RICHMOND, VA., February 17, 1863.

General G. T. BEAUREGARD,

Charleston, S. C.:

It is necessary for intelligent action here that exact information should be possessed of your forces and their position, and that this should be furnished from time, at least every ten days. Re-enforcements have been sent, and whatever is requisite will be furnished as far as paracticable.

JEFFERSON DAVIS.

[14.]

CHARLESTON, February 17, 1863.

His Excellency President DAVIS,

Richmond, Va.:

Will render weekly returns hereafter and give all information to keep War Department accurately informed. General Beauregard at Savannah. Clingman's brigade arrived to-day.

THOS. JORDAN.

[14.]

COLUMBIA, February 22, 1863.

President DAVIS,

Richmond, Va.:

I have ordered out as soon as organized for three months, unless sooner discharged, those troops in the limits of First, Fourth, and Tenth regiments; reserve between forty and fifty and sixteen and eighteen. Telegraph myself and General Beauregard if you accept them. Those just out of service are to organiye for service untill called.

M. L. BONHAM.

[Indorsement.]

The PRESIDENT:

I have made no call on Governor Bonham, but as suggested by yourself, desired General Beauregard to report what troops, if any, he expected to derive from such call. In reply he telegraphed that if arms could be afforded, he thought some regiments could be commnanded. Knowing from Colonel Gorgas he could not meet the call for arms from General Johnston and supply these troops likewise, I have given no authority for any action, hoping that the arrival of arms by some steamer in a few days in a few days might enable me to give a favorable response.

Most respectfully,

J. A. S.,

Secretary.

[14.]

RICHMOND, VA., February 24, 1863.

Governor M. L. BONHAM,

Columbia, S. C.:

Though the proposed term is but half of that authorized by Confederate law, the militia, if sent armejd and equipped, will be accepted as tendered. The pressing necessity of the case calls for the greatest dispatch.*

JEFFERSON DAVIS.

[14.]

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*See VOL. XIV, pp.784,785.

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