RICHMOND, VA., July 8, 1864.

General SAM. JONES,

Charleston, S. C.:

Your telegram of yesterday received. The only resource is the reserves. Have called on General Chesnut.

JEFFERSON DAVIS.

[35.]

COLUMBIA, July 9, 1864.

His Excellency President JEFFERSON DAVIS,

Richmond, Va.:

Your telegram of the 8th instant recieved. Thirteen companies had already been ordered to General Jones.

JAS. CHESNUT,

Brigadier-General.

[35.]

HEADQUARTERS RESERVE FORCES, SOUTH CAROLINA,
Columbia, July 10, 1864.

General S. COOPER,

Adjutant and Inspector General, Richmond, Va.:

GENERAL: I have the honor respectfully to acknowledge the receipt this morning of Special Orders, Numbers 143, from your office, dated June 20, 1864.* It is so full that I have nothing more to ask of you at this time, except a battery of light artillery, which I would be glad to have placed at my disposal. The organization of my command has been completed, and I have, in obedience to orders from His Excellency the President, ordered thirteen companies to report to Major-General Jones at Charleston. I do not think Charleston at this time in danger, but will do all in my power to carry out the views of the Government and the general commanding.

Most respectfully, your obedient servant,

JAMES CHESNUT, Jr.,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

[First indorsement.]

JULY 3, 1864.

Respectfully referred to Chief of Ordnance, who is desired to furnish General Chesnut with the battery he asks for.

S. COOPER,

Adjutant and Inspector General.

[Second indorsement.]

Colonel CLAY:

Please inform General Chesnut that his requisition for a battery has been approved and sent to the Ordnance Bureau to furnish.

S. C.

[35.]

COLUMBIA, July 11, 1864.

His Excellency President JEFFERSON DAVIS,

Richmond, Va.:

Matters about Charleston look more serious; more, I think, for want of proper commander than want of men. Major-General Gilmer, or

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* See VOL. XXXV, Part II, p. 535.

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