Unknown to Brigadier General, December 17, 1863
December 17, 1863. These applications are respectfully forwarded and recommended. The regiments composing this brigade originally numbered 3,271; of these there are now left barely enough for a battalion. From Governor Milton and other sources in Florida I learn that the regiments could be recruited were they allowed to winter there. I hope the application will be favorably considered.
Brigadier-General, Commanding Brigade.
DECEMBER 18, 1863. Respectfully forwarded, urgently requesting that this or some other means be taken to restore the Florida Brigade to something like its original strength.
CONFEDERATE AUTHORITIES. 23
December 19, 1863. Respectfully forwarded. I believe this might be tried, and probably with advantage.
ORANGE, December 23, 1868.
Respectfully returned.
In a correspondence with His Excellency Governor Milton some time since General Lee stated that he would send this brigade or a part of it to Florida for the purpose indicated herein, provided a regiment would be sent here to supply its place. To this no response has been received. ‘The interests of the service will not allow that the regiment be detached without an equivalent. All that can be done is to send suitable officers to co-operate with the officers of conscription in procuring recruits, as is done with other regiments similarly situated. If the recruits or conscripts are in the State, it is thought they can as well be obtained by sending for them as by sending the brigade there to recruit them.
Assistant Adjutant-General.