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Davis, Jefferson (1808-1889) to John Milton

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01430.03 Author/Creator: Davis, Jefferson (1808-1889) Place Written: Richmond, Virginia Type: Manuscript letter signed Date: 7 November 1862 Pagination: 3 p. : docket ; 25 x 20 cm. Order a Copy

Discusses the defense of Florida. Has received Milton's letter requesting aid to Florida. Notes the need to defend Florida, but is unable to send troops. Will, however, send arms and officers. Written primarily in the hand of Davis' private secretary Burton Harrison, with a ten line addition in Davis's hand and signed by Davis.

John Milton was the Governor of Florida from 1861 until his death in 1865. On 1 April 1865, with the South on the brink of defeat, he shot himself in the head. His last message to the state legislature declared "Death would be preferable to reunion."
Burton N. Harrison was the private secretary of Jefferson Davis.

Richmond Va. Nov 7 1862
His Excellency
John Milton
Tallahassee. Florida.
Sir:
Your letter of the 10th ult., calling my attention to the dangers now threatening the State of Florida, and asking for additional forces and munitions of war, was submitted to the perusal of the Secretary of War and Genl. Lee.
The situation of the State has been a subject of frequent reflection; I am fully sensible of the perils which beset it; and the only unsolved problem in connection with its defense is how to procure an adequate force.
General Lee reports that he cannot send the Florida Regiments home; and we have no other reinforcements that [2] could be spared without injustice to other sections equally important and equally threatened. Arms, however, have already been sent to you, and the Secretary of War tells me that he has informed you of his readiness to arm such troops as you may be able to organize from men not subject to conscription.
Engineers are now surveying the Chattahoochie and when they report a plan of operations the work of defence in that quarter will be energetically prosecuted. The Military District of Florida has been extended in accordance with your suggestion. And as soon as I can determine upon a commander he will be assigned to duty.
I shall cooperate to the full extent of my power in all your efforts against [3] the common enemy, and trust we shall be able to check his further encroachments.
Genl. Howell Cobb whose reputation for administrative capacity has during the war been increased by exhibition of fitness for military command has been ordered to proceed to the district embracing the country between the Suwanee and Choctawhatchie Rivers. His acquaintance with the people of Ga. & Ala. will I hope accelerate preparations for the requisite military operations.
very respectfully & Truly
yr's
Jefferson Davis

[docket]
Jefferson Davis
Acknowledging receipt of letter
of 10th Oct, and advising of the
Appointment of Genl Howell
Cobb to Command of District
between Suwannee & Choctaw
hatchee River.
Recorded in Page 525.

Davis, Jefferson, 1808-1889
Milton, John, 1807-1865
Harrison, Burton Norvell, 1838-1904

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