Civil War and Reconstruction Governors of Alabama

83 Executive Department Montgomery, Alabama, April 5^th 1862. Gen^l G.W. Randolph, Secretary of War, C.S.A. Richmond. Dear Sir,

I consider the maintenance of the possession of Pensacola a matter of such prime importance, not only to Alabama and Florida, but to the cause at large, that I must claim your attention to a few thoughts and suggestions upon the subject.

Pensacola is - next to Norfolk, the most important point on our entire seabord, to hold, at this time. To us, as a possession - it may not be of any great importance; but to the Yankee Government, its importance, in view of their manifest designs is incalculable. They want a spacious & safe Harbour, far South, for their vast naval armament. Here they may have it. It is the only one in the Gulf - to which their large ships can find access. When they get it - there is the spacious bay to ride-in - the navy - Land to repair-at - the fine Hospital - and other appointments, which cost the old Government millions of Dollars - the extensive fortifications - all ready to their hands.

But again: they Cannot summer at New-Orleans - nor Mobile - nor nor Savannah - nor Charleston. The Yellow-Fever will be a terror to them, and repel them. But at Pensacola, they can make safe & pleasant summer-quarters. The healthfulness of the place has been tested by time and experience - and is established; and the Yankees, who have already spent one summer at Pickard, will feel every confidence in making Pensacola-summer-quarters. No other peace on the southern Coast, with a roadsted for ships, can compare with it, for such a purpose. Put these two great facts together, & it is needless to elaborate an argument. They speak for themselves. I will not weary you - nor myself - by amplifying. This great and important point can be securely held with 5000 men, properly armed & trained, against any force the Yankee Gov^t can detach. for its capture; perhaps by loss, but-certainly - by 5000 men. But we are now ill-provided, & if provision be not made - and that soon our, comparatively, naked condition will be known to the invaders, they will make a stroke at us, and take us, as I fear, almost without a shew of resistance

Let me state to you, plainly, what is neeeded to put the place in Condition of defence. ¶ 1st. We want a good Brigadier Gen^l some man who will inspire Confidence - & effect speedy organization. The gallant and worthy Col. - who now Commands the post - himself - feels this want. ¶ 2^d. We want small-arms for nearly half the troops now there - about thirty two hundred - & we need, permanently, at the post, 5000 small-arms. ¶ 3^d We want one or two artillery Companies - & several Companies of Cavalry. [1 word illegible]. ¶ Alabama is doing all she can; and she will, readily, furnish the men if she can have the effective co-operation of the C.S.A. I have this suggestion to make - for both present & future operations - in respect to Pensacola. Being a Point of so great importance, a healthy location, and accessible for stores and provisions, let it be made a Camp of Instruction for the Confederate service. Send new Regiments or Companies, as they are formed, to Pensacola - for drill. When sufficiently trained - retire them where they may be needed, and bring-in others; keeping the complement at 4000 or 5000 men. In this way the Post can be maintained, and the new levies of Alabama - and adjoining states furnished with a most Eligible Camp of instruction. ^PI do not wish to seem importunate, but, feeling persuaded - as I do - that 5.000 men could now hold safely - I hope I will be excused for any seeming importunity. From Pensacola, in the hand of the Enemy, the whole great producing-Country of middle Alabama - can be so menaced, as to put a serious check to ordinary agricultural

84 82 labor, at little or no cost to the Invader. With Kentucky - Tennessee, and parts of North Carolina & Virginia & South-Carolina, lost to us, what are we to do for fppd, if Middle-Alabama is seriously disturbed? I remain, with very great respect, (Signed) Jn^o Gill Shorter. P. S. If the Secretary will furnish arms, I will furnish 5000 Wartroops for the post without delay, with the troops already there, included. (Signed) Jn^o Gill Shorter. c

Executive Department. Montgomery, Alabama, April 4th, 1862. Col. Wm M. Byrd, Selma, Sir, I am, just this moment, in receipt of your favor of 2^d inst. Sorry you have had any difficulty; Volunteers are hard to control. I had purposely avoided this department up-on any pers-onal complications with gentlemen, hower patriotic their purposes. I yield, however to none, in my deep anxiety - and resolute purpose - to advance the Common Cause.

