conscript law to go on at the same time, I am satisfied you would soon get into the service every man lible to duty. I venture to repeat this suggestion, as it is based upon facts transpiring under my daily observation.

With sentiments of sincere regard, I am, very truly, yours, &c.,

HOWELL COBB,

Brigadier-General, Commanding District.

[Inclosure.]

HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF MIDDLE FLORIDA,
Quincy, January 28, 1863.

I have been authorized by the Secretary of War to recive into the military service of the Confederate States companies, battalions, or regiments organized within the following territorial limits, to wit: In the counties of Florida lying between the Suwannee and Choctawhatchee Rivers, and the following counties in the State of Georgia: Decatur, Miller, Early, Clay, Quitman, Stewart, Chattahoochee, Marion, Schley, Muscogee, Webster, Randolph, Terrell, Sumter, Lee, Calhoun, Dougherty, Baker, Mitchell, Worth, and Thomas. All persons, whether subject to conscription or not, will be received into these organizations. The companies, when organized, will select their own commissioned officers, and the men will be allowed the bounty of $50, and be mustered into the Confederate service for three years, or the war, unless sooner discharged. All field officers will be appointed and commissioned by the President. The opportunity is now offered to all who are able and willing, within these limits, to serve the country to do so in volunteer organizations of their own choice, and those who are subject to the conscript law and fail or refuse to avail themselves of the opportunity will be promptly enrolled as conscripts, under the provisions of that law. Notice will be given in due time of the points at which the companies, after being organiyed, will rendezvous.

HOWELL COBB,

Brigadier-General, Commanding District.

[14.]

COLUMBIA, February 3, 1863.

President DAVIS,

Richmond, Va.:

By telegraph from Charlotte to Mr. Trenholm, we learn the Ironsides is off Charleston Bar, and other iron-clads are in the neighborhood; that the British frigate Cadmus has arrived off the harbor, with instructions to Mr. Bunch to embark with his family as soon as possible, an attack on Charleston being imminent; that it is thought on good authority that it may occur in forty-eight. I am requested by the House of Representatives, in secret session, to telegraph you, and if the intelligence be correct, to urge upon the President the necessity of adopting the promptest measures to concentrate an adequate force at Charleston for the defense of the city.

M. L. BONHAM.

[14.]

RICHMOND, VA., February 4, 1863.

His Excellency M. L. BONHAM,

Governor of South Carolina:

DEAR SIR: Upon the information contained in your telegram of yesterday, and in response to the request of the House of Representa-