Georgia. It is of the utmost importance that every effort should be made to organize and bring into the service every man capable of bearing arms without crippling to too great an extent the industrial interest of the country. I have to ask that you will do everything in your power to expedite the collection and organization of the reserve forces of the State and any other force that can be formed. It may be that you can besides give some aid in arming any force that may be formed. Brigadier-General Chesnut informs me that he has made requisition on the proper officers of the Confederate Government for good arms. I presume the requisition can be filled, but do not know it. Will you be good enough to inform me if I can rely in an emergency on procuring any arms from this State?

With great respect, your obedient servant,

SAM. JONES,

Major-General.

[35.]

HEADQUARTERS, Charleston, May 24, 1864.

Brigadier General JAMES CHESNUT, Jr.,
Commanding Reserves South Carolina:

GENERAL: You are aware that the force in this department has been greatly reduced by orders from the War Department, and I am by no means sure that it will not be still further reduced. I have retained here a few troops whose places could not be promptly supplied, but their regiments are now in the field in Virginia, and I must forward every man not properly detached to the respective companies and regiments in the field as soon as possible. I have therefore respectfully to ask that you will as early as possible send to me a portion, and as large a portion as practicable, of the reserve force of this State. Will you have the kindness to inform me when I may rely on having any part of the reserve and how many?

Very respectfully,

SAM. JONES,

Major-General.

[35.]

CHARLESTON, May 26, 1864.

General S. COOPER,

Adjutant and Inspector General:

The order disbanding illegal organizations in this department and transferring over excess over maximum in legal organizations will reduce the strength of my command near Charleston by about 1,500 men. This reduction just at present will seriously embarrass me and cannot be made without imminent risk, since the command has been so greatly reduced by transfer of troops to other departments. The enemy's encampments on Folly Island have been steadily increasing for several days. The order has been executed with regard to some of the companies. I beg earnestly that all further proceedings in the matter be suspended until you receive Colonel Jones' inspection report and accompanying papers. He will leave for Richmond with them to-morrow.

SAM. JONES,

Major-General.

[35.]