then regularly begin, though thi * See February 13, Vol. XXXV, Part I, p. 603 Page 311 CHAP. LXV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 311 place would previously have been more or less closely invest& i ry tue enemys cavalry and light troops. I am not sufficiently well acquainted with the topography of the vicinity of that city to venture to state where will be the true point of attack, but rest assured that Major-Generals Sherman and McPher- son, able and dangerous adversaries, and Gilln~ore (who probably is now on his way to Mobile) will not commit any material error in its selection, and that, all other things being equal, they will atta~ck a poimit as near their base as practicable. The reduction of Mobile will probably consume about four weeks longer, or about two or three mouths in all from the arrival at Pascagoula of Shermans army. This estimate of time is necessarily a very rough one and should only be received as such. The enemy would next push his columns forward up the Alabama River to Selma, Montgomery, and Atlanta, so as to attack or threaten Johnston in the rear, whilst Grant, with over- powering numbers, will advance in his front from Chattanooga. Will Johnston be prepared to meet successftmlly such odds against him ~l I fear that he would necessarily be compelled to retire in the direction of Augusta and Macon, abandoning to the enemy all that rich extent of country in North Alabama and Northwest Georgia. We would then be separated from the Trans-Mississippi Department by the immense belt of country extending from the Mississippi River to the Apalachi- cola,, the Chattahoochee up to about Columbus, thence along a line running northeasterly, passing in advance of Macon and Augusta. Should the enemy meantime succeed in throwing a large force into Florida that State would also be cut off from the Confederacy,when, unless something favorable should turn up (from what quarter I cannot imagine), we shall be reduced by the end of spring to the possession ot about one-half of Georgia, the whole of South Carolina (I hope), North Carolina, and a part of Virginia. A sad picture, indeed, to contem- plate; and on that I shall not dwell longer for fear of being considered by you an augnr of ill omen. Before closing it has occurred to me to add that if it be now too late to concentrate a sufficient force in West Alabama to delay, as sug- gested, the movements of Shermans army, could not Generals John- ston and Longstreet take boldly the offensive to strike at Grant whilst his forces are scattered and weakened by the corps he must have sent off with Sherman~ I also send you herewith for your information a copy marked B of two telegrams. * You are authorized to use this letter as you may deem proper. Hoping that we may soon have the pleasure of seeing you here again, I remain, yours, truly, [35.] G. T. BEAUREGARD. RICHMOND, VA., February 21, 1864. General G. T. BEAUREThRD, Charleston, S. C.: Your dispatch receivedA The requisition made upon you was based upon your last return, which gave your effective total as 30,000. Recent intelligence indicated that the enemy had withdrawn forces from your front. What aid can you give General Johnston in his present emergency? JEFFERSON DAVIS. [32 and 35.] * Not found as inclosures. t See Vol. XXXII, Part II, p. 772 Page 312 312 s. c., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. His Excellency JOHN MILTON, RICHMOND, FA., February 23, 1864. Tallahassee, Eta.: Dispatch of 21st received.* Congratulate you upon General Fine- galls success.~ Maj. Gen. J. Patton Anderson has been assigned to the command of East and West Florida. JEFFERSON DAVIS. [35.] DAVIDSON COLLEGE N C Febru General S. COOPER, , ., ary 23, 1864. Adjutant and Inspector General: Your letter not received till last night.t The command at Charles- ton is impracticable at present; reasons given in full by mail. Should the delay be prejudicial to the interests of the service do not keep the position at Charleston vacant on my account4 With great respect, 1). II. HILL, [33 and 35.] ]llajor- General. DAVIDSON COLLEGE N C Febru General S. COOPER, , ., ary 23, 1864. Adjutant and Inspector General: Your letter of the 16th instant did not reach me till last night.t I sent a telegram to Charlotte this morning that the interest of the service might not be I)rejudiced by delay. A review of some personal matters will show the necessity of not acceptiiig the service tendered at Charleston by your letter until I can present a clear record to the troops of my command. A month after the battle of Chickamauga I was relieved from duty with the Army of Tennessee by the request of its commander. That officer, in an interview with me, distinctly stated that he had no fault to find with me up to the close of the battle of Chickamauga; he used similar language to officers of high rank in reference to me. Nevertheless he did bring grave charges against me in a letter to the President. Nevertheless extraordinary efforts were made to prejudice the Army and the country against me. A court of inquiry, which would have vindicated my character and reputation, has been persistently refused me. On the contrary, the imputations against me have been virtually sustained by my banishment from the field for four months, by my reduction to the rank of major-general from that of lieutenant-general, and by the appointment of a junior officer to the position vacated by this reduction. However, I cordially concur in the preference for this mutilated hero and unhesitatingly admit his claims to promotion to be stronger than my own; and I would feel in like manner with reference to the promotion of 11. H. Anderson, A. P. Stewart, Early, and others. Still the circumstances attending the advancement of the gallant and accomplished Hood do constitute a reflection upon myself. These four facts, thenmy being relieved from duty just after a great battle, my banishment from the field for so long a period, my reduction from rank, and supersedure by Vol. XXXV, Part I, p. 327. tSee Cooper to Hill, February 16, 1864, Vol. XLII, Part III, p. 1165. ~ Other correspondence relating to the assignment of General Hill to duty at Charleaton will be found in Vole. XXXV and XLII Page 313 313 CHAP. LXV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. a junior officerare all calculated to impair the confidence of the troops in me as a commander. As no officer in the service has been so severely dealt with, the natural and unavoidable inference must be that the subject of such treatment has been found wanting either in mental capacity or in soldierly quali- ties. In this great struggle for independence, I waive all considera- tions of wounded sensibility as an officer and a man, and would cheer- fully serve in any capacity in which I could be useful but the usefulness of an officer is essentially dependent npon the confidence felt in him by his men, and in my case this must be impaired, if not destroyed, by the facts above alluded to. It is reasonable to suppose that the soldiers will view with distrust one who has been treated as no other Confeder- ate officer has been. Unless, then, the assignment to duty be accom- panied by an unequivocal expression of undiminished confidence in my capacity, gallantry, and fidelity, I can accept no position that may be tendered. As I could not be useful without such an expression, the acceptance of a position would be the sacrifice of the interests of the country for the sake of a command, and every principle of patriotism Fin] me to do it. I will repair forthwith, to Charleston and await your reply.* With great respect, ~. II. HILL, [33 and ~~1 Major- General. DAVIDSON CoLLEGE, February 24, 1864. Generai S. COOPER I will repair at once to Charleston and there await, before entering on duty, the clear record promised me. The command is otherwise impracticable. Very respectfully, D. H. HILL, [33 and 35.] Major- General. QUALLATOWN, N. C., February 28, 1864. To the GOVERNOR AND COUNCIL OF SOUTH CARoLiNA: Sins: At the commencement of the present war I urged the Caro- linas to make preparations for defending the passes in the Smoky Mountain for their common protection, and to aid as far as I could iii keeping back the Northern vandals, by the express permission of President Davis, I raised a legion of Indians and highlanders. Last fall when East Tennessee was unfortunately surrendered to the enemy I, with the Indians, was ordered to fall back on the Smoky Mountain to check the progress of the enemy. Until recently this was the prin- cipal force that we have had to accomplish this object, except a few troops at Asheville. Georgia watches the Hiwassee Pass iii Cherokee County and l)reVellts the advance of the enemy in that direction beyond Cherokee County, N. C. This leaves the pass up French Broad and the one up the Tennessee River to be defended by the joint efforts of the Carolinas. If the enemy could advance through either of those passes it would be difficult, if not impossible, for the people of the Carolinas to defend themselves. The enemy for a time did not extend their raids beyond the Smoky Mountain, except in Cherokee County, * See Vol. XLII, Part III, p. 1165 Page 314 314 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. N. C.; but on the 2d instant they advanced np the Tennessee and Tuckasegee to the mouth of Deep Creek, wheu the Indians, under my command, arrested their progress. The enemy lost about twelve killed and wounded, the Indians five. I am informed that the Northern papers boast of killing 200. As the falling back of General Longstreet leaves this pass open to raids unless a sufficient force can be obtained and stationed at or near the mouth of the Tuckasegee River, and as this cannot be effected unless supplies of grain can be obtained in South Carolina, not only for the troops, but also for the families of the Indians, now in a starving condition, I have deemed it proper to make an appeal to you for the following aid: First, for corn and flour, & c., to be shipped to Walhalla for our troops necessary to the defense of this pass; second, that per. mission be given to purchase grain in South Carolina for the families of onr troops, including the Indian families, and that facilities be fur- nished to make shipments to Waihalla at once. It is feared that it cannot be shipped in time to prevent starvation among the Indians, which would at once cause us to lose that portioii of my force, [in] which event I would very probably have to fall back across the Blue Ridge, a line which it would be difficult to defend. I shall also want permis. sion to ship a small quantity of rice, pease, beans, & c., for the Indian families; also some cloth, spun cotton, and cotton to make the neces- sary clothing. Two causes have deprived this portion of North Caro- lina of the i~eans of subsistence: First, having but a lew slaves among the whites and none among the Indians deprived the country of the necessary amount of labor, after nearly all the men between eighteen and forty-five had volunteered; second,it was a bad crop year, and the early frosts destroyed a large portion of the corn crops or materially injured them. In a large portion of the counties in the Carolinas one- half the laborers are slaves. When the white laborers are placed in the Army it leaves one-half of the colored laborers to make a subsist- ence. It is this~ condition of the country that has produced starvation, and if not arrested will produce much disloyalty to the South at a time when we have no men to spare. The last proposition of Lincoln leaves the South nothing to hope for if subjugated. Hence the necessity of united action to arrest the progress of the enemy. Your obedient servant, WM. H. THOMAS, Colonel Thomas Legion Indians and Irlighianders. COLUMBIA, March 4, 1864. I commend this matter to the favorable consideration of the com- manding general of department, and will forward objects as far as I can. M. L. BONHAM. [33 and 35.] EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA, Hon. JAMES A. SEBDON, Columbia, March 4, 1864. AS~ecretary of War: SIR: Having turned over to the Government the two companies in service of the State, and in view of the probable evacuation of East Tennessee by General Longstreet, which will doubtless invite a raid of the enemy through the mountains into the upper part of the State, and in consideration of the arms-bearing population of the Stat Page 315 CHAP. LXV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 315 from seventeen