New Orleans, May 4, 1861.
Dear Sir: Since my interview with you, I have made arrangements to prosecute the contemplated enterprise on a large scale. And as in the nature of things the Gulf will soon be cleared of Yankee merchantmen, my intention is to cripple Northern commerce on foreign seas.
To do this effectually I must be in a situation to do it with dispatch. I wish therefore some 20 or 30 letters of marque (accompanied with instructions) sent me with the name of the ship and commander left blank.
As soon as received they will be dispatched by intelligent messengers to Europe with instructions to put ships in commission so soon as we are recognized abroad.
It is alike unnecessary and imprudent to go into detail, lest by accident this letter might fall into improper hands. The President knows me well enough to tell you that I am incapable of abusing the trust I ask. And as Mr. Lincoln seems disposed to prosecute his war like a vandal, it is our duty to cripple his resources and impoverish his people by all the means known to honorable warfare. Please telegraph me on receipt of this.
Yours, truly,
W. R. Miles.
Hon . R. Toombs,
Montgomery, Ala.