In regards to supplies

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From the O.R.'s In regards to supplies comming into the Confederacy and between the states. This also deals with somewhat supplies between Georgia and Richmond. Gov. Brown is asking for troops and equipments to be returned from the Govt. in Richmond for the defence of Ga. His request is basically denied. It also shows English supplies comming in in 1861. Gov. Browns requests show that Ga. was sending most of their supplies at this time East. So I postulate that at least early war to perhaps sometime in 63 it would not be uncommon to find ANV troops outfitted with arms, and equipments from Ga. Especially if those troops originally came from that state. more to follow.

RICHMOND, November 12, 1861.
Gov. JOSEPH E. BROWN, Milledgeville, Ga.:
There are reasons of public policy which would make it suicidal to comply with your request to withdraw Georgia troops from the enemy's front at this moment. This Government will co-operate with all its power for the defense of your State, but it must do so in the manner it deems most certain to produce the desired effect of repulsing the enemy at all points, and cannot scatter its armies into fragments at the request of each governor who may be alarmed for the safety of his people. Be assured that no effort will be spared to aid you, and be good enough to communicate your confidence in this assurance to your people, thus allaying all needless panic.
J. P. BENJAMIN, Acting Secretary of War.
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RICHMOND, November 12, 1861.
General J. H. TRAPIER, Charleston, S. C.
General Lee has now command of the whole coast of Carolina and Georgia. I cannot authorize you to proclaim martial law. Let the governor take that responsibility, if found necessary. If the enemy advance to attack the city, of course the city will then become a camp under military law, if the necessities of its defense so require.
J. P. BENJAMIN, Acting Secretary of War.
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COLUMBIA, November 13, 1861.
President DAVIS:
Steel-clad steamer Fingal, cargo arms, &c., just run the blockade, and safe at Savannah. Now please send me an order for arms, as it is necessary. I am just off for Charleston. Arm us, and we are safe.
F. W. PICKENS.
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SAVANNAH, November 13, 1861.
Hon. J. P. BENJAMIN, Secretary of War:
Your dispatch refusing to send back any of Georgia's guns with her troops is forwarded to me here. You said a few days since in your dispatch that you would send us armed troops if attacked. A kind Providence has enabled Major Anderson to land here to-day with over 10,000 Enfield rifles belonging to the Confederacy. I now ask, not for{p.319}men, but guns. Let us have 5,000 of these in place of 5,000 of the State's guns now in your service. Please answer immediately.
JOSEPH E. BROWN.
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RICHMOND, November 13, 1861.
Gov. JOSEPH E. BROWN, Savannah:
As soon as I know what arms I have received I will give to Georgia troops all that I can possibly spare for her defense. I beg you to remember that ten other governors are making just such demands as yourself, and that it is not reasonable to complain that other exposed points should also be provided for. I will do my best, if not prevented by exaggerated demands which I have no means of satisfying.
J. P. BENJAMIN, Acting Secretary of War.
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RICHMOND, November 13, 1861.
General LAWTON. Savannah:
Order to Savannah all the unarmed troops offered for the war that are or can be mustered into our service, so that I may arm them with rifles from the Fingal as far as I can possibly spare them. I cannot consent to put these arms into the hands of any troops mustered for a less term than the war.
J. P. BENJAMIN, Acting Secretary of War.
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RICHMOND, November 13, 1861.
Governor PICKENS, Columbia, S. C.:
Have you got the rifles from Fraser & Co.? As soon as I know what number of arms I have received by the Fingal, I will arm your troops with every musket or rifle that I can possibly spare.
J. P. BENJAMIN, Acting Secretary of War.
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TALLAHASSEE, November 14, 1861.
Hon. J. P. BENJAMIN:
General Trapier has not arrived. The troops and munitions of war removed from Saint Vincent's Island and works destroyed. An attack threatened at Apalachicola. We need arms and munitions of war. With them we can hold the place. A vessel has arrived at Savannah with arms, &c. Authorize me by telegraph to send an agent to get one or two good cannon and equipments and small-arms, and I will defend Apalachicola successfully. Please answer immediately.
JOHN MILTON.
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WAR DEPARTMENT, C. S. A., Richmond, November 14, 1861.
General R. E. LEE, Commanding Department of South Carolina, &c.:
SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your report of the 9th instant, not very encouraging in its contents, but evidently written{p.320}before you had been enabled to gather in all the information necessary to enable you fully to judge of the condition of your department.
The arrival of the steamer Fingal at this critical moment is very opportune, and although the number of small-arms received is smaller than I had at first hoped, it is no contemptible addition to our means of defense.
Misled by a telegram which reported you to be at Savannah, I sent to you yesterday at that point the following dispatch, which I hope was forwarded to you:
Of the 9,000 Enfield rifles received by the Government on the Fingal, 4,500 are assigned to your command, to be placed by you in the hands of Georgia and South Carolina troops in our service for the war. Order 4,500 to be sent immediately to General Albert S. Johnston at Nashville, and a few hundred will remain, which please send here. Put none of these arms in the hands of troops not enlisted for the war. The governor of Georgia has received 1,100 rifles by the same steamer, so that you will have 5,600 for service within your department.
As soon as I hear what further supplies we have on the Fingal in the way of cannon, &c., I will appropriate to you as full a share as I possibly can of whatever you may desire to aid your defense. I ordered Col. A. R. Wright, by dispatch yesterday, to proceed at once to Savannah for aiding the coast defense, and, as this is a full regiment, for the war, I doubt not you will find it expedient to arm it with the new weapons. The 10,000 blankets on the Fingal have been ordered here, where our troops need them much more than in more southern latitudes. It is the President's wish that you scruple not in employing every governmental resource within your reach, even troops in transit. You will, however, scarcely need this, for most of these troops are without arms, and have been ordered here to receive arms collected by the Potomac Army from various sources. I have a long letter from an inhabitant of Charleston, signing himself John H. Robertson, informing me that the forts in the harbor are in very incompetent hands. The writer speaks highly of Captain Rhett as a gentleman, but says he is totally without the experience necessary for so important a post. Of Captain Wagner he speaks in very different terms, representing him to be not only incompetent, but neglectful and dissipated, never spending the night in his fort, but coming to town to indulge in excesses with the common prostitutes. Of course this is for your private information, and the writer, who seems to be actuated by the best of motives, ought not to be exposed to the hostility of these officers. I know, however, your habitual vigilance, and this communication was perhaps needless.
Don't fail to keep us constantly advised, especially of your wants, and rely on my very best efforts to support you with the whole means of the Government that can with prudence be diverted from other exposed points.
I am, your obedient servant,
J. P. BENJAMIN, Acting Secretary, of War.
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SAVANNAH, November 14, 1861.
J. P. BENJAMIN, Secretary of War:
I trust you will let us have as many of the guns as possible. They landed here, and cannot be needed worse elsewhere. There are four rifled cannon. Do let us have two of them for fort, which lacks heavy guns. Answer at Milledgeville.
JOSEPH E. BROWN.
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RICHMOND, November 14, 1861.
Gov. JOSEPH E. BROWN, Milledgeville:
Out of about 9000 rifles, I have assigned half to General Lee's command and the other half to General A. S. Johnston's command. General Lee will therefore have 4,500, which, when added to the 1,100 brought in for Georgia, makes 5,600 arms for the defense of Charleston and Savannah. As soon as I get the account of the cannon on board I will appropriate to the same purpose every piece that I can fairly assign to your coast. I shall know in a day or two what is possible.
J. P. BENJAMIN, Acting Secretary of War.
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CHARLESTON, November 14, 1861.
J. P. BENJAMIN:
I have just learned that the small-arms, &c., on the Fingal are the property of the Confederate Government. General Lee is nowhere, and has made requisition on me for five regiments. I have the men ready, but no arms. Will you send me an order for them? You know their situation, and will surely help us in ammunition.
F. W. PICKENS.
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RICHMOND, November 14, 1861.
Governor PICKENS, Charleston, S. C.:
I have assigned to General Lee 4,500 of the arms received by the Fingal, being half of all that are for us. The State of Georgia has also 1,100 on board, so that General Lee will have 5,600 for arming his department.
J. P. BENJAMIN, Acting Secretary of War.
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HDQRS. FIRST MILITARY DISTRICT, DEPT. OF S. C., Georgetown, November 15, 1861.

 

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It is important to note at this time Maj. Gen. Robert E. Lee has not taken command of the ANV, as a field commander. He is in Command of the military and coastal defences stretching from Va. to Fla.

