on Sullivan's Island, with Jenkins' regiment, 1,150 strong; then four regular infantry companies at Cole's Island and the mouth of Stono and Fort Pickens, or perhaps five; one at Georgetown and one at Edisto, supported by the local artillery company now there, and a regular company at or near Beaufort-in all, ten regular infantry companies and five artillery. Then order Haggod's regiment, 860 strong, to Summerville, twenty-two miles on the railroad, at a perfectly healthy station, which could support the force on Stono and at Pickens even easier than from the islands, and the local regiments in Charleston, now armed and equipped, could at any time be ordered into action. This would give you a force, regulars and all, in pay of the Confederate Government, of about 3,000 men for the summer; and, if they do not desire to muster into the Confederate service any of the other regiments now under orders, I can then order them to retire to their homes, but to be in constant and daily readiness for a call at any moment; but they could then all be at the expense of the State alone. All I want is an immediate decision.

Very respectfully and truly,

F. W. PICKENS.

P. S.-I desire something certain would be done as soon as possible, so Rion's regiment and the balance of Kershaw's could be disbanded.

[6.]

HEADQUARTERS PROVISIONAL FORCES,
Charleston, S. C., May 15, 1861.

His Excellency F. W. PICKENS,

Charleston, S. C.:

DEAR SIR: Your favor of this date has been received. I regret much that I cannot keep any longer in the Confederate service the volunteer regiments you refer to. I recommended, when lately in Montgomery, that at least 5,000 men could be kept constantly in servcie for the protection of the coast, for the purpose of drilling, organizing, &c., but this arrangmeent does not seem to have met with the approval of the Secretary of War. Hence I have this day issued an order relieving all the volunteers that have been calle dout, except four companies of Rion's regiment, which will be relived also as soon as practicable.* We will have to muster into the service detached companies as required for the defense of the coast batteries, as the latter shall be constructed. I must be permitted to advise that the present organiztion of the volunteer regiments now out should be maintained even after being disbanded, and that at least one or two of said regiments should be kept successively encamped nearest to their homes for the purpose of drill, organization, &c., so that the State could at any time have at least 6,000 or 8,000 men for the protection of its soil and inhabitants, in case of any sudden attack from the enemy. I regert that the regiment of South Carolina regulars and battalion of artillery is not full, so as to be more amply provided with garrisons for the coast batteries. I will soon communicate to you my views relative to the new batteries required for the coast defenses of South Carolina.

I remain, dear sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

G. T. BEAUREGARD,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

[6.]

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*See next, post.

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