Today in History:

224 Series I Volume LIII- Serial 111 - Supplements

Page 224 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. Chapter LXV.

many reasons which will readily occur to you, should be defended at all hazards. The State troops have had confided to them the fortification of the land approaches to the city, and have displayed remarkably industry and energy in the prosecution of the work, till the fortifications are now very strong. If these troops go out of service their places must be supplied immediately with otheers, or all this labor must be lost and the city surrendered to the enemy. I wish to urge upon your en the importance of placing at Savannah, without dealy, at least 8,000 troops, in addition to the Confederate troops now there, for the defense of the city. I do not think it secure with a smaller number. If this cannot be done without dealy, please inform me frankly of the true conditio of affairs, adn I will do all in my power still to defend the city with State troops. I presume a large proportion of the State troops would re-enlist in the State service, and that other recruits could be had to take the places of such as refused. I wish to avoid all conflict, however, and propose to give up the whole matter to the Confederate authorities, and render them all the assistance in my power, if this is thought the wisr course. The State troops now in service are not included in the quota of the State, but are in addition to it. Georgia will make no point on this, however, but will continue to maintain an army of her own for her own defense, in addition to her quota, if itt is desired by the President, and the expense will be ultimately refunded to her by the Confederacy; or she will promptly furnish her quota whenever there is a call upon the different States, and will confide the whole matter to the wisdom and prudence of the Confederate Government. Please reply to this letter immediately, and state whether you wish me to make efirts to keep the State troops in service, or shall I disband them and rely upon you for our defense.

Very respectfully, your obeient servant,

JOS. E. BROWN.

[6.]

MILLEDGEVILLE, March 25, 1862.

Honorable J. P. BENJAMIN,

Secretary of War:

I have a quantity of arms-part of the cargo of the Gladiator-imported for the State. The Confederate officers at Savannah have taken possession of them and sent them off to Confederate troops. The boxes were plainly marked "J. E. B." I cannot submit to any seizure, adn demand the return of the arms or others of like quality in their place immediately.*

JOS. E. BROWN.

BRIGADE HEADQUARTERS,

Lake City, March 28, 1862.

His Excellency Governor MILTON,

Tallahassee, Fla.:

SIR: I have the honor to report to you that I have recently returned from Alachua and Marion Counties, where I have been to forward the raising of guerrilla forces. The people appear to enter into it with enthusiasm. While in Marion County a report reached me that the enemy had gone up Dunn's Creek to raise the yacht America, which

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*For reply, see Randolph to Brown, March 28, VOL. VI, p. 421.

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Page 224 S. C., S. GA., MID. & E. FLA., & WEST. N. C. Chapter LXV.