HDQRS. FIRST MILITARY DISTRICT, DEPT. OF S. C., Georgetown, November 15, 1861.
Maj. Gen. R. E. LEE:
GENERAL: There are two redoubts near the mouth of Winyaw Bay, on Cat and South Islands.
The first has mounted two 32-pounders, 50 rounds each; one rifled 12-pounder, 50 rounds, and two 24-pounders, 150 rounds each; three principal faces nearly completed; two bastions in rear, and curtain entirely unfinished; no bomb-proof. South Island redoubt, four 24-pounders, 125 rounds each; one rifle 6-pounder, 50 rounds; one 18-pounder, 125 rounds; three faces finished, still open in rear; bomb proof will be completed in ten days; garrisoned by 320 men of Tenth Regiment. There are near Georgetown, of Tenth Regiment, 565 men; three companies cavalry are on South Island, two near Georgetown, 135 men; one company rifles attached to Tenth Regiment for local duty near Georgetown, 50 men; one section light artillery on Waccamaw Neck, 40 men-1,110 men. I have called on General Harllee, local volunteers, for 800; 280 have reported for duty; 200 more to arrive to-morrow; 480-1,590; the remainder,{p.322}320 cannot be here under a week. The 1,110 men are well armed, drilled, and equipped, and have about 100 rounds of ammunition to each man. The 480 are badly armed, mostly with shot-guns, are undrilled, fully supplied with ammunition, but are scarcely fit for service yet.
I will do the best I can, should the enemy appear.
There is also at the mouth of the North Santee River a redoubt mounting three guns, 12-pounders, not yet completed and not garrisoned; ammunition there sufficient. We have a full supply of powder and sufficient 24, 18, and 12 pounder round shot. You will perceive that the other guns are short of the proper number of balls.
Your obedient servant,
A. M. MANINGAULT, Colonel Tenth Regiment, &c.
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CHARLESTON, November 15, 1861.
Hon. Mr. BENJAMIN, Secretary of War:
I understand the Fingal has powder as well as arms. Be so kind as to set aside, if possible, 30,000 pounds of cannon powder as essential for a supply of our forts if we are to fight such a fight as at Hilton Head. I believe we can have musket and rifle powder, but I would be glad if some musket were allowed also. If they are re-enforced by 30,000 men, we will use at least 15,000 men on James Island. I am deeply obliged for the arms divided between us and Georgia. We only want more. Can we get another regiment from North Carolina? We only have two.
F. W. PICKENS.
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SPECIAL ORDERS, No. 1.}
HEADQUARTERS, Charleston, S. C., November 16, 1861.
I. Commodore Ingraham, C. S. Navy, is assigned to duty in Charleston Harbor. He will superintend the preparation and armament of the batteries for its defense; assign to duty the naval officers at his disposal as ordnance officers at the batteries, and execute such other orders relative to the naval operations in the harbor as he may receive from Flag-Officer Tatnall, Provisional Army.
II. Lieut. Col. John S. Preston, assistant adjutant-general, C. S. Army, is hereby ordered to inspect and muster into the service of the Confederate States for the war such troops of the State of South Carolina as may be transferred by the governor of the State. These regiments must be armed and equipped by the State, except three regiments, or 2,500 men, who will be armed by the Government with the Enfield rifle. Upon the assembling of these troops at such places of rendezvous as may be selected by the governor, the mustering and inspecting officer will make requisitions upon the proper Departments for arms, transportation, and such other munitions as may be necessary, and report his operations from time to time to the general commanding.
By order of General Lee:
T. A. WASHINGTON, Captain, Assistant Adjutant-General.
{p.328}
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RICHMOND, November 17, 1861.
Gov. FRANCIS W. PICKENS, Charleston, S. C.:
As soon as I can learn what ammunition is on board the Fingal you shall have your full share of everything. Be assured my solicitude for your defense is as great as your own, and nothing shall be refused that we can possibly give.
J. P. BENJAMIN, Acting Secretary of War.
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SPECIAL ORDERS, No. 2.}
HEADQUARTERS, Coosawhatchie, S. C., November 17, 1861.
I. Brig. Gen. R. S. Ripley, Provisional Army, will proceed to Charleston, S. C., and relieve Brig. Gen. J. H. Trapier in his command at that place. The latter, on being relieved, will proceed to Fernandina, Fla., and take command, pursuant to existing orders from the War Department. General Ripley will prosecute vigorously the completion of the water and land defenses of Charleston, and General Trapier will make use of all means in his power for the defense of Cumberland Sound.
II. The following disposition of troops will be carried into effect as soon as practicable, viz: Heyward's and De Saussure's regiments, South Carolina volunteers, under the immediate command of General Drayton; Clingman's and Radcliffe's North Carolina volunteers will continue near Grahamville, and Dunovant's and Edwards' South Carolina volunteers at their present positions.
...
By order of General Lee:
T. A. WASHINGTON, Captain, and Assistant Adjutant-General, C. S. Army.
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HEADQUARTERS PROVISIONAL FORCES, Coosawhatchie, November 18, 1861.
Capt. T. A. WASHINGTON, Assistant Adjutant-General:
CAPTAIN: Being about to repair to Charleston, in obedience to the orders of the general commanding, I have the honor to submit the following information concerning the troops in this vicinity:
Bluffton is held by Lieutenant-Colonel Colcock's cavalry, in observation only. It has been reported to me that there are two companies of infantry of Heyward's Ninth (Eleventh] regiment remaining there, but I have nothing definite. This section of country is under charge of General Drayton's command, which it is intended to move forward as soon as possible to occupy positions to cover Bluffton and the roads to Hardeeville. General Drayton's command is composed of Heyward's and De Saussure's regiments, Ninth [Eleventh] and Fifteenth South Carolina Volunteers, Lieutenant-Colonel Colcock's cavalry. Colonel Clingman's regiment of North Carolina volunteers (Twenty-fifth), occupies a point on the Honeywood road in advance of Grahamville, intended to be a guard for that town and to cover the roads leading from Tenny's or Boyd's Landing. His quartermaster and commissary are directed to{p.324}establish depots and obtain supplies of subsistence at Grahamville, as far as possible; whether they will be successful remains to be seen, and the regiment will have to be looked after in the general depots.
Captain Trezevant's company of cavalry is in advance of Colonel Clingman, in observation of Boyd's and Tenny's Landings. General Drayton's command is supplied from his own depots at Hardeeville.
At the estate's landing, near Huguenin's plantation, are stationed the 8-inch howitzer battery, under General Gonzales, as volunteer aide-decamp to myself. The howitzer battery is manned by the Palmetto Guard (State troops), and has attached to the command the Charleston Light Dragoons and Rutledge Mounted Rifles; the last are, however, in observation near Pocotaligo and Port Royal Ferries.
Colonel Radcliffe's Eighth North Carolina Volunteers is on the right of Gonzales' command, in position to support the battery or to defend the roads from Eutaw Church or to move forward to support Clingman. He is supplied partly by purchase and partly from the depot here.
A force of negroes, under the supervision of General Gonzales, is engaged in obstructing the Coosawhatchie below the landing; and, this being done, the steamer John A. Moore and several flats, sent from Charleston, are available for transportation from the railroad to the landing by water. Mr. Gregory is engaged with his negroes in obstructing the Tulifiny.
At Coosawhatchie is Colonel Edwards' full regiment and Captain Moore's light artillery, both waiting orders, &c.
Six companies of Dunovant's Twelfth South Carolina Volunteers are at Pocotaligo Corners, the remaining four being at Hardeeville. It is supposed that it was intended to order them to rejoin their regiment, but the order may be delayed until the arrival of the general.
Colonel Jones' Fourteenth South Carolina Volunteers holds Garden's Corner, and is stretched in observation towards Combahee Ferry, in advance towards Port Royal Ferry. This is guarded by Fripp's cavalry. Another force of Colonel Martin's regiment, which has its headquarters at Pocotaligo (it may be well to add that Lieutenant-Colonel Colcock's regiment is a portion of Colonel Martin's regiment, with one or two [companies] under Major Farr, a force of Martin's regiment), is also guarding the district of country about Combahee, Ashepoo, and Paw Paw.
Capt. Leo. D. Walker, assistant adjutant-general, with Messrs. Walter Blake, Rawlins Lowndes, and Paul, volunteer aides-de-camp, are now engaged in endeavoring to block the rivers at some point below the railroad bridges. They are to be assisted by Mr. Nolan, who has been sent out by the superintendent of the railroad for the purpose.
The general idea of the disposition of the troops has been to cover the railroad bridges in the direction of Savannah and have them not too far from the railroad, that they might move in either direction, in case of an attack on the road or on Savannah or Charleston.
If everything were in order, and the troops well disciplined, there would be no great difficulty in accomplishing the ends of the disposition, but General Drayton's command has not moved from Hardeeville, and our troops are very raw; they require severe discipline and constant watching; it will take some time of this to make them efficient.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
R. S. RIPLEY, Brigadier-General.
{p.325}
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EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, Tallahassee, Fla., November 19, 1861.

