HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF FLORIDA,
Jacksonville, February 16, 1864.

Major General Q. A. GILLMORE,

Commanding Department of the South:

GENERAL: The proposed system about being established for movements in Florida consists essentially of a well-secured base, with a strong movable column to push well in advance and to be kep constantly active. The command of this advanced force is consequently of great importance, and that it should be in the hands of an officer of approved judgment and experience. It will be impossible for me to remain with if constantly, and I earnestly request that a brigadier-general on whom I can reply may be ordered to me for this purpose. If it be possible that Colonel M. R. Morgan, Subsistance Department, can be appointed to that grade, I should much prefer him to any other available officer. The fact of his being a Southern man, of unquestionable devolation and loyalty, of a most sound and prompt judgment, and of excellent habits of discipline-all these indicate him as being a proper officer. There is but little doubt in my mind but that the people of this State, kindly treated by us, will soon be ready to return to the Union. They ae heartily tired of the war; and such an officer as Colonel Morgan can assist me very materially in bringing about this end.

Very respectfully, your obedient servnat,

T. SEYMOUR,

[35.] Brigadier-General, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF FLORIDA,
Febraury 16, 1864.

Brigadier-General TURNER,

Chief of Staff:

GENERAL: The accopmanying letter to Major-General Gillmore is intended to secure, or to assist in securing, Colonel Morgan's appointment*. I need him badly. If that cannot be, I need General Ames, and should like to have him without delay. The locomotive will be on the road to-day and running. I want a printing press still more. It caused me infinite disgust that the past should have not been fully improved, and hope that when I shall be prepared to talk with the people otherwise than personally. Send me a press therefore; I have written to Colonel Smith about it.

Respectfully,

T. SEYMOUR,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

The necessity of having somebody in front is so great that I trust General Armes will be sent immediately, if only temporarily.

T. SEYMOUR.

P. S.- Colonel Henry returend to Barber's this morning, having lsot the road to Gainesville.

[35.]

SANDERSON, February 20, 1864.

General TURNER.

Have met the enemy at Olustee and now falling back. Many wounded. Think I may be compelled to go to Baldwin, but shall go to

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* See next, ante.

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