Executive Department Florida

Tallahassee March 9th 1853

Gentlemen

I have just rcd your letter dated 25th Feby, offering the service free of expense of a company of forty students of the University of Virginia; who ever desirous to participate in the expulsion of "Billy Bowlegs" from our state. 

I admire, Gentlemen, your patriotism and public spirit; and so far as my authority may be necessary, I grant it with cheerfulness. But, I am only the Commander in Chief of the Militia of this state, and have no authority to organize a military force or to comission officers, in any other state. Nor do I think a state has authority to raise an Army, or to make war - even upon Indians. Such powers appertaining solely to the General Government - the authority, I think should be obtained from the President of the United States - particularly if your object is to go into the Indian Territory.

I do not question your ability to whip Billy Bowlegs and a hundred like him in a fair field; but in his swamps and Everglades it would be a very different matter. Where he would have the aid of some very effective [?] allies in the form of alligators, [?] and swamp ferns, especially during the rainy and summer and fall seasons. Therefore, with full and unquestionable authority; my advice would be to pause and obtain better information in regard to the character of your enemy before you make the adventure.

Messrs. B.A. Vaughan, T.S. Rogers and T.B. Goldsby

Thomas Brown