to fifty being now considered as belonging to the Con- federacy, I write to urge upon your Department the propriety of sta- tioning in that region of country a force of not less than six or eight mounted infantry companies and a battery of light artillery for the protection of that section, in which most of the factories and iron works of the State are situated. I invite your earliest attention to this in atter. Yours, very respectfully, M. L. BONHAM. [iliaorsernelit.] MARCH 10, 1864. I trust the contingency will not arise. J. A. S., & cretary. TIDQRS. DEPT. OF S. CAROlINA, GEORGIA, AND FLORIDA, Charleston, ~. (J.,]Jiarch 19, 1864. General G. T. BEAUREGARD: GENERAL: I wrote on the 4th instant* to General Cooper, declining the position tendered until the promise should be complied with of an expression of undiminished coifidence. No answer has been received to this letter. I again wrote on the 17th iustant, * and will get no reply to that letter. In fact, no answer can be given, as it [is] so clearly a case of bad faith. I am most anxious to be on duty, but the harsh treatment of the Executive has made the troops believe that I had committed some military offense, and they are naturally unwilling to receive a man under a cloud. The President does not intend to notice me in any way or to answer my letters, hoping that the embar- rassment of my false position will constrain me to resign. I wish that you were here, so that I might advise with you. Shall you go on the proposed expedition ~ I hope that I may not be left out. Yours, truly and sincerely, D. H. HILL, Major- General. P. S.I have just learned that you have certainly met the greatest bereavement in life. Be assured of my heartfelt sympathy and that I earnestly hope a God of consolation will soothe your grief and still enable you to discharge fully the duties of your responsible position. [35.] General BEAUREGARD, CHARLESTON, March 26, 1864. Headquarters Charleston, & C.: DEAR SIR: The proposed withdrawal of a large portion of the forces under your command, and specially charged with the protection of our coast and the approaches to the city, for which service they had become peculiarly qualified because of their long service in this locality, induced the undersigned to communicate with Mr. Miles, their immediate repre- seitative, to interfere and if possible prevent the execution of an order so injurious, as they conceived, not only to our city and our State, but to the country at large. From Mr. Miles they have understood that he * See Vol. XLII, Part III, p. 1166 Page 316 316 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. I1~. C. [CHAP. LXV. cannot secure what they desire. Further reflection has satisfied them that they have not underrated the severe disadvantage which must result from a continued persistence in this order, and it is a duty they feel owing to themselves because of their connections, and to the coun- try at large, to present their request directly t~) the President himself. To do so, however, they feel it due to the President to be able to say how far you concur with them in the opinions they entertain. It is for the purpose, therefore of obtaining from you a full and distinct expres- sion of your opinion in relation to the effect this order will have upon the security of the coast and the safety of the city that we beg respect- fully to address this letter to you, and request from you an answer at your earliest convenience. Without desirin ~ to cause you any incon- venience we would only add that it is considered important that the committee should leave as early as possible, and if possible that they should depart for Richmond to-morrow. Respectfully, & c., A. G. MAGRATH. W. C. BEE. [35.] lAND OTIIER5.j HEADQUARTERS Sun-DIsTRICT No. 1, Tallahassee, March 28, 1864. Maj. Gen. P. ANDERSON, Commanding District of Florida: GENERAL: I have the honor to forward the report of Lieutenant- Colonel Capers and documents designated A and .13; also my letter in reply to Stricklands. This letter is respectfully submitted to you for your indorsement. I would also ask what I shall do with the wives aiind children of these deserters0? I believe it to be necessary to retain them as directed in the last clause of my letter to Lieutenant-Colonel Capers. As soon as obtained a detailed report of the mules, arms, and pro- visions captured by Colonel Capers will be forwarded.* Very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. M. GARDNER, Brigadier- General, Commanding. [Jnclosioro No. 1.] HEADQUARTERS, Camp Linton, March 27, 1864. Maj. J. L. CROSS, Assistant Adjutant- General: MAJOR: I have the honor to report that in obedience to Special Orders, No. 7 (extract), paragraphs I and ~II, 1 assumed command of the troops designated to operate against the deserters and disaffected citizens of Taylor and Lafayette Counties, iii this State. From the best information I could obtain the camp of the enemy was located near the mouth of the Econfina River, on the east bank, and sur- rounded by a thick marsh, which at high tide was overflowed, rendering communications with the adjoining swamps and hammocks exceedingly difficult. The recent heavy rains had swollen the rivers to such an extent that the swamps and hammock lands were covered with water and deemed almost impassable by the citizens. Under these circum- stances I found it impracticable to picket the road from the Natural Bridge to the bridge over the lower ferry of the Econfina River, as * For reply, see Barth to Gardner, Vol. XXXV, Part II, p. 390 Page 317 Cu~. LXV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 317 directed in the orders referred to, and decided to make a reconnaissance of the country in force to the Gulf coast and attack the enemys camp wherever found. With this object in view I ordered the detachment of cavalry, nuder command of Major Camfield, to proceed from this 1)Oint dowim the east bank of the Econfina IRiver and to co-operate with the Twelfth Battalion in an attack upon the enemys camp upon Snyders Island. Moving with the Twelfth Georgia Battalion from Gambles farm to the Natural Bridge, and through the swamp on time east bank of the Aucilla Iliver, I passed entirely through the country occupied by the disaffected citizens and deserters, amid reached the camp of the enemy at daylight on the morning of the 24th instant. Here I found nothing but the deserted huts of the deserters, and no traces of any camp regularly organized by the enemy. The inaccessible character of the swamps, which extend from C ambles to the coast, and the experi- ence of the war conducted for years between the Seminole Indians and the U. S. forces in this section without any positive result, and the further demonstrated fact that these deserters and disaffected citizens did not maintain any organized encampment, but remained concealed in the vicinity of their homes, determined me to destroy their houses, in addition to the removal of their families as directed in the orders referred from district headquarters. Accordingly I ordered the de- strnction of every house on the east and west banks of the Econfina and Fenholloway Rivers belonging to these people. The captured muster-roll herewith l)resente(1 (A) enabled me to obtain positive evidence as to the disloyalty of the inhabitaimts, and from the fact that they had taken the oath of allegiance to the United States Governmeimt, I could not discriminate betweemi them and citizens of the United States iii arms against the Confederacy. At XV illiam Strick- lands house (who is the leader of the gang) was captured the muster- roll referred to, 2,000 roun(ls of fixed ammunitiomi for the Springfield musket~ several barrels of flour from the U. S. Subsistence Department, and several other articles which evidenced the regularity of their coin- munication with the enemys gun-boats. Having destroyed their prop- erty and secured their families, I returned to Mr. Lintons farm to rest the infantry, who were broken down by a contimmued march of several days throngh densely wooded swamps, and water at times so deep as to necessitate the removal of cartridge-boxes to keep the ammunition in order. In addition to the destructiou of their property I have to report the capture of three prisoners, two of whoni have their names on the muster-roll of the compammy. I Imave also to report time death of two men of the cavalry detachment, who wer9 killed on the moriming of the 24th instant by aim accident which cannot but be considered the result of carelessness. As no official report of this matter has beemm made to me, I refer to it as the loss accruing to time service by the expe- dition. The secondary effects of the plaim adopted with these people is manifested in the communication of W. W. Strickland, sent to my head- (luarters on yesterday, and which is herewith submitted (B). The terums upon which he proposed to leave the swamps are such that I must refer the matter to the commanding gemmeral before answering him definitely. The subject is a delicate one, and some diplomacy must be used to secure the ends proposed. On the borders of these swamps are large planting interests, with hundreds of negroes upon them of immense service to time Confederacy in the production of graimi and bacon. From their hiding 1)laces these men can commit depredatiomis upon the property to such an extent as to materially imiterfere with the farming operations, and I would urge upon the general commanding the necessity unde Page 318 318 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. these circumstances of compromising with these men as may be con- sistent with the general weal. Should Stricklands company be concili- ated, it will in all probability lead to the dispersion of those under the command of Coker and White, on the Fenholloway and Steinhatchee. I would respectfully commend to the commanding general the serv- ices of Mr. John Townsend and Jacob Chancy, whose perfect knowledge of the country and great activity make their services indispensable in this service. It would be impossible for me to have penetrated these swamps even with a compass without their aid. I would also suggest -the propriety of ordering the infantry to their camp, that they may recover from the effects of this march, and be resupplied with shoes and clothing, should the unconditional surrender of these deserters be required. The only practical way of hunting theni will be with dogs and mounted men under the command of an experienced woodsman who is familiar with the country. The experience of the Seminole war will fully establish this fact. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, II. D. CAPERS, Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding. [First indorsement.] Respectfully forwarded for information of the general commanding. PATTON ANDERSON, Major- General. [Second indorsement.] IIDQRS. DEPT. S. CAROLINA, GEORGIA, AND FLORIDA, Charleston, S. C., April 9, 1864. Respectfully forwarded to the War Department for its information. G. T. BEAUREGARD, General, Commanding. [Third indorsement.] ADJUTANT AND INSPECTOR GENERALS OFFICE, April 23, 1864. Respectfully submitted to the Secretary of War. II. L. CLAY, Assistant Adjutant- General. [Fourth indorsernont.] It will be necessary to tern porize and perhaps compromise with these people in their inaccessible retreats. J.A. S., Secretary. [Sub-inclosuro No. 1.] A. We, the undersigned, members of a company called the Indepen- dent Union Rangers, of Taylor County, Fla., do agree that we will cheerfully obey all orders given by the officers we elect over us, that we will bear true allegiance to the United States of America; that we will not under pain of such penalty or punishment as a court-martial composed of ten men of the company, appointed by the captain, may inflict, give any information or speak in the presence of any one, even though it be our wives and families, of any expedition, raid, or attack that we may be about to undertake; that we agree to shoot or in some other way destroy any person or persons who are proven to be spies of the enemy, or any person who has carried information from our camp Page 319 CHAI. LXV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 319 to any person through whom it may have gotten to the enemy; that all orders issued by our commanding officers relative to the killing of cattle and seizure of provisions will be cheerfully obeyed; that we agree to bring all property seized on our raids and expeditions to such place as our commanding