| Salisbury, N. C., April 15th 1864 |
| |
| Major S. B. French |
| CS |
| Richmond VA |
| |
| Major, |
| I returned this morning from
the Company Shops, having at length received the necessary
transportation for the removal of stores here and at other adjacent
points. Major Myers will have despatched yesterday & today 20 cars which
will clean him up here, including some cotton goods for Major Noland.
The swollen streams & bad weather have cut off his receipts of late. I
propose to run up to Hickory Tavern in the morning & by Monday to be
able to proceed on to Charlotte & thence farther southward. |
| In a previous letter I
mentioned that the management of this No Ca road was bad. A more careful
examination however convinces me that I was in error, difficulties of
transportation arise more from the deficiency of equipment than bad
management, tho private freight will be taken when it can. But, for a
road of 223 miles there are but 27 engines of which 4 are required for
local work, switching &c, and as many are continually under repair &
their whole stock of cars is but 160, some 15 of which are unfit for
work, & as many more under repair. The road is over tasked But the road
requires perpetual watching, or Govt freight will not have precedence. |
| Very Respectfully |
| W H Smith |
| Major & CS |
|