WAR DEPARTMENT, A. G. O.,
Montgomery, March 20, 1861.
Brig. Gen. PETER G. T. BEAUREGARD,
Commanding Forces Charleston Army, Charleston, S.C.:
SIR: The governor of South Carolina has, in a written communication, strongly urged the propriety and necessity of enlarging your command, and extending it so as to embrace the coast of South Carolina, say from Beaufort to Georgetown. After a careful consideration of the subject the Secretary of War has concluded to conform to the earnest recommendation of his excellency, with the full understanding, however, that in thus extending the limits of your command no risk is to be incurred by your temporary absence from the harbor of Charleston at any critical moment, and that your first duty will be to give your personal attention to the defense of that harbor. The Secretary desires, therefore, that you will confer with his excellency and be governed by these instructions.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
S. COOPER,
Adjutant-General.