CHARLESTON, S. C., May 17, 1861.

His Excellency President JEFFERSON DAVIS,

Montgomery, Ala.:

DEAR GENERAL: I send you herewith a very full and interesting letter* from one of my volunteer aides, Colonel J. S. Preston, of this State, giving me an exact account of things in Virginia, which appear to be improving. I think it would be advisable to have sent away to Augusta and Atlanta as soon as practicable all the valuable guns, materials, &c., now not needed at Norfolk and the Portsmouth navy-yard, so as to ut them beyond the reach of an enterprising enemy. I have just returned from a reconnaissance of the South Carolina coast from this post to near Savannah, and have selected the site of all the batteries which I considered necessary for its defenses. A copy of my report to Governor Pickens on the subject is this dayt sent to the War Department.+ In a few days a similar report will be made relative to the work required for the South Carolina coast noth of this city, and then I shall be ready to be ordered to any part of the Confederate States you may think proper to send me.

I remain, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant,

G. T. BEAUREGARD.

[6.]

CHARLESTON, May 17, 1861.

Brigadier General S. COOPER,

Adjutant and Inspector-General:

Being informed unofficially South Carolina Volunteers are to be mustered into service, I desire instructions whether to recall my orders disbanding them.

G. T. BEAUREGARD.

[6.]

ADJUTANT AND INSPECTOR-GENERAL'S OFFICE, Montgomery, May 17, 1861.

General BEAUREGARD,

Charleston, S. C.:

All the regiments of South Carolina troops that are offered by Governor Pickens will be mustered into service, those for the war to be sent to Virginia, the others for service in Charleston Harbor or the coast; the cavalry of South Carolina Army (one squadron) to be mustered, including the officers, as infantry.

S. COOPER,

Adjutant and Inspector-General.

[6.]

MONTGOMERY, May 17, 1861.

(Received 9 p. m.)

General BEAUREGARD,

Charleston:

Recall your orders disbanding the South Carolina volunteers. They are to be mustered into service according to the telegram sent you to-day.

S. COOPER.

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*Not found.

+See May 16, p. 167.

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