I shall defer communication with the War Department on the subject, awaiting his excellency's reply.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. C. PEMBERTON,

Major-General, Commanding.

GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPT. OF S. C., GA., &C., No. 5. Pocotaligo, S. C., April 9, 1862.

I. The undersigned having been officially notified from the Adjutant and Inspector General's Office, Richmond, that East and Middle Florida as far west as the Choctawhatchie River is included within his command, hereby assumes command thereof. All reports and returns will be made accordingly.

II. Major A. L. Long, P. A. C. S., in addition to his duties as chief of ordnance, is assigned to those of chief of artillery of the department.

By order of Major-General Pemberton:

J. R. WADDY,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

SPECIAL ORDERS, ADJT. AND INSP. GENERAL'S OFFICE, No. 81. Richmond, Va., April 9, 1862.

* * * * *

XX. Eastern and Middle Florida will hereafter constitute a separate department, under the command of Brigadier General Joseph Finegan.

* * * * *

By command of the Secretary of War:

JNO. WITHERS,
Assistant Adjutant-General.

RICHMOND, April 10, 1862.

Major-General PEMBERTON:

Beauregard is pressed for troops. Send, if possible, Donelson's brigade of two regiments to Corinth. If Mississippi Valley is lost Atlantic States will be ruined.

Very respectfully,

R. E. LEE.

POCOTALIGO, S. C., April 10, 1862-6.30 p.m.

General R. E. LEE,

Richmond, Va.:

Your telegram just received. I consider it an order. Donelson's brigade-two Tennessee regiments, aggregate 1,572-will move to Corinth as soon as transportation can be got ready. The enemy opened fire at 8 o'clock this morning from his land batteries on Fort Pulaski. Firing continuous. The Georgia State troops are being fast discharged. I shall order down the rest of the troops from Georgetown, S. C.

J. C. PEMBERTON,

Major-General, Commanding.