| Madison C. H. |
| March 20th 1862 |
| |
| His Excellency |
| John Milton |
| Governor & Commander in Chief |
| |
| Dear Sir, |
| On my return from Tallahassee
I met Mr Yulee and some delegates from several sections of East Florida
on their way to the Capitol to protest against the iron being removed
from the Fla R Road. There is no probability from what I can learn that
the citizens of East Fla interested in the road will ever consent to
have the iron removed from that section of the State. I will suggest a
means however, to make the connection with Georgia which will doubtless
met the approbation of all concerned and at the same time strengthen the
defences of Tallahassee. |
| Let Col. Johnston remove the
iron from Tallahassee to St Marks {Tallahassee RR}
and place it in the connection with the Albany & Gulf Road. There
would be no objection to this from any quarter as the roads are under
the same control and direction. |
| If an invasion of Middle
Florida is contemplated by way of St Marks as suggested by Genl Trapier
that he had information to that effect from Col Dilworth, the sooner the
iron from Tallahassee to St Marks is removed the better. Even though it
should not be used for an other road. If your Excellency will suggest
this to Col Houston I have no doubt he will not only see the propriety
of the course pointed out but that he will take measures to carry it
into effect. The fact that there are no conflicting interests involved
will relieve the subject from much embarrassment. The commanding General
of the Confederate Troops with that regard for the public safety and the
defence of the State which so ??ently distinguishes all his acts will no
doubt give such order as may be deemed necessary on the subject. |
| I have the honor to be |
| With the highest regard and respect |
| Your obt Sevt |
| Joseph Flanegan |