TALLAHASSEE, November 7, 1861.

(Via Columbus. Received 8th.)

Honorable J. P. BENJMAIN,

Richmond:

Seven companies Davis' regiment mustered. Much needed now. No field officers appointed. Send commissions. G. Troup Maxwell recommended for major. General Trapier leaves Charleston 10th. No munitions of war received. Let me know by telegraph how forces shall be raised upon the requisition of General Trapier for 7,000. GOvernor Moore, of Alabama, says we have four regiments in camps. part of General Walkerl's brigade, unarmed, destinated for Tennessee. If arms and orders be had from Richmond they could move forward immediately. This was in reply for assistance at Apalachicola.

Respectfully,

JOHN MILTON,

Governor of Florida.

[6.]

COLUMBIA, November 8, 1861.

Adjutant-General COOPER:

The enemy are landing in great force. Fort Walker, at Hilton Head, has been abandoned by our troops, who retire [to] Bluffton. All our positions in extreme danger. Our situation most critical. The Governor thinks my services may be valuable. I ask the Department to permit me to report to General Lee or Ripley. Please answer instantly to Columbia.

JOHN S. PRESTON,

Lieutenant-Colonel and Assistant Adjutant-General.

[Answer.]

NOVEMBER 8, 1861.

Report to General Lee.

S. C[OOPER].

[6.]

CHARLESTON, November 8, 1861.

General S. COOPER,

Adjutant and Inspector General, Richmond:

The following telegram has been received from Brigadier-General Drayton:

I have been compelled, after a gallant and desperate defense of four hours-ammunition exhausted, seven or eight guns on water battery out of thirteenth either dismounted or unfit for service-to abandon Fort Walker and retire upon this place-Bluffton. Particulars will be given when official returns are received.

J. H. TRAPIER,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

[6.]

COLUMBIA, S. C., November 10, 1861.

President DAVIS:

I telegraphed Mr. Benjamin, as soon as the fleet was known to have heavy war vessels, that they would pass and enfilade the forts. The affair is bad enough, but not as bad as panic makes it. Our men are safe. Please send me Calhoun's artillery company and Gregg's regiment.