Mr Hardy tendered a company, of 90-day Volunteers, from Dallas and Bibb. I had called-for them from these Counties. It was my duty to accept them. It was not in my power - if I were so disposed - to control the Volunteers as to the Companies they go in. The first Company they join is entitled to hold them.

I sent no dispatch to Mr Hardy, except the one accepting his Company - that I remember. In reply to Col. Harrison's letter, I telegraphed him, that Dallas Co. would be credited with every Volunteer - for 90 days - who left it; and it is immaterial what Company they go in - so far as the credit is concerned. Is not this right? Should the County not be thus credited? It would be unjust to the County to with-hold such credit. The Col. can't make a Volunteer Company. If the men volunteered & organized - by electing officers, every man, participating in the Election, is bound to the Company - unless, before that, he had bound himself - in a similar way, to some other Company; and if thus bound - he is subject to the order of his Captain. If Hardy's Company was not organized at the time yours was, then any who had promised to join him, who united with your company and participated in its organization, by by voting for officers, would in my opinion, belong to your Command could not, afterwards without your consent.

I hope you may yet fill-up your Company - but if you cannot - I will accept it, under the circumstances, with the men you have - and you can proceed to Mobile, at once. Truly yours (Signed) Jn^o Gill Shorter. c

Executive Department. Montgomery, Alabama, April 7^th 1862 Hon G. W. Randolph, Secretary of War. Rich^d Sir One of my aids - in organizing a Regiment of Volunteers, under the call upon this State, for twelve-Regiments - for three years or the War, found several persons, in one Company, who had been twelve-months Volunteers in the 5^th Regiment of Alabama Volunteers and had re-enlisted, and were absent on Furlough.

Those Volunteers shewed, to my aid, a letter from the Hon. J. S. MCarry - a member of Congress from this State, - saying that Mr Benjamin, Secretary of War, consented that they might go into the Company where he found them. Thereupon, my aid accepted them, as members of the Company. After the organization of the Regiment in which their Company was, had been commenced - and after a Colonel had had been elected - a Telegraphed dispatch was received, which seemed to indicate a change in the position of the Secretary of War -

83 85 and to require the Soldiers above-named - to return to the 5^th Regiment-Alabama volunteers. The withdrawal of the men, above named[?[ would have reduced the Company below the prescribed number and prevented the consummation of the Regimental organization. My aid permitted them to remain in the Company. A Regiment, of the finest quality, with Col. Shelley as its Commander, - has been organized, and is now ready ^and anxious^ for active service. Their term of service - as twelve-months men will expire in a few weeks.

In consideration of these facts - I hope you will pardon any irregularity which may have supervened in the organization of the Regiment - and permit the men to remain where they are. The men are, certainly, not to blame. c Very Resply, Your ob'^t Ser'^t (Signed) Jn^o Gill Shorter

c Executive Department; Montgomery, Alabama, April 4th, 1862. Special Order N^o 1. It is hereby ordered that Harman Camisca - a convict in the Penitentiary, be, forthwith committed to close confinement - in his Cell, until the next Term of the Circuit Court of Coosa County, and that he be then remanded to said Court to be tried for killing A. Burrows, Late lessee of the Penitentiary. (Signed) Jn^o Gill Shorter.

Executive Department; Montgomery, Alabama, April 4th, 1862. c copy Special order N^o 2. It is ordered that Disaboro[?] Ramo - and George Barrett, convicts in the Penitentiary, who assisted in subduing Harman Camiska - while engaged in killing the late Lessee be forthwith pardoned - restored to all the rights of citizenship and released from further confinement in the Penitentiary. (Signed) Jn^o Gill Shorter. c

