Governor Joseph E. Brown to John B. Floyd, November 24, 1860

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT,

MILLEDGEVILLE, Georgia,

November 24th, 1860.

Hon. John B. Floyd,

Secretary of War, Washington, D. C.:

SIR: Being desirous of having manufactured in Georgia a supply for the State of certain military equipments, I am compelled again to trespass upon your kindness to ask of you the favor to help me in some way — by sale or cause to be advanced to our State as a part of Georgia’s quota of arms, etc., for the coming year — two sample sets of each of the following equipments, viz:

First.  Equipment for riflemen, consisting of knapsack, cartridge box, and belt, complete.

Second.  Equipments for infantry, complete.

Third.  Saber equipment, complete, including pouch for Colt revolvers. All of the latest and most approved styles and patterns adopted by the U. S. Army.

I dislike to trouble you with this small matter, but really I know of no other method of obtaining, with certainty as to kind, etc., samples or patterns of the equipments desired. I would prefer to purchase the articles to obtaining them otherwise, if I knew where they could be obtained. Be pleased to cause the sample sets, two of each, furnished me, in some way least troublesome to yourself, of the said equipments, and you will lay me under renewed obligations for your kindness.

I am very sincerely, your obedient servant,

JOSEPH E. BROWN.

[First indorsement.]

QUARTERMASTER-GENERAL’S OFFICE

December 1st, 1860.

I respectfully report to the Secretary of War that such of the military equipments asked for as belong to this department can be furnished without inconvenience, viz: Two knapsacks, $5.56; two haversacks, 78 cents; and two canteens and straps, 92 cents.

J. E. Jonnsron,

Quartermaster-General.

[Second indorsement.]

ORDNANCE OFFICE,

December 1st, 1860.

Respectfully returned with the report that the State of Georgia, having drawn her full quota, including that for 1861, cannot obtain the accoutrements by issue, on that account, from the Government supply, nor can such articles as are wanted be sold by the Government.

There will be no difficulty, however, in Governor Brown’s obtaining them, if he will write to Maj. W. A. Thornton, U. S. Arsenal, New York, and request him to purchase for the State two sets of infantry accoutrements, complete, two saber-belts and plates, complete; two saber-knots, two holster pouches for Colt belt pistols; all of the latest U. S. Army patterns.

I doubt not that Major Thornton will make the purchase for the Governor with pleasure.

WM. MAYNADIER,

Captain of Ordnance.

SOURCE: Allen D. Candler, The Confederate Records of the State of Georgia, Volume 3: Official Correspondence of Governor Joseph E. Brown 1860-1865 inclusive, p. 3-5