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 762 Documents In relation to the Depots, I have selected White Ponds for one and Buford's Bridge for another. But I take the liberty of suggesting to you that it would be better to have a depot near the rail road and take the troops down on it. If you think so, I will make a depot there instead of the one I contemplate at Buford's Bridge. I think I shall meet no difliculty in making the Conditional Contracts, provided I promise to give a week or ten-day's notice. I am expecting an answer from Mr Fatim at White Ponds to whom I have written on the subject. In regard to rifle-factories, there are none in Barnwell, but several in Lexington ; but all on a very small scale. Mr. John Quateleburn near Leesville, Lexington, is one of the best rifle manufacturers in the Union, but he will charge % for every barrel and it will cost $5 more to have it stocked and locked in the [correct manner?] and if I am not mistaken it takes one workman a week to make a barrel — perhaps if pressed he might do it in half the time. The only plan I see for manufacturing rifles, if there is any, will be to establish a factory in Charleston, purchase iron &c and give so much for making each barrel. Twenty or thirty workmen might be collected in the State. I have not had any regiments ordered out here, because I thought you might review them here this Spring and it would be a great incon- venience to the people to be called out twice. Besides there was no prospect of getting a regiment to Volunteer as a whole. I have seen Gen. Erwin. He is decided, but not very warm. If you were to write him a letter it would flatter him very much, but he has little influence I think. I send you the Roster you desired as complete as I can make it now. Please note the changes in the address of the Colonels. I have just made a report to the Ass. Adj. and insp. Gen. to which I refer you for a statement of arms &c. The message of Gen. Jackson reached me this afternoon. I have not had an opportunity to test its effect on public opinion, but presume it will have none. He appears to recede a little from his coercive doctrine, but he is not to be trusted a moment. It is evident that he will do every [thing] in his power. It is reported here that he has removed the Cus- tom house to Castle Pinckney. Is not this a sweeping blow at the laws, treaties and Constitution ? He is very modest in his request of powers from Congress. I wonder he did not recommend them to burn the Con- stitution and clothe him with supreme Authority at once. Very respectfully Your Excellency's Mo: Ob. Ser'. James H Hammond XXIV. James H. H.ammoxd to Wm. E. Havne. Silver Bluff 23'* January 1833 Sir. In Conformity with the instructions of the Commander-in-Chief I have the honor to report to you the state of military Organization in