John Milton letter book and correspondence, 1861-1863

John Milton

Location: Florida Historical Society (Cocoa)
Background: Florida governor John Milton (1807-1865) developed a very active state militia and stressed Florida's ability to serve as an important source of food and salt for the Confederate forces. The collapse of the Southern cause was followed by his death, Apr. 1, 1865, by a self-inflicted gunshot wound at his family home, Sylvania, near Marianna, Fla.
Contents: Collection consists of John Milton's letter book (720 p.) and correspondence. The miscellaneous correspondence contains three folders made up of items found loose within the letter book. There are six letters from Stephen R. Mallory, Secretary of the Confederate Navy, a letter from A. H. Bush advising him about legalities of secession and a letter from Dr. Thomas Palmer describing various battles. Another folder contains notices written by Milton found between the pages of the letter book. Much of the letter book concerns military affairs and the defense of Florida. Besides copies of letters he has sent there are copies of letters received from such prominent Confederate leaders as Judah P. Benjamin, Jefferson Davis, and David Levy Yulee written into the letter book by his secretary. There is also a photocopy of his letter book from Oct. 5, 1863 to Mar. 9, 1865; the original is in the Florida State Archives in Tallahassee.