I cannot submit to these illegal seizures. I apeal to your justice for immediate redress, as I wish to avoid all harsh measures. Answer at Savannah, where I ho to-night.*

JOS. E. BROWN.

[6.]

TALLAHASSEE, April 7, 1862.

His Excellency JEFFERSON DAVIS:

The following dispatch just received:

MARIANNA, April 7, 1862.

Governor MILTON,

Tallahassee, Fla.:

Information direct from St. Andrews. Steamer Florida captured by Yankees yesterday morning. Yandees piloted in by Powell and others, of Washington County; says they will load the steamer with negroes. Captain Nelson thinks probably may get aground and a force might retake her.

R. L. SMITH.

I recommend that Richard F. Floyd be appointed immediately brigadier general [and] assigned to the command of this military department. Prompt action is necessary to defend the State.+

JOHN MILTON.

[6.]

RICHMOND, April 8, 1862.

General J. C. PEMBERTON,

Pocotaligo, S. C.:

GENERAL: Your communication of the 27th of March++ has been submitted to the Secretary of War, who directs that you will apply to Governor J. E. Brown for invoices of the arms seized, and such other description of them as the Governor can give, and will replace them by arms of the same character as nearly as possible. He says you have been dierected to impress the lead, and may exercise the right in cases of great extortion and emergency, but as a general rule will avoid impressments.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

R. H. CHILTTON,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

[6.]

STATE OF FLORIDA, EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT,

Tallahassee, April 10, 1862.

Honorable G. W. RANDOLPH,

Secretary of War:

SIR: By letter dated the -, a requisition was made on the State for "two regiments and a half of infantry," and soon after that time General Lee made a requisition for four cavalry companies for service in this State, and ordered the cavary regiment commanded by Colonel William G. M. Davis to report to General A. S. Johnston. The four cavalry companies were promptly raised, and were mustered into the Confederate service for three years or during the war. The abandonment of Fernandina and the defenses on the Saint John's River surrendered all of Florida east of the Saint John's River to the control of the

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*For reply, see April 5, VOL. VI, p. 425.

+For reply, see VOL. VI, p. 429.

++See VOL. VI, p. 419.

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