officers may direct for the common -benefit of all concerned, and in case of a division the captaiu shall make such distribution as to him seems most just; that we agree to make known any meeting or traitorous proceedings, or any violation of any orders of the snperior officers, to our captain as soon as possible; that we agree to punish by death, or such other punishment as a court-martial may inflict, any person who may desert or entice others to do so, or shall treat with contempt his officer or weakcn his authority in any way, or shall plunder or abuse any person known to be friendly to us. William W. Strickland, C. K. Martin, N. D. Poppell, Will- iam S. Stanaland, James M. Strickland, G. G. Sheffield, Ison Sheffield, J. W. Wallace, IR. S. Stanaland, J. B. Brannon, W. A. Brannon, B. A. Driggers, C. E. Tulling- ton, M. J. Snipes, F. Johnson, J. Snipes, J. Ayres, W. Martin, J. Martin, J. Sapp, D. Sapp, 1). Harding, W. Fulford, J. Fulford, F. Groomes, J. Johnson , A. Kirk- land, B. Poppell, E. Bishop, J. Bishop, L. Whitehurst, J. Poppell, A. Starling, P. Snipes, P. Poppell. [5ub-inclosure No. 2.1 B. MARCH 27, 1864. [Lient. Col. H. D. CAPERS:] Mv DEAR SIR: I got your letter that you teft with Mr. Johnson the 26th. I am anxious to hear from you, and you from me, for I cannot control my men since they saw you fire our house. I cannot control them any longer. I aint accountable for what they do now. As for myself, I will do anything that any half white man ever done, only to go into the Confederate war any more, though when I was in it I done may duty, I reckon. Ask Colonel Smith if I was not as good a soldier as long as he was captain, and would have been yet if Mr. Smith had of staid captain, but now I have went on the other side and tried what we call United States of Taylor, but I find it is like the Confederate menmore wind than work. As for myself, I aint agoing in for any order, only to stay with Mr. Johnson and help him tend to his stock, and I will help him to pen or drive cattle for you, but my oath will not permit me to fight any more. If you will send and gct me an exemption and my men that have taken the oath to stay in Taylor and raise stock for you they will do so, but they will not go into war if you had as many again men and dogs, for our title is Florida IRoyals, and if we cant get a furlough from Mr. Jeff. Davis during the war you will find our title right for a while; so I remain a flea until I get a furlough from headquarters, and when you put your thumb on me and then raise it up I will be gone. I give you my respects for the good attentions you l)aid to my wife, for it was not her notion for me to do as I was doing. Just set me and my men free from the war and we will try with leave to get corn till we can make. If not, you can go to moving the steers out of the adjoining three counties. So here is my love for the good atten- tions for my wife and child. If the war lasts long enough and you will raise him to be a soldier he will show the spunk of his daddy. So I remain, W. W. STRICKLAND, Florida Ifloyals Page 320 320 S C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV [Inclosure No 2.] HEADQUARTERS SUB-DISTRICT No. 1, Tallahassee, March 28, 1864. Lieutenant-Colonel CAPERS, Commanding, ccc., Taylor County: COLONEL: Your report, the oath, and roster of the deserters, and Mr. W. W. Stricklands letter of the 27th instant, have beeii received and submitted to Brigadier-General Gardner. I am directed by him to say, in reply to Mr. Stricklands letter, that the terms of his proclamation of the 18th instant (copies of which are herein inclosed to Mr. Strick- land, with request that he distribute them to his men) are very plain and very lenient. The general does not regard the oath to the United States referred to in Mr. Stricklands letter as binding upon him or his men unless administered by an officer or some delegated authority sent by that Government and voluntarily received by the men of Taylor County. Mr. Stricklands letter has been referred to General Ander- son for his decision, with recommendation that those who have taken the oath of allegiance to the United States be received as we do deserters from that Government, provided they come in and consider themselves in good faith citizens of the United States. Those who have deserted from our Army and will come in by the 5th of April will be sent to their regiments and those subject to the military service who have never been in it are recommended to be employed to tend and drive beef, provided they come in and give themselves up. If Mr. Strickland will meet you under a flag of truce it is the opinion of the brigadier-general commanding that this whole matter can be settled without farther difficulty. These people must know that they are doing wrong, and are acting in a way that will not be recognized by any civil governmemit. They have no doubt been imposed upon by the shrewdness of Yankee speculators and advised to thus act against their own people and friends. The women and children will be sent to the rear and strictly guarded until this difficulty is settled. Most respectfully, your obedient servant, ~. L. CROSS, Assistant Adjutant- General. [Sub-inclosure.] CIRCULAR.] HEADQUARTERS SUB-DISTRICT No. 1, ]Iloseley hall, March 18, 1864. To ALL WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: The commanding general is prepared with ample forces and means to enter the counties of Taylor and Lafayette amid visit prompt punish- ment upon deserters and others who may be found offering resistance to the military authorities of the Confederate States or doin_ violence to persons or property of their loyal fellow-citizens. He feels assured that many soldiers have been pursuaded by the inducements and influ- ences of designing men to absent themselves from their commands and even to band together with the ruffians who have by their misdeeds finally attracted the attention of the Government to them. To these a full pardon and restoration to their commands is extended, provi(led they voluntarily report at these headquarters or to the conscript camp at Madison, Fla., before the 5th day of April next. To those deserters or others who may be deaf to the clemency offered severe punishment will be administered. All those who may be found with armns in their. hands will be shot without mercy. The families of deserters and th Page 321 CHAP. LXV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 321 disloyal will be sent into the interior, their property destroyed, and all the cattle, horses, and hogs will be driven away or shot. It is to be distinctly understood that there will be no suspension of milThary oper- ations from this day to the 5th of April. W. M. GAliDNEIt, Brigadier- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS ARMIES CONFEDERATE STATES, Richmond, March 29, 1864. The PRESIDENT: A correspondence on this subject between the same parties and on a similar point involving Major Locke, chief commissary for the State of Georgia, was recently submitted to me.* The main difficulty seems to arise from the action of General Beauregard, deemed irregular and improper, in retaining on his reports and treating as members of the staff of his command officers of the Subsistence Department assigned to special service by the War Department, though within the geograph- ical limits of General Beauregards command. I think that both Gen- eral Beauregard and the Commissary-General go beyond the record and bring into the discussion of the simple question much extraneous mat- ter better omitted, and only calculated to complicate and embarrass. The question of subsistence is a most serious one, and should be approached by us all with an eye to the public interest alone. Persons are nothing, aiid should not be considered in such an issue. General Beauregard has been notified by the Adjutant-General, since my exam- ination of the first correspondence, that he is in error in supposing the commissaries assigned by the War Department to special service in his geographical limits constitute a part of his command. He was also informed that if he needed an officer of the Subsistence Department at his headquarters to exercise supervisory control he had only to select one and place him on that duty. As the immediate want of subsistence is supplied, there seems to be no further action necessary, but it may be well to have a rigid inspection of the affairs in his department caus- ing so munch complaint. Respectfully submitted. BIIAXTON BRAGG, General. [First in(lorsement.] MARCH 29, 1864. Secretary of War, with inclosures. The Subsistence Department, being charged with the duty of pro- viding supplies for the Army, must have the power of assigning and instructing its officers under the directions of the War Department. Generals commanding departments or armies may and should aid the commissaries so employed, but should not interfere with them in the discharge of their appropriate and defined duties. Issuing commis- saries are not to be confounded with purchasing officers or those in charge of general depots. Commissaries, like other officers of the personal staff; should be assigned in orders from the Adjutant and Inspector Generals Office. JEFFN DAVIS. * See Vol. XXXV, Part I, pp. 543, 566, 571. 21 R RVOL LII Page 322 322 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. [Second indorsemeut.] APRIL 3, 1864. To Adjutant-General, for notice of the Presidents indorsenient. J. A. S., Secretary. [Third indorsement.] ADJUTANT AND INSPECTOR GENERALS OFFICE, April 21, 1864. Respectfully referred to Maj. Gen. Sam. Jones for his information. His attention is invited to the indorsement of the President. Please return the papers after examination. By order of Adjutant and Inspector General: II. L. CLAY, Assistant Adjutant- General. [Fourth indorsement.] HDQRS. DEPT. S. CAROLINA, GEORGIA, ANT) FLORIDA, Charleston, May 2, 1864. Respectfully returned. SAM. JONES, Major- General. [Fifth indorsement. I ADJUTANT AND INSPECTOR GENERALS OFFICE, May 27, 1864. Respectfully referred to the Commissary-General, to note indorsement of the Presiden t. Please return papers. By order of Adjutant and Inspector General: H. L. CLAY, Assistant Adjutant- General. [Sixth indorsement.I OFFICE OF COMMISSARY-GENERAL OF SUBSISTENCE, June 3, 1864. The Presidents remarks, to which my attention has been called, are to the purport precisely which this bureau has steadily contended for. General Braggs criticism about the Commissary-General is illogical. Respectfully, L. B. NORTHROP, [35.] Commissary- General. CHARLESTON, S. C.~ March 29, 1864. General S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General: As the mails are very uncertain and you had not received my letters of the 4th and 17th instant,* I have sent my aide, Lieutenant Reid, to Richmond with copies of those letters with directions to wait your reply. Should the clear record promised be granted I wish to enter upon duty immediately and will need a staff. I learn that my old staff is now supernumerary in floods corps. I would~ therefore, respect- fully ask to have the following officers assigned to me: Maj. A. C. * See Riely to Hill, March 26, Vol. XLII, Part III, p. 1167 Page 323 CHAP. LXV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 323 Avery, inspector-general; Maj. J. W. Rateliford, ad.jutant-generals department; Maj. E. H. Ewing, assistant quartermaster; Maj. Isaac Scherck, acting commissary of subsistence; Capt. T. Coleman, engineer. Very respectfully, D. H. HILL, Major- General. RICHMOND VA His Excellency M. L. BONHAM, March 31, 1864. Columbia, S. C.: GOVERNOR: I have already informed you by telegraph why your dis- patch of the 26th was not sooner answered, and considering it inadvis- able to transmit over the wires the information obtained in reference to the cavalry transferred from the Department of South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida, I take the slower method of communicating by the mail. I inclose a statement,* carefully prepared from the returns, showing the force of efTectives ordered away from General Beauregards depart- ment, from which it will be seen that forty-four companies, numbering about 3,700 men, are ordered out of the department, leaving in it about 3,300 effective cavalry. The two regiments ordered to General Beaure- gard from Virginia number about 1,200 men, although not more than a fourth of them are mounted; but the dismounted men, in association with those who are mounted, can very well