John B. Grayson to Leroy P. Walker, September 13, 1861

Hon. L. P. WALKER Secretary of War, 0. S., Richmond:

SIR: The whole population of Florida may well unite with me, as they do, in deploring the condition of the State. Ihave been in the State nine days and have been at this place for five days. I have pulled down much of the battery and magazine, and when completed (I hope in two weeks) the harbor will be guarded and protected. An alarm existed a few days since, and the governor promptly called out a large force of volunteers, and a strong resistance could have been made, but without aid from Fort Clinch and the battery it would have been useless to expect it. As sure as the sun rises, unless cannon, powder, &c., be sent to Florida in the next thirty days, she will fall into the hands of the powder at every post combined. The batteries are incorrectly put up and not finished. The enemy can land where they please. Guns and chassis are lying on the beach, though that I have remedied. There is not an officer to put up the guns or an officer to superintend their instruction’ when put up. “There is not an officer to receive the supplies when they arrive. Ihavenoassistantadjutant-general, nor an assistant commissary, nor an assistant quartermaster, nor an aide-de-camp. Mr. Wood, if appointed a lieutenant, was applied for as aide, Mr. D’Anson as assistant quartermaster. Captain Gott was applied for, and received orders, which were revoked ; I applied for no one else, as 1 knew no one to apply for. I applied to General (ooper for Lieutenant Thomas, adjutant of Colonel Ward’s regiment Florida volunteers, who was dissatisfied with his position. Colonel Ward, Lieutenant Thomas informs me, will object to the transfer. lI trust, Mr. Secretary, that you will take this communication under your immediate notice, and have the ordnance stores and the various officers sent at once. I send a list of guns and ammunition wanted forthwith. Florida will become a Yankee province unless measures for her relief are promptly made. I leave to-morrow for Tallahassee, and shall, with all dispatch, visit Saint Mark’s, Apalachicola, Cedar Keys, and Tampa. I will communicate my movements from time to time. I send a copy of my requisition for ordnance; also a cireular found, with many others, posted about this city.

Very respectfully, your most obedient servant,