HEADQUARTERS PROVISIONAL ARMY, C. S.,
Charleston, S. C., May 19, 1861.

Captain F. D. LEE,

Corps of Engineers, South Carolina Regulars, Charleston, S. C.:

DEAR SIR: Your letter of the 7th instant has just been received. I regret, not knowing your State law, that I cannot give you any information relative to promotion in your corps. If I had the authority I would gladly muster yourself and the other officers of engineers into the Confederate service as a triubte to yoru valuable and gallant service in the defense of Charleston Harbor. With regard to the necessity of continuing you in the State service, I give you herewith an extract of my letter of yesterday to Governor Pickens on that subject:

I would also call your attention to the necessity of keeping in the service of the State the engineers at present in it until the completion of said coast defenses, for they cannot, by law, be mustered into the Confederate service, and the latter has none to send here at present. I would distribute them as follows:

First. Captain F. D. Lee, to take charge of the engineer bureau here and see to the execution of my orders relative to his department.

Second. Lieutenants McCrady and Earle, to take charge of the batteries noth of Charleston, about five in number.

Third. Lieutenants McCrady and Acting Lieutenants Blake and tennent, of those south of Charleston, about eight in number.

Nearly all the wood revetment of the parapets, and the gun platforms, magazines, &c., will be taken from the Morris Island batteries, ordered to be dismantled.

These instructions you will follow when approved by the Governor.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,

G. T. BEAUREGARD,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

[6.]

SPECIAL ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS PROVISIONAL ARMY, Numbers 116.
Charleston, May 19, 1861.

The Charleston Light Dragoons are relieved from further duty on Sullivan's Island. The quartremaster's department will furnish transportation for the removal of the detachment now on the island to this city to-morrow.

By order of Brigadier-General Beauregard:

D. R. JONES,
Assistant Adjutant-General.

[6.]

HEADQUARTERS PROVISIONAL ARMY, C. S.,
Charleston, S. C., May 20, 1861.

His Excellency Governor PICKENS,

Charleston, S. C.:

SIR: I am informed that McPhersonville is the best point in the neighborhood of Beaufort at which to locate the regiments intended for the defense of the coast south of this city, both on account of the healthy character of the spot as well as its easy communication by railroad with other points that may either be threatened or attacked. I would therefore suggest that the regiment intended for this service be sent to that village.

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

G. T. BEAUREGARD,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

[6.]