 

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Ammunition, and orginization woes in the early war.

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, Tallahassee, Fla., November 19, 1861.
His Excellency JEFFERSON DAVIS, President of the Confederate States of America:
DEAR SIR: The presence of General Grayson, although unable to render service, the expectation of General Smith for two weeks, and of General Trapier for the last three weeks, have prevented me from adopting and enforcing with energy measures necessary to the defense of the State. At all important points we are threatened with attack; nowhere prepared to meet the enemy; and when, as governor of the State, I have applied for arms and munitions of war, I have been answered a requisition should be made by the officer in command of the military department, yet none is in command. It would have been almost as reasonable under the circumstances to have referred me to the Emperor of China. We need troops and munitions of war, and officers of military education, experience, and ability, and, if not promptly aided, Florida may be lost to the Southern Confederacy. Her citizens have almost despaired of protection from the Confederate Government-will lose confidence in it; but being one of the first States to withdraw from the United States, and to resolve to maintain her independence, her gallant sons and daughters would rather perish bravely, sword in hand, vindicating their rights, than yield submissively to or entertain a moment's thought of ever living under the same Government with the people of the North. If General Trapier will not accept the command (and I presume he will not while the enemy holds or threatens an inch of South Carolina), let us have arms and munitions of war, and have an order issued immediately, placing the troops in this State which have been mustered into the Confederate service, not embracing any in General Bragg's department, under my command, and subject to my orders as governor and commander-in-chief of Florida, and if I cannot hold positions exposed to the naval armament of the enemy, I will prevent the enemy from holding the positions and defend the State against invasion. From every portion of the State I have been appealed to by the citizens to assume the command in person, and have been prevented by a desire to avoid coming in conflict with the authority and policy of the Confederate Government. Since the death of General Grayson I have corrected the evils arising from intemperance among the Confederate as well as the State troops. It is highly important that some one should be in command having the experience and common sense necessary to avoid useless expenditures and to enforce discipline among the troops, and make them available for the defense of the State.
These views are respectfully suggested for your consideration, with the sincere avowal that I would rather co-operate with General Trapier in this military department, if he will accept the command and repair here immediately.*
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, sir,
JOHN MILTON.
P. S.-I am informed that upon the steamer which has just arrived at Savannah rifled cannon and Enfield rifles have been received, and respectfully ask your excellency to place at my disposal 1,000 Enfield rifles and two rifled cannon, with equipments complete, and send them by Captain Noyes, the bearer, and I will successfully defend Apalachicola and Saint Mark's. Also, let Florida have 1,000 sabers, 1,000 pistols{p.326}for cavalry, and equipments, and a few hundred bags of buck-shot. If General Trapier should decline the command here, and your excellency would prefer to have the military department under the command of an officer appointed by yourself rather than the governor of Florida, then I respectfully recommend Col. Richard F. Floyd, a citizen of this State, a native of Georgia, and now in command at Apalachicola by my appointment. He is about fifty years old; a soldier and a gentleman of strict sobriety and integrity; a good disciplinarian, and a gentleman of excellent sense and unquestionable courage.
Respectfully,
JOHN MILTON.
* Some personal matters here omitted
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STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA, Headquarters, November A, 1861.
General LEE, Commanding:
SIR: As you have recently arrived to take command, I think, perhaps, it may be useful to you to have a general and authentic statement of the forces now in actual service from Georgetown to Hardeeville. I therefore inclose the within statement, that you may know what troops you can use for any immediate emergency.
I am not yet prepared to state exactly what regiments can be raised immediately or mustered in. I suppose you will have about 2,500 of the arms recently arrived to put in their hands and I think I can have 1,000; that is, in all 3,500. If the regiments are mustered in and get those arms, which no doubt will be the case, it will give about 20,000 men, who can be relied on, with arms. As to what you can get in an emergency from General Lawton and General Anderson, I can know nothing certain.
With very great respect, your obedient servant,
F. W. PICKENS.
[Inclosure.]
Commands.Stations.Strength.
Boyce's artillery 124
Citadel Cadets 126
Claremont troops 65
Clingman's regiment Grahamville 1,100
Coit's artillery 132
College Cadets 60
De Saussure's brigade Charleston 2,750
De Saussure's regiment Hardeeville 800
Dunovant's regiment Pocotaligo and Hardeeville 800
Edwards' regiment Coosawhatchie 600
Gonzales' siege train (four guns) Huguenin's Neck 80
Hagood's regiment Cole's Island 750
Hatch's battalion James Island and Bull's Bay 500
Heyward's regiment Hardeeville 1,000
Jones' regiment Garden's Corner 800
Lafayette Artillery Port Pickens (Stono) 60
Lamar's artillery Port Johnson 131
Lucas' battalion Port Pickens (Stono) 70
Martin's regiment (mounted) 650
McCord's Zouaves 92
Moore's artillery (6 guns) Grahamville 110
Radcliffe's regiment Huguenin's Neck 1,000
Regular artillery Fort Sumter 560
Regular infantry To be kept in Port Moultrie 420
Vigilant Rifles Fort Palmetto (Stono) 50
White's battalion 240
Total 13,100
{p.327}
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RICHMOND, November 19, 1861.
General R. E. LEE, Charleston:
I desire the cartridges for Enfield rifles divided between you and General Johnston in proper proportion, reserving for me such portion of the cartridges as is proper for the rifles that remain after dividing 9,000 between you and General Johnston. Divide the accouterments equally between yourself and General Johnston. Send to him the 500 sabers that are aboard. Keep the 10,000 pounds of the cannon powder, and send me the remaining 7,000 pounds belonging to the War Department. Send me all the rifle powder, as you have plenty at Augusta Arsenal.
J. P. BENJAMIN, Acting Secretary of War.
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SAVANNAH, November 21, 1861.
General S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General, Richmond, Va.:
GENERAL: I have the honor to report, for the information of the Secretary of War, that I have just returned to this city after having inspected the batteries and posts along the coast from Charleston to Fernandina, Fla.
The guns from the less important points have been removed, and are employed in strengthening those considered of greater consequence. The entrance to Cumberland Sound and Brunswick and the water approaches to Savannah and Charleston are the only points which it is proposed to defend. At all of these places there is much yet to be done, but every effort is being made to render them as strong as the nature of the positions and the means at hand will permit. They ought, after their completion, to make a good defense against any batteries that are likely to be brought against them. More guns could be usefully employed if available for this service; those at hand have been placed in the best positions and the troops distributed so as to work them to advantage. The batteries are tolerably supplied with ammunition, having about 50 rounds to the gun. This amount it would be well to have increased to 100 rounds.
The greatest difficulty to be contended with is the want of artillerists and proper officers as instructors. The naval officers directed to report to me have been assigned to duty at the batteries in Charleston Harbor as ordnance and artillery officers, with the exception of Captains Buchanan and Sinclair, whom I have directed to return, having, while uncertain as to any attack being in contemplation, no appropriate duties for them to perform, and believing their services were important at their former stations.
I have been able to learn nothing of any movements of the enemy's fleet along the coast of Georgia or Florida, and am inclined to believe that they have not yet made any further demonstrations of attack.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
R. E. LEE, General, Commanding.
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GENERAL ORDERS, No. 2.}
HEADQUARTERS, Coosawhatchie, S. C., November 21, 1861.
I. In consequence of the general scarcity of ammunition, the general commanding desires to impress upon the commanders of regiments and{p.328}corps the absolute necessity of economizing the supplies they have on hand to the utmost extent. To this end the guards will not be allowed to load their pieces unless in the actual presence of the enemy or in danger of surprise, and all hunting parties will be strictly forbidden to use the public ammunition. Each soldier will be held strictly accountable for the number of rounds issued to him, and company officers are directed to make constant inspections of the cartridge-boxes and their magazines, in order to assure themselves that there is no improper wastage.
II. The commanding general has also learned that the arms issued to some of the regiments are not of uniform caliber, and, consequently, there has been some disproportion in the corresponding ammunition. As this might not improbably prove a fatal error, it is strictly enjoined upon all commanders to give a careful personal examination of all requisitions for ammunition, and also to superintend the distribution of the same to the men.
III. The attention of the troops in this department is called to the evil practice of tearing down fences and other private property for firewood and other purposes. All interference with the rights of citizens is highly injurious in its tendency, and is strictly forbidden. The general hopes that it will only be necessary to remind the troops that they are citizens as well as soldiers, and that, as they take up arms to repel the enemy from our soil, they should still be more careful to preserve it sacred from their own depredations. Prompt and severe punishment will follow all irregularities of this nature in future, and it is strictly enjoined upon all officers to see to the literal execution of this order.
By order of General Lee:
T. A. WASHINGTON, Captain, and Assistant Adjutant-General.

