in pursuance of instructions from the Secretary of War, and it is presumed, in consideration of the time which has elapsed since the order was given, that it is already on its way to report to General A. S. Johnston. As regards my order of the 1st to General Trapier, to which you call my attention, I would say that it was my intention that only Colo9nel Dowd's regiment should move immediately. The rest were to be retained until all the public property, guns, &c., were secured. In the meantime I desired General Trapier to see what arrangements could be made for the defense of the State by organizing new troops for local defnese, &c., and it was then to be determined under the intructions from the War Department what other forces could be spared to reinstate our opetrations in the West. I of an adequate force can be obatined itt is my own desire to hold the interior of the State and defend the Saing John's as well as the Apalachicola, and with this view I would suggest to Your Excellency the importance of calling every available man in Florida into the field.

I am, &c.,

R. E. LEE,

General, Commanding.

[6.]

RICHMONG, VA., March 14, 1862.

Governor JOHN MILTON,

Tallahassee, Fla.:

I will give part, if not all, of the arms just received to your now levies of troops for the war, as soon as mustered into service.

J. P. BENJAMIN,

Secretary of War.

[6.]

MILLEDGEVILLE, March 24, 1862.

Honorable J. P. BENJAMIN,

Secretary of War:

The term of service of the State troops expires very soon; one regiment goes out in a week. Can you place 8,000 Confederate troops in their places for the defense of Savannah? If the State troops leave and their places are not filled immediately Savannah must fall into the hands of the enemy. Shall I attempt to detain the State troops, or what is your wish? General Lee is familiar with the acts and locality, and the place assigned to the State troops, together with their efficiency. Please answer.

JOS. E. BROWN.

[6.]

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT,

Milledgeville, Ga., March 25, 1862.

Honorable J. P. BENJAMIN,

Secretary of War:

SIR: I telegraphed you yesterday, stating that the term of enlistment of the State troops now in service, to whom has been intrusted in a very grat degree the defense of the city of Savannah, is soon to expire. One company has already been mustered out of service, and others follow very soon, and a large number of them go out during the monthof April. Our whole coast is now virutally in the possession of the enemy, except the city of Savannah. The city is the key to the State, and for