NA, SWR 5/21/1863

Executive Department
Tallahassee May 21st 1863
 
Hon. James A. Seddon
Secretary of War
 
   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.
   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.
I have the honor to be
John Milton
Govr of Florida
 
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.
JM

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