Executive Department; Montgomery, Alabama, April 4th, 1862. Special order N^o 3. It is, hereby, ordered, that the Watchmen - and all proper officers of the Penitentiary - who have - or may have, the direction and control of the Convicts, Shall shoot-down any and all Convicts, who may engage in any revolt - or Acts of Disloyalty to the Warden or other authorities, of that institution. (Signed) Jn^o Gill Shorter. c Proclamation, by the Governor of Alabama. Executive Department; Montgomery, Alabama, April 10^th 1862 Notwithstanding the urgent appeals which have been made in every form, by the press - by our public officials - including the Proclamation, which has heretofore issued from the Executive Department; and notwithstanding the plain course of action - which patriotic duty demands - I have been pained to hear that there are some among us, who, disregarding every other consideration, and, selfishly, pursuing their own sordid interests, are preparing to plant their usual crop of cotton - instead of a provision crop. I am happy to believe that these men are few in number, and can be easily identified, and should be held-up to the notice and condemnation of their fellow-citizens. I again warn the people against such a suicidal policy, and appeal to every true and loyal Citizen, to discourage - and denounce it in every proper way; and, if it be necessary, even to withdraw all sympathy and protection from men, who will deliberately peril the welfare of their country - to gratify the mere thirst for Gold. Though ours is a free Country, and we mean, with

86 84 the blessing of God, to keep it so, these selfish - avaricious men have no right to disregard the public welfare - at a time like this - and seek the advancement of individual & sordid Ends, when they conflict with a policy - upon which all may depend for the subsistence of our Army and people.

I hereby give notice that I shall urge upon the next session of the General Assembly, the duty and sound policy of taxing all Cotton beyond what may be needed for Home consumption - and the supply of seed for another year, to the full extent of its value; and I think it every way probable, that persons who will persist in planting the usual crop of Cotton - or more than one acre to the hand, will not be allowed to enjoy the fruits of such a selfish & unpatriotic course.

[Locus Sigilli] In testimony whereof - I, John Gill Shorter, Governor of the State of Alabama, have hereunto set my hand - and caused the great Seal of the State to to be affixed - this the 10^th day of April, A. D. 1862-

By the Governor, (Signed) Jn^o Gill Shorter

Attest. (Signed) P. H. Brittan Secretary of State.

N. B. The Newspapers throughout the State will publish the above Proclamation, one week, and forward their accounts, to the Executive office. (Signed) Ja^s S. Albright, Private Sec^y c

Executive Department; Montgomery, Alabama, April 22^d 1862 Gen^l Jeff. Davis, President C. S. A. Richmond, Virginia. Mr President: I addressed a communication to the Sec: of War, a short time since, upon the situation of affairs at Mobile & Pensacola, to which - in connection with this, I respectfully, beg leave to call your attention.

Since then I have visited both places, and now, in reference to Pensacola, especially, respectfully, make some statements, and offer some suggestions.

The situation of affairs at Pensacola is not, at all satisfactory.

We have, there about - 3000 men, and of these about one half only, are armed.

We are greatly of an office of the rank of Brigadier General, who will compact & organize matters, & inspire confidence. Colonel Jones - now in Command - feels and admits the need of such an officer, as much as any one else. Brig^r-Gen^l Forney - who was ordered to report to Maj Gen^l Sam^l Jones - at Mobile - I saw at Mobile, and was greatly in hopes that he would be sent to Pensacola: but his arm was so painful - and so far from being entirely healed, that he was physically unable for the service, and it was not possible for the Surgeon to say when he would be well able. We must have a general at Pensacola, and one who will inspire confidence, and that soon, or the place, if the Enemy make any sort of an attack, will ^be^ evacuated, with confusion and disgrace, and if the attack be made at certain points, would probably, result in the capture of a large portion of our forces Untill Gen^l Forney recovers - so as to be equal to the service, could not some Brigadier Gen^l - whose character would inspire confidence at once be put in temporary command? I do know, personally Gen^l Ransom of N. C. but I find that he is highly

85 87 esteemed by Col. Jones. What is done must be done soon. The Enemy, I apprehend, understand the situation of affairs - at Pensacola nearly as well as ourselves, and - doubtless, are only waiting to dispose of some other part of their Programme.

