over the President's veto, and hope it will be as fortunate in the House. I am actuted only by the good of the service, and not by animosities or wishes that may be at variance with the President's views. My friends and enemies must understand that I look only to the success of our cause in everything that I support, whether it corresponds or not with the ideas of others. I have been trying in every way possible (but have failed) to get additional artillerists here, as it was issential to the safefy of this place. Further that that I desired nothing, neither for self nor friends. We have had the first bout with the enemy's formidable iron-clads and have beene successful, but do not flatter yourselves with the hope that the struggle is all over now. We are only at the beginning of it. The defense of this place, with the present restricted means of the country in men, guns materials, is one of the most difficult problems I have yet had to solve, especially when not supported, as I should be, by those in authority.

May God protect our canse is the sincere wish of your sincere friend,

G. T. BEAUREGARD,

[14.]

EXECUTIVE DEARTMENT, C. S. A.,

Richmond, Va., April 11, 1863.

Honorable J. A. SEDDON,

Secretary of War:

SIR: Inclosed please find copy of dispatch just received from Colonel Lee.* I think it would be advisable to order General Ransom to proceed with his brigade to Charleston. You will thus restore these two brigades of Ransom and Cooke to the same organization, which was broken by the detachment of the junior brigade from the temporary division as organized by General Lee. Should you concur in this, it would be well to advise General Beauregard of your wish that the two brigades should be connected under the immediate commnad of the senior brigadier; or, if you decidedly prefer it, General Lee's recommendation may be entirely carried out by giving to Ransom the temporary rank of major-general.

JEFF'N DAVIS.

[14.]

JOINT RESOLUTION of thanks to General G. T. Beauregard and the officers and men of his commnad for the repulse of the iron-clad fleet of the enemy from the harbor of Charleston on the 7th of April, 1863.

Resolved by the congress of the Confederate States of America, That the thanks of Congress are eminently due, and are hereby most cordially tendered, to General G. T. Beauregard and the officers and men of his command engaged in the affair, for their brilliant and signal defeat of the iron-clad fleet of the enemy n the harbor of Charleston on the 7th of April, 1863.

Resolved, That the President be requested to communicate this resolution to General Beauregard and his commnand.

Approved May 1, 1863.

[14.]

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*See VOL. XIV, p.894.

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19 R R-VOL LIII