had been sunk there. I immediately ordered Captain Pearson with his company to repair to Dunn's Creek ad throw trees in the creek to shut the enemy in. The execution of this order was only prevented because there were no means by which the company could cross the Saint John's River in order tto reach Dunn's Creek. A report (unofficial) reached me this morning saying that Captain Hopkins' company (under Lieutenant Stephens) had effectually blocked up the enemy in Dunn's Creek. This, however, needs confirmation. Nevertheless, I have this day sent Colonel Dancy to that section with orders, and these allow him to call upon any forces in that vicinity for immediate action againsta the enemy. I have also given him a requistition upon Captain Baldwin for some powder (subject to my order) to supply the citizens who may join him. Immediately upon the receipt of your orders of the 24th instant I issued an order to Captain Ingram, commanding Alachua Rebels, to remove the iron from such portions of the Florida Railroad and road leading from Jacksonville to Baldwin as was necessary to prevent the enemy's use of either road, &c. From subsequent investigations I find that up to ten miles from Fernandina toward Baldwin the destruction of bridges, trestle-work, &c., has rendered that road impassable to the enemy for that distance, and which it would probably take them two months to reconstruct, if they meditate reconstruction. Reports from scouts assure me that they have as yet repaired no part of it, and have not attempted tto do so. In case of closing upon the enemy in that quarter or toward Jacksonville, these roads, for such distance as we may safely use to transport troops, &c., will be of great importance to us, as mule teams might not be had, or forage for them, besides the country being in many places very bad for wagon operations. I shall certainly carry out Your Excellency's instructions with the discretion you allow me to prevent the enemy's use of said roads if the present removal of iron is deemed insufficient. I have the honor tto inclose to you copies of two orders issued by General Trapier, which I saw to-day and requested copies of them. It seems that his orderes are now being executed.

I herewith inclose copy of your orders to me of March 24 in accordnance with you request. I have made all investigation regarding the arms now being removed from Smyrna, and learn that the most of them are being deposited at Ocal. Your Excellency orders me to arm certain companies at Gainesville, reserve a stated number of arms for the use of the troops raised fro my command, and forward the balance to Tallahassee. I find great difficulty in securing transportation by temas, as they are almost entirely engaged in hauling the arms from Smyrna. I sent my aide-de-camp, Captain Taylor, forward before I received your orders to gain all information and report. I shall use every means to have Your Excellency's order fully carried cut, and am much gratified tthat you will in this way arm our own troops as they need arms. I have the honor to inclose a statement* which I required of my assistant adjutant-general regarding the appointment by Your Excellency of a quartermaster and commissary for this post. I am endeavoring to organize as fast as practicable, and deem this appointment as highly necessary to the furtherance of that object. Captain Ingarm, whi will bear this, is authorized to receive and convey to me any ommunication from Your Excellency. For the appointment of quartermaster and commissary (for I believe one efficient man could do all tthat is required) I have to depend upon your usual excellent judgment,

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*Not found.

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16 R R-VOL LIII