perform picket duty until they can be mounted themselves. General Beauregard will thus have about 4,500 cavalry, which is thought to be amply sufficient for the wants of his department, especially as the enemy has but little 9f this arm to oppose him. Your military experience will enable you readily to appreciate the difficulty of remounting the South Carolina cavalry when serving in Virginia, and no one sooner than yourself will respond to the claim which would depreciate their hard-earned reputation in the cavalry of Virginia. Your attentive observation of the military con- dition in all parts of the country renders it unnecessary that I should explain to you how much greater is the present need for a larger cavalry force in Northern Virginia than it is in South Carolina, but you would be surprised if I were to state numerically the relative strength of the cavalry of General Lee and of General Beauregard. Had you known it I am sure you would have instantly rejected any application for your interposition in connection with the orders which have been given for the transfer of cavalry to which this letter relates. Very respectfully and truly, yours, JEFFERSON DAVIS. [35.] RICHMOND VA General G. T. BEAUREGARD, , ., March 31, 1864. Charleston, S. C.: GENERAL In reference to the subject-matter of the several papers touching your relations with the bureau of the Commissary-General of Subsistence, the Secretary of War directs me to announce the rule that officers of the general staff when acting under the immediate orders of this department, or of any of the bureaus, although they may be located within the department or territorial limits of a commander in the Not found Page 324 324 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. field, are not subject to his control, except so far as may be necessary to preserve the public stores and other property from the enemy, and to procure whatever information as to the locality and quantity of stores may be requisite for the efficient conduct of his command. In other words, commanders are held responsible for the safe-keeping of the public property within the limits of their respective commands; and they are entitled to make requisition upon officers in charge for regular or special reports of the property in their keeping; but beyond this they are not entitled to interfere with the officers referred to, whose duties are prescribed by and who are held directly responsible to the bureaus from which their orders are derived. The rule is well settled and cannot be violated without a conflict of authority, embarrassing to all parties and prejudicial to the service. It may be well to add that all officers of the general staff must be assigned by the War Depart- ment, and upon being placed on duty cannot be relieved except by the orders of the War Department. The honorable Secretary directs me to say in answer to your application that the troops under your command, constituting a separate army, are entitled to the services of a chief com- missary. Neither Major Cummings nor Major Molloy can, in the inter- ests of the service, be taken from their present duties. Instead, he suggests the name of Maj. James Pagan, brigade commissary, Evans brigade, the senior in rank, who is represented to be a very capable and meritorious officer, and requests to be informed whether his assign- ment as chief commissary would be agreeable to you. Very respectfully, general, your obedient servant, S. COOPER, 135.] Adjutant and Inspector General. CHARLESTON, S. C., April 8, 1864. General COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General.: Has any answer been sent to my letters of the 4th and 17th March? Respectfully, D. H.HILL, [35.] Major- General. STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, Raleigh, N. C., April 11, 1864. Hon. J. A. SEDDON, & cretary of War: SIR: I beg agaiu to call your earnest attention to the importance of suspending the execution of the conscript law in the mountain counties of North Carolina. They are filled with tories and deserters, burning, robbing, and murdering. They have been robbed and eaten out by Longstreets command, and have lost their crops by being in the field nearly all the time trying to drive back the enemy. Now that Long- streets command is removed, their condition will be altogether wretched, and hundreds will go to the enemy for protection and bread. Please consider these conditions and relieve them if possible. Yours, & c., Z. B. VANCE Page 325 CHAP. LXV. CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 325 [First indorsement.] APRIL 15, 1864. Respectfully submitted to the President for his consideration. I cannot recommend compliance with Governors req nest, as I (lollbt much the wisdom of such apparent yielding to disaffection. J. A. SEDDON, ASeCrctary. [Second indorsement.] To General Bragg for remarks. J. I). [Third indorsement.] APRIL 19, 1864. My experience in East Tennessee satisfies me of the correctness of the honorable Secretarys view. More harm than good has resulted from relaxation. BRA XTON BRAGG, General. [Fourth indorsement.] Returned to the Secretary of War, concurring in his view, and ~vith the remark that the organization of the reserves will, it is hoped, when brought into unity of action with the active army, give defense, and, without interfering with agricultural pursuits, add security. J. D. STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, Raleigh, Arril 18, 1864. Hon. J. A. SEDDON: DEAR SIR: If it is possible, let me beg you to send one regiment, at least, of regular troops to Colonel Palmer, in Western iNorth Carolina. I inclose you a letter from Brigadier-General McElroy, of the North Carolina militia, which I beg you to read. The condition of that coun- try is truly deplorable, and if the militia could be depended on, star- vation must ensue by wholesale if they are kept from their crops in a country where there are no slaves. Time will not suffice to tell you of all the horrors to which they are exposed. I beg you to relieve them, and quickly, by sending some troops there. Very truly, yours, Z. B. VANCE. [First indorsement.] APRIL 22, 1864. Respectfully submitted to the President for his consideration. I am at a loss whence to draw troops for this service. When the local reserves are organized, they may, in part, be employed in this district. J. A. SEDDON, Secretary. [Second indorsement.] General BRAGcf: Have not the companies of Thomas legion been sent to the section referred to3I J. D Page 326 326 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. ICHAP. LXV. [Third indorsement.] APRIL 25, 1864. The movement of Thomas legion, now in Brigadier-General Jack- sons brigade, Buckners department, was delayed to admit of an inspection. The report has just come in. The legion, composed of one regiment and one battalion, has a battery of artillery associated with it, and is called a brigade, under Brig. Gen. A. E. Jackson. It reports 360 men for duty, but could show but 180 on paradeall in miserable order. I propose to order the infantry to Western North Carolina, relieving General Jackson. BRAXTON BRAGG, General. [Fourth indorseinent.] Returned to Secretary of War. [Inclosure.] IIDQRs. FIRST BRIGADE, NORTH CAROLINA Ho~~rn GUARDS, Mars Hill College, Madison County, N. C., April 12, 1864. Governor Z. B. VANCE: A dispatch ieached me last night that a band of tories, said to be headed by Montreval Ray, numbering about seventy-five men came into Burnsville, Yancey County, on Sunday night last, the 10th instant, surprised the guard, broke open the magazine, and took all the arms and ammunition; broke open Braylys store and carried off the con- tents; attacked Captain Lyons, the local enrolling officer, in his room, shot him in the arm slightly, but accidentally he made his escape. They carried off all the guns they could carry; the balance they broke. They took, I suppose, about 100 State guns. No one else wounded. They also took off the bacon brought in by my commissaryabout 500 pounds. On the day before about fifty women assembled together, of said county, and marched in a body to a store-house near David Prof- fltts and pressed about sixty bushels of Government wheat and carried it off. I very much regret the loss of the arms. On Monday previous to the robbery I wrote to one of the captains in that county and to the ordnance officer to either remove the guns and ammunition or see that a sufficient guard was placed there to protect them. It seems that neither was done. I also nrged on the citizens to lay to a helping hand in this hour of danger, but all done no good. The county is gone up. It has got to be impossible to get any man out there unless he is dragged out, with but very few exceptions. There was but a small guard there, and the citizens all ran on the first approach of the tories. I have 100 men at this place to guard against Kirk, of Laurel, and cannot reduce the force, and to call out any more home guards at this time is only certain destruction to the country eventually. In fact, it seems to me that there is a determination of the people in the country generally to do no more service in the cause. Swarms of men liable to conscription are gone to the tories or to the Yankeessome men that you would have no idea ofwhile many others are fleeing east of the Blue Ridge for refuge. John S. McElroy and all the cavalry, J. W. Anderson and many others, are gone to Burke for refuge. This discourages those who are left behind, and on the back of that conscription [is] now going on, and a very tyrannical course pursued by the officers charged with the business, and men conscribe Page 327 Cw& r. LXV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 327 and cleaned out as raked with a fine-toothed comb, and if any are left if they are called upon to do a little home-guard service, they at once apply for a writ of habeas corpus and get off. Some three or four cases [have] been tried by Judge Read the last two weeks and the men released. What are we to do? There are no Confederate troops scarcely in the western district of North Carolina. Longstreet is said to have reft Tennessee. This emboldens the tories, and they are now largely recruited by conscript renegades and very soon it is possible our country may be full of Yankees. Give me your advice and orders. I have been doing as I thought the best I could under all circumstances. How far you may consider me culpable for the loss of the Yancey guns, & c., I cannot say. I am sorry I did not act more promptly in their removal, but I thought when the citizens were warned of their danger, as I had warne(l them and told them it was impossible for me to send them any force, that they would at once rally to their own defense and use the guns against their foes, but alas, I was sadly mistaken; if I had not believed that I would have brought the arms and ammunition to these headquarters. If something is not done immediately for this country we will all be ruined, for the home guards now will not do to depend on. I have written you several times on subjects of importance to me, and received no answer. I know your time is valuable to you and that you are pressed to death with business, but some instructions from you would be of great benefit to me and some encouragement to our citizens. Do let me hear from you at once. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. W. McELROY, Brigadier- General, Corn manding First Brigade, [35.] North Carolina Home Guards. RICHMOND, April 22, 1864. Maj. Gen. D. H. HILL: I have received no letters from you dated on the 4th and l7th.* S. COOPER, [35.] Adjutant and Inspector General. STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA, EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, Columbia, April 22, 1864. Hon. JAMEs A. SEUDON, Secretary of War, Richmond, Va.: SIR: I have the honor again to call your attention to the exposed situation of the monntaiii region of this State, and of the public works and factories there located. This matter was submitted to your con- sideration on the 4th of March and again on the 3d of April. I again beg leave respectfully to submit to your attention the inclosed letter of Mr. J. K. Sass, a highly respected and responsible citizen, and to urge upon you the necessity of making some provision to defend the moun- tain passes leading into the State. