Unknown to P.G.T. Beauregard, April 11, 1861

April 11, 1861. General BEAUREGARD:

DEAR GENERAL: I inclose the within that you may see what General Bonham offers. His command is confined to the volunteer regiments, ordered into service under a bill to raise ten thousand volunteers in reserve. Three of his regiments are ordered here now. One difficulty I apprehend in his command is that General Dunovant will object, perhaps, to his command over him; but this is nothing, if you desire Bonham to command the whole as major-general. Yet, under the resolutions of the Convention, reporting to you for orders as commander of all, confirmed by myself, I will order him to report to you, with all his staff, and make a special order for him. Perhaps he might be of great

service in bringing all into one command for you, and I know he would

‘fight like atruesoldier. Besides, he has knowledge, derived from actual

servicein Mexico, and stands highin the State. But, general, you must

candidly say if it is suitable to you, for at this critical juncture I desire

to do nothing but what is agreeable to you. With great esteem, yours, truly,

CHARLESTON, 8. C., April 11, 1861. Governor PICKENS:

Sm: Three regiments of the division of the South Carolina Volunteers, of which you have been pleased to appoint me major-general, have been ordered into the field. I have the honor, therefore,

respectfully, to ask the command of those troops, together with such as may