 

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In regards to the policing of camps and supplies.

GENERAL ORDERS, No. 4.}
HEADQUARTERS, Coosawhatchie, S. C., December 7, 1861.
I. The recent inspection by the medical director of the department discloses the existence of much sickness among the troops. No special means can be devised for banishing measles, but catarrhal affections, pneumonia, and rheumatic complaints are produced, in many instances, by bad selection of sites for camps. They should always be located on high and dry ground, exposed to the healthful influences of the sun. It is believed that typhoid disease is developed by the close air of tents, the want of personal cleanliness, the neglect of proper police, and the prolonged occupation of the same ground of encampment. Commanding officers are particularly desired to establish proper sinks, remote from the tents, and to cause the daily removal of all garbage and offal. The tents must be frequently emptied and ventilated and the bedding thoroughly aired and cleansed. A proper attention to these measures on the part of commanding and medical officers will do much to mitigate disease and promote the health and efficiency of the men.
II. The commanding general finds it necessary to urge upon the officers{p.340}in every department the practice of strict economy in all purchases and expenditures. Commanding officers will see that the regulations in this respect are rigidly observed, and that the supplies for the Army are properly cared for and used. The good of the service and the comfort of the troops demand strict attention to this subject.
By order of General Lee:
W. H. TAYLOR, Assistant Adjutant-General.

 

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who to arm.

WAR DEPARTMENT, C. S. A., Richmond, December 8, 1861.
Maj. Gen. R. E. LEE, Coosawhatchie, S. C.:
SIR: Your letter of 3d instant was received on the 7th. Since its reception I have telegraphed, announcing that measures had been taken to re-enforce you with three batteries of field artillery and three regiments of infantry, and that several other regiments would be sent. The three on the way to you are Donelson's brigade, of two Tennessee regiments, and Starke's regiment. They were all ordered to re-enforce General Floyd, but did not reach him in time to prevent his retreat. His whole force has now been withdrawn from Western Virginia, and I expect further to send you Russell's Mississippi regiment, Phillips' Georgia regiment, Waddill's Louisiana battalion, and perhaps some others. Floyd's army is now on railroad near Wytheville, and as soon as it has been inspected and furnished with its necessary supplies of tents, camp equipage, &c., say in about five or six days, the additional troops just mentioned will be sent you, unless some unforeseen exigency shall render it impossible. I am firm in my purpose not to give a musket to a man enlisted for less than the war (or three years, which is the same thing), and therefore I beg that you will inform Governors Pickens and Brown that if they have no "war" troops ready to receive the arms you still retain in your hands you will at once arm the other regiments mentioned in your letter, and if they are unable to promise the troops immediately, you will please write Colonel Mitchell that you are authorized by this Department to arm his regiment, and to order it to Savannah or Charleston for that purpose. I had nearly forgotten to say Colonel Dowd's regiment of Mississippians, unarmed, has been ordered to Savannah to receive arms from you if Georgia has no "war" troops to receive them, and must therefore be armed before Colonel Mitchell's regiment. Keep me advised of your wants, that I may send you everything our means will permit.
Your obedient servant,
J. P. BENJAMIN, Secretary of War.

 

[RNMCSA]

More on the arming and raising of troops, we are starting to see more of a realization of a need for Govt. troops for the duration of the war instead of State and Militia troops. I have left out some letters between the various state officials and the Govt. in Richmond that if you wish to read can be found here; http://www.simmonsgames.com/research/authors/USWarDept/ORA/OR-S1-V06-C015C.html It is interesting to note that the idea of states rites was an incumberance to the needed raising and arming of Armies.

STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA, A. AND I. G. O., Columbia, S. C., December 12, 1861.
General R. E. LEE, Commanding Southern Department, Coosawhatchie:
GENERAL: Having understood from unofficial sources that you feel somewhat embarrassed as to the control and disposition of the State troops in service, in consequence of conflict of orders, I have the honor to state that no orders have been issued at any time from this office which can in the slightest degree conflict with your implied or expressed wishes. In fact, I know of no orders but those requiring troops of the State to report to you or your subalterns for duty upon requisitions made. The troops of the State are entirely without any reservation under your control, and the only irregularity attending the matter, as far as this office is concerned, is that requisitions for troops are often made by subalterns instead of coming through the department office.
I would assure you again of the most hearty and sincere co-operation of the State authorities in all possible matters-of their earnest desire to carry out your designs and wishes when made known to them, and their readiness to respond to any call you may make upon them to the utmost extent of their ability. Permit me to add that they do this the more cheerfully, as you possess their entire confidence.
I have just read this letter to the governor, and he approves and indorses my expressions of confidence and support.
I have the honor to inclose a copy of my orders* under act of the general assembly of the State, and as soon as the militia organizations can be relieved and their places supplied by volunteer troops I shall no longer have any distinct State troops in the field, but all will have taken Confederate service.
Allow me to say that the troops now being sent forward are sent in accordance with the instructions of Lieutenant-Colonel Preston, assistant adjutant-general. I have given orders for the fitting up of two additional batteries of light artillery, making five State batteries in all, and have written to ask for the guns of our battery in Virginia, as the term of service of the men who are with it expires in January next.
Let me ask of you to inform me at once of any irregularity that can be remedied by State authority, and it will be promptly attended to.
With great respect, I am, your obedient servant,
S. R. GIST, Adjutant and Inspector General of South Carolina.
* Not found
{p.346}
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HEADQUARTERS, Charleston, S. C., December 13, 1861.
General D. S. DONELSON, Commanding Third Brigade Tenn. Vols., Charleston, S. C.:
GENERAL: The general commanding directs that you should proceed with your brigade to Coosawhatchie, S. C., as soon as the quartermaster at this place (Maj. H. Lee) can furnish you with the necessary transportation. Directions have already been given to him to that effect.
Very respectfully,
T. A. WASHINGTON, Assistant Adjutant-General.
–––
CHARLESTON, S. C., December 16, 1861.
Hon. J. P. BENJAMIN, Secretary of War, Richmond, Va.:
SIR: Your letter of the 8th instant, forwarded from Coosawhatchie, has just been received. Two of the batteries (Thornton's and Leake's) and two of the regiments (Fulton's and Savage's) mentioned in your letter have arrived. I hope the others named will be dispatched without delay.
I have notified Governors Pickens and Brown that unless they had troops from their States "for the war" ready to receive the arms at my disposal, I should issue them to regiments from other States that have offered themselves for service in this department. On being informed by General Lawton that he had been advised by Governor Brown that he had none from Georgia, I directed him to arm the Mississippi regiment (Colonel Dowd). On the application of General Trapier for re-enforcements, having no other regiment available, I have directed General Lawton to send the Mississippi regiment to Fernandina, where they have only 1,300 men.
The Mississippi regiment, with some Georgia companies that have been mustered into the Confederate States service for the war, will absorb all the arms intended for Georgia troops. There are several companies in this State organized for the war, recently raised, and unarmed, attached to Colonels Orr's and Dunovant's regiments, that will require so many arms, as not to leave more than sufficient for one regiment. Ha regiment is not furnished by South Carolina, I will receive either Colonel Mitchell's or Col. C. C. Lee's regiment from North Carolina. The latter officer is a graduate of the West Point Academy, and I believe before his recent resignation was in the Ordnance Corps. He served in Virginia as lieutenant-colonel of Colonel Hill's regiment, North Carolina Volunteers.
Could more arms be had for the troops for the war, as I believe, there would be no difficulty in procuring men. There is great need of more heavy guns, but knowing the constant demand in every section of the country for arms and ammunition, hesitate to make requisitions. If, however, twenty could be spared for this department they would be of great benefit-8 or 10 inch guns, 42 and 32 pounders, for water defense, and 8-inch howitzers, 24-pounders or less, for land defense.
The land defenses around the city, commencing on the coast side of James Island, extending to Wappoo Creek, thence to Ashley River, across the neck between Ashley and Cooper, and from the branch through Christ Church Parish to the sound, are in good state of progress, and{p.347}will now give steadiness and security to our troops in any advance of the enemy from any of those quarters, and afford time to move troops to meet them. The works have been mostly constructed by labor furnished by the planters. I hope they will be completed this week. The batteries in the harbor are in good condition, and if properly served should arrest the approach by the channel. Wappoo Creek is also provided with batteries in addition to those previously constructed at the mouth of the Stono, which should stop vessels by that direction. They form part of the lines of land defense and points of support where they touch the creek.
I have the honor to be, your obedient servant,
R. E. LEE, General, Commanding.
–––
CHARLESTON, December 16, 1861.
Hon. J. P. BENJAMIN:
Tennessee regiments arrived. Want what can be spared from other points. Require heavy guns, if available. Land defenses around Charleston progressing. If batteries are well fought, enemy ought not to succeed by water approaches. Eighty vessels of enemy counted at Port Royal on the 12th.
R. E. LEE.
–––
RICHMOND, December 16, 1861.
General R. E. LEE, Charleston:
I send you six 32-pounders, with barbette carriages. They will leave here on Wednesday. Have sent you Waddill's Louisiana battalion and Ector's Georgia regiment. Will send you Russell's Mississippi regiment and Phillips' Georgia Legion in a day or two. Will you want any more heavy guns?
J. P. BENJAMIN, Secretary of War.
–––
COOSAWHATCHIE, December 17, 1861.
Hon. J. P. BENJAMIN:
In addition to the six 32-pounders, require guns and howitzers on traveling carriages for land defense. Understand they can be had at Norfolk. Have written on the subject.
R. E. LEE.
–––
SPECIAL ORDERS, No. 22.}
HEADQUARTERS, Coosawhatchie, S. C., December 18, 1861.
Brig. Gen. N. G. Evans, C. S. Provisional Army, having reported at these headquarters, pursuant to instructions from the Secretary of War, is hereby assigned to the command of the Third Military District of South Carolina, as set forth in Paragraph I, Special Orders, No. 17, current series, from these headquarters.
T. A. WASHINGTON, Assistant Adjutant-General, C. S. Army.
{p.348}
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HEADQUARTERS, Coosawhatchie, S. C., December 20, 1861.
Hon. J. P. BENJAMIN, Secretary of War, Richmond, Va.:
SIR: I am much in need of guns for land defense and the protection of the rivers extending into the country. I have understood that there are carronades at the Norfolk navy-yard unemployed. Please, if practicable, send me eight 42-pounder carronades on chassis carriages, with a supply of shot, grape, shell, and primers, implements, &c., complete, with as little delay as possible.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
R. E. LEE, General, Commanding.
[Indorsement.]
Lieutenant-Colonel Gorgas, for immediate attention.
J. P. B.
On the 17th December three 32-pounder heavy guns. On the 21st December two 8-inch columbiads were sent to General Lee, and to-morrow one 8-inch columbiad and one 24-pounder siege gun will be sent.
Very respectfully,
L. GIBBON, Captain.
DECEMBER 30, 1861.
Eight 42-pounder carronades were sent from Norfolk navy-yard to General Lee December 27, as per invoice received from Commodore Fairfax. The ammunition will be sent from here to-day.
J. GORGAS, Lieutenant-Colonel, Chief of Ordnance.
–––
RICHMOND, December 20, 1861.
General R. E. LEE, Charleston:
I have no objections to your giving arms to any companies mustered for the war, as requested by Governor Pickens. It is not necessary to reserve them for an organized regiment unless you prefer to do so.
J. P. BENJAMIN, Secretary of War.
–––
SPECIAL ORDERS, No. 23.}
HEADQUARTERS, Coosawhatchie, December 20, 1861.
...
III. The following regiments and battalion of South Carolina volunteers, recently mustered into the service of the Confederate States, are assigned to the command of Brig. Gen. N. G. Evans, and will immediately proceed to such destinations as that officer may designate, viz:
Sixteenth South Carolina Volunteers, Col. C. J. Elford; Seventeenth South Carolina Volunteers, Col. J. H. Means; Laurens battalion, Maj. G. S. James.
...
By order of General Lee:
T. A. WASHINGTON, Assistant Adjutant-General.
{p.349}
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COOSAWHATCHIE, December 21, 1861.
Hon. J. P. BENJAMIN:
Have already stated, after arming organized corps would arm companies for the war if arms remained.
R. E. LEE.
–––
HEADQUARTERS, Coosawhatchie, December 23, 1861.
General R. S. RIPLEY, Commanding, &c., Charleston, S. C.:
GENERAL: I am gratified to learn by your letter of the 21st instant that the battery at Church Flats is ready for action and the obstruction prepared for closing the channel. The troops that you have advanced from Charleston into the Third Military District must remain for the present under the command of General Evans. I hope by this time that the Sixteenth and Seventeenth Regiments and Laurens battalion of South Carolina Volunteers have reached him. As soon as he can be properly re-enforced, the regiments that it may be desirable to have around Charleston can be recalled into your district. In the mean time I request that you will furnish the necessary supplies to the troops, upon proper requisitions, and aid General Evans in every way in your power in the organization of his district and by furnishing him all needful information and facilities that he may require.
I wish as soon as possible that you would inform me of the number, &c., of troops present in the Third Military District, as it may be some time before General Evans can furnish me with an official return.
I agree with you as to the importance of holding John's Island and the post at Church Flats, and beg that you will re-enforce General Evans, if necessary, to enable him to do so.
I have the honor, &c.,
R. E. LEE.
–––
SPECIAL ORDERS, No. 24.}
HEADQUARTERS, Coosawhatchie, S. C., December 23, 1861.
I. Brig. Gen. Maxcy Gregg, C. S. Provisional Army, having reported at these headquarters, in compliance with instructions from the War Department, will report to Brig. Gen. J. C. Pemberton for duty with the South Carolina troops serving in the Fourth Military District.
II. Brig. Gen. D. S. Donelson, commanding Tennessee Brigade and Col. W. E. Starke, commanding Sixtieth Virginia Volunteers, will report their commands to Brigadier-General Pemberton for duty in the Fourth Military District of South Carolina.
...
By order of General Lee:
T. A. WASHINGTON, Assistant Adjutant-General, C. S. Army.

 

[RNMCSA]