The importance of Pensacola to the cause at large, and especially to Middle and South-Alabama - and Mobile - cannot be overestimated. With a good General - and a well-armed force of 5000 men, it could be maintained - in my opinion, against any but an overwhelmng force. Surely, it is worth the effort, even though matters are pressing elsewhere, that will secure that much.

From information which I rely - I respectfully suggest to the President, that in organizing any Alabama Regiment at Pensacola, it would receive the services of a valuable officer, if he would name Capt. John R. F Tatnall - now - probably at Norfolk - as Colonel of a Regiment. We have good raw material, but are very much in need of well-trained - and competent officers. I do not know him personally; but being anxious for the Cause only, and relying upon such information as I can trust, I am desirous of seeing him placed in Command of an Alabama Regiment, at Pensacola.

I am doing what I can to gather-up - & furnish to the men at Mobile and Pensacola, country-Rifles and double-barreled Shot guns newly repaired, but this - without prompt and active help from the C. S. in the way of arms, will fall - far short of our necessities. With undiminished Confidence - I have the honor to be Your Excellency's ob'^t Ser'^t (Signed) Jn^o Gill Shorter. c

Executive Department; Montgomery, Alabama, April 22^d 1862 Dear Sirs, The Executive of the State has been informed that you - as lessees of a Salt-well and fixtures in Clark County, have a surplus of water which is not being manufactured into Salt. The great want and dearth of salt in the Confederate States is becoming a source of serious apprehension and alarm with all patriots, and it behooves every well-wisher of our glorious cause to increase, by every available means, the production of this article of prime necessity.

Appreciating - as I do - the just cause of this public apprehension, I, as the Executive of the State, have felt it my duty to address you - as good Citizens, and press upon your consideration the absolute necessity that the quantity of Salt within the reach of the people of Alabama, be largely increased. Supposing my information to be correct, as to the surplus of Salt-water within your control, I indulge the hope that you will be able, at a very early day, to enlarge your works - to the utmost capacity of the water you have. Should this not be the case - and should a proposition be made to you from a responsible source, to employ - and make available this surplus water - such proposition to be reasonable and just in it terms - and should you decline to accept such proposition; then I, as the Executive of the State, will feel it my duty to seize your works, as a Military-public necessity, that the same may be made completely subservient to the public welfare.

I invite - and will cheerfully await any explanations - or propositions you may offer. Very Resp^y, Your ob'^t Ser'^t (Signed) Jn^o Gill Shorter. c Mess^r Dennis, English & Thomas. Clark County, Alabama.

88 86 Executive Department; Montgomery, Alabama, April 25^th 1862. Hon. G. W. Randolph, Sec'^y of War, Richmond, Va. Sir, I, herewith, have the honor to submit accompanying documents - received from Gen^l Goldthwaite - touching the case of Charles H. Kellogg - who was arrested by ^order of^ Gen^l Beauregard), with in our lines near Corinth, and sent, in charge of a Guard to this place, being now under surveillance of the Prôvost-Marshall, by orders from Maj. Gen^l Jones.

Mr Lapsley - the writer of the letter to Judge Goldthwaite, - is a gentleman - well known to me - of the highest respectability & position - an old resident of the State - and of unimpeachable loyalty. I know the genuineness of his letter, and have no hesitation in vouching for every fact stated by him - as of his own personal knowledge; neither have I the slightest doubt of the genuineness of the other letters - compared copies of all of which - including that of Mr Lapsley - are submitted ; the originals, being retained in my possession.

I trust that it will not be deemed improper for me to say, that the correspondence of Mr Kellogg - as explained by the letter of M Lapsley, has produced - upon my mind, a strong conviction, that the party-referred-to had no object or purpose - prejudicial to the interests of the Confederate States, but that he is, at heart, wellaffected to the cause, & would rejoice in our success.

