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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