federate Government upon the termintion of the war; but at all events let the women and children of Apalachicola-the mothers, wives, and children of soldiers absent in the service of the Government-be saved from dishonor and starvation; otherwise indelible infamy should be affixed to the power by which, in the absence of natural defenders, they shall have been abandoned to dishonor and death. I have joined in the appel for the military department with the Governors of Georgia and Alabama. The necessity of such deartment was suggested and urged by me more than a year ago. But a geographical department without military forces, without a suitable officer in command, will be of no avail; hence the suggestions in the joint application. We differed in the appointment made by zou of an officer to command the present department. I yielded to your selection, and extended all patronage in my power to contribute to its success. The officer selcted had ndustry, untiring energy, the power and speed of n engine, without the necessaty military education, experience, or sagacity. He was recommended by the representatives of Florida, and the appointment urged by Mr. Mallory. I yielded kindly to the power of appointment and did all in my power to make it successful. What has been the result? The loss of every gun of value, the utter ruin of many of citizens, and the disgrace of the Confederate rms in East Florida; and the few remaining guns left on the Chatahoochee River will be taken if, under existing circumstances, an attackshall be made. Appoint an officer to the command of the military department applied for who has received a military education and has had military experience, and the public security will be greatly enhanced.

I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully,

JOHN MILTON,

Governor of Florida.

[Indorsement.]

SECRETARY OF WAR:

The assignment of General Cobb and detail of engineers answer in part the requrements. A separate department would be weaker than a district. The geographical limits do not prevent raising troops in Georgia and Alabama. Please consider and reply.

J. D.

[14.]

COLUMBIA, November 14, 1862.

His Excellency President DAVIS:

I start to-morrow in the discharge of the duties to which you assigned me abount Charleston. Will be there probably until the 21st; after that will return to Camden for a few days. Communications will reach me at Chrleston until the 21st, and at Camden until the 1st of December.

JAS. CHESNUT, Jr.

[14.]

SPECIAL ORDERS, ADJT. AND INSP. GENERAL'S OFFICE, No. 268.
Richmond, November 15, 1862.

* * * * * *

XIII. Captain Childs' and Captain Lee's companies South Carolina artillery will be consolidated, and will be attached to and form a part of Major J. J. Lucas' battalion South Carolina heavy artillery.

* * * * * *

By command of the Secretary of War:

John WITHERS,
Assistant Adjutant-General.

[14.]