by increasing the number of troops they had to meet. I would certainly prefer to offer them this temptation to the one which now invasion-our defenseless condition. I see no reson to change the opinion heretofore expressed as to the number of troops which are required, but I shall be happy to have authority to raise even a smaller number if my former estimate is considered too large, with the certainty of speedy re-enforcements. A less number than I have asked for would probably be sufficient. So far as Florida is concerned I must be permitted to repeat that more men ought not to be withdrawn from the State either as conscripts or otherwise. She is more exposed by virtue of her extensive sea-coast to the marauding warfare of the enemy than any other State. She has done her part nobly in seding troops to the frontier, both east and west, and I do think she ought to be allowed to retain within her own limits those who have not gone.

Conscious that I am traveling beyond the proper bounds of a subordinate, I venture t suggest that in the future raising of troops not only for this defense but generally, that instead of relying wholly either upon the conscript law or the volunteering system, the two should be worked together. Do not suspend the conscript law when you call for volunteers, but let the enrolling officer be on hand to take all as will not volunteer, and between the two you will soon have in the service every man that ought to be there who is not protected by some ill advised exemption clause. If the President has not the power he should ask Congress to give it to him, and if Congress refuses he ought to exercise it anyhow. The public good demands it and the country will approve and sustain him in it. If this should be adopted as the general policy of the Government, your army will soon fill up, perhaps with new regiments. Better that than rely upon the slow-coach process of the unaided conscript law. If the authority I have asked for is to be given, it is important that I should know it at the earliest possible moment. With that view, Captain Barrow, of my staff, will take this letter to Richmond and return with your answer.

I am,&c.,

HOWELL COBB,

Brigadier-General, Commanding, District of Middle Florida.

[14.]

WAR DEPARTMENT, C. S. A.,

Richmond, January 13, 1863.

His Excellency JOHN MILTON,

Governor of Florida, Tallahassee, Fla.:

SIR: The President has referred your letter, transmitting a copy of the resolution adopted by the Legislature of Florida in reference to the raising of troops for State defense, to this departmen. In reply I have the honor to inclose a copy of a letter* recently addressed to Brigadier General Howell Cobb, and to express the hope that the course of action indicated therein will meet the views of the Legislature.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JAMES A. SEDDON,

Secretary of War.

[14.]

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*Not found as an inclosure, but see Seddon to Cobb, December 30, 1862, vol, xIV, p.737.

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18 R R-VOL LIII