[Inclosure No. 2.]

PICKENS COURT-HOUSE, S. C., February 7, 1864.

Colonel W. S. GRISHAM,

Walhalla, S. C.:

DEAR UNCLE: I send Johnny Holcourt up to ascertain something of the whereabouts of the Yankees and the necessity of moving to meet them. I received orders from Colonel Ashmore to enroll volunteers for the occasion, send out scouts, couriers, &c. Please give Johnny any reliable information you can gather. I will send again after while and it may be to go farther.

I am, yours, affectionately,

JAS. J. NORTON.

CHARLESTON, February 9, 1864-8.30 a.m.

General SAMUEL COOPER,

Adjutant and Inspector General:

As I may be required in Georgia or Florida at any moment, a competent officer of sufficient rank should be sent to command in South Carolina. Lieutenant General D. H. Hill would be acceptable. One officer should command in Florida. Cannot Major-General Cobb be ordered there? Please answer soon as practicable.

G. T. BEAUREGARD.

[Indorsement.]

Major-General Gilmer is the next ranking officer, and should succeed to the command.

S. C.

CHARLESTON, S. C., February 9, 1864-3.15 p.m.

General SAMUEL COOPER,

Adjutant and Inspector General, Richmond, Va.:

Should any objection on account of rank arise in sending General Hill here, as designed in telegram this morning, Major-General McLaws would be equally acceptable.

G. T. BEAUREGARD.

CHARLESTON, S. C., February 9, 1864.

Lieutenant General D. H. HILL,

Raleigh, N. C.:

I have applied for your services here. Can you aid in the matter?

G. T. BEAUREGARD.

CHARLESTON, S. C., February 9, 1864.

Major General HOWELL COBB,

Atlanta, Ga., or wherever he may be:

I have applied for you to command two district in Florida. Can you aid in the matter?

G. T. BEAUREGARD.