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

YORKTOWN, January 3, 1861.

General S. COOPER, Adjutant-General:

About 300 or the enemy's cavalry advanced to-day as far as Bethel, which is occupied only by a picket, and attempted to set fire to the wooden church, which is the only building there, but upon the appearance of our cavalry they retreated, and were followed some distance. I do not know whether this is a real advance or not. The papers state that the Minnesota, Commodore Goldsborough, belongs to Burnside's fleet, which is now rendezvousing at Old Point. I judge by the draught of water of this frigate, and from the fact of their having four bomb vessels, that either Yorktown, James River, or Norfolk will be the point of attack. It will be well if the Patrick Henry and Jamestown remain as they are, between Harden's Bluff and Mulberry Point.

I would respectfully suggest that the steamer from Newport News with the exchange of prisoners be not allowed to come above Day's Point battery, which is our lowest battery on James River.

Your telegraph announcing the arrival of the fleet at Old Point has been received.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. BANKHEAD MAGRUDER, Major-General, Commanding.

YORKTOWN, January 4, 1861.

General COOPER, Adjutant-General:

Just returned from inspecting left flank of position. Works advancing rapidly; hope to prevent a landing; will prevent an advance. Forty-seven guns now mounted here. Should the fleet now at Fort Monroe attack us, will beat it off. Bethel not occupied by us except by a picket; only one building there, a wooden church, not burnt; the enemy in too great a hurry. I sent strong forces of all arms to Bethel and below; the enemy has retired to Fort Monroe and Newport News. It would be well to have the Teazer, if ready, join the Patrick Henry and Jamestown between Harden Bluff and Mulberry Island.

J. BANKHEAD MAGRUDER, Major-General, Commanding.

RALEIGH, January 5, 1861.

J. P. BENJAMIN:

We have reliable information that the Burnside expedition at Fort Monroe is destined for Pamlico Sound and New Berne. The batteries at New Berne are slight, and manned with inexperienced volunteers, and there are only two imperfect regiments there. We have no arms for volunteers or militia. Will you send us troops from Richmond or some of our own regiments from James River? Can we have arms for three regiments from the recent arrival at Wilmington?

HENRY T. CLARK.

RICHMOND, VA., January 6, 1861.

Gov. HENRY T. CLARK, Raleigh, N. C.:

We are fully alive to the necessity of defending your coast; have