RICHMOND, November 4, 1861.

General JOSEPH R. ANDERSON,

Wilmington, N. C.:

As soon as Governor Pickens informs you that South Carolina is attacked, you may send him all the aid that you can possibly spare.

J. P. BENJAMIN,

Acting Secretary of War.

SAVANNAH, November 4, 1861.

J. P. BENJAMIN,

Acting Secretary of War:

The enemy's fleet concentrating between Savanah River and Port Royal. Point of attack still doubtful. Move than twenty vessels in sight.

A. R. LAWTON,

Brigadier-General.

CHARLESTON, November 4, 1861.

General COOPER,

Adjutant-General:

Enemy's fleet concentration between Tybee and Port Royal. Have started re-enforcements to General Drayton. Am occupying the country inland with cavalry, and concentrating the force here to re-enforce either Drayton or Lawton. Desire authority for General Anderson to re-enforce me. Not much fear of any landing north of Edisto.

R. S. RIPLEY.

CHARLESTON, November 5, 1861.

General S. COOPER:

Forty-one vessels reported off Beaufort. Attack imminent. Have requested General Lawton to re-enforce Hilton Hed with from 500 to 1,000 men, and have requested General Anderson to send me two regiments and a field battery. Will you confirm the requests? Shall start in person as soon as reserve is organized, and attack as soon after they land as I can reach them.

R. S. RIPLEY.

SPECIAL ORDERS,
ADJUTANT AND INSPECTOR GEN. 'S OFFICE, No. 206. Richmond, November 5, 1861.

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XII. The coasts of South Carolina, Georgia, and East Florida are constituted a military department, and General R. E. Lee, C. S. Army, is assigned to its command.

By command of the Secretary of War:

JNO. WITHERS,
Assistant Adjutant-General.