COLUMBIA, February 24, 1863.

President DAVIS,

Richmond, Va.:

Militia not yet organized for the field. The order requiring portions to rendezvous suspended until further notice before telegram received. Arms-bearing population so much exhausted that reorganization difficult and slow; of necessity not extreme, it would be well not to call militia in the field. Can arm, but all camp equipage and subsistence supplies turned over to Confederate States. Will continue organization for field, but for fear of real suffering prefer to leave boys out, certainly at present.

M. L. BONHAM.

RICHMOND, VA., February 25, 1863.

Governor M. L. BONHAM,

Columbia, S. C.:

MY DEAR SIR: Your letter of February 20 and telegram of the 24th were receoved this morning. The previous telegram with regard to the acceptance of the militia was replied to by telegraph yesterday. The camp equipage and subsistence required by the troops called out will be furnished by the Confederate officers. The importance of retaining a sufficient number of men at their homes for the planting of the grain crops is fully realized. It must be determined by your discretion whether it will be desirable to order the yousths under eighteen years sdto the field. It would be well to proceed with the organization as rapidly as possible, that the largest practicable number of troops may be ready to go into service should the necessity require. Of this the commanding general of the department will be able to advise you, and by keeping in communication with him you may hear the earliest information of any emergency that may occur.

Very respectfully and truly, yours,

JEFFERSON DAVIS.

[14.]

TALLAHASSEE, March 23, 1863.

His Excellency PRESIDENT DAVIS,

Richmond, Va.:

The enemy, with a large number of black troops, occupy Jacksonville, in this State, and we are threatened with a general invasion. Can you spare troops from other portions for the defense of this State? We have no State troops in service and I have none at my command.

JOHN MILTON,

Governor of Florida.

[14.]

GENERAL ORDERS,
HDQRS. DEPT. OF S. C., GA., AND FLA., No. 46
Charleston, March 26, 1863.

I. The troops engaged in the action with the enemy at Pocotaligo on the 22nd of October, 1862, will have inscribed on their colors "Pocotaligo, 22nd October, 1862," in honor of the veteran-like steadiness and unsurpasseble courage displayed on that day in their conflict with and defeat of an enemy of almost incredible superiority in numbers. The whole country has been already informed of and appreciates the brilliant events and incidents of the battle of Pocotaligo, and I has only remained thus officially to authorize an honor so brilliantly won. The