when they know that from the want of proper exertions to prevent it the wives and children of many of our brave soldiers who are in Virginia and Kentucky have been captured and taken off from the State, perhaps to be associated with slaves at Hilton Head? I do not wish, however, to dwell upon the past, but in view of threatened invasion and the rapidly approaching destruction of the State and of all that is dear to a brave and honorable people, who have generously contributed their "mite" to maintain the Confederate Government-in behalf of the wives and children of the brave, and the widows and orphans of brave men who have fallen in battle, I do appeal to you for forces and munitions of war to defend the State, and especially this part of it, where we have much to apprehend, if Saint Mark's and the capital should be taken or immediately attcked, from the loss of slaves and other property, and possibly greaster loss from servile insurrection.

This letter will be handed to you by the Honorable Thomas Baltzell, a former chief justice of the State, to whom has been made known the views I entertain with regard to whast is necessary for our defenses.

I have the honor to be, respectfully, sir.

JOHN MILTON,

Governor of Florida.

[14.]

RICHMOND, VA., October 20, 1862.

Colonel JAMES CHESNUT, Jr.,

Columbia, S. C.:

Your dispatch of the 19th instant received. The leave is granted. As far as practicable inform yourself of the progress of enrolling and the manner of executing it; also of the condition of the coast defenses and their garrisons by official inspection. Then report to me in person.

JEFFERSON DAVIS.

[14.]

COLUMBIA, October 23, 1862.

President DAVIS:

We have several fine regiments of State reserves organiyed. Would you desire us to order them immediately in companies only, or as regiments, to Beauregard? Affair at Pocotaligo over for the present.

F. W. PICKENS.

[14.]

COLUMBIA, October 23, 1862.

President DAVIS,

Richmond, Va.:

The enemy is repoted to have landed at Coosawhatchie in numbers variously estimated from 3,000 to 13,000. In this mergency the Governor and council submit to your judgment the policy of receiving the organized regiments of State reserves for temporary service during the emergency. They will be armed.

JAMES CHESNUT, Jr.,

Chief of Military Department.