P.G.T. Beauregard to W. H. C. Whiting, July 13, 1863

Maj. Gen. W. H. C. WHITING, Wilmington, N. C.: Hold other two regiments of Colquitt’s ready to move at moment’s notice. All tolerably quiet here.

Hpgrs. DEPT. SOUTH CAROLINA, GEORGIA, AND FLORIDA, Charleston, S. C., July 18, 1863. His Excellency M. L. Bonuam, Governor of South Carolina, Charleston, S. C.:

Sir: You are aware of the inability of the State authorities, under the operation of the law, to meet my requisitions for slave labor, and can readily trace some of the consequences in the events of the past week. However, is there no course by which the defects of the law can, to some extent, be repaired, even at this late day ?

Believing that there must be a remedy in the patriotism and intelligence of the planters of South Carolina, I shall invoke your executive proclamation to them in this exigent hour to send their negroes, with spades and shovels, to this city without an instant of delay or hesitation, to the extent of 3,000 effective laborers. This can be but an inappreciable subtraction from the labor resources of the people at this or any time. Each negro should be provided with at least three days’ subsistence. The people of each district or neighborhood should select some overseer or manager for their negroes, who shall go and remain with them while they are employed.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,