I shall forward copies to Gen^l Beauregard. I have the honor to be &cVery Respectfully, Your ob'^t Ser'^t (Signed) Jn^o Gill Shorter. c

Executive Department; Montgomery, Alabama, April 25^th 1862 Maj. Gen^l G. T. Beauregard, Corinth, Miss. Sir, I herewith have the honor to submit accompanying documents - rec^d from Gen^l Goldthwaite - touching the case of Cha^s H. Kellogg who was arrested, by your order, within our lines, near Corinth, and sent in charge of a guard - to this place, being now under surveillance of the ProvostMarshall, by orders from Maj-Gen^l Jones. Mr Lapsley - the writer of the letter to Judge Goldthwaite, is a gentleman - well-known to me, of the highest respectability and position - an old resident of the state - and of unimpeachable loyalty. I know the genuine^ne^ss of his letter, and have no hesitation in vouching for every fact stated by him, as of his own personal knowledge Neither have I the slightest doubt of the genuineness of the other letters - compared copies of all of which - including that of Mr Lapsley - are submitted; the original being retained in my possession. I trust that it will not be improper for me to say, that the correspondence of Mr Kellogg - as explained by the letter of M^r Lapsley - has produced upon my mind a strong conviction, that ^the^ party referred-to had no object or purpose in view - prejudicial to the interests of the Confederate States, but that he is, at heart, well-affected to the cause, & would rejoice in our success. I shall forward copies to the Sec'^y of War.

I have ^the honor^ to be Very respectfully Your ob'^t Ser'^t (Signed) Jn^o Gill Shorter. c

90 88 Executive Department: Montgomery, Alabama, April 25^th 1862 Hon. A. B. Clitherall Montgomery. Sir, The position of chief of ordnance for the State of Alabama having been vacated by the resignation of Maj. Sam^l B. Marks, this day, tendered and accepted, I beg to request that you will accept an appoint^ment^ to fill the vacancy. If agreeable to you to do so, I hope you will notify me of your acceptance - and enter, at once, upon the duties of the office.

On presentation of this letter to Maj. Marks, he will be authorized to turn over to you, all arms & ordnance-stores in his possession; together with the books, and other memoranda, in his possession - appertaining to the same Very respectfully, Your obedient Servant (Signed) Jn^o Gill Shorter. c

Executive Department: Montgomery, Alabama, April 26^th 1862 His Excellency Joseph E. Brown, Gov^r of the State of Georgia. Sir; The last mail brought me a letter from Rome Geo., a copy of which I herewith beg to enclose for your consideration. The suggestions I deem important, but it would be indelicate in me, to make any suggestions to the Secretary of War in relation to the Cavalry Regiment of Col. Morrison camped at Cartersville, without communication with you. If that Regiment, however, is armed, and could be encamped at Rome, and employed in Scout-duty on your State-Road and in North-East Alabama; it might, in this way, render valuable service.

I am organizing - here a Cavalry Regiment for Confederate Service, which will, likely, be full next week; and when the Government equips and arms it, the Regiment might be employed - and should be employed in Scout-duty in the Northern part of the State; and thus co-operate with Col. Morrison's Regiment, if the Secretary of War shall so order With high regards, I am Your ob'^t Ser'^t (Signed) Jn^o Gill Shorter. c

Executive Department: Montgomery, Alabama, April 28^th 1862. Hon. G. W. Randolph, Secretary of War, Richmond, Virginia. Sir; I have the honor to enclose you, herewith, a copy of a letter received at this Department, and, respectfully, beg leave to call your attention to the suggestions of the same. Under the last requisition made upon this State for troops, a Regiment of Cavalry has been raised - for the Confederate Service, and will be organized in a few days. I would respectfully suggest that this Regiment be armed as speedily as possible, and employed in giving protection to North-Alabama and the heavy interests - State & Confederate - at Rome, georgia. Very resp'^y, Your ob'^t Ser'^t (Signed) Jn^o Gill Shorter. c

89 91 Executive Department: Montgomery, Alabama, April 30^th 1862. Brigadier Gen^l John H. Forney. Head-quarters, Mobile, Alabama, Sir: My special aid Hon. A. J. Walker, is directed to report to you at your Head-Quarters at Mobile - to co-operate with you, in any measures, for the defense of the State. He is charged with important communications for your consideration, and will confer, freely, with you, and advise you of my earnest desire to obtain your assistance in completing the battery at Fort-Stoddard, and at Blakely, and in procuring Guns for batteries on the Alabama and Tombigbee Rivers. I regard, in the present aspect of affairs, the construction of these defenses of vital importance to the State. Respectfully, Yours, (Signed) Jn^o Gill Shorter. c

