In testimony thereof I have hereto set my hand and the great seal of the State. Done at the Capitol in tallahassee, this 22nd day of Junuary, A. D. 1862.

F. L. VILLEPIGUE,

Secretary of State.

[SEAL.]

[6.]

HEADQUARTERS,
Coosawhatchie, December 18, 1861.

General A. R. LAWTON,

Commanding, &c., Savannah:

GENERAL: In acknowledging the receipt of your letter of yesterdday, reporting the probable time of departure of the Twenty-fourth Mississippi Regiment for Fernandina, I am directed by the general commanding to sasy that he considers the service of these troops in the defense of Cumberland Sound important for the protection of the coast of Georgia, now seriously threatened at that point, and which cannot otherwise, as far as he knows, be re-enforced. This regiment is still for service in the department, and will be replaced in your command by the Thirteenth regiment Georgai volunteers, as you will see by Special Orders. Numbers 21, paragraph II. He regrets as much as you do the paucity of arms and troops in the department. These he is endeavoring to increase, and had hoped that ere this some new regiments from Georgia would gave been in the field. Please state what are the prospects of re-enforcements from that quarter.

Very respectfully, &c.,

W. H. TAYLOR,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

[6.]

HEADQUARTERS,
Coosawhatchie, December 20, 1861.

General R. S. RIPLEY,

Commanding, &c., Charleston, S. C.:

GENERAL: Your telegram announcing the attempt of the enemy to shut the port of Charleston by the obstruction of stone vessels sunk in the channel has just been received. This effort, prompted by feelings unbecoming a great nation, however abortive, I think plainly indicates that they despair of ever getting possession of the city, whether their attack be made by land o water. While it should not cause you to relax your efforts to strengthen and complete the works now in progress, itt may allow you time and means to expand your operations so as to give protection to the islands and points on the main which invite their predatory excursions. I beg therefore you will give this matte your earliest attention.

I am, &c.,

R. E. LEE,

General, Commanding.

[6.]

SPECIAL ORDERS,
ADJT. AND INSP. GENERAL'S OFFICE, Numbers 273.
Richmong, December 23, 1861.

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III. Captain E. G., Dawson, witth his company (the Terrell Artillery), Georgia Volunteers, will proceed immediately to Savannah, Ga., and report for duty to General Lawton, commanding.

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