Alexander R. Lawton to Leroy P. Walker, September 3, 1861

Hon. L. P. WALKER, Secretary of War, Richmond, Va.:

SIR: I beg to call your attention to the pressing necessity for additional troops on this coast at the earliest possible moment. I have received and mustered into service enough to replace the two regiments suddenly ordered to Virginia (Semmes’ and Williams’ regiments), and these are but enough to man the batteries on the coast, leaving us no protection on the main-land in case of trouble. Nearly all the companies I have at this moment are entirely raw and undisciplined.

The large calls upon the State of Georgia have taken away nearly every trained company and all the arms, except such as may be found in private hands. I am now endeavoring to organize all such as can furnish their own arms and muster them into service. In this way only can I secure a force that will give any protection to this coast. May I ask the favor of you to say at once, by telegraph, that I may continue to organize new regiments and battalions on and near this coast? I wish to quiet the apprehensions of the people, by assuring them that I Par full authority to organize and muster in until we have a sufficient —

If the Department is willing to make appointments of colonels of these regiments, I recommend that Duncan L. Clinch (son of the late General Clinch) be forthwith appointed colonel, with authority to raise a regi- ment for this coast. In any event please send me the telegraphic dispatch which I have above requested.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,