CHAP.XIII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.-CONFEDERATE.

RICHMOND, October 24, 1861.

General B. HUGER, Commanding Norfolk:

GENERAL: I am instructed to say, in reply to your letter of the 21st instant, that the Third Georgia Regiment cannot be spared at this critical moment from Roanoke Island. The rear of your command is threatened by the enemy over that route, rendering the presence of the regiment referred to important there.

Very respectfully, &c.,

R. H. CHLINTON, Assistant Adjutant-General.

GOLDSBOROUGH, October 24, 1861.

J. P. BENJAMIN, Secretary of War:

Your telegram of yesterday just received (9.30 a. m.). I have but thirty-five companies in the vicinity of New Berne and Fort Macon, including those in the batteries, and no reserve. The other forces are so scattered as to make it difficult to bring them together; hence I beg that re-enforcement be sent at once. Will keep you informed of the movements of the enemy.

R. C. GATLIN.

RICHMOND, October 24, 1861.

General R. C. GATLIN, Goldborough, N. C.:

I send you in the morning train to-morrow a regiment and a battalion of seven companies of Georgians with one battery, to rendezvous at Goldsborough, and will send you further re-enforcement as soon as we know you are the object of attack. At present it is conjectural. A part of enemy's expedition sailed last night for the South, but to what point is unknown. General Cooper sends written orders. Don't move the Georgians from Goldsborough till you are sure that your coast is the point of attack.

J. P. BENJAMIN, Acting Secretary of War.

RICHMOND, October 24, 1861.

General R. C. GATLIN, Commanding, &c., Goldsborough, N. C.:

GENERAL: Colonel Wofford's Georgia regiment, and Lieutenant-Colonel Stovall's Georgia battalion, with its light artillery attached, are ordered to proceed immediately from this place to Goldsborough, N. C., for an emergency, either at Wilmington or New Berne, as the case may be, and to be held in hand at Golsborough under your orders, as the necessities of your command may require. Should the contemplated attack on your coast not be made, you will cause this force to be returned to this place for service elsewhere. In case of a descent of the enemy on the coast of North Carolina, you will immediately telegraph here, in order that further aid may be sent you.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,

S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General.

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