Request for colored troops from
Major General Gillmore
Commanding Officer, U.S. Forces, Department of the South.
FOLLY ISLAND, January 15, 1864.
Hon. E. M. STANTON,
Secretary of War:
MY DEAR SIR: I wrote by last mail to Major Foster, and also to the General-in-Chief, requesting that the new colored regiments formed and being formed in the North be sent to this department. I gave no reason why these troops were wanted, but I take occasion to inform you that I have in contemplation the occupation of Florida, on the west bank of the Saint John's River, at a very early day, and I want these new regiments to garrison the posts from which I draw the troops for the expedition. Moreover, I am obliged to mount some of my very best infantry, as my entire cavalry force is less than 300 effective men. My plan in a great measure depends upon my getting these new colored regiments, which Colonel Littlefield informs me it is your intention to send here.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Q. A. GILLMORE,
Major-General.
Copied from The Official Records of the War of Rebellion.
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