instruction. My organization of the 5,000 embraces most of these. Shall I break up that? If so, I don't think 5,000 under fifty years of age can be obtained.

M. L. BONHAM.

[28.]

RICHMOND, VA., July 18, 1863.

Governor M. L. BONHAM,

Charleston, S. C.:

The proclamation embraces all subject to conscrption. Those so subject and now at Charleston or about to go there may be enrolled, but not withdrawn from their companies until the ewigency has passed. The privilege of selecting their companies will not be forfeited by such enrollment.*

JEFFERSON DAVIS.

[28.]

CHARLESTON, July 21, 1863.

President DAVIS,

Richmond, Va.:

Telegram received. About 2,000 militia and volunteers at and near city. None of the troops raised under the late call for locl defense are here. The withdrawal of those up to forty-five will disorganize companies formed for local defense under your late requisition. Shall I proceed to reorganize to meet that requisition, leaving out conscripts up to forty-five? If so, I cannot raise the 5,000 without taking boys under eighteen. Let me hear as soon s practicable.

M. L. BONHAM.

[28.]

WAR DEPARTMENT, C. S. A.,

Richmond, July 28, 1863.

Brigadier General H. W. MERCER,

Commanding, Savannah, Ga.:

GENERAL: I have received your letter of the 21st instant* asking authority to impress 1,000 slaves to complete the fortifications at Savannah. The Department is reluctant to use the power of impressment, but in view of the exigency now existing you are authorized to impress such slave labor as may be necessary. Care should be taken, however, to comply with the terms of the law. See General Orders, No. 37. It is very desirable that the impressment should be made under the authority of the State of Georgia, but in case of the Governor's refusal to act you must proceed under the Confederate law.

Your obedient servant,

JAMES A. SEDDON,

Secretary of War.

[28.]

INSPECTOR-GENERAL'S OFFICE, Charleston, S. C., July 28, 1863.

Brigadier General THOMAS JORDAN,

Chief of Staff:

GENERAL: In obedience to instructions from department headquarters dated July 26, 1863, relative to the defensive works of the First

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*See VOL. XXVIII, part II, p.215.

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