| Executive Department |
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Tallahassee May 21st 1863 |
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Hon. James A. Seddon |
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Secretary of War |
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On the 10th inst. I addressed a letter to you in which it
is stated that "the iron on the Florida Rail Road is rendering no
service," when {words lost in fold} been
stated "the iron on parts of that." Upon inquiry I ascertain,
that the portions of the road from Camp Cooper to Fernandina and from
Gainesville to Cedar Keys, a distance of at least seventy five miles are
not necessary to our defence; but, are liable at any moment to be taken
possession of by the enemy, and used for the subjugation of that portion
of the State. Brigr. Genl. Finegan entertains a different opinion, and
in justice to him, I enclosed a few days ago to your address, a copy of
a letter from him to me, on the subject. Your attention is respectfully
invited to an accompanying extract from my annual message to the General
Assembly of this State. The views therein expressed, I yet entertain.
But supposing, that, the connection of the Pensacola & Georgia Rail Road
had been determined upon, by the Confederate authorities, to enable the
Government to make the connection, I advised the use of the iron in
parts of the Florida Rail Road for the purpose. On yesterday I was
informed the connection proposed to be made, was between Monticello &
Quitman the 17th Station on the A&G. rad. To this connection the
Pensacola & Georgia Rail Road Company objects and, if it shall be
attempted, will apply to a Judicial officer of the State for an
injunction. I entertain no doubt that the objection of the Company will
be sustained by the Judgment of the Court. The official report of the
President of the Board is hereby enclosed, to which your attention is
respectfully invited. From it you will ascertain the connection desired
by the Board & the reasons for it. The Company cannot reasonably, or,
successfully oppose the extension of the road from Quincy to
Chattahoochee, and will not object, but extend every assistance in their
power to build the road to Chattahoochee, rather than agree or submit to
the connection from Monticello to the 17th Station Quitman. The length
of the road from the Depot at Quincy to Chattahoochee, would not be more
than twenty miles; & if the road should not be continued to the river,
but terminate at the Arsenal, would be 18 miles. |
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The arsenal has by my order been placed under the command
of Genl. Cobb for the use of the Confederate Government, and it will
afford most ample facilities for Ordnance Stores &c. Knowing that you
have reports in your office descriptive of the building &c., connected
with the Arsenal, I deem it unnecessary to enter into detail, as to the
advantages to be derived from it in connection with the road. It has
been urged that, at low water, the navigation of the river is not good.
Such is not the fact except for a short time during the Summer, when the
navigation will not be important, and the river has never been too low
to be navigated as high as Fort Gaines, at which place the R. R. reaches
from Macon, Ga. {South Western RR} It has
also been said that tools, can not be procured for the excavations and
grading which would be necessary in {an entire
line lost in the fold} the farmers of the State if called upon
will furnish the implements necessary from their plantations. |
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I have the honor to be |
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John Milton |
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Govr of Florida |
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P. S. I enclose a copy of letter to Brig Genl Joseph Finegan on this
subject, in reply to the one received from him, a copy of which was sent
to you. |
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JM |
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