COOSAWHATCHIE, December 24, 1861.
[MAGRATH]:
MY DEAR SIR: I have just received your note announcing the meeting of the Convention about to take place at Columbia. The exposed condition of the State and the presence of a powerful enemy on her shores{p.350}will naturally occupy the earnest consideration of that enlightened body. I do not think that any suggestion from me will be necessary or even useful, as I feel certain that every measure requisite for the protection of the State or her citizens will be adopted. In compliance, therefore, with your kind request to make to you any suggestions that may seem to me required by present circumstances, I think it only necessary to repeat more emphatically than perhaps I have been able to do in person the urgent necessity of bringing out the military strength of the State and putting it under the best and most permanent organization. The troops, in my opinion, should be organized for the war. We cannot stop short of its termination, be it long or short. No one, I presume, would desire to do so; no one, therefore, will continue in service longer than the war requires. The disbanding and reorganization of troops in time of peace is attended with loss and expense; what must it be in time of war, when it may occur at periods that might otherwise prove highly disastrous?
I tremble to think of the consequences that may befall us next spring when all our twelve-months' men may claim their discharge. At the opening of the campaign, when our enemies will take the field fresh and vigorous, after a year's preparation and winter's repose, we shall be in all the anxiety, excitement, and organization of new armies. In what different condition will be the opposing armies on the plains of Manassas at the resumption of active operations! I have thought that General McClellan was waiting to seize the advantage he would then possess.
I beg you will put a stop to this lamentable state of affairs. The Confederate States have now but one great object in view, the successful issue of their war of independence. Everything worth their possessing depends on that. Everything should yield to its accomplishment.
There is another point to which I would invite your attention. The best troops are ineffectual without good officers. Our volunteers, more than any others, require officers whom they can respect and trust. The best men for that position should be selected, and it is important to consider how it can be effected. It would be safe to trust men of the intelligence and character of our volunteers to elect their officers, could they at the time of election realize their dependent condition in the day of battle. But this they cannot do, and I have known them in the hour of danger repudiate and disown officers of their choice and beg for others. Is it fight, then, for a State to throw upon its citizens a responsibility which they do not feel and cannot properly exercise? The colonel of a regiment has an important trust, and is a guardian of the honor of the State as well as of the lives of the citizens. I think it better for the field officers of the regiment in the State service to be appointed by the governor, with the advice and consent of its legislature, and those in the Confederate service by the President and Congress. It would also, in my opinion, add to the simplicity and economy of our military establishment to conform to the same principle of organization. That adopted by Congress is formed by the united wisdom of the State representatives, and is followed in its army. It would be well for the State governments to adopt it, as far as circumstances will permit. Special corps and separate commands are frequent causes of embarrassment.
It is useless for me to suggest that measures be taken to develop the military resources of the State; to advance the fabrication of powder, arms, and all the necessaries of war, as well as the production of bountiful supplies for her troops and citizens. The strictest economy should{p.351}be enforced in every department and the most rigid accountability required of its officers. I have not been able to get an accurate report of the troops under my command in the State. I hope it may be as large as you state, but I am sure those for duty fall far short of it. For instance, De Saussure's brigade is put down at 3,420 men. When last in Charleston (the day inquired) I was informed that in one regiment there were 110 men for duty in camp on the Race-Course and in the other about 200. Colonel Branch, I am told, had only about 200 men with him at Rockville, though I have had no official report of his retreat from there.
The companies of mounted men in the service are very much reduced. The Charleston Light Dragoons and the Rutledge Mounted Rifles have about 45 men each. The companies of Colonel Martin's regiment are very small. One of them-Captain Fripp's-reports 4 commissioned officers, 9 non-commissioned officers, and 19 privates. It is very expensive to retain in service companies of such strength, and I think all had better be reorganized.
I have only on this line for field operations Heyward's, De Saussure's, Dunovant's, Jones' and Edwards' regiments from South Carolina and Martin's cavalry. General Ripley writes that Elford's and Means' regiments are poorly armed and equipped and at present ineffective, and that the organization of the troops thrown forward on James Island is so brittle that he fears it will break. The garrisons at Moultrie, Sumter, Johnson, and the fixed batteries-the best and most stable of our forces-cannot be removed from them; neither can those at Georgetown, and should not be counted among those for operations in the field.
You must not understand that this is written in a complaining spirit. I know the difficulties in the way, and wish you to understand them, explain them to the governor, and, if possible, remove them. Our enemy increases in strength faster than we do and is more enormous. Where he will strike I do not know, but the blow when it does fall will be hard.
I am, &c.,
R. E. LEE.
–––
HEADQUARTERS, Coosawhatchie, December 24, 1861.
General A. R. LAWTON, Savannah, Ga.:
GENERAL: Your communication of 23d instant* has been received. The general commanding is glad to learn that instructions have been given to officers commanding batteries to withhold their fire till the enemy's vessels are within effective range of the guns, and trusts that this practice will in all cases be strictly adhered to. The general hopes that the threatening approach of the enemy's boats will stimulate the officers and the troops of your district to press forward the projected earthworks and defenses to a speedy completion. As no further re-enforcements can be spared to send to you, it will be necessary, should your command require strengthening, to call upon the governor of the State of Georgia.
The general has been informed that three 32-pounders are on their way from New Orleans, and as they will probably be sent by Augusta, he is desirous that you should make arrangements to have them forwarded from that place to Savannah. Two of them will be sent to General{p.352}Trapier at Fernandina, and the third placed at such point as may be, in your judgment, most necessary. Should the guns be unprovided with carriages, Colonel Gill has been directed to supply them.
The guns for General Trapier the latter has made a requisition for, and desires to have forwarded to him without delay.
Very respectfully,
W. H. TAYLOR, Assistant Adjutant-General.
* Not found.
–––
RICHMOND, December 25, 1861.
General R. E. LEE, Coosawhatchie:
Yours of 20th received. On the 17th sent you three 32-pounders from here, and ordered three more sent to you from New Orleans. On the 21st sent you two 8-inch columbiads. Will send you to-morrow one more 8-inch columbiad and one 24-pounder siege gun.
J. P. BENJAMIN, Secretary of War.
–––
HDQRS. FIRST MILITARY DISTRICT, DEPT. OF S. C., Georgetown, December 25, 1861.

 

[RNMCSA]

The sad demise of much needed supplies.

T. A. WASHINGTON, Assistant Adjutant-General:
MAJOR: The schooner Prince of Wales, from Nassau, loaded with salt, fruit, &c., having been chased by a steamer and bark of the Federal Navy, ran into North Inlet, one of the harbors of this district, the enemy's vessels not being able to follow her and she getting aground when inside, and having been hulled several times by their shot, boats were sent in to take her, when the captain fired the vessel and escaped with his crew. The enemy proceeded to tow her out, when a mounted detachment of Captain Tucker's company arrived, opened fire from the north side of the inlet upon the boats, and forced them to abandon their prize and return to their ships.
About 4 o'clock in the afternoon five boats filled with men put off again from the vessel, to come in either to land on North Island or again take possession. Lieutenant Harllee with 6 men (picket guard), Company D, Tenth Regiment, as soon as they came within reach, fired upon them and continued to do so, eventually driving them back to their vessels. The boats' crews in both instances returned the fire of our men. No one hurt on our side. Detachments sent to support the picket guards did not arrive in time to take any part in the affair. I regret to state that the vessel has since burned to the water's line, and is, with her cargo, a total loss. She was owned, I believe, by the house of John Fraser & Co., Charleston.
I remain, respectfully,
A. M. MANIGAULT, Colonel, Commanding First Military District.
–––
HEADQUARTERS SECOND DISTRICT SOUTH CAROLINA, Charleston, December 25, 1861.

 

[RNMCSA]

more early supply woes.

CAMP MOORE, Charleston, S. C., December 26, 1861.
Brig. Gen. R. S. RIPLEY, C. S. A.:
GENERAL: I have the honor to report that my regiment is not in a position to move with efficiency immediately. One of our companies is unarmed. Of the remaining arms about 100 have proved defective and are in the hands of the armorer for repair. We have not a bayonet-belt, or scabbard, or cartridge-box in the regiment. Major Eason, the ordnance officer, informed me to-day that these could be procured in eight or ten days. We have about three rounds of cartridges and caps, but I understand that ammunition can be obtained. I have been pressing our requisition for accouterments continually since we have been here, but hitherto without success. So soon as we can procure these we are ready and anxious to march to the point of duty.
Respectfully,
C. J. ELFORD, Colonel Sixteenth Regiment South Carolina Volunteers.
{p.362}
CAMP LEE, December 26, 1861.
Brigadier-General RIPLEY:
GENERAL: In obedience to verbal orders received through your aide, I have the honor to report my regiment as organized but not full. Seven companies are here encamped, comprising in the aggregate 547 officers and men. I have 75 good muskets (percussion) and 415 flint-and-steel muskets utterly unfit for service; no transportation, but have been authorized by the quartermaster to purchase it, and will send agents to-morrow to do so. No knapsacks; 75 cartridge-boxes and bayonet scabbards; no ammunition. I hope to have my regiment full in the course of a week or ten days. I am under orders for General Evans to march as soon as ready to Adams Run.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. H. MEANS, Colonel Seventeenth Regiment South Carolina Volunteers.

