a suitable person to collect supplies of rice at some safe place for general distribution, say Purysburg, if you think it necessary, tiw ould be of great advantage to the operations in this State. Have the means of transportation ready for the troops operating in the field. Every measure must be taken to prevent the enemy using the inland navigation to reach Savannah in either direction and to oppose his approach from points where he might land.

I have the honor, &c.,

R. E. LEE,

General, Commanding.

[6.]

HEADQUARTERS,
Savannah, Ga., November 12, 1861.

Colonel DILWORTH,

Commanding at Fernandina, Fla.:

COLONEL: Lieutenant William A. Webb has been assigned to duty in the batteries at Fernandina. You are desired to urge forward their completion and armament and to select men to man the guns. The companies selected for the purpose will be placed under the instructions of Lieutenant Webb while at the batteries and during their service, the officers of the companies being assigned to the command of the guns, and at least ten men to each gun. You will also avail yourself of the services of Lieutenant Webb in recmounting the guns of the batteries and in preparing them for immediate service, arranging the ammunition, &c. The enemy's fleet is now on this coast, and may visit your coast at any time.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

R. E. LEE,

General, Commanding.

[6.]

CHARLESTON, November 12, 1861.

General S. COOPER, Richmond:

We need more troops for the defense of this city. I ask for Gregg's regiment.

J. H. TRAPIER.

[6.]

MILLEDGEVILLE, November 15, 1861.

Honorable J. P. BENJAMIN:

I am satisfied that your proposed division of the rifles between the coast and Kentucky is just. You have over 9,000. Shall be greatly gratified if two of the rifled cannon can be placed on Fort Pulaski, which lacks sufficient long-range guns.*

JOS. E. BROWN.

[6.]

HEADQUARTERS,
Coosawhatchie, November 17, 1861.

His Excellency F. W. PICKENS,

Governor of the State of South Carolina, Charleston, S. C.:

SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 16th instant. In reply to that portion of your letter in

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*This in reply to Benjmain, VOL. VI, p. 321.

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