tives, action has been taken to provide re-enforcements for the defense of Charleston. General Whiting has been ordered to send one brigade immediately, and to hold another ready for transportation. General Whiting as far as is safe, and he has replied that it shall be done. Other troops will be placed in best position to furnish force promptly to the point of real and heaviest attack and to defend them all.

With great respect, your obedient servant,

JEFFERSON DAVIS.

[14.]

COLUMBIA, February 4, 1863.

Honorable J. A. SEDDON,

Secretary of War, Richmond, Va.:

The reserves will be retained for thirty days.

M. L. BONHAM.

[14.]

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT,

Milledgeville, February 7, 1863.

Honorable JAMES A. SEDDON,

Secretary of War:

DEAR SIR: The statements of General Beauregard and of Brigadier-General Mercer cause me to fear an early attack upon Savannah by a heavy force of the enemy. As you are aware, we have a very inadequate force there for its defense. If re-enforcements are not sent by your order, and the attack is made, there is strong reason to fear that the city must fall. I shall in a few days have two regiments of State troops ready for service, who will be sent to Savannah in case of the continued prospect of attack, but this, which is all the State can do, will be wholly insufficient. I therefore most earnestly request that you send early re-enforcements to Savannah. The Fifty-fifth Regiment Georgia Volunteers, now Cumberland Gap, while its commnading officer has behaved very badly, is as excellent body of men, and under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Persons would be most effective and valuable. On account of the character of the regiment having suffered by the conduct of Colonel Harkie, I feel that it is due the men and other officers of whom it is composed that the regiment be placed where it can have active service, and by its bravery and high-toned valor wipe out any supposed stain which rests upon it. I therefore specially ask that it be transferred to the coast immediately, that it may participate in the pending conflict. I also ask the same favor for Colonel Smith's legion, now at Loudon, Tenn., if compatible with the public interest. Our military authorities and our whole people feel great interest in having the defenses of Savannah strengthened as soon as possible. I am informed that the Sixty-tgurd Tennessee Regiment commanded by Colonel Fain, now stationed at Cumberland Gap, is not attached to any brigade and could at once take the place of the Fifty-fifth Georgia in the brigade. This I trust may be considered as another reason in favor of the early transfer of the Fifty-fifth Georgia to the coast. I greatly prefer that all the re-enforcements sent be Georgians, if it can be so arranged.

Very respectfully, &c.,

JOSEPH E. BROWN.

[14.]