 

[RNMCSA]

Very interesting,

STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA, Headquarters, Columbia, January 7, 1862.
President DAVIS:
MY DEAR SIR: I have been informed from pretty high authority that the telegraph operator at Wilmington, N. C., and perhaps at Petersburg, Va., were not true to us, and perhaps they use their position to suppress or delay matters of importance. I mention this, and would most respectfully suggest that a secret detective be appointed to ascertain the facts, not only there, but anywhere else that there may be suspicion about.
I do not know if it prevails elsewhere in the Army, but I take the liberty to inform you that I fear the feeling of General Ripley towards General Lee may do injury to the public service. His habit is to say extreme things even before junior officers, and this is well calculated to do great injury to General Lee's command. I do not think General Ripley means half what he says in his energetic way, but others construe it differently.
From a copy of the report of forces sent to General Lee by General Ripley, up to December 1, I find many very important omissions. I suppose it must be from inadvertence, for I do not think Ripley at all exact in relation to infantry. I have sent General Lee a correct return. General Lee is a perfect head, quiet and retiring. His reserve is construed disadvantageously. I find him all that a gentleman should be, and all that ought be expected of a thorough and scientific officer. The two are in contrast.
I have sent forward lately from this camp five new regiments, not yet reported to Lee by Ripley.
The enemy are only feeling the different points at present. It will be difficult to approach Charleston with less than 50,000 men; and that will be through North Edisto, over John's Island or Stono and over James' Island. They will endeavor to reach the Ashley about 1 mile above Fort Johnson.
If the strength of the forces under General Pemberton were nearer Adams Run it would be safer for Charleston, for if they should happen to cut off the railroad at Pocotaligo, it would cut off 10,000 of our most efficient forces so they could not approach to defend the city. My private opinion is that they will hardly attack Charleston, at least until towards spring. Savannah may be attacked sooner, but they will have to increase their forces first before any serious move can be made against either place.
It will be more difficult to re-enforce with the feeling rising in the North as to the danger of collision with Great Britain. If I could be certain of 3,000 arms from any quarter, I could send forward 3,000 more troops. I have given out State arms in the last two weeks to 4,900 men. These arms I got from disbanded companies in the State, with 1,000 sent from Virginia.
With great respect, and very truly, your obedient servant,
F. W. PICKENS.

 

[RNMCSA]

Large ammount of war supplies sent to the deffence of Fla. From Ga.

SAVANNAH, GA., January 15, 1862.
COMMANDING OFFICER, Fernandina, Fla.:
SIR: In reference to the deficiency of accouterments for the troops on Amelia Island, to which my attention was called during my recent visit, I find that, in compliance with my previous orders, 500 sets, on the 21st ultimo, were sent by Captain Cuyler, of the ordnance, to Maj. John G. Barnwell, Fernandina; 500 sets Enfield accouterments, on the 28th ultimo, by Lieutenant Harden, from Brunswick, to Major Barnwell; that on the 31st ultimo Lieutenant-Colonel Gill wrote from Augusta that he would send "300 infantry accouterments to Major Barnwell, Fernandina, in charge of a special messenger."
If these accouterments have been received there is no reason for the deficiency complained of, and I request you will report the fact to my headquarters.
I have directed 300 pairs of shoes to be sent from this place to the brigade quartermaster at Fernandina and some clothing from Columbus, which I understand is at that place. Captain Cuyler will send some cannon powder from here to Captain McBlair (2,000 pounds), which will increase his supply for the 8-inch guns. I also directed when at Brunswick 500 pounds of lead to be sent to Fernandina, to enable the colonel of the Mississippi regiment to make additional cartridges for his regiment. I understood he had powder.
By a dispatch from Richmond I learn that four 8-inch guns are on their way to Fernandina. Carriages have been ordered for them here, but only one is now completed. I understand that these are in addition to the two which reached Fernandina on the 11th instant. Should this be the case, I think one or two of them had better be mounted on the south end of Cumberland Island.
I request this letter to be forwarded to General Trapier.
I have the honor, &c.
R. E. LEE, General, Commanding.

 

[RNMCSA]

HEADQUARTERS, Coosawhatchie, January 17, 1862.
Hon. C. M. FURMAN, Commissioner, &c., City of Charleston:
SIR: I have had the honor to receive your letter of the 16th instant in reference to an ordinance of the State Convention to provide for the removal of property from portions of the State which may be invaded by the enemy and to certain resolutions intended to carry its provisions into effect. Copies of the ordinance and resolutions have been furnished me, and I shall take great pleasure in doing all in my power to aid the commissioners in the performance of the duties required of them.
As regards the probability of the occurrence of the contingencies in which you will be called to act, and of which you ask my opinion, I can only say that, seeing no reason now for apprehension, I think it an act of prudence to make provision in time of security for what would be required in time of danger, and that steps should be taken for the formation of depots, &c. Every arrangement made in anticipation of events which, should they happen, would mitigate their evil consequences.
As regards the information which you may require from time to time to govern your action in relation to the city of Charleston, I suggest that you apply to the Confederate officer commanding in the city, should it not be convenient to refer to the commanding general of the department, as by so doing valuable time may be saved. I shall certainly apprise you of any danger I can foresee.
With great respect,
R. E. LEE, General, Commanding.

 

[RNMCSA]

RICHMOND, January 30, 1862.
General R. E. LEE, Savannah:
I send you to-morrow three heavy guns, two of them 10-inch and one 8-inch, equipped complete. Will send three more in three or four days. They are all we can give you. We have no iron carriages, and send wooden carriages.
J. P. BENJAMIN, Secretary of War.
–––
Abstract from monthly report of the Department of Middle and East Florida, commanded by Brig. Gen. J. H. Trapier, for January, 1862.
Troops.Present for duty.Aggregate present.Aggregate present and absent.
Infantry.Cavalry.Artillery.
Officers.Men.Officers.Men.Officers.Men.
4th Regiment Florida volunteers 37 474 721 777
3d Regiment Georgia volunteers 28 551 655 823
24th Regiment Mississippi volunteers 39 443 787 898
Bailey's company of infantry 4 74 78 78
Evans' company of infantry 3 80 83 84
Simmons' coast-guard 4 41 45 45
1st Florida Special Battalion 18 331 502 577
1st Florida Cavalry 35 761 827 867
Hopkins' independent troop 3 76 81 82
Owens' independent troop 2 75 99 120
Pickett's independent troop 2 68 74 74
Turner's independent troop 4 100 115 115
Baya's company of artillery 3 29 34 67
Martin's light battery 3 60 65 76
Grand total 133 1,994 48 1,080 6 89 4,166 4,680
[FEBRUARY 2, 1862.-Requisitions made by the Confederate Government for two and a half war regiments from Florida, twelve from Georgia, and five from South Carolina.*]
* Requisition will be found in Series IV, Vol. I.

 

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More bickering between a state and the Confederate Govt. This is an example of one of the true supply problems of the Confederacy. In previous reports from 1861 and early 62 we see a lack of arms. This problem by mid 62 was starting to be corrected, however the constant belief of the states that the soldiers, arms, and equipment provided did not belong to the Govt. caused many problems. States began hording supplies instead of sending them to the Govt. to be distributed to the armies. This was a fatal flaw with the idea of states rites. As the war progressed getting the supplies to the armies would become more difficult. If instead of being so fiercly independant the states in Rebellion had worked better together and supported the needs of the Govt. they would have been more succesful.

STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA, Headquarters, February 3, 1862.
President DAVIS:
MY DEAR SIR: My aide, Colonel Duryea, has just returned, and I regret that you should have thought anything of my sending on to claim the arms that belonged to our regiments, if out of use. I said that they belonged to the State, with the equipments, for I sent on all our regiments without charging for them.
I had been informed by the Ordnance Officer of North Carolina that that State had a claim of $2,000,000 for what she had sent on and inquired of me what course I intended to pursue. I wrote back I had made no such charges at all. Of course I calculated, when the regiments had served their time out and were discharged, they would bring back their arms, for their field officers have all given bonds to the State for their return or to be accounted for. If the war were to end, of course I take it for granted the arms would be ours. The arms received from the old United States arsenal were accounted for by General Jamison at Montgomery, and settled in the transfer he then made of everything taken by us as a State before any other State had acted and before any Confederate Union had been formed at all.
I did not mean to make any unusual claim as long as the arms were in actual service, but only if they were not in use, and I only wanted to state the general principle upon which our claims to the arms rest.
When Colonel Gregg's regiment was discharged his arms were, under my orders, brought to Richmond, to be brought home, and he asked the privilege to reorganize his regiment in Virginia, and asked to retain his arms there and to receive companies commissioned by you, &c. I refused, because I could not do so in good faith to the State. We had companies of our own citizens who were eager to go into service, and as the arms were public property, I had no right to assign them to companies from other States, and if I did so, it would produce great excitement and discouragement amongst our own people.
Mr. Memminger then interceded, and also the then Secretary of War, and joined in an urgent appeal to me to allow Gregg to retain the arms in Virginia, and then Gregg pledged himself to give them alone to companies from our own State. Upon this I agreed to their wishes, but a claim that the arms did not belong to the State I never heard of or imagined at that time.
So, too, with our six pieces of flying artillery, sent on with Company A, under Calhoun, with the harness, caissons, &c. I wrote the Secretary of War to send them back, if possible to spare them, as we needed them much on our own coast, and as the company had not been re-enlisted. He declined, because it would produce a bad effect for South Carolina troops to be sent back at that time from the Potomac line. I acquiesced in it, because, upon reflection, I thought the reason was sound and wise, but I never heard of any claim made that the guns, &c., were not ours. I hope now that I am mistaken in the impression that any claim of that kind is to be set up. But I am informed by Colonel Duryea that the Secretary of War told him that my true way was to charge the Confederate Government for the arms and equipments sent on with our troops, and that this would be the proper course, and that it would be recognized, and the arms, &c., would then be considered as belonging to the Confederate Government and not to the States.
I was not aware that the States had taken this course, but I would be very glad to be informed if Colonel Duryea has understood the Secretary{p.373}aright, and if so, I will be most happy to try and conform to what has been done by other States and to what is most agreeable to the Confederate Government in the general policy you may direct.
I have no object but to do justice to the State, and surely should never have made any demand at all for the arms until the war was closed if our own State had not been invaded and our arms absolutely needed to put into the hands of regiments now actually mustered into Confederate service. Having been informed that we had arms out of use now, I thought it nothing but right to send for them.
Be so good as to let me know if I am right as to the general information I have received through Colonel Duryea.
I have the honor to be, with great respect, yours, truly,
F. W. PICKENS.

