Jacksonville was very important at the point was whence all the products of this country were shipped for the north or Europe. It was a very important lumber mart. Eleven steam saw mills were in operation, till they were burned, since the war broke out. The town looks more like a thriving New England town than any place I ever saw south. The chief obstacle to the prosperity of the town is the bar at the mouth of the St. John's.
Vessels drawing over ten feet have sometimes a difficulty in getting in and out.
From Jacksonville a railroad runs west reaching to Tallahassee. It was to reach Pensacola in time. I may remark that Jacksonville owes it prosperity to northern men and capital. The railroad was build by northern capital. Any one from looking at a map, and still more from examining the country, will see Jacksonville and Fernandina are the two towns of eastern Florida.