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, M. L. BONHAM. * For copies of these letters, see Vol. XLII, Part III, p. 1166 Page 328 328 S. (IX, S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. [First indorsemeut.] Respectfully referred to General Bragg. APRIL 28, 1864. The Governor of South Carolina is urgent for the defense of mountain districts, and I should be pleased to know if any other than local reserves can be commanded for the purpose. A. SEDDON, & cretary of War. [Second indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS ARMIES CONFEDERATE STATES, May 2, 1864. Respectfully returned to honorable Secretary of War. There is great difficulty in sparing any regular force from our main points of operation. Several hui~dred men, now in the Department of East Tennessee, belonghig to what is known as Thomas legion, and now called a brigade, under Brigadier-General Jackson, might well be spared and sent to the colonel [Thomas] in Western North Carolina. From the condition of the command, as reported by a recent inspecting officer, General Jackson should be relieved from it and sent to some point where he can be in contact with good and disciplined officers and troops. The reserves both in North and South Carolina should be urged to completion and be used to meet these raids. By a recent heavy movement of cavalry in General Polks command to General Johnstons left flank I hope the latter may be able to extend his right and thus afford more protection. That portion of Brig. Gen. John H. Morgans former command which has not yet joined him might in this way be moved in his direction and be near its ultimate destination. A common commander to all that line would tend to give it strength, and our cavalry in East Tennessee should be pushed forward to the enemys outposts as near to Knoxville as possible. By this the main road to North Carolina will be covered and the enemys rear threatened. To make the latter suggestion more operative I recommend the pro- motion of Brig. Gen. William E. Jones as major-general, and his assign- ment to the Department of East Tennessee, both General Buckner and B, R. Johnson having been removed. BRAXTON BRAGG, General. [Inclosure.] GREENVILLE, S. C., April 20, 1864. Hon. M. L. BONHAM: Mv DEAR SIR: I have been here since Saturday last on a visit to my family. I learned yesterday that there were fresh rumors of a con- templated raid in this direction by the tories and bushwhackers, and that they are gradually advancing from Cherokee County, N. C. 1 think that this is not improbable. Longstreets army having left East Tennessee opens all of Western North Carolina~ Northeastern Georgia, and Northwestern South Carolina to incursions of the enemy, and I know of no troops or even local organization to oppose them. Wal- halla, Pendleton, Anderson, Greenville, and Spartanburg, with their powder and paper mills, factories, and work-shops are all at their mercy without some effort is made at once to effect some organization. General Beauregard having been stripped of his troops, it is useless to appeal to him, and I think you onght as the Chief Magistrate of South Carolina to assert her sovereign rights and either to retain a part o Page 329 CHAP. Lxv.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 329 the cavalry force now about to be sent to Virginia, or at all events to take into your own hands the organization of the reserves now being mustered into service under the recent conscription act, appoiiiting officers in whom you have confidence and placing yourself at its head as one who has seen and dolle good service already to the Confederacy on her battle-fields. Such a course would, I think, at once inspire con- fidence, and the raiders would be driven back if they made the attempt. Pray excuse me if you think I am stepping beyond the bounds of my own vocation in making this suggestion, assuring you, at the same time, that I am emboldened to do so by my knowledge of your patriotic devotion to your duty as Governor of South Carolina. With much respect, yours, sincerely, J. K. SASS. WAR DEPARTMENT, C. S. A., Richmond, Va., April 23, 1864. His Excellency Z. B. VANCE, Governor of North Carolina, Raleigh, N~ C.: SIR: I have received your letter of the 11th instant, calling attention to the importance of suspending the execution of the conscript law in the mountain counties of Western North Carolina. In reply, I have the honor to say that grave doubt is entertained by the Department of the expediency of such apparent yielding to the disaffected classes, which are said by Your Excellency to exist in those districts, and in this view the President, to whom your communication was submitted, concurs. It is hoped that the organization of the reserve forces will, when brought into unity of action with the active army, give defense, and, without interfering with agricultural pursuits, afford a sense of security. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAMES A. SEI)DON, f3~3.] & cretary of War. SPECIAL ORDERS, ADJT. AND INSP. GENERALS OFFICE, No. 101. Richmond, April 30, 1864. * * * * * * * IV. In addition to his present dnties Maj. Gen. Patton Anderson is assigned to the command of the reserve forces of the State of Florida, enrolled and mustered into service in accordance with the fifth and sixth sections of the Act to organize forces to serve during the war, approved February 17, 1864. * * * * * * * By command of the Secretary of War: JNO. WITHERS, Assistant Adjutant- General. RICHMOND V Brig. Gen. JAMES CHESNUT, , A., April 30, 1864. Richmond, Va.: GENERAL: You have been assigned to the duty of organizing and commanding the reserve force, authorized by the recent act of Con- gress, in the State of South Carolina. With the limited experienc Page 330 330 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. now in our possession it is not possible to lay down fixed rules as to the organization and employment of such forces, and aii attempt at details would serve to restrict your judgment and diminish your use- fulness. You must bear prominently iii mind, however, in making dispositions of your command for the safety of the State, that the agri- cultural and other industrial interests of the country are vital and must be interfered with as little as possible. To this end your forces should be organized as ii~inute-meninto companies, battalions, and regiments, to be called into active service with the greatest prompti- tude only upou invasion or other apparent emergency. It will prob- ably be found expedient not to call out at the same time all the reserves from the same section of the country, and under this view you will have carefully to exercise your discretion in the selection of those who can be spared with the least injury to the wants of the community and the interests of the country. You will report directly to the Adjutant and Inspector General at Richmond, Va. With these very general ideas I intrust this important matter to your hands, feeling assured that you will use your best endeavors to give satisfaction to the people of South Carolina, and, as best you may, to carry out the purpose of the Government in this effort to defend the State without embarrassing the active operations of our armies in the field or diminishing the pro- ductive capacity of the country. Very respectfully and truly, yours, JEFFERSON DAVIS. [35.] HEADQUARTERS SEVENTH MILITARY DISTRLt~T, DEPT. OF S. CAROLINA, GEORGIA, AND FLORIDA, James Island, S. C., May 8, 1864. Captain FEILDEN, Assistant Adjutant- General: CAPTAIN: I have the honor most earnestly to call the attention of the major-general commanding to the condition of this military district, and to urge the absolute importance of having additional troops sent here. I have already, when my strength was much more than twice as great as it now is, urged this, and the major-general commanding is respectfully referred to a communication of 9th ultimo addressed to department headquarters for a detailed statement of the situation, the number of batteries, the extreme length of picket-lines, the necessity of subdividing this command into fractions, the inability to re-enforce without extreme hazard one from the other, the impossibility of con- centration on a threatened point, the near proximity of the enemy, their inability to concentrate unobserved, and their power to throw a force in boats under cover of night immediately upon the base of our works. I have not, when Colquitts brigade leaves, with the exception of a few detached men of Hagoods, a single infantry soldier left, where I think it essential to have at least one brigade. There are upon this island 112 heavy guns in l)osition. It is fair to estimate ten men and non-commissioned officers to the gun as being the least that could be relied upon; for two gun detachments to the gun, and with the heaviest gulls, this is insufficient. On this estimate it will require 1,120 men to man the guns in position. I have now, including the companies ordered to be disbanded and those now leaving for the conscript camp from overmaximumn companies, only 1,341 heavy artillerists. I have three companies siege train designed to be used in any part of the depart- ment, numbering 351 men. These I have been compelled to use a Page 331 CHAP. LXV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 331 cavalry vedettes and picket couriers, and about 100 as infantry, the rest being required to attend to the horses and guns, of which there are six, viz, two 30-pounder Parrotts and four 8-inch siege howitzers. I have two light batteries, numbering 200 menUS effectivewith eight field guns. The men of these batteries have no muskets, and few could be spared for infantry duty. As far as practicable they are used for bridge and property guards. I have no cavalry. It will be perceived that, deducting the iiumber required to man the guns, there are left 221 heavy artillerists, which, with the addition of the 100 men from the siege train, would give 320 men for all guard and l)icket (luty and to act as infantry in any attack, and these are scattered with their sev- eral commands. It is not necessary to say more. This simple statement of the force and situation is enough to exhibit the extreme hazard which we now run and our present danger, and to proclaim the necessity of re-enforc- ing, for upon the occupation of this island hangs the fate of Charleston. The enemy have a power of immediate concentration of all their troops in this department and of making a sudden attack. We have our bat. teries alone to rely upon to resist them, and they upon the waters edge with short notice of an approach. This island gained in force the anx- ious labor of years, and the bright glories of months of successful resistance have l)erished. New Orleans fell in 1862, Yicksburg in 1863. It is impossible to estimate the effect upon our cause. Charleston must not be permitted to fall in 1864; but earth-works and iron guns alone cannot defend her; men are required. I write this with extreme reluc- tance, but from a sense of duty. I will do all that can be done with the force left me.