T. A. Washington to Milton, November 21, 1861

November 21, 1861.

No. 2. Coosawhatchie, S. O., November 21, 1861.

I. In consequence of the general scarcity of ammunition, the general commanding desires to impress upon the commanders of regiments and

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 publie ammunition. Each soldier will be held strietly 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:

Captain, and Assistant Adjutant- General.
RICHMOND, November 22, 1861.
Governor MILTON,
Tallahassee:
We shall not recognize any action of Colonel Dilworth in contravention of instructions sent to him. General Trapier has gone to Fernandina and will assume command at once, and thus bring matters into
proper order. His command extends to the Choctawhatchee, and not
to the Chattahoochee, as you supposed.