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Head Quarters Savannah |
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April 28th 1864 |
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Major General Patton Anderson |
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Comdg Mil Dist of Florida |
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Genl. |
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Your letter of the 13th inst was forwarded to me from
Savannah to Charleston, but pressure of business has prevented my
answer being made until now. I have to thank you for your proffered
assistance in collecting and removing Raul Road iron. |
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I have read with interest your views as to the proper
connection between the Georgia and Florida Roads and I admit the full
force of the arguments you present in favor of the connection between
Monticello and Thomasville and I agree with you in opinion that that is
the best. But on the other hand the War Department has been inclined by
good and controlling reasons to finish the connection between Live Oak
and Lawton. In the earlier discussions of this question, when the
connection was merely one of internal improvement the State of Florida
persistently refused to grant a charter for any location west of the
Atapaha. In respect for the decisions of the State, the Confederate
Government decided to adopt the line then commenced, supposing that
fewer legal obstacles would be thrown in the way. The connection is a
long one which is much to be regretted, on account of the iron which
will be required: it is also more exposed as you say to the enemy than a
more westerly connection would be, but it is partly built, and from the
information before the War Department was made only after a long and
labored investigation of the subject. It cannot be changed. |
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Contracts have been entered into for the construction of
the trestle work and for laying the crossties and track. The men engaged
in the work are noted for their energy and I am encouraged to think that
the road will be finished at an early day. |
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I am sir, very resp'y |
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Yr obdt Servt |
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J. F. Gilmer |
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Maj. Genl & Chf of Bu |
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