| Hdqrs. Dept. of South Carolina and Georgia |
| Charleston, April 23, 1862 |
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| Maj. T. A. Washington, Assistant Adjutant-General |
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| Major,
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| I have the honor to report that in
consequence of the removal of so large a part of the infantry force
from this department to other points I have deemed it necessary to
withdraw all troops except the cavalry between the Ashepoo and
Oketie, and to locate them solely with reference to the defense of
the cities of Charleston and Savannah. This will leave the line of
the Charleston & Savannah Railroad with no other protection than
what the cavalry companies can afford, which is altogether
insufficient. Raids of the enemy may consequently be expected, and
perhaps the direct communication between the two cities be cut off.
The railroad connection through Augusta
is delayed only by the want of iron; if it cannot be procured
otherwise I shall have to impress it. This I have made arrangements
to do, if necessary. The removal of eight regiments from the
department leaves a surplus of transportation, as wagons and mules,
&c.; if needed, some of them might follow the regiments, though
if it is intended to re-enforce this command they will be required
here.
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| I inclose a report of the strength of
Brigadier-General Ripley's division on April 12. It will be
perceived that after deducting Colonel Marshall's regiment the whole
force for duty is considerably less than 5,000.
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| I have the honor to report that for the
present I shall establish my headquarters in
Charleston
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| Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
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| J. C. Pemberton
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| Major-General, Commanding
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