| Memphis & Charleston Rail Road Office |
| Memphis, April 25th 1862 |
| |
| C. S. Williams Esq. |
| Supdt W. Div. M. & C. R. R. |
| |
| Sir, |
| The Mail Train of which I was
conductor left Corinth for Memphis a 2-40 p. m. today having been
detained here 40 minutes by order of Gen. Hogg for the purpose of
taking a car full of ammunition the train proceeded to 1 mile east of Chewella and was there stopped by freight trains loaded with soldiers
standing upon the main track. signals were given for them to back and
they went back a short distance after considerable delay, an officer,
whom the soldiers call adjutant came up and peremptorily ordered the
train back to Corinth and showed an order signed by Genl. Bragg to this
effect. |
| I requested the adjutant to go
with me to see the Genl. thinking I could explain to him the
difficulties in the way of the course ordered by him he objected to this
and expressed himself very suspiciously of the M. & C. R. R. and its
operatives, but finally consented and took me in company with Mr.
Prichard Ch. Engr. of the Road back to a car in which was Col. Lane, &
endeavored and ordered Mr. Prichard to show him, the delay and injury
that would be caused by my backing my train & stated to him that I had
car load of ammunition sent by special order of Gen Bragg he would not
even listen to me but in the most preemptory manner ordered me back
instantly and while we were talking order a file of 25 men out to force
us to return we told him he need not order the men out under his threats
we would return, and accordingly did so. |
| C. A. Slaughter Cond |
|