* I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. B. TALIAFERIIO, [35.] Brigadier. General. Captain FEILDEX, CoLITMBIA, S. C., May 10, 1864. Assistant Adjutant-General: I have examined the country from Wallialla to Greenville S. C., and submit the following report :1 The limited amount of time at my dis- posal prevented me from visiting the country beyond the Blue Ridge. I, however, examined several of the passes over the ridgethe Itabun Gap for one, leading from Walhalla, S. C., to Clayton, Ga. This is per- haps the most practicable route by which the enemy could reach upper South Carolina. They might, however, reach Walhalla by the Cashes Valley pike, or Greenville by the Caesars Head pike, Jones pike, or Saluda Gap pike. Each of these pikes, as well as one or two others, are practicable for cavalry and artillery, and afford a ready entrance as well as an easy exit to a raiding force. The passes through the Blue Ridgethe several pikesare of such a character that they can be easily defended by a small force, and should the enemy ever occupy the north- west counties of Georgia and the western counties of North Carolina in force this range would oppose a formidable barrier and good line of defense to keep them out of the State. Comparatively a small force could defend this line. There are few, if any, disloyal citizens iii the northwest corner of South Carolina, but IRabun County, Ga., and the For probable answer, see Vol. XXXV, Part II, p. 479. See Feilden to Black, April 28, Vol. XXXV, Part II, p. 455 Page 332 332 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA.,& WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. extreme western counties of North Carolina are filled with tories. Pickens District, S. C., has now in it 170 deserters, and the mountain part of Greenville 1)istrict about one-half that number. Beyond the Blue Ridge, Rabun County, Ga., and Clay, Macon, Cherokee, and the adjoining counties of North Carolina and East Tennessee are infested with deserters and persons who have taken to the mountains to avoid conscription. Many of these people are disloyal, and many from this county are actually in the service of the enemy. In fact there is a region of country here nearly sixty miles long by forty in width that is completely in possession of deserters and tories. They have been and are still plundering the farmers, not only stealing at night, but plun- dering in open day. Hundreds of horses have been stolen, and to such an extent have the people suffered from their depredations that in many cases they are deprived of the means of cultivating or harvesting the crops of the present year. Many of tjmese deserters and tories of this region roam over the country in armed bands and plunder with impu- nity. Their depredations have reached as far as fifteen or twenty miles on this 5id~ of the mountains, and unless an end is put to such acts this country will soon be entirely ruined. I would here remark that the stragglers from the several cavalry commands which recently marched through Pickens and Greenville, moving from General Johnstons com- mand to time Army of East Tennessee, committed innumerable outrages and acts of plunder, stealing hundreds of horses and openly seizing many others, doimig more real damage to this region of the country than a like force of the enemy would possibly have done in the same time. This has been brought to the notice of the War Department. Greenville, S. C., has in its immediate vicinity some twelve or more mamiufacturin g establishments, including tIme State foundry and armory, cotton factories, and paper-mills. Jn this respect it is perhaps the second town in importance in the State. WaIhalla is the present terminus of the Blue Ridge Railroad. The depot at this place is con- stantly filled with large quantities of grain, salt, & c., shipped to this point to supply the surrounding country and Western North Carolina. The crops of these counties failed last season, and the whole country is in a famishing condition. Pickens District, with a population of 19,000, only 4,000 of whom are slaves, has furnished 3,50Q troops to the army. The soil was principally cultivated by white laborers, and the want of a sufficient amount of labor to make bread is now seriously felt. There are in this district 1,000 persons now dependent on public charity to live, and 3,500 more soldiers wives and children who are necessarily compelled to be partially supplied. The samne is the case with the northern portion of Greenville, and much the same state of afl~irs exists in Anderson District. In view of time above facts, I would recoin- mend that no more slaves should be taken from Pickens and one-half of Greenville to work on coast defenses during the crop season, and indeed none should be taken at any time froun the three districts of Pickens, Greenville, and Anderson. The want of the necessary labor to cultivate the soil is so great in this moummtaimm region that I am decidedly of opinion that all the men liable to conscription for State defense who are engaged in cultivating the soil should be left at home. I recommend this because I am fully convinced that the distressed state of this country for the means of subsistence has been and will be the cause of many desertions from the army. An exaggerated account of the destitution of wife and family often reaches the soldier in the field, and causes some of the more ignorant class to desert. The enemy have emissaries in the country, and induce these poor people of the moun- tains to believe that the Confederate cause and laws will ruin them Page 333 CHAI~. LXV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 333 CQuld they be supplied with the means of subsistence a better state of affairs would exist. The wives and children of many mcii of Pickens District now subsist on bread alone. The proper plan to covei this country is to hold a line from Asheville, N. (IX, to C layton, Ga. This line can only be held by infantry, as a cavalry force cannot sub- sist beyond the Blue Ridge, the country being destitute of supphes of grain and forage. A cavalry force at or near Wallialla, under an ener- getic commander, might clear the country of deserters aiid tories as far as Clayton and beyond, and keep order. This force could cover Wal- halla and Greenville, and could be subsisted by supl)lies shipped by railroad from Middle South Carolina. A force here might bring out of this mountaiu region some supplies of beef-cattle ~o soon as the summer grazing has fattened the same. This corner of South Carolina, Georgia, and North Carolina cannot be defended and covered by local or State troops, as by the terms of their conscription they are not to be taken out of the State to which they belong, and no force would be efficient here that could not be moved promptly into either of the four States of Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, and South Carolina, or from one promptly to another. A force of secomid-class troops raised for State defense would serve to cover Asheville, N. C., and I believe there is there at the present time either a militia force or trooI)s raise(l by the State of North Carolina. A portion of this force is to the left of Ashe- ville, at or near Webster, under Colomiel Palmer. I learn that a force is being raised iu Northeast Georgia, under Colonel Young, and some of the Cherokee Indians are organized nuder Coloiiel Thomas; but as these forces are now posted a wide gap is opened for the inroad of the enemy, and as there is this extensive disaffected country in their rear, I recommend a force should be sent without delay into this mountain region. A company or two could arrest many of the deserters and put an end to much of the plundering, but the extent of co~intry that is opened and unprotected is so great, and there are SO many disloyal persons inhabiting it, that it is by all means advisable to send an effi. cient force of troops of the line to insure the peace and safety of the country. A force of 500 or 600 cavalry could do this and might pene- trate to the enemys outpost and break up the same. I think it more than probable that the enemy will, if miot driven back in General John- stons front, attempt sometime this summer to penetrate into upper South Carolina with cavalry. They can march over this barren coumi- try as soon as the summer grass affords sufficient grazing to subsist their animals on the route. I would call the attention of the general commanding to the fact that the route from Walhalla, via Claytomi, Ga., has been heretofore and is yet open to all who wish to leave South Carolina for the enemys lines, and no impediment whatever now exists on our part to prevent uninterrupted travel from Columbia, S. C., via Waihalla to Knoxville, Teun., or any other point on this portion of the enemys lines. Many have availed themselves of this route of exit to escape conscription.; some within the last four days. Several commu- nications are inclosed, addressed to me for information. Respectfully submitted. JNO. L. BLACK, Colonel First South Carolina Cavalry. [Inclosuro No. 1.] - PICKENS COURT.HOUSE, S. C., Ilfay 5, 1864. Col. JOHN L. BLACK: COLONEL: In answer to your inquiries I would state that the popu. lation of Pickens District, as shown by census return of 1860, is a Page 334 334 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. follows: White, 15,493; negroes, 4,196; total, 19,689. The district ha,s furnished 3,500 soldiers to the army, twenty-five companies having been organized in the district. The remainder was sent forward as volunteers, recruits, enlisted, or conscripts. There are a larger portion of the slave-holders who own [copy not legible] slaves, many having but one hand for road duty, and half of the negroes are consequently free from duty on the coast fortifications. There are in the district but 119 persons owning slaves who were liable under the act to send their hands to work on the fortifications. One thousand persons are entirely dependent for their whole support on public charity. The district has been plundered by deserters and stragglers from the army pretending to be from Morgans or Martins cavalry command, and recently quite a number of horses have been stolen, mostly from men considered dis- loyal. Some of these horses are supposed to have been taken by per- sons belonging to Hamptons Legion, who have been sent home to mount themselves. I am, very respectfully, your most obedient servant, J. E. HAGOOD, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas and General Sessions, for Pickens District, S. C. [Inclo8ure No. 2.] ENROLLING OFFICE, Pickens Court-House, S. C., May 6, 1864. Col. J. L. BLACK, Eirst South Carolina Cavalry: COLONEL: The number of persons in this district liable to conscrip- tion between the ages of seventeen and eighteen years is about 100, and betweeu the ages of forty-five and fifty years about 225, mak- ing a total liable to conscriptiou for State service of about 325. This number includes as well those who are physically unable for serv- ice as those whose detail must necessarily be made for the mechan- ical and other necessities of the country. The number of deserters and absentees without leave reported in this office who have not been sent and are not known to have gone forward is about 170. I had, until within three weeks, thirteen conscripts and a number of wounded sol- diers detailed to my service, but all of the former and a number of the latter (the most efficient) have been sent to the field, and now robberies are committed daily iu this district with impunity, owing to want of force to arrest and forward the deserters, who or upon whose credit the robberies are committed. A number of other persons are evad- ing the conscription laws and rendezvous with deserters and join them in stealing and committing other depredations. Respectfully, JOS. J. NORTON, Captain and Enrolling Officer, Pickens District, S. C. [Inclosure No. 3.] COLuivrii~IA, May 6, 1864. Co]. J. L. BLACK: COLONEL: In compliance with your request I herewith give you some facts in reference to our mountain districts of this State, but particularly of Pickens District, where I live. Walhalla is in Pickens District, and is the terminus of the Blue Ridge Railroad, about fifteen miles from the Georgia and North Carolina lines. The depot at this place for the last six months has been filled with Government corn and salt for the adjoining counties of North Carolina and Georgia Page 335 CHAP. LXV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 335 There are from 50 to 100 soldiers passing tlirough this place every week by the railroad. From fifteen to twenty cavalrymen are to be seen in the streets of this place every day. Where from or to whom they belong we do not know, only from their base statements. Quite a number of horses have been stolei~,in some instances going into the fields and taking them forcibly in the presence of the owner. NYallialla is approached from East Tennessee by two roads or gaps in the moun- tainsone through Western North Carolina and Northeast Georgia by the Blue Ridge Gap, and the other through Western North Carolina by Cashes Valley. Both of these roads are in a condition to be used by cavalry, artillery, and wagons. Western North Carolina and North- east Georgia are fall of tories and deserters. In fact, nearly all of the good and true population have left that part of the country, having been eaten out by the tories, deserters, and Yankee raiders, and also by our own cavalry passing through to and from Longstreets army in East Tennessee. In Walhalla we are very apprehensive of a raid both from tories and deserters, and also from the Yankees, there being nothing to prevent their approach by either of these routes bnt the difficulty of foraging their horses. They have several times approached quite near to Franklin, N. C., a bout fifty miles from Walhalla. They have stJlen a great many horses and cattle and nearly all of the provisions in Cherokee County, N. C., which is abont sixty miles from Walballa. When the