NA, O&A 2/7/1863

Office Orange & Alena R. R. Co   {Orange & Alexandria RR}
Lynchburg Feby 7, 1863
 
Col. A. C. Myers
Q. M. General
 
Sir,
   As suggested in conversation at your office a few days ago I have the honor to submit in writing an application on part of this Company for an increase of rates on Government transportation, with some of the reasons in support thereof. These last are specially set out in the endorsed letter of the General Superintend of the Company. Some of the Railroads in Virginia are sufficiently compensated but the Orange & Alena is not one of them and can not be kept up with transportation maintained without an increase of rates. Nearly half of the line of this Railroad is either in actual possession of the Enemy or made useless from its proximity, and the other half does not draw means enough from the Government to meet half its current expenses, & has not for last two or three months. I presume it is of some importance to the Government to keep up the Railroads, & it is hardly fair to expect it to transport its business at a loss. I presented the facts to you in September, & urged an increase of rates on account of the special circumstances of the case. An increase of 100 per cent on present rates as suggested in the note of our General Superintendent will afford very moderate compensation, and I will respectfully ask that you will order said increase without delay, and let it relate back so as to include all unsettled claims with your office since 1st of December last.
I am
Very Respcy, Yr Obt Ser
John S. Barbour
Prest. &c

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