| Executive Department |
| Milledgeville, Ga. |
| February 8, 1862 |
| |
| General R. E. Lee |
| |
| General, |
| I have learned from General
Wayne the substance of the conversation in your interview with him
relative to the removal of the troops from Brunswick to Savannah. I
have a great desire to see Brunswick remain in the possession of our
troops, and should be very reluctant to see it abandoned to the enemy.
If, however, it is not reasonably certain that you can, with the force
at your command, including the State troops, hold both Brunswick and
Savannah, I do not hesitate to say that it is important that the whole
force be at once concentrated at Savannah. It is the key to the State,
and if it falls into the hands of the enemy Brunswick and the balance
of the coast must of course be under their control. |
| All the indications are that
Savannah is to be the point of attack, and we must repel the attack at
any cost and at every hazard. If my home were in the city I would
fight for it as long as possible, and if driven from it by
overpowering force, I would never permit its roof to shelter the
enemy, but would leave it in smoking ruins when driven from it. |
| The troops at Brunswick are
under your command, and you are the best judge of the military
necessities by which we are surrounded. Exercise your own judgment, in
which I have the highest confidence, and I shall be content with and
shall do all in my power to sustain your action, as I have no doubt
you will so act as will best promote the highest interest of the
people of the whole State. |
| Should you determine to
withdraw the troops from Brunswick, I wish all the assistance afforded
the inhabitants which is in your power for the removal of such
property as they wish to carry into the interior; to this end you are
at liberty to use the Brunswick Railroad now in the military
possession of the State. When all is removed that can be, let the
engines and cars be brought to the junction of that road with the
Savannah, Albany & Gulf road. I have directed General Jackson to
call out such of the militia force of Savannah as he can arm for
immediate service in addition to the State troops now in the field,
and hope the order will meet your approval. |
| Very respectfully, |
| Joseph E. Brown {Governor
of Georgia} |
|