grass springs np and the grain crops, wheat and rye, are somewhat matured, there will be no difficulty in their foraging their horses and forcing their way into this State. If oar forces in East Tennessee should change their present position we would be very much exposed to the enemy both from that portion of East Tennessee and also from the enemy at Chattanooga. If we had a company of cavalry on each of these roads7 say about ten miles from Walhalla, with their scouts thrown out in advance, also scouts scouring the mountains for deserters, with ready communication with each other, so as to concentrate on either road at short notice and hold the enemy in check, and also couriers to forward immediately an(1 bring up the militia or the already organized conscripts of the districts below to their aid, it would go very far to, if not entirely, prevent our State from l)eing invaded from this quarter. The fact that there were troops stationed there might of itself prevent a raid being made. One good effect would be to prevent false alarms during the season for making the crops. The country is so destitute of labor, there being but a small negro population in this part of the conutry, and nearly all of the laboring part of the population being in the army, and the country being now in a dreadfully destitute conditiomi so far as provisions to snstain life, it is very important that those who are now at work mak- ing a crop should not be called out by a false alarm. We have already had several false alarms created by citizens of North Carolina flying from the raiders with their families and negroes, passing through Wal- halla to a safer place, which caused oar militia to be called out and a great deal of unnecessary loss of time and great excitement. Some negroes and also some citizens flying from conscription have made their way to the Yankee lines through Walhalla. Greenville District is very similarly situated to Pickens, but as you will visit that (listrict you will be better informed of the danger of that quarter. Allow me to repeat that I am extremely sorry that engagements which I had made previous to my knowledge that you were coming up prevented my seeing you in WaIhalla and going with you on your tour of observation. I am, dear sir, your obedient servant, ELAM SHARP E Page 336 336 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. MAY 12, 1864. General S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General C. S. Army, Richmond: GENERAL: His Excellency Governor Bonham, of this State, has for- warded to me several letters addressed to him by citizens residing in the northwestern portion of this State, setting forth the depredations of desultory stragglers and disloyal people and the dangers to which that section of the State is exposed from raiding parties of the enemy coming from East Tennessee, and they call earnestly for protection. The force in this department has been recently so greatly reduced that I cannot give the protection asked for. I had hoped that the reserve force of this State would have been organized by this time, and that a portion of it might be called into service and used to protect the north- western portion of the State from raids; but I do not know if any por- tion of it has been organized or to whom its organization has been intrusted. I respectfully ask that if any portion of it has been organ ized it may be called into service to guard exposed points in the north- western part of this State. SAM. JONES, [35.] Major- General. GENERAL ORDERS, ~ HDQRS. MILITARY DIST. OF FLORIDA, No. 23. Camp Milton, May 13, 1864. I. Pursuant to General Orders, No. 101, dated Adjutant and Inspector Generals Office, Richmond, April 30, 1864, the undersigned assumes command of the reserve forces of the State of Florida, enrolled in accordance with sections 5 and 6 of the act of Congress to organize forces to serve during the war. II. Tile following officers compose the staff: Capt. William G. Barth, assistant adjutant-general; Maj. H. Goldthwaite, assistant inspector- general; Maj. E. C. Simukins, chief quartermaster; Capt. T. E. Bnckman, chief of ordnance; Surg. Carey B. Gamble, chief surgeon; First Lieut. W. M. Davidson, aide-de-camp. III. All official commuications will be addressed to the appropriate staff officers. IV. Brig. Gens. W. M. Gardner and Joseph Finegan, commanding Sub-Districts Nos. 1 and 2, will each appoint an examinimig board to consist of three commissioned officers not nuder the grade of captain, before which all newly-elected officers of the reserve in their respective sub-districts will be required to appear. The reports of the proceedings of the examiningboards willbe forwarded to these headquarters and such officers as may be pronounced competent by a board will be announced by orders from these headquarters amid assigned to duty in the positions to which they were elected. In cases where elected officers fail to receive the favorable report of the board a new election will be held. PATTON ANDERSON, [35.1 Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS MILITARY DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, Camp Milton, May 15, 1864. Rev. J. M. MILLS, Chairman: GENTLEMEN: Your communication of the 14th instant, in the shape of proceedings at a meeting of the citizens of Levy County, Fla., held at Bronson on that day, was handed to inc last night by Mr. John F. Jack- son. Mr. Jackson being detained on account of there being no train o Page 337 CHAP. LXV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 337 Sunday, I avail myself of his hands for transmittal of my reply. Your resolutions are replete with wholesome truths and sound political max- ims, but as your main object seems to be the accomplishment of a mili- tary end, I respectfully refrain from entering a field so wide and affording such ample scope for discussion as that which for the most part is opened up to me by their perusal. I am a citizen of Florida, my wife, my children, and what little of earthly goods I possess are within the borders of the State and are under the protection of its laws. I claim therefore to feel some interest in its defense and general welfare. Without hav- ing sought the position I have been charged by the Commander-in-Chief of the Confederate Armies with the control and management of the military operations within certain portions of the State, under the super- vision of those who are properly constituted my superior officers. In endeavoring to faithfully and conscientiously [discharge I] the duties thus devolved upon me I have been frequently embarrassed by the want of means to carry ont the policy of the Government, or to follow the wishes of my heart or the dictates of my judgment. That policy and those wishes are to give entire and complete protection to every loyal citizen of the State in his person, his property, and his reputation. No one regrets more than I do that the paramount exigencies of the service elsewhere have required such a diminution of our military strength within the State as toerender it impossible for a time to prevent much inconvenience and some suffering by the loyal citizens in the more exposed localities, but be assured, gentlemen, I am not insensible to these sufferings, nor have I been an indifferent observer of the events which occasioned then). It would not be proper for me to detail here (nor would you desire me to do so) the efforts that have been made and are still being made to avert them. Sufficient to say that I hope at an early day to be able to accede to your wishes in so far as will attain the great object in view. You are not aware of the difficulties with which our military operations in East Florida have of late been surrounded, nor does it become inc to increase them by complaint and.denunciation. I would rather endure them with an abiding faith in justice, our cause, the courage of our soldiery, the patriotism of our people, and in their final triumph in complete independence. Your positions in the community you repre- sent will enable you to exert an influence for much good in the present crisis. Encourage the people to cherish sentiments of love and devo- tion to our country, its cause, and its chosen rulers, and not to repine at sacrifices made in their behalf. Urge npon all who are capable of bearing arms the necessity of an immediate compliance with the law requiring them to enroll themselves for local defense. Do this, gentle- men, and I assure you all will be well. If the citizens of the latter class will only appreciate the situation and come promptly to the assist- ance of our veterans, a force of the latter will be sent you at once amply sufficient to clear your locality of Yankees, deserters, and outlaws. I am, gentlemen, & c., very respectfully, [35.] PATTON ANDERSON. IIDQRS. DEPT. OF S. CAROLINA, GEORGIA, AND FLORIDA, Charleston, S. C., May 24, 1864. His Excellency M. L. BONIIAM, Governor of South Carolina: SIR: You are no doub4 aware that the force in this department has been greatly reduced to re-enforce our armies in Virginia and North 22 R BVOL LII Page 338 338 5. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXW. Georgia. It is of the utmost importance that every effort should be made to organize and bring into the service every man capable of bear- ing arms without cril)p]ing to too great an extent the industrial interest of the country. 1 have to ask that you will do everything in your power to expedite the collection and organization of the reserve forces of the State and any other force that can be formed. It may be that you can besides give some aid in arming any force that may be formed. Briga- dier-General Chesnut informs me that he has made requisition on the proper officers of the Confederate Government for good arms. 1 pre- sume the requisition can be filled, but do not know it. Will you be good enough to inform me if I can rely in an emergency on procurhig any arms from this State? With great respect, your obedient servant, SAM. JOKES, [35.] Major. General. HEADQUARTERS, Charleston, May 24, 1864. Brig. Gen. JAMES CHESNUT, Jr., Commanding Reserves AS~OUth Carolina: GENERAL: You are aware that the force in this department has been greatly reduced by orders from the War l)epartment, and I am by no means sure that it will not be still further reduced. I have retained here a few troops whose places could not be promptly supplied, but their regiments are now in the field in Virginia, and I must forward every man not properly detached to the respective companies and regiments in the field as soon as possible. I have therefore respectfully to ask that you will as early as possible send to me a portion, and as large a portion as practicable, of the reserve force of this State. Will you have the kindness to inform me when I may rely on having any part of the reserve and how many? Very respectfully, SAM. JONES, [35.] Major- General. CHARLESTON, May 26, 1864. General S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General: The order disbanding illegal organizations in this department and transferring over excess over maximum in legal organizations will reduce the strength of my command near Charleston by about 1,500 men. This reduction just at present will seriously embarrass me and cannot be made without imminent risk, since the command has been so greatly reduced by transfer of troops to other departments. The enemys encampments on Folly Island have been steadily increasing for several days. The order has been executed with regard to some of the companies. I beg earnestly that all further proceedings in the matter be suspended until you receive Colonel Jones inspection report and accompanying papers. He will leave for Richmond with them to-morrow. [35.j SAM. JOKES, Major- General Page 339 CHAP. LXV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 339 RICHMOND, VA., May 31, 1864. Maj. Gen. J. P. ANDERSON, Tallahassee, lila.: The reserves should be left, as far as consistent with public safety, to follow their industrial pursuits. After being organized they can be readily reassembled in time of danger. The necessary guards should serve by reliefs for short tours. JEFFERSON DAVIS. RICHMOND, VA., May 31, 1864. Governor JOHN MILTON, Tallahassee, lila.: I concur generally in your views as to the reserves, and have tele- graphed to General Anderson on the subject. JEFFERSON DAVIS. COLUMBIA, June 2, 1864. General S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General: Yours of the 29th ultimo received last night. Will obey promptly as possible. Rolls of companies not yet complete; delay beyond my control. Will proceed to organize regiments without the rolls as well as can. From all I can learn, there is more difficulty from desertion in the mountains than apprehension of the enemy around Charleston. I have sent officer to bring accurate information. You remember the law and general orders develop organization of companies exclusively in Con- script Bureau. I respectfully ask for J. N. Garnerell as quartermaster. He is at present engaged at Nita plantation here. I am earnestly urging forward organization. JAS. CHESNUT, JR., [35.] Brigadier- General. RICHMOND, VA., June 5, 1864. Brig. Gen. JAMES CHESNUT, Columbia, S. C.: General S. Jones, commanding Department South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida, requires re-enforcements as early as possible, and says no part of South Carolina reserves yet reported for duty. The President requires all needful information relative to reserves of your State. Please answer with least practicable delay. S. COOPER, [35.] Adjutant and Inspector General. COLUMBIA, June 6, 1864. General S. COOPER: Yours of 5th just received. Wrote you fully on the 3d instant and to Secretary of War on the 4th. Will write to the President by return mail. The reason why no part of reserves has yet reported to Genera Page 340 340 s. c., s. