cannot secure what they desire. Further reflection has satisfied them that they have not underrated the severe disadvantage which must result from a continued persistence in this order, and it is a duty they feel owing to themselves because of their connections, and to the country at large, to present their request directly up the President himself. To do so, however, they feel it due to the President to be able to say how far you concur with them in the opinions they entertain. It is for the purpose, therefore, of obtaining from your a full and distinct expression of your opinion in relation to the effect this order will have upon the security of the coast and the safety of the city that we beg respectfully to address this letter to you, and request from you an answer at your earliest convenience. Without desiring to cause you any inconvenience we would only add that it is considered important that the committee should leave as early as possible, and if possible that they should depart for Richmond to-morrow.

Respectfully, &c.,

A. G. MAGRATH.

W. C. BEE.

[AND OTHERS.]

[35.]

HEADQUARTERS SUB-DISTRICT NO.1, Tallahassee, March 28, 1864.

Major General P. ANDERSON,
Commanding District of Florida:

GENERAL: I have the honor to forward the report of Lieutenant-Colonel Capers and documents designated A and B; also my letter in reply to Strickland's. This letter is respectfully submitted to you for your indorsement. I would also ask what I shall do with the wives and children of these deserters? I believe it to be necessary to retain them as directed in the last clause of my letter to Lieutenant-Colonel Capers. As soon as obtained a detailed report of the mules, arms, and provisions captured by Colonel Capers will be forwarded.*

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

W. M. GARDNER,

Brigadier-General, commanding.

[Inclosure No. 1.]

HEADQUARTERS, Camp Linton, March 27, 1864.

Major J. L. CROSS,
Assistant Adjutant-General:

MAJOR: I have the honor to report that in obedience to Special Orders, No. 7 (extract), paragraphs I and II, I assumed command of the troops designated to operate against the deserters and disaffected citizens of Taylor and Lafayette Counties, in this State. From the best information I could obtain the camp of the enemy was located near the month of the Econfina River, on the east bank, and surrounded by a thick marsh, which at high tide was overflowed, rendering communications with the adjoining swamps and hammocks exceedingly difficult. The recent heavy rains had swollen the rivers to such an extent that the swamps and hammock lands were covered with water and deemed almost impassable by the citizens. Under these circumstances I found it impracticable to picket the road from the Natural Bridge to the bridge over the lower ferry of the Econfina River, as

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*For reply, see Barth to Gardner, VOL. XXXV, Part II, p.390.

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