with a defensive force equal to an emergency, and no necessity would exist to separate a field officer from his command as heretofore. I therefore earnestly repeat the commendation of my former report upon this point. I find a general concurrence in this view. Brigadier-General Gardner has not yet arrived at Quincy. So soon as he does I propose to visit and communicate with him. I feel some reluctance in alluding to General Finegan, as I have had no opportunity of personal observation, but I feel it my duty to express to you the general sentiment. I have conversed with the best men here, and those just from the army. It is doing him no injustice to say that there is want of confidence in him as an untried and inexperienced officer, with troops of the same character generally. It is unquestionably a fact that much confidence would be imparted by the presence of an officer of rank and reputation. Major Noyes, the chief commissary, tells me if he had the cars he would send to Quincy a large portion of his stroes. Under all the circumstances I think it would be advisable, or else to retain some force here.

To-day I visited the magazine and found it in good condition and properly guarded. My attention has been called to the condition of the prison here, and I shall make and inspection of it to-morrow. No register or record was found here when Captain Gibbes entered upon duty, and there are prisoners who have been in confinement for months with no charges field against them. I will report fully upon its condition with any recommendations which suggest themselves. I shall also inspect the hospitals in transity from Lake City to this point. Twenty patients who were ordered here under no guard are reported to have deserted. The number of desertions is alarming. Colonel Gamble, of this place, showed me a letter from Taylor County in which the position of the organized deserters is represented as hold dangerous. I can see nothing which can be done at present toward checking them. Mr. Houston and others reliable, just from the neighborhood of Gainesville, report the conduct of the enemy as conciliating in the extreme, not injuring persons or property, sending back negroes, and urging the continued cultivation of the farms, bidding very strongly for the Union sentiment of the State. They have given citizens passes out of their lines; represent themselves in large force, with the intention of a permanent occupation of the State. I shall continue to keep you advised of all I consider reliable, and shall be pleased to have any instructions or intimation of views from headquarters.

Respectfully submitted.

JNO. F. LAY,

Major and Assistant Adjutant-General.

[35.]

Indorsement on Beauregard to Cooper, February 18, 1864, VOL. XXXV, Part I, p.618.]

[First indorsement.]

FEBRUARY 24, 1864.

Respectfully submitted to the Secretary of War.

S. COOPER,

Adjutant and Inspector General.

[Second indorsement.]

MARCH 3, 1864.

Engineer Bureau for consideration.

J. A. SEDDON,

Secretary of War.