John F. O'brien to Joseph Finegan, July 7, 1863

Brig. Gen. JOSEPH FINEGAN, Comdyg. Dist. of East Florida, Lake City, Fla. :

GENERAL: Your letter of the 26th ultimo, in reference to fortifying Jacksonville, has been received, and in reply I am instructed to say, that while the commanding general feels fully the importance of properly fortifying the place, and will do so as soon as a sufficient number of heavy guns can be procured for the purpose, he regrets that at present the prospect is anything but encouraging, especially since receiving the letter of the Secretary of the Navy, informing Governor Milton that his department could furnish no guns for that purpose. .

The general commanding will, however, send his chief engineer to Jacksonville to make such an examination of the locality as will enable him to make a plan of the works required for its defense.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant.