WAR DEPARTMENT, C. S. A.,

Richmond, Va., January 13, 1862.

General R. E. LEE,

Coosawhatchie, S. C.:

SIR: I have made arrrangements with Messrs. John Fraser & Co., of Charlesston, for running in the cargo of arms and ammunition now on board the Galdiator at nassau, by dividing it and placing it on board two small fast steamers. The harbor of Mosquito, on the Florida coast, has been selected for the landing, and it is believed to be necessary that a couple of moderate sized guns be placed at New Smyrna to protect the landing in the event of our steamers being chased in by a Yankee gun-boat. Will you be good enough, if possible, to send temporarily some defense of this kind to New Smyrna. The cargoes will be so valuable and so vitally important to our defense that no precaution should be omitted. It will be necesssary to act very promptly, if at all, as I hpoe the steamer will arrive within ten or fifteen days.

Your obedient servant,

J. P. BENJAMIN,

Secretary of War.

[6.]

FERNANDINA, January 16, 1862.

Honorable J. P. BENJAMIN,

Secretary of War:

MY DEAR SIR: Intelligence of a foray on Cedar Keys. Not particulars enough to know if for occupation. Hope not. Am on my way down witha train to take off the women and children. Captain McBlair sent for two 10-inch columbiads for batteries on this side. Please send two more 10-inch for battery on Cumberland Island (the Georgia side). It is very important. General Mercer desires it and General Lee approves. Please give them. It is bad in operation that General Lee's command does not cover Middle as well as East Florida. It palces part of Genreal Trapier's department out of Lee's command, and thus produces a disjunction of the department, in part of which General Trapier is not subject to his command while in another part he is. Do give General Lee an officer of his choice to be located here. General Trapier has not been here for over three weeks. His headquarters is at Tallahassee.

In great haste, yours, very truly,

D. L. YULEE.

General Lee is a capital commander.

[6.]

HEADQUARTERES,

Coosawhatchie, January 17, 1862.

Honorable J. P. BENJAMIN,

Secretary of War, Richmond, Va.:

SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt this day of your letter of the 13th instant. I have written to General Trapier making him acquainted with its contents, and directed him to carry out your wishes without delay.* Captain McBlair, C. S. Navy, on duty at Fernandina, has also been notified by telegraph to hold in readiness two

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*See VOL. VI. p. 370.

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