CHAP.XIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.-CONFEDERATE.

RICHMOND, October 1, 1861.

Brigadier General D. H. HILL, (Care General Gultin,) Goldsborough, N. C.:

SIR: Your letter of 29th ultimo* has been received and submitted to the Secretary of War, who instructs me to inform you, in answer, that the suggestion in respect to the transfer of the Fist North Carolina Regiment from Virginia to your command in the district of country assigned to you is under consideration, but cannot be determined until the President's return to Richmond.

In answer to your several interrogates, I am further instructed to state that you are subject to the orders of Brigadier-General Gatlin, commanding in North Carolina, and your bridge reports will necessarily be made to him. Being in command of a section of country confided to your care, you must exercise your judgment in making such arrangements for its defense, &c., as the means at your disposal will admit, without awaiting the sanction of the commanding general of the department. These arrangements will necessarily include all objects of defense and attack, such as the erection of batteries, the sending forth expeditions, and the engagement of the enemy. You are in no sense subject to the orders of the governor of North Carolina, as you are not acting under his authority, but under the authority of the Confederate States.

In respect to marauding parties caught in the act of burning and plundering, you must act according to the exigencies of the case, and with due regard to the rules of civilized warfare.

I am, respectfully, &c.,

S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF NORTH CAROLINA, Goldsborough, N. C., October 1, 1861.

General B. HUGER, Commanding Forces at Norfolk, Va.:

GENERAL: I feel very anxious to increase the armament of Fort Macon by adding to it four rifled cannon. At this time they have but five long-range guns in the fort, viz, one 10-inch and two 8-inch columbiads and two rifled cannon. This number cannot be very effectual against such large batteries as the fleet may be able to bring against it. I am aware that you have nothing to do with this matter, but I have tried every means (official) to get the guns, as also the projectiles for the guns sent me from Norfolk, but have failed, and now, if you will not come to my assistance , in using your influence with Commodore Buchanan, I must give up the matter. The rifled 32-pounder has but seven projectiles. Ninety-three additional are desired; or, in case no other gun or guns can be furnished, then a much larger supply would be required. Please do me the favor to see the commodore any try to induce him to supply my wants. If he agrees to furnish the whole or part, I will, upon being informed, send a messenger to see them safely to this point.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

R. C. GATLIN, Brigadier-General, Commanding.

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*Not found.

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