| Columbia, November 1st 1864 |
| |
| Major S. B. French |
| CS |
| Richmond VA |
| |
| Major, |
| Arriving here this morning, I
find that Capt Witherspoon had taken the initiatory steps for impressing
the lot of bacon to which I alluded in a former communication. I found
here also a Mr Simmons who represents that he is the purchaser of this
bacon, that he bought it under the authority of the Secretary of War for
the benefit of the officers and employees of the War Tax Bureau, and he
is fortified with letters from Thompson Allen Esqr and Major Wood Q. M.
confirming his representations. |
| On the other hand I
ascertained that this bacon had been offered for sale in this market. Mr
Peebles of Petersburg, an agent of the South Side Rail Road, had in fact
paid $18,000 for 3000 pounds of it, but the party selling it refunded
the money, as it was when applied for "in the hands of the Government"!
Of this however Mr Simmons claims to have no knowledge and readily
consents to the course I think proper to take, which is, that the bacon
shall go forward to the consignment of the Commissary General. I
thereby ensure its early delivery at Richmond and prevent any attempts
at speculation. I make no charge against Mr Simmons, know nothing of him
and can procure no evidence to implicate him, but these letters of
authority to bring supplies are dangerous and it is no uncommon
occurrence as you doubtless know for authorized purchaser, in this way
to avail of their privilege for speculators purposes. |
| I resume my journey this
evening and shall report in person at Richmond as soon as I have
recovered my health at my home in Granville. |
| I am Major |
| Very Respectfully |
| W H Smith |
| Major & CS |
|