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. Jones will be manifest in those letters. Have been to Charleston, and am satisfied from observations as well as information derived otherwise that there is no danger at present around that place. Of course will obey all orders as promptly and fully as possible. Am urging forward everything. JAS. CHESNUT, [35.] Brigadier. General. ATLANTA, June 7, 1864. His Excellency JEFFERSON DAVIS: I am satisfied, from an intercepte(l letter, that a raid is fitting out at Port Royal, S. C., to move upon Augusta and destroy the powder mills and rob the banks and move thence to Anderson to release the Yankee prisoners. I hope you will order a cavalry force into position for the defense of Augusta. I think [there] are disloyal persons employed in the powder mills. JOS. E. BROWN. [Imlorsernent.] AIDE-BE-CAMP: Send substance to General S. Jones, commanding, for his attention. Send dispatches to Generals Chesnut and Cobb to increase General Jones force by sending to him reserves. Acknowledge telegram of Governor Brown. Notify Colonel Rains at Angusta of suspicion of Governor Browns. Use cipher. [35.] J. D. General S. COOPER, COLUMBIA, June 8, 1864. Adjutant and In8pector General, Richmond: GENERAL: In my letter of instructions I am directed to confer with General Chesnut and ascertain from him what progress he had made in the organization of the reserve forces of the State of South Carolina. The delay of the enrolling officers in making out the lists has prevented him so far from doing anything. To-day he has received the lists and will proceed to organize. The total reserve force in South Carolina will not exceed two regiments and three battalions. Brigadier-General Chesnut has written to the President full particulars. I shall leave for Western North Carolina to-morrow. I have the honor to remain, general, your obedient servant, DAVID URQUHART, Lient. Gol. and Assi8tant Adjutant and Inspector General. [35.] COLUMBIA, June 10, 1864. His Excellency President DAVIS: I have sent the following telegram to Colonel Gorgas: I find that I may have under my command about 3,000 macn, including detached exempts and reserves. Please send me promptly 3,000 stand of arms and full quan tity of fixed ammunition. My force will be useless without them. I [will?] take care of them. Besides these, if you would send me some powder and ball shot I could make them available. No arms or ammunition have yet come to me. Please act at once. JAS. CHESNUT, Brigadier- General. [35. Page 341 CHAP. LXV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. 341 IRIoHi~oNn, YA., June 15, 18GI. General S. JoNES, Okarleston, S. C.: Your dispatch to General Cooper has been referred. Call again on Generals Cobb an(I Chesnut, stating your case and requesting reserves to be sent promptly. Inquire into claim of First Regiment and Lucas Battalion to be discharged. If it be plausible, treat it with respectful attention. As soon as practicable it would, from your statement, seem advisable to disband, and after conscribing to disperse these commands by assigning the men to other companies. JEFFERSON DAVIS. GENERAL ORDERS, )~ HDQRS. MILITARY DIST. OF FLORIDA, No. 28. Lake City, June 17, 1864. I. The reserve companies now in the service consist principally of men whose agricultural pursuits render their presence home at this season a matter of deep importance, both to their families and to the country. The major-general commanding deeply regrets that the exi- gencies of the time will not permit him to immediately dismiss these men to their homes, and, desirous of palliating as far as possible the losses that may result from their retention in service, directs that one- third of the officers and men of the reserve companies mustered into service, and now present for duty, be furloughed for twenty days, and that immediately upon the return of the men first furloughed the same privilege be extended to another third of the companies, to be repeated until all have been furloughed. While adopting this course the major- general commanding desires to express his confident hope that the military situation may soon permit him to dismiss the whole of these companies to their homes, as he fully realizes the necessity of attend- ing to the growing crops. II. Furloughs under this order will be granted by the sub-district commanders on the application of the company commanders, and will be subject to recall by the major-general commanding should the move- ments of the enemy at any time necessitate the presence of the troops. By command of Major.Geueral Anderson: WM. G. BARTH, [35.] Assistant Adjutant- General. WAR DEPARTMENT C S Richmond, ITa., June 17, 1864. General JAMES CIIESNUT, Jr., Columbia, S. C.: General Sam Jones telegraphs as follows: Movements of enemy decidedly indicate attack on some point near here. Troops are concentrating at Folly Island. My force is entirely too small for the protection of Charleston and Savannah and the railroad connecting them. I beg that 2,000 infantry be sent me for eervice here, and 1,000 at Savannah. I have received no reserve force. J. A. SEDDOK, Secretary of War. (The above also sent to General Howell Cobb, Macon, Ga. Page 342 342 S. C., S. CA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. [CHAP. LXV. WAR DEPARTMENT, C. S. A., Brig. Gen. JAMES CHESNUT, Jr., Richmond, Va., June 17, 1864. Columbia, S. C.: GENERAL: I inclose a copy of a telegram from General Jones. * The propriety of the call for the reserve forces is submitted to your own discretion after a consultation with General Jones. I appreciate as fully as you can the importance of retaining the reserves at agricultural production, but the emergency may be like that of summoning fromthe field to put out a fire or defend the homestead from the robber. Very respectfully, JAMES A. SEDDON, [35.] Secretary o~7 War. Hon. J. A. SEDDON, COLUMBIA, June 18, 1864. Secretary: Yours of 17th quoting telegram of General Jones received this morn- ing. I have thirty-six companies organized, but not a gun or ounce of ammunition. Can order the troops as they are whenever requested, as do not believe Charleston to be in danger at this time, nor will be until the enemy shall be strengthened much beyond his present force. I respectfully ask that I may be permitted further and immediately to investigate the true condition of things; therefore I am required to break up the agriculture of the country. If the occasion demands it, of course it must be done. My all is at stake here and I am hardly less alive to our entire condition than others. Already I have been com- pelled to send forces to Greenville, Clarendon, and Macon to aid the enrolling officers to suppress violence and punish maran ders. I desire as soon as I can to scour the mountains and restore peace and safety. JAS. CHESNUT, JR., General. (Same to General Bragg.) [33.] EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, Tallaha8see J Maj. Gen. PATTON ANDERSON, , une 20, 1864. Lake City, lila.: GENERAL: Your esteemed favor of the 15th instant is before me,in which you inquire if in your (my) opinion the military forces in the State (exclusive of the reserves) are at this time ample for its defense, either against small raiding parties or for the capture and control of the deserters ~ I have no hesitancy in replying that since the forces have beeii withdrawn from the State, which were in it when 1 addressed the President upon the subject, the forces left, embracing the reserves, are insufficient for the defense of the State, and under existing arrange- ments are incapable of protecting the State from the aggressions of deserters and traitors if there shall be raids made by even small parties of the enemy. The two causes which induced me to write to the Presi- dent have been removedfirst, the organized forces then in the State; second, the opportunity of planting and cultivating crops. It is now embodied ill next, ante Page 343 343 CHAP. LXV.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.CONFEDERATE. too late to plant or to cultivate successfully the crops which were then planted, and from which the necessary labor for their cultivation has been withdrawn. Information received from East and South and from a portion of Middle Florida assures me of what I apprehended would be the result of the destruction of the dwellings and property and of the arrest and continued custody of citizens of the State, women and children, by the order of Brigadier-General Gardner. The course pur- sited has increased the number of deserters and excited among them the vindictive purpose to avenge the wrongs inflicted, and to liberate the women and children and aged men, who have been deprived of their liberty as well as of their property upon a suspicion of disloyalty. The treatment of these unfortunate people, some of whom have sons and relatives in Confederate service, and declare themselves ever to have been loyal to the Confederate States, seems to me to have been extremely cruel and an abuse of military authority, and I know of no law to justify such an exercise of power by any military commander. The effect has been to make an increased force necessary to protect the lives and property of loyal citizens from the retaliation threatened and now being executed by deserters and by those who in the immediate localities where the injuries were inflicted sympathize with or fear them. To remedy existing evils some plan should be adopted to restore to the women and children their liberty, and to afford them the means of living by their own personal exertions, and, if possible, to capture or destroy the deserters. To capture the deserters it is necessary that we should have a force upon water to co-operate with land forces, and I would respectfully invite your attention to a copy of a letter addressed by me to the Secretary of the Navy upon the subject, a copy of which has also been snbmitted to the consideration of the Secretary of War. If houses similar to those burned could be rebuilt where they were destroyed, or others built in suitable places, and given to the women and children, and they be also furnished with cotton, cards, looms, and rations sufficient for their support for a few months, it would be but a simple act of justice to helpless, suffering, and unprotected women and children, who are now in camps~ guarded and supported at the expense of the Confederate Government, without the least probability of a bene- ficial result. If you concur with me in this opinion, I believe that if called upon citizens who are able will in many instances supply the labor to build the houses and move the families to them, and to assist the Government in providing for their support. When it was proposed to remove temporarily the families of deserters and their property, nuder the belief that it would induce the deserters to return to their commands, an effect produced in other States by such means, I had no reason to suppose that their houses and property would be destroyed, or that it would be necessary to do so, or I should have interposed objections, whether successfully or not. Sensible of the grea