Edwin M. Stanton to Galusha A. Grow, April 28, 1862

SIR:

In answer to the resolution of the House of Representatives, passed on the 24th instant, directing the Secretary of War to communicate to the House all the faets and cireumstances within his knowledge in regard to the late evacuation of Jacksonville, Fla., by the troops of the United States, I have the honor respectfully to state that, conceivingit to be the province of the President to direct this Department what faets in relation to military operations shall be communicated, he instructs me to say that Jacksonville was evacuated by the orders of the commanding general of that department for reasons which it is not deemed compatible with the publie interest at present to disclose.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,