N'ldlification in South Carolina, iSjo-iSj4 753 will begin by stating my entire confidence that, at this crisis in our affairs, whe7i everything dear to our country is at stake, you will enter upon the duties I have assigned you with a zeal, and energy, and devo- tion to the cause, which will incline you without hesitation to sacrifice all private considerations to the public good. Relying on this spirit, I will proceed to unfold to you my views, with the remark that they are intended only for your own guidance, and are to be no further disclosed than may be necessary to enable you to carry them into effect. I pro- pose to secure the services of a Volunteer force, which I hope will not fall short of 10,000 men ; no part of which, however, will be called into service until an emergency shall arise which may render this necessary. In that event, I shall take care that an equal portion of duty shall fall upon the militia which may not volunteer. I wish you to e.xert yourself personally and through others, to have volunteer companies formed, and to induce those already existing to volunteer in as large numbers and as promptly as possible. When convenient, you will personally inspect these companies, and in every case transmit to me, directed to " the As- sistant Adjutant and Inspector General in Charleston," a list of the Offi- cers and the number of the men, with a general statement of the arms at their command. To these Volunteer Corps, you may say in my name, that measures have been taken to procure an ample supply of Arms of every description, and that so soon as this can be effected, they shall be provided ; in the mean time they will be paraded with such as they may be able to command. To the Cavalry you may say, that I am in hopes in a very short time to forward a supply of Sabres and Pistols, and you will inform me of the number wanted, and to whom they shall be for- warded. I wish you to furnish a copy of the " Circular^ lately sent you, to each Colonel, and to such other Officers as you may think neces- sary, so as to make all the Militia Officers in your District acquainted with the fact, that you are the appointed Agent of the Executive, charged in that District with the transaction of all military business. Where you want assistance you will call upon the Staff Officers already in Com- mission, within your District, and should further aid be necessary send me the names of proper persons to be appointed. Inform every Colonel, in writing, that he will be furnished with fifty copies of the "Abstract for the Manoeuvres of Infantry and Riflemen " adopted by the Legislature at their last session ; on applying in person or by written order to the Secretary of State in Columbia or Charleston, to be given out in the first instance to the Volunteer Corps, and the surplus to the rest of the Militia. A full supply of books will soon be obtained however, and every officer of Infantry, Cavalry and Artillery, will be furnished with them. The Cavalry will in like manner be furnished with " Hoyt's Tactics" on application. All demands for any purpose made through you will be promptly attended to by me, and if you want a supply of Books for distribution they will be furnished. Having made these general explanations of your duties, I now pro- ceed to a matter of the most important nature, and if you are able.
