all forces will be ordered to defend Waschington and Baltimore. Please get an order immediately to reoccupyCole's Island and extra guns sent there; also to Georgetown. If reports re true against Huger, it will not do to send him here, but get the ablest man you can. Received but two telegrams two telegrams from you.

F. W. PICKENS

[14.]

SAVANNAH, GA., July 24, 1862.

President JEFFERSON DAVIS,

Richmond, Va.:

From the advice of the very best counsel, I am convined that notning but the immediate declaration of martial law will save the service from injuy of the gravest nature. I must request respectfully the declaration of martial law by telegraph. The decision of as number of cases, already brought before the judge, cannot be delayed beyond the hour of 10 o'clock to-morrow morning.

H. W. MERCER

Brigadier-General

[14.]

CHARLESTON, S. C., July 24, l862.

General S. COOPER,

Richmond, Va.:

The steamer Hero ran the blockade and arrived here tis moring, bringing 50,000 pounds of powder, 60 tons of salpeter, 7 cases of rifles, a large assorment of medicine and medical instruments, 360 boxes of tin. General Pemberton absent, visiting Second Military

District.

J. R. WADDY,

Assistant Adjutan-General.

[14.]

RICHMOND, VA., July 25, 1862

General H. W. MERCER,

Savannah, Ga.:

The law to which you were referred confers the power for specific purpose. Your attention was called to it because your telegram indicated that you asked the exercise of the power for different purpose. Your answer did not remove the impression, and the Secretary of War submitted the question as it stood to the Attorney-Geral, whose response has not been received.

JEFF'N DAVIS.

[14.]

CHARLESTON, S. C., August 2, 1862.

General S. COOPER,

Richmond, Va.:

General Pemberton absent. The Leopard ran blockade this morning, bringing 75,000 pounds of powder, a large number of English rifles, and a large amount of fixed ammunition and an assorted cargo.

J. R. WADDY,

Assistant Adjuntant-General.

[14.]