Executive Department: Montgomery, Alabama, April 30 1862. Gentlemen, Your communication of the 28^th inst. was duly received, advising me that the company, which you have the honor to command, have paid me the exalted compliment of unanimously naming their organization the "Shorter Dragoons". I beg you to express to the Company, the sense of gratitude I feel for this unexpected and undeserved honor; & to impress them with the unalterable purpose with which, in the future, as I have done in the past, I shall labor in the sacred cause of the Southern deliverance from Northern Domination. In this good work, I shall proudly claim the co-operation of the gallant men who compose the "Shorter-Dragoons"; and I know that in "the house which shall try men's souls," they will be found true to the cause of their beloved Alabama.

With my earnest wishes for the health - prosperity - success of the "Shorter-Dragoons," and with the assurances of very high personal consideration, I am, Gentlemen, Your friend, and fellow-Citizen, Respectfully, Yours, (Signed) Jn^o Gill Shorter. To Mess^r James Cunningham, Captain. James H. C^cCreary, 1st Lieut. John Lyon, 2^d Lieut. H. E. Richardson, 3^d Lieut. of "Shorter-Dragoons." c

Executive Department; Montgomery, Alabama, May 1st 1862 To Jefferson Davis, Pres^t of the Confederate States. Sir: This will be handed you by D^r L. C. Garland, Pres^t of the University of Alabama, and superintendent of the Alabama Corps of Cadets. - I presume you are aware of the fact, that for two years, the University has been a Military institution, and that it is the Nursery of Military talent for the State. Its present Corps (125 strong) has discharged - and is still in the discharge of a most important public service - drilling the dozen Encampments of Volunteers in various parts of the State. The number engaged in this Service, and the manner in which the service has been discharged, prove, that the Military instruction of the Corps has been thorough. The importance of maintaining the integrity of the Corps, has the Super-intendent & myself - to

92 90 resist all applications to resign, with a view to enter the Army. It has appeared to me that these trained young men can do more good in their present position, than in any other suitable to their age, and that it would be a public calamity to disband them.

But, under the Conscript Law - about three fourths of these cadets must pass - at once, unto the army of the Confederate States. This will, effectually, break-up the Corps, and close the doors of the University.

Besides, these Cadets will enter the Service under circumstances which will bear hardly upon them. They have been eager to enter the Volunteer Service, in which - perhaps - every one of them would have received a lieutenancy. This, we have resisted untill now, when all the Volunteer Companies are organized, and their opportunity of promotion is lost. They have drilled the 12.000 Volunteers of the State, & now, must go into the rank - and file of the army.

Under the circumstances, I hope that you will be able to devise some releif for the present Corps: and to institute such measures, as will enable the Superintendent to keep-up the operations of the Institution during the War.

I refer you, - more particularly, to D^r Garland, for information, and for the suggestion of such measures as may meet the necessities of the case. With great respect, I am Your ob'^t Ser'^t (Signed) Jn^o Gill Shorter.

Executive Department: Montgomery, Alabama, May 2 ^s 1862. Commodore V. M. Randolph, Flask-Officer, Mobile, Ala. Sir; I have had the pleasure to read your letters of the 27^th Ulto. to Mr B. F. Randolph, of this City, and have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your communication of the 28^th Ulto. addressed to myself, for all of which, I am greatly obliged. I heartily concur with you, in the expressed purpose & desire, if the Enemy obtain possession of Mobile, to fortify and obstruct the Alabama and Tombigbee rivers, so as to prevent their ascent into the interior of the State, & I will co-operate with Confederate - Naval - & Military authorities, to the full extent of my ability, in effecting such desirable results. The Committee of Safety of this City have been considering plans for obstructing the Alabama River, and closing the channel at the proper time; but there seems to be much difficulty in agreeing upon a plan which may be practicable - efficient - and capable of execution within the limited time which may be left us for its consummation. If you can give us any suggestions, to aid in the selection & adoption of the best means to this end, I will be very thankful for such assistance. Hon. A. J. Walker, Chief Justice of our Supreme Court - and Dr Robert J. Ware, will visit your city immediately, with authority to act in the premises, after consultation with you - & Brigadier Gen^l Forney. It is most desirable that our Naval & Military and State authorities should all harmonize & co-opearate, understandingly, in this important crisis, and I entertain no doubt but that such agreement can be had.

