eral Beauregard for duty in this State, and if herefter ordered out of this State the arms to be returned to the State authorities. I hear you have such troops in the West, and I think it the quickest way to get the force at Charleston, now so much in danger. I hope you will agree to it.

F. W. PICKENS.

[14.]

RICHMOND, VA., November 1, 1862.

Governor PICKENS,

Columbia, S. C.:

You have not been fully kinformed as to the troops in the West. Your proposition cannot be accepted. I hope the regiments you had organized, and which were offered for service, will enable you promptly to re-enforce the command at Charleston. You know the urgency, and we must all exert every faculty and make any sacrifice.

JEFFERSON DAVIS.

[14.]

RICHMOND, November 1, 1862.

Honorable JAMES CHESNUT, Jr.:

Colonel Elford's proposition was accepted as made and suppsed to be autholrized. Any modification not in conflict with law will be acquiesced in.

G. W. RANDOLPH,

Secretry of War.

[14.]

RICHMOND, November 1, 1862.

His Excellency F. W. PICKENS:

Colonel Elford's proposition was ccepted, as he submitted it under the impression that it was sanctioned by yourself and the council. We are desirous of putting the four regiments immediately in the field, and will accede to any proposition not in conflict with law by which it may be done. Can you suggest any modification of the proposals that will effect the object? If not, Colonel Preston will be instructed to proceed immediately with the enrollment, and I must request your excellency to give him all the assistance in your power.

G. W. RANDOLPH,

Secretary of War.

[14.]

COLUMBIA, November 3, 1862.

G. W. RANDOLPH,

Secretary of War:

The four regiments were orgnized, and one of them in part in service before the late act was passed. They embrace pesons between thirty five and fifty years. Suppose you take the regiments as organized, enroll all in them liable to your conscription, and then, by order of Colonel Preston, asign them to duty for the present in the regiments where they now are. Accept the organiyation as thus constituted for the emergency, and when that has passed discharge all not liable to conscription and retain for permanent service those that are. The only new proposition in this is the enrollment and assignment of those liable, which it is supposed will fulfill the requirements of the law. Please auswer at once.

JAMES CHESNUT, Jr.