erected at Rico's Bluff-two 24-pounders, two 32-pounders (army pattern), four 32-pounders (short naval guns), and two 32-pounders (rifled guns) mounted on field carriages. Colonel Holland's battalion is tationed at the battery, but as the force is reduced very much from sickness I will order will be in a few days, to supporting distance in the rear of the battalion to prevent a flank movement of the enemy by land. I regard it of the utmost importance that the enemy by land. I regard it of the utmost importance that the enemy should be prevented from reaching Columbus. I am not aware that there are any other works of defense on the river except those at Rico's Bluff. I take the liberty of calling the attention of the Department to the subject in hopes that something may be done in Alabama and Georgia toward the defense of the river.

Very respectfully,

JOSEPH FINEGAN,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

[14.]

HDQRS. DEPT. OF SOUTH CAROLINA AND Georgia,
Pocotaligo, April 21, 1862.

His Excellency JOSEPH E. BROWN,

Governor of Georgia, Milledgeville, Ga.:

SIR: In accordance with instructions received from the War Department I have the honor to request that you will furnish these headquarters with invoices of the arms belonging to the State of Georgai but seized and appropriated to the use of the Confederate States, in order that they may be replaced by arms of a similar character as nearly as possible.

I am, &c.,

J. C. PEMBERTON,

Major-General, Commanding.

[14.]

STATE OF FLORIDA, EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT,

Tallahassee, April 23, 1862.

Honorable GEORGE W. RANDOLPH,

Secretary of War:

SIR: Your attention is respectfully invited to the inclosed reports. Eight of the companie sreported by Captain Noyes to have armed themselves with Enfield rifles have been musteerd into Confederate service. Captain Owens' is a cavalry company; had been previously armed by the Stat with Maynard rifles, sabers, and Colt revolvers. The seven first named will be in a regiment to be organized next Saturday by the election of field officers. The seven, together with four other companies, will make eleven infantry companies raissed for the war and not embraced in the adjutant-genral's report. I regret very much that any article belonging to the Confederate Government has been interfered with, but I presume official reports will make it appear to you that what occurred has been by the order or consent of officeers in Confederate service over whom I had no authority. It I shall fail to receive the arms from the companies mustered into Confederate service before the regiment shall be organized, it will be discretionary with you, if it shall be necessary to our defense, whether the regiment shall be ordered be ordered to report to General Beauregard at Corinth, or deliver