the 4th of December. All were then well. Doucette wrote me on the 19th of November. I have sent her leter to Rene; send him your mother's also. His address is Walker's division, Hardee's corps, Dalton, Ga. We have nothing new here. It is impossible to tell yet what the enemy is about, but I think he is a little a loss to know what to do. I am using extensively the humbuggers of war to deceive him, such as signal rockes, beating of drums, firing of salutes, &c., near my advanced positions, especially where I am the weakest. I wish some of Longstreet's or Johnston's brigades would come to winter in my department, between here and Savannah. They would suffer there less from cold and hunger than where they are. Such a change of position would not at all prevent the execution of the plan of campaign I sent to Mr. Soule, especially if most of Longstreet's corps were sent into North Carolina (about Weldon and

Wilmington) and in this vicinity, as already indicated. I send you herewith a letter* to Colonel Miles, which you can read before delivering. It contained my very general views about that "Army memorial" to Congress. Cannot Congress and the State governments do something toward sending back to the ranks absentees, skulkers, and those "exempts" of proper age who out to be in the service? That would do away with the necessity of calling out the women, children, and old men. I regret Colonel Miles showed my "notes on the gun-boats" to Mr. Mallory, not that I care for what he may say, but they were written for sensible members of Congress to use in exploding that gun-boat humbug, which has had its run. It should be put down as soon as possible.

Yours, sincerely,

G. T. BEAUREGARD.

[35.]

HEADQUARTERS, Savannah, January 12, 1864.

Brigadier-General JORDAN,
Chief of Staff:

GENERAL: I am in receipt of the commanding general's inquiry as to whether some way cannot be devised for destroying the enemy's dock-yards, machine-shops, &c., at Scull Creek,+ and in reply I have to say that careful inquiries have been made as to the character of the country adjacent to the enemy's works, and I find that no point within range of 32-pounder can be found except on Hilton Head or Pinckney Islands. The enemy holds the former in force and the latter by strong pickets. To possess Pinckney Island it will be first necessary to dislodge the pickets. A considerable force would then be required to hold the island and put guns in position. Our means of water transportation are inadequate, I fear, for such an operation. As to the lodgment on Hilton Head Island, I consider it impracticable. It is possible a secret expedition may be organized for the destruction of the yards and shops. On this point I will report more fully as soon as a report called for from Brigadier-General Walker on this matter shall have ben received.

I am, general, respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. F. GILMER,

Major-General and Second in Command.

[25.]

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*See Beauregard to Miles, January 5, VOL. XXVIII, Part II, p.605.

+See VOL. XXXV, Part I, p.513.

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20 R R-VOL LIII