COLUMBIA, S. C., June 11, 1862.

CONFIDENTIAL.]

President JEFFERSON DAVIS,

Richmond, Va.:

I fear Charleston is to be sacrificed by a total incompetency in the officer commanding and a total want of knowledge of the country. I earnestly call your immediate attention to it. The enemy have made a lodgment on James Island and will make regular approaches.

F. W. PICKENS.

[14.]

RICHMOND, VA., June 12, 1862.

Governor F. W. PICKENS,

Columbia, S. C.:

Your telegram received, and read with regret and disappointment. To which commanding officer do you refer? Can you suggest some one who will supply the want of local knowledge? I desire your advice, and you may rely upon my doing whatever practicable.

JEFFERSON DAVIS.

[14.]

COLUMBIA, June 12, 1862.

President JEFFERSON DAVIS,

Richmond, Va.:

Would be entirely pleased with Beauregard. Deeply obliged for your kikdness. Will telegraph him now. Sea air [will] strengthen him.*

F. W. PICKENS.

[14.]

HDQRS. DEPT. OF MIDDLE AND EASTERN FLORIDA,
Tallahassee, June 13, 1862.

General S. COOPER,

Adjutant and Inspector General:

GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of letters from the General-in-Chief dated 26th and 28th ultimo, in reference to arms landed at Smyrna. for the information of the General-in-Chief on this subject I have the honor to inclose an official report made by Captain E. C. Simkins, assistant quartermaster, acting under instructions from the Quartermaster-General, receiving arms and other public property landed at Smyrna. It will be seen by Captain Simkins' report that all the arms landed at Smzrna have been accounte for. Of the 407 arms reported as in this military department eighty two have been issued to the Fourth Regiment on their way to the West to complete the arming of that regiment. The Seventh Regiment will leave the State in a few days and will take with them the arms reported as in their possession. Orders have been issued to Captain Stephens' and Harrison's cavalry companies to turn over the Enfield rifles in their hands to the Fifth Regiment Florida Volunteers, mustered for the waar and ordered to Jacksonville to relieve the Seventh. Major Barnwell is a member of General Trapier's staff and has not been on duty in this department since I assumed command. The companies of the Third

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*This in reply to Davis, VOL. XIV, p. 560.

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