the most trying circumstances, and their gallantry in battle. May they always meet with the most brilliant success, under whoever commands them, is the heartfelt wish of Your Excellency's most obedient servant,

G. T. BEAUREGARD,

Brigadier-General, C. S. Army.

[6.]

HEADQUARTERS PROVISIONAL FORCES,
Charleston, S. C., June 10, 1861.

Captain F. N. BONNEAU,

Commanding Armed Schooner Howell Cobb:

CAPTAIN: The armed schooner Howell Cobb, which you command, having been tendered by the State authorities to the Confederate States and accepted by me for service in and about Charleston Harbor, you will employ her in watching closely the blockading squdron and in preventing any intercourse with the vessels of that squadron by boats or vessels from the harbor or adjacent coasts. Your attention is directed to the fishing smacks and canoes which leave the city. Prevent intercourse with the blockading squadron and report promptly the departure or arrival of all ships of war.

I am, respectfully, your obedient servant,

R. H. ANDERSON,

Colonel, South Carolina Infantry, Commanding.

[6.]

HEADQUARTERS PROVISIONAL FORCES,
Charleston, S. C., June 20, 1861.

CHIEF OF ORDNANCE, C. S. ARMY,

Richmond, Va.:

SIR: I have been informed by Captain C. S. Winder, Confederate Army, acting ordnance officers, that it is impossible, from the lack of proper materials in this city, to prepare carriages for the guns designed for the defense of Broad River entrance. Eighteen of these guns (six 42-pounders and twelve 32-pounders) are consequently lying here useless. Can anything be done at Norfolk or elsewhere toward mounting these guns?

I am, very respectfully, your most obedient servant,

R. H. ANDERSON,

Colonel, South Carolina Infantry, Commanding.

[6.]

HEADQUARTERS PROVISIONAL FORCES,
Charleston, S. C., July 4, 1861.

His Excellency Governor F. W. PICKENS:

SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receitp of the letters of His Excellency Governor Pickens, dated June 25 and June 29, 1861, and I beg His Excellency to accept my excuses for not having sooner replied. The delay has not been caused by last of interest in the very important matters touched on in his communications, no by any indifference to his wishes, but by pressure of official duties. The report made to His Excellency of the weak condition of Fort Sumter and the

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