[Indorsement No. 2.]

DECEMBER 8, 1863.

Respectfully submitted to the President for his information as to the condition of General Beauregard's command and his arrangements for defense.

J. A. SEDDON,

Secretary of War.

[Indorsement No. 3.]

It is not seen why the infantry force asked for by General Walker cannot be furnished by General Beauregard, arrangements being made to secure the return of the force at any time within a few hours to Charleston if events should require its presence at the latter place. The estimate of the number of troops requisite for the perfect defense of Charleston and its approaches against possible contingencies is no doubt correct; but our whole force does not permit the Government to keep at each assailable position as many troops as may become necessary. Immediate wants must decide the location of the forces we have.

JEFFERSON DAVIS.

[Indorsement No. 4.]

ADJUTANT AND INSPECTOR GENERAL;

Communicate this indorsement.

J. A. SEDDON.

[Inclosure A.]

Return and estimate of Infantry in the Department of South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida.

Command Estimated Effectives Effectiv Estimated

for by on July es on for by

Lieutenan 10, 1863.* November General

t - 10, 1863. Beauregard,

General + November

Pemberton 1, 1863

September

24, 1862

First Military 15,600 2,334 12,773 18,500

District of

South

Carolina++

Second Military 5,000 442 - 2,500

District of

South Carolina&

Third Military 3,730 558 603 3,500

District of

South

Carolina||

Fourth Military 270 140 521 1,500

District of

South Carolina#

District of 10,000 11,745 1,050 10,000

Georgia

Total 34,600 5,219 14,947 36,000

District of - 1,367 1,485 1,500

Middle

Florida**

District of - 473 470 2,500

East Florida**

Total 34,600 7,059 16,902 40,000

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REMARKS.

*Date the enemy took possession of the south end of Morris Island.

+Since this date, Clingman's brigade [1,810 effectives] has been ordered from Sullivan's Island to North Carolina.

++This military district comprises at present the First, Fifth, Sixth, and Seventh Military Districts.

&With the estimated number of infantry, the present force of cavalry and artillery is assumed to be sufficient.

||General Pemberton estimated 5,000 men of all arms. The cavalry and artillery then present have been deducted.

#General Pemberton estimated three companies of infantry in this military district.

** Middle and East Florida were not in General Pemberton's department.

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