given being intended to assist Lieutenant Fairbanks in his work and protect him from interruption by unorganized parties. This matter threatens serious trouble, and I call especial attention to it. Lieutenant Fairbanks does not act under my orders. His instructions come, I believe, from the Engineer Bureau at Richmond.

SAM. JONES,

Major-General.

[Second indorsement.] ADJUTANT AND INSPECTOR GENERAL'S OFFICE,

July 21, 1864.

Respectfully submitted to the Secretary of War.

H. L. CLAY,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

[Third indorsement.]

JULY 23, 1864.

To ENGINEER BUREAU:

You will please confer on this at once with me.

J. A. S.,

Secretary.

[Fourth indorsement.]

ENGINEER BUREAU,

July 30, 1864.

Having conferred with the honorable Secretary of War in person and sent forward Mr. Howard, attorney, to attend to the case in the courts of Florida, this paper is respectfully returned to the War Department.

J. F. GILMER,

Major-General and Chief of Bureau.

[35.]

CHARLESTON, S. C., July 6, 1864.

Brigadier General JAMES CHESNUT, Columbia, S. C.:

I have received no information of orders to Hagood's brigade, nor do I know its present strength. Have you received my telegram of yesterday asking it the regiment of clerks and emplyes at Columbia could be sent here? Affairs here are vey threatening, and I am greatly in need of troops.

SAM JONES,

Major-General.

[35.]

RICHMOND, VA., July 7, 1864.

General SAM. JONES, Charleston, S. C.:

Your dispatch of the 4th instant to the Adjutant-General has not been recieved, and you do not inform me of its contents. If you require aid, call on General J. Chesnut.

JEFFESON DAVIS.

[35.]

RICHMOND, VA., July 8, 1864.

Brigadier General JAMES CHESNUT,

Columbia, S. C.:

General Jones telegraphs that Charleston is in great danger. Send him re-enforcements as soon as possible.

JEFFERSON DAVIS.

[35.]