than 1,500 muskets, and was rapidly diminishing. I realize the necessary delay in bringing out forces not heretofore organized, but the necessity, though immediate, is also continuing, and requires every available element of strength. There are said to be many absentees from the army. Can you aid in their arrest and restoration to the service in the field?*

JEFFERSON DAVIS.

[47.]

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT,

Raleigh, January 18, 1865.

Governor A. G. MAGRATH,

Columbia, S. C.:

GOVERNOR: Your communication by the hand of Colonel Mullins, aide-de-camp, has been received and carefully considered. I regret that the press of weighty and harassing matters at this moment upon me will prevent my replying so fully as I desire. I have, however, conversed fully and freely with Colonel Mullins, and being able only to reply in outlne he will be able to fill up and explain minutely. I think the crisis demands particularly the skill of the politician, perhaps more thatn that of the great general. In other words, judging from my own people, I regard our danger now as arising more from our moral than our physical weakness. The spirit of our people must be revided, their patriotism aroused anew, and a determination to suffer be infused if we are to hope for ultimate redemption. How is this to be done? The success of our arms would certainly beget hope and confidence, but the former can hardly be expected without the latter going before. I can hardly give you an adequate conception of the general despondency and gloom which prevails among us, or of the importance of preventing its extension to the army. In regard to your first proposition concerning the militia, I most fully concur in the wisdom of your suggestions. The same were brought forward by me in the meeting of Governors at Augusta, and were urged upon the Legislature of this State in my last message to that body. I failed, however, in convincing them of the propriety of removing the restrictions alluded to, and in the present unhappy situation of Wilmington it will hardly be possible to get them to reverse their judgment.

Rest assured, however, that I will not cease to struggle for that amicable and harmonious state of things as regards the mutual help to be afforded each State by the other, which you desire. I concur most heartily, also, in your suggestions cncerning the restoration to command of General J. E. Johnston. I go further, and will unite with you and others in asking that General Lee shall be invested with full and absolute command of the military forces of the Confederacy, which, I ted, would result in the restoration of Generals Johnston, G. W. Smith, and other distinguished officers now in retirement. I propose in these matters to unite with you a sign a communication to President Davis, which you shall prepare, setting forth our opinions and wishes. In regard to the calling of State conventions, I have been long committed against them as involving revolution within revolution, as you express it, and as incurring also the danger of domestic violence and civil feuds. I do not think such a measure can be carried in North Carolina, though it will be attempted, unless the great State of Georgia

---------------

* For reply, see VOL. XLVII, Part II, p. 1038.

---------------