| Head Qrs. Milt Dist of Florida |
| Camp Milton, May 2d 1864
{Date of Endorsement} |
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| Writer of Paper: Hon. D. S. Yulee, Presdt
Fla RR |
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| Synopsis of Paper: Object to conscription
of iron from Fla RR to lay connection between Live Oak P&G RR
{Pensacola & Gulf RR} & Lawton S. A&G. RR
{Savannah, Albany & Gulf RR}. |
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| Endorsement: Respect Forwarded with a copy
of my reply for the information of the Secty of War. |
| I have heretofore written to
Maj. Gen. Gilmer Chf of Engr Bureau, referring to some of the advantages
which the Govt would, in my opinion derive from the adoption of the
Monticello & Thomasville connection," rather that the one from Live Oak
to Lawton. By reference to the map it will be seen that the latter is
nearly thirty miles shorter than the first, and is on the east side of
the Suwannee River. This river forms the only Military line of defense
on an approach of the enemy from Fernandina or the St Johns River,
except that now held by us, of which Baldwin is the base. Should Baldwin
fall into the hands of the enemy the proposed connection at Live Oak &
Lawton would be lost together with the peninsula which now furnishes
beef, syrup, sugar &c. If any turn in military affairs should occasion
the loss of the S. A. & G. RR towards or near Savannah the L. O. &
Lawton would be useless, while the Monticello and Thomasville connection
would at least bring Middle Fla within a little over fifty miles of the
R. R. connection in interior Geo. at Albany. A connection between
Thomasville & Albany had been projected before the breaking out of the
War & might now be completed if found absolutely necessary. The
connection at Live Oak & Lawton has been graded & some of the cross ties
on hand, but trestling & bridges are to be constructed. No work has been
done on the Monticello & Thomasville connection, but little trestle & no
bridging are required on it. It is believed that the whole of the latter
connection with the same amount of force can be completed sooner than
the former. Notwithstanding the grading has been finished & some of the
cross ties procured the Monticello route would save from twenty five to
thirty miles of iron & whatever of bridging (not inconsiderable) which
has to be made on the Live Oak route. The Monticello route is through a
rich, agricultural country where labor & supplies can be had the Live
Oak route has neither. For these reasons I would promptly give
preference to the Monticello route, though if the Dept. has already
decided the question in favor of the L. O. route I shall endeavor to
reconcile conflicting interest as far as it may be in my power to do so,
& shall bend every energy to the work. One or the other should be
completed at an early day. |
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