 

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Speculation reering its ugly head.

HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF SOUTH CAROLINA, &C., Savannah, Ga., February 5, 1862.
Lieut. Col. J. GORGAS, Chief of Ordnance Department, Richmond, Va.:
COLONEL: I have just received your letter of the 30th ultimo, advising me that two 10-inch and one 8-inch columbiads would be forwarded to me the next day. I hope that the others required are also on their way, and if it would be any relief to the department, as it will avoid the cost of transportation, the shot and shell can be procured here. I therefore desire to be informed of the caliber of the guns, that I may provide them. Please send an agent with the guns to hasten their transportation, and it has occurred to me that this might be expedited by sending them through Charlotte to Augusta, as the connection of the roads at Augusta is better than at Charleston, and much time will therefore be saved. I require nine heavy guns in addition to the three sent.
Captain Cuyler, ordnance officer at this post, has just stated to me{p.376}that O. G. Parsley & Co., of Wilmington, N. C., have bought the whole stock of iron of Weed, Connell & Co., the principal importers and holders of iron in this city, at the market price at which it has been sold to the Government. He has left the iron here, with directions that it be sold at double the former price, 12 and 16 cents per pound. I have directed that all iron required by the Government should be taken and paid for at the original price. This seemed to be such a palpable act of speculation, that it ought to be stopped.
I report the facts, that you may bring the matter to the notice of the Secretary of War, as the practice may be extended to other points.
I am, &c.,
R. E. LEE, General, Commanding.

 

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RICHMOND, February 9, 1862.
General R. E. LEE, Savannah:
General Bragg says he has not a gun to spare. I will send you this week five 8-inch columbiads and one 24-pounder howitzer. I have ordered 1,000 Enfield rifles sent to you and 20,000 pounds of cannon powder, besides the fixed ammunition for the rifles.
J. F. BENJAMIN, Secretary of War.
{p.378}
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RICHMOND, February 9, 1862.
General LEE, Savannah:
Send 10,000 pounds cannon powder to Norfolk immediately, and you will receive 20,000 pounds of the powder just received by the Kate. Send it from Charleston, if possible. Urgent.
J. P. BENJAMIN, Secretary of War.

 

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SAVANNAH, February 18, 1862.
Brig. Gen. R. S. RIPLEY, Commanding, Charleston:
GENERAL: I am directed by the commanding general [Lee] to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 16th instant to-day; that he hopes you will use every effort to organize the Carolina troops and to get them into the field. The three cavalry companies that you are equipping can be retained for service in your district if you desire it. Captain Childs will be authorized to issue arms to the cavalry companies mustered into the Confederate service for the war upon your requisition, but the Enfield rifles must be reserved for the infantry. As regards Thomas Black, who has been released by the enemy, you must judge from his character and antecedents whether he can be trusted at large; if you feel satisfied, you can release him and keep him under surveillance. If not, he had better be sent to Colonel Preston, at Columbia, to be retained in close custody or within prescribed limits on parole.
In reference to the fixed battery you propose on the middle ground,{p.391}if adopted he would recommend that it be casemated, using heavy timber and railroad iron for the purpose. Similar protection should be given to our other water batteries, where practicable, if time permits, and, indeed, every preparation made to shelter the men from the bombardment of the enemy's fleet.
I am, &c.,

 

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SAVANNAH, GA., February 24, 1862.
Col. J. GORGAS, Chief of Ordnance, &c., Richmond, Va.:
COLONEL: I am in receipt to-day of a letter from Brigadier-General Trapier, commanding, &c., Florida, requesting most earnestly to be at least supplied with 1,000 muskets for the arming of the new troops under his command. One company, which was mustered in the service on 11th December last for the war, has not as yet, he informs me, received a single arm. I have not any at my disposal to give him, those allotted to my department having already been devoted to the arming of troops mustered into service from Georgia and South Carolina. I see by the disposition that has been made of the arms that 900 are to be sent to Richmond; if those are not wanted there I would recommend that they be applied to the arming of the troops now mustering for the war in this department. General Trapier also applies for some blankets and powder, if they can be spared. Similar applications have been made to me by the governor of Florida.
I am, &c.,
R. E. LEE, General, Commanding.
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SAVANNAH, GA., February 24, 1862.
His Excellency JOHN MILTON, Governor of Florida, Tallahassee:
GOVERNOR: I have bad the honor to receive your letter of the 21st instant,* handed to me by Col. J. J. Williams, of Florida.
I regret very much to learn that the means for the defense of the capital of the State are so deficient. Not finding it possible to defend{p.400}all the important points in the State, or to obtain guns to place Cumberland Harbor out of the reach of capture, I had previously authorized General Trapier to withdraw the troops and guns from that point, and to apply them to other vital portions of the State. This is the only course now left to supply means for defending it. I have also authorized him to withdraw generally from the islands to the main; the only way, in my opinion, successfully to resist the large force that can be brought against us by the enemy, and to deprive him of the benefit derived from his fleet and heavy floating batteries.
In reference to the cargo landing from the steamer Carolina, its disposition has been made by the War Department at Richmond, which will go but a little way in supplying the urgent demands of the service. It is now impossible to arm troops entering the service for the war. I consider it therefore useless for troops entering the service for a less period to expect arms from the Government. If regiments can be raised in Florida for the war (the only period, in my opinion, for which they ought to be accepted), I will endeavor to procure arms for them.
It will be necessary for the citizens of Florida to turn out to a man to defend their homes, and the sooner your excellency can impress upon them this fact, the easier will be its accomplishment. Troops cannot now be drawn from other States for this purpose. Every State is looking to the protection of her own borders and providing the regiments called for by the Secretary of War. The governor of Georgia has been obliged to refuse my recent application to him for two regiments, to be placed under the command of General Trapier, for the purpose of preventing an advance of the enemy through Florida into the southwest portion of Georgia.
I am, &c.,
R. E. LEE, General, Commanding.

 

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General R. E. LEE, Savannah:
If circumstances will, in your judgement, warrant your leaving, I wish to see you here with the least delay.
JEFFERSON DAVIS.

 

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Hon. J. P. BENJAMIN, Secretary of War, Richmond, Va.:
SIR: In compliance with the requisition of your Department for five regiments of infantry to serve for and during the present war, I have the honor to inform you that a proclamation and orders for the rendezvousing said regiments have been issued by the State authorities and that the troops will soon begin to report in camp. The present camp of rendezvous selected will be at the Lightwood Knot Springs, near Columbia, on the Columbia and Charlotte Railroad.
You say "these troops will be clothed, supplied and armed on Confederate expense," and "each soldier will receive a bounty of $50," &c. I have to request that you will at once cause the necessary arrangements to be made for the reception of the troops at the camp of rendezvous and for the compliance with the above-quoted stipulations, and to tender you the assistance of this office in the premises.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
S. R. GIST, Adjutant and Inspector General of South Carolina.