NA, M&T 2/2/1863

Office of the Miss. & Tenn. R. R. Co.
Granada Miss. Feb. 2nd 1863
 
Lt. Genl. Pemberton
Comdg. Dept. Miss. & E. La.
General,
   We have just received your order to suspend further work on this Road, and in that connection would respectfully call your attention to the following facts --
   In obedience to your order directing the work to be done, and to be hurried forward as speedily as possible, a contract was made for all the "Howe Truss" bridging necessary to reopen the Road. In addition to this, a force was raised & put to work on the smaller structures, one of which is about completed and two others considerably advanced. These less important structures are the simplest and cheapest work which can possibly be constructed, consisting of a trestle founded on piles and built of Green Oak Timber, or what is known in Engineering as a "Pile Trestle."
   The first three of these structures will be completed in a short time probably 2 weeks, thereby opening the Road to Yockany River, 28 miles from this place. These trestles being of Green Timber and also from the nature of their construction, can be destroyed only with the greatest difficulty, it being impossible to burn them, as has been proven by an attempt of the enemy to burn the trestle over Coldwater River, on the line of this Road, they having failed to destroy the new work in that instance.
   The "Howe Truss" bridges which are required to cross the Yockaney & Tallahatchie Rivers are the only structures which are easily destroyed and are at the same time the most expensive.
   The timber for these bridges is to be sawed out by mills located on the line of the New Orleans, Jackson & Great Northern Railroad, below Jackson Miss. and for which contracts have been made including also the framing &c necessary to complete the two bridges.
   With this statement of facts, we would respectfully represent and request, 1st that money sufficient to complete the three smaller structures be furnished, a large portion of which the Company have already rendered themselves liable for. This will not require more than four thousand Dollars ($4000) thereby opening the Road for supplies &c, twenty eight miles at a very small expense and in a manner which is almost secure from destruction.
   2nd That the timbers for the Bridges across the Yockaney and Tallahatchie Rivers, be got out at the points specified above and the bridges framed and put in readiness to throw across the Rivers at a moments notice. This will secure the more prompt and speedy reopening of the Road when in your judgment it shall become safe and necessary.
   In this way the more expensive portion of the work will be done at points relatively safe from Federal invasion and at the same time the objects to be attained (the reopening of the Road) will be advanced.
   The bridges when framed can remain at the mill until we are notified to go on with the work and the timber becoming seasoned renders it much more serviceable.
   It may not be necessary to remind you that in compliance with your order to go on with the work, the Company have made positive contracts for the bridges and are now financially bound to fulfill their part of the obligation, while at the same time we have not the means sufficient to carry on the work except through the assistance of the Government.
   We hope you may view this matter in its proper light and take into consideration our obligations and financial condition, giving us all the assistance which in your judgment would be compatible with the public interest.
   We think that the manner proposed, would both enable the Company to fulfill its obligations, and at the same time be hastening the completion of the work without running the risk of its destruction.
   The amount of grain and other supplies along the line of this Road is almost inexhaustible and the reopening of the Road would be of incalculable advantage to the Government and to the public.
   Further work on the Road will be suspended until we hear from you which we request may be at an early day. 
Respectfully Your
Obt Servt.
F. M. White, Pres.
 
{on reverse of the letter} 
F. M. White
Grenada Miss
Feby 2 1863
 
In reference to work on the Miss & Tenn RR
 
Received Feby 5/63 and replied to Feby 6/63
JCP
LT Gl

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