NA, NE 2/10/1864

Presdt's Office North Eastern R. R.
Charleston February 10, 1864
 
Maj F. W. Sims
Richmond
 
Dear Sir,
   Yours of 5th Inst was duly recd. I regret that you can do nothing towards supplying us with Rails for the repair of our Track, as the same time, I can fully appreciate the importance you attach to the keeping up of the South Carolina Road, & the obligations which exist for the earliest appropriation to it of any Rails you may have for distribution.
   I am experiencing great difficulty and annoyances in getting the Mechanics absolutely necessary now for the daily repair of our Engines, and when I can hear of one in the service, who would be very valuable to us, there are obstacles opposed to our getting him out of it, from the Captain of his Company to the Com General. May I trouble you from time to time, as I may hear of men who would answer our purpose, to make an application for them directly to the Secretary of War? The number, so asked for, would not exceed six. At present I know of but one and him, I have repeatedly applied for but have failed to get. His name is "D. B. Haselton" a private in Company E 25th Regt S. C. Vols. There is no objection to his detail beyond the Cap. of his service with sanks{?}. I will thank you to send me if possible an order for him, from the Secretary of War.
Yours very Respy
A. F. Ravenel
Pres.
over
 
Private
   When will our Government see "the error of its ways" in consuming the valuable material of the country, its transportation, its Iron rails and its skilful mechanical labor in the construction of Gunboats? Surely, the vitally important questions with justification are transportation and subsistence and to a great extent the latter is involved in the former. Still, this view is entirely ignored, and the construction of these comparatively useless  Machines is being urged forward, regardless of the costs & consequences which they entail. Let us illustrate my position, we have here a perfect little Torpedo Boat, which some months ago, made "a raid" upon the "Ironsides," and, as it is supposed, very seriously injured her. Now this Torpedo Boat is in perfect order & has been for months, still those in control of her have not yet discovered a second opportunity for her services. In the meanwhile, a large number are being built, and some of our best Mechanics are employed in this alteration & a depletion of several Engines to their propulsion. At this moment, there are as many Machinists so employed in our own Shops (where the work is being done), as we have employed on our Engines. Some of the latter are constantly out of service, for the need of Labor, and slight repairs. For would it not be better for the Country, if it had fewer Torpedo Boats and more Engines, fewer Gunboats, and a larger supply of Rail Road Iron? 
   Having a pen ??? and an empty sheet, I could not avoid trespassing these remarks upon your valuable time and attention.
Yours Truly
A. F. Ravenel

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