In reply to your most reasonable proposition, to turn-over the iron-clad Ram - the old Baltic - I beg leave to say, that there is a consideration or two, which I will state, involving a question of much delicacy, and embarassing my action somewhat, and will enable you to appreciate my position. The appropriation of $150.000 was made by the Legislature of Alabama, on application of Citizens of Mobile, to provide an iron-clad Ram for the defense of the waters of Mobile-Bay; a committee of Gentlemen of Mobile were authorized to receive

91 93 the money, and were charged, by the act, with its proper disbursement - at their solicitation, - communicated, by me, to the Secretary of the Navy - Lieut. Johnston - who had made valuable suggestions in the repairs - and alterations of the boat - was relievd of the command of the Gun-Boat Gaines, and directed to report to me with the understanding that I would assign him to the command & superintendence of the repairs of the boat until completion, and then turn-over the boat to the Confederate Navy - to be armed & manned by the Navy. Under this arrangement & understanding between the Secretary of the Navy - and the Committee in Mobile, Lieut. ^Johnston^ was assigned his present positition. In the prosecution of the work, he is assisted by this Committee; the Carpenters and Shipwrights reside in Mobile; and the Committee prefer that that the boat should not be moved-away up the River, at least, for the present; assuring me, however, that arrangements are made, in case of danger, for her prompt removal out of reach of the Enemy. If this point be secured - your wishes will be met. The Secretary of the Navy, I understood, over six weeks ago, had ordered heavy guns to be cast, at Richmond, for this Ram, and I had hoped they would have been received by this time. The moment the Boat approached that completeness, which will fit her for service, it is my purpose promptly to turn her over to your Navy, and to order Lieut. Johnston to report to you for duty. If, in the meantime, you can procure suitable Guns and ammunition for the armament of the Boat, I will thank you to do so.

I have telegraphed both the War & Navy - Departments, to furnish guns - to plant - in battery on the Alabama & Tombigbee Rivers - and hope this proper request may be favorably, & immediately answered.

I beg to communicate to you - herewith - confidentially - a sketch of a Torpedo-gun-Boat, devised by D^r Jn^o B. Read of Tuscaloosa - the inventor of the "Read-Shell." I am not capable of passing upon its merits. Accompanying the sketch is a description of the Torpedo-attachment, and the manner of its application and use. I submit it for your consideration, and such action as you may be pleased to take, in relation to it. With great respect, I am, Dear Sir, Your ob'^t Ser'^t (Signed) Jn^o Gill Shorter.

Executive Department; Montgomery, Alabama, May 2 ^d 1862. To His Excellency, Gov^r Pickens, Sir, I have to apologize for not having replied, at an earlier day, to your Excellency's communication of the 22^d March. Almost immediately after its reception, I was called - away - by official engagements, and apprehending that I should not be able to give your suggestions the consideration which they merited, I requested a confidential friend to reply to your letter during my absence. Until my return, recently, I was not apprized that the friend, upon whom I imposed that duty, had been prevented, by ill-health, from writing to you.

Your views as to the importance of sustaining the Confederate government, by the energetic - & cordial co-operation of the States, meet my entire concurrence; and I am prepared to pledge the resources of this State, in any system of operations, which may be agreed-on, as necessary to the success of this great Revolution. I believe that the harmonious - determined - & persistent purpose of all the States, to sustain the Common Government, will be required to achieve success; and to that end, I am ready to consecrate all the powers - and all the resources of this Commonwealth. I am prepared, therefore, not only to meet - but to co-operate with your Excellency, in devising the means which are best calculated to ensure the harmonious