James A. Seddon to Committee Room, Confederate Relations, January 13, 1864

Richmond, Va., January 13, 1864.

His Excellency J. E. BRown, Governor of Georgia, Milledgeville, Ga.:

Str: General Beauregard has of late on several occasions expressed serious apprehensions that the enemy were strengthening their land forces and contemplating an attack on the line of railroad, and in consequence has called for re-enforcements. Unable to spare them from other sources, it is deemed advisable to inquire of you whether the residue of the 15,000 men organized, as the Department has understood, under the call made upon you last summer, and not yet brought into service, could be commanded in whole or in part for aid to General Beauregard. They might, without leaving the State, if that be objectionable,-be substituted for other troops at Savannah, or along the line within the limits of Georgia. General Cobb likewise writes that the term of service of the local forces under his command will expire in February, and in such event it would be of great importance that either they should be continued in the service, or a portion of the 15,000 not employed as above should be prepared to take their places. Will you be so kind as to inform me what course you will feel at liberty to adopt under the circumstances, so that a more formal ecall may, if necessary, be made upon you?

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

Secretary of War.

January 18, 1864.
Hon. JAMES A. SEDDON,
Secretary of War:
Str: Your communication* to me of the , inviting attention
of the Legislature to the policy of withdrawing all able-bodied male