service in Florida except agreeably to the Constitution of the Confederate States of Amirica and the costitution of the State of Florida. The Constitution of the former made a requistition upon the Executive of the State necessary, and as the Executive of the State I had made known my willingness to respond to the utmost ability of service of the cavalry proposed, but did not assume to dictate upon the subject. I believed then, and believe now, that the raising of the regiment would be prejuducial to the Confederate Government, and greatly inurious to the best interest of the State. The rasons for this opinion were fully and freely made known, but without effect. The Confederaatte Government insisted, and having, as I supposed, through General Trapier made the reequisition for the cavalry, E complied with it, leaving the future to determine whether the opinions I had expressed would be proved correct and if correct, to place the responsibility upon the Confederate Government. But the respect which I entertain for you officially and personally demands a reply to that portion of your letter in which it is stated tthat "my predecessor in office gave written assurance to Colonel Davis that a regiment of mounttd meant to be raised by him if fitly armed and equipped would be eceived into the service of the Confederate States. This promise is binding in the good faith of the Administration, and cannot be disregarded." Now, sir, I assert that the companies which were mustered into the Confedeerate service were not at the time of being mustered, and are not now, fitly armed and equipped; therefore, that no obligation had arisen upon the into the Confederate service, and that, by virtue of that promise, none has arisen since or will probably be imposed. Moreover, if I have been correctly informed, one of the terms promised tto the regiment, "written assurance," was that the regiment should elect the field officers. If such be the fact, it is my duty to inquire if the good faith of the Admnot been disregarded by the appointment of field officers; and not only the good faith o; of the Administration but the right of franchise which the laws of the State secured to the individuals composing the regiment and which right shouldd have been respected. Brave men, who claim to be free, seldom submit patiently refer again to the obligations imposed upon the Administration by the "written assurance: of your predecessor. This I assert in no spirit of unkindness, with no feeling of disrespect. And may I not be permitted to inquire what obliggations were imposed by the printed assurance of official circulars that such troops shall only be mustered into the Confederate service "when armed and equipped?" Patriotic statesmen who witnessed the untiring, however feeble and unsuccessful, efforts of Mr. W. G. M. Da is to prevent Florida from seceding and vindicating fearlessly and gallantly her rights, cannott apprecisate the favor which the Confederate Government, the State of Florida, General Lee, and especially to General Trapier, require me to inform you that Florida cannot furnish "armed and equipped" even the infantry, artillery, and oast guards necessary to the intire defense of the State. The State has already undere arms more men in proportion to population than any other one of the Confederate States, and in view of the extended coast and consequent