| Columbia, April 29th 1864 |
| |
| Major S. B. French |
| CS |
| Richmond VA |
| |
| Major, |
| I returned last evening from
Charleston where I had a full interview with Major Guerin. He has
directed Capt Witherspoon to send forward his peas, and at my suggestion
will ship to Major Lowe the accumulation of bacon, in bulk, under a
guard. This is the only alternative as he can not procure packages, and
unless speedily moved there must be heavy loss. I have conferred with
the Qr Master having charge of transportation here who will render any
assistance in his power, but I mention to Major Guerin the results of my
own experience & that there was nothing like personal attention calling
personally upon the Rail Road agents & managers & engaging from them
cars as he needed them. The Greenville {&
Columbia} road is very short of rolling stock and with the
general pressure upon all the roads a simple order for transportation
from a local Quarter Master may lay over many days or be forgotten. Capt
Sharp is now shipping daily 25 cars of govt freight to Charlotte
{Charlotte & South Carolina RR}, tho he has
some little interruption from the movement of troops. |
| I take tonights train for
Charlotte & hope to find that stores are moving forward without
detention there & with Major Myers. |
| Very Respectfully |
| W H Smith |
| Major & CS |
|