assure you that I fully appreciate the noble efforts of your gallant State in the common cause, and would most gladly ease the burden she has imposed upon herself. For the present, however, we must rely upon her constancy for the defense of her coast, as we find ourselves so pressed by invading armies along our northern frontier and on the seacoast that it is impossible to send troops to your assistance. In this State alone we have to conend against five invading armies and powerful naval forces.

The reorganization of our armies under the recent acts of Congress has proved so difficult, and promises to be attended with such danger if continued in the presence of the enemy, that the President has recommended to Congress the passage of an act putting into military service for the war all persons not exempt from military duty between the ages of eighteen and thirty-five. The bill has been reported in the Senate and I have hopes of its speedy passage. It will at once relieve our difficulties of reorganization by continuing the Army as it stands and furnishing a large body of recruits. We shall have veteran troops in the field and camps of instruction to season and drill the new levies. With this organization you will have troops enough to defend your coast, and the only difficulty we shall experience will be the scarcity of arms. We are maki8ng great exertions to supply ourselves, and we are encouraged by past success to hope for the arrival of large numers now afloat. If you will keep your State troops in the field until Congress acts on the conscription bill I think that you will have no further embarrassment. I regret very much the mistake that occured about your arms, and I am assured by the Confederate officers that it was unintentional I have ordered General Pemberton to return arms of equal value out of the first lot that he receives. Your arms had been so dispersed that it was impossible to recover them.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

GEO. W. RANDOLPH,

Secretary of War.

[6.]

RICHMOND, VA., April 2, 1862.

Governor JOSEPH E. BROWN,

Milledgeville:

I have replied to yours of the 25th ultimo to Mr. Benjamin. Keep the troops in service if possible a few weeks longer; then I hope your embarrassment will be relieved.

GEO. W. RANDOLPH,

Secretary of War. [6.]

MILLEDGEVILLE, April 3, 1862.

Honorable G. W. RANDOLPH,

Secretary of War:

My agent sent to Florida to look after the guns imported for this State has returned. He reports that the State arms, as well as those for the Cofnederacy, have been sent to Richmond. Your officers have now seized 3,400 Enfield rifles, imported for this State by three diferent arrivals-two at New Smyrna and one at Charleston. Can this all be a mistake? Please order the number of same quality replaced immediately. It cost me great risk and heavy expense to import these guns.