NA, RRB 3/21A/1864

Raleigh Mar. 21st/64
 
{Recipient of the letter is not clear, but Robertson had just been appointed an Agent in the RR Bureau, under Lt Col Sims, so Sims is the likely recipient.}
 
Colonel,
   I arrived here yesterday. My several telegrams from the more important Stations West of this, furnished you, I hope, general report of the movement of Govt Stores. As I passed through the line of Rds from Weldon to Charlotte I met the several Govt RR officials, who were accessible, and noted such matters as I thought attaching to most likely further my mission. At this point I find some 35 car loads corn (???) 20 waiting transtn on Raleigh & Gaston Rd. Probably, with what I reported, by telegram as at Charlotte and now in transit from that place, 4000 sacks will come forward to this place by tomorrow evening. I find on that trip that this accumulation is not great at Charlotte, and the means of No Ca RR for getting it forward easily equal to those of the Char: & So Ca feeding Roads, and hard assurances, from Supt N C R R as also from Agt: R & Gaston that no detentions as likely to occur if they will be ??? by Petersburg RR at Gaston. I have forwarded that when delay occurs, causing "glut," ??? not assist to with Quarter Masters who fear the reasonability attaching, as likely to do it, from the exposure of produce to the weather. Caset whence, then industrial interests of the several Q Mrs clash, ??? with the others ??? also with those of the Rl Rd Cos due mainly to lack of storage ??? an constantly ??? and ??st continues, at points of transpn, as long as capacity, or making advantage of the ??? Roads ??? not well ballanssed. The R R Cos ??? to ??? ??? likely to follow refusal of most adjoining Rds to ???; Q Masters ??? assisting ??? enforced it ??? to ???, & claim of Govt for safe delivery hold over them. I am aff?? to ??? all ??? for the decision and removal of these points, which, in the absence of special instructions from you, or the ??? of ??? my own judgement as to where, when, or how this responsibility ceases, I am unable fully to do.
   Additional Storage ???, as ??? ??? ??? and will ??d freighting arrangements throughout this entire line (I mean beyond the limits of my district) would lead greatly to relations without and until that can be effected losses or delays are likely to occur.
   One other embarrassment presents itself likely to prevent the full ???, & satisfactory acquittal, of my ??? viz adjusting claims between the several RR Cos maintaining each others stock or roadway; ??? in the several, or many, RR meetings I find that no principle has been laid down to govern the divisions of rates in such cases, but leaving the matter entirely to adjustment between the RRs. When the Govt orders the work, or it becomes necessary to do it by joint use of stock or track, a leading principle for the adjustment of claim between the several Cos doing it, should be fixed. And this again, I would respectfully submit, should be by general consistent agreement, throughout all the States, to ensure a manner through cooperation in all matters touching govt transportation.
   A rule, or any arrangement, applicable in one district, or state, should apply throughout and thus close the door to ??ton claims or conti?? on that ???.
   I ??? ??? ??? to this by ??? provisional ??? ??? and think whose causes for disagreement between RR Cos exist. The Govts interest is to re?? th?? if possible, and to apply the remedy generally, not by separate or independent actions in districts or States.
   At Greensboro I called upon Supt Rice of Manassas Gap RR who (in reply to my enquiries, touching his means of building cars, & disposition to furnish a number to contract) told me he was in condition to put up 50 cars in four months if Govt could furnish Iron necessary for Rods, Bolts and could detail from army, or furnish, 2 Sergeants. He thinks he has axles & wheels for 100 cars. This week he is to hand me sketch proposal showing ch?? car or spring with bill iron needed, together with estimates for turning out 100 cars.
   I will forward to you if I can get them in proper shape.
   Tomorrow I desire to go over to Fayetteville & home for few days returning next to this point. Will be in telegraphic communication with you at ??? pleasure direct any message requiring immediate attention
Very Resply
Yr obt Svt.
James P. Robertson
Agt:
{This letter is very hard to transcribe because the first two pages are written on the same sheet of paper and bleed through to the writing on the other side, many letters are very small and indefinite, and the writer uses creative spelling and punctuation.}

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