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New Orleans, August 13, 1861
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| Major Genl Polk |
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Memphis Tenn.
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| Dear Sir, |
| My solicitude for the south with my
detestation of the course pursued by the State of my birth (Kentucky),
is the only apology I can offer for addressing you. During the
blockade of the Ohio & upper Mississippi river by the Lincoln
Government, Ky profited by her neutrality by selling to Alabama,
Georgia, South Carolina, & even Virginia, the products of the
State. In addition to which, she was a speculator in the products of
Ohio, & Indiana clandestinely -- all of which she sold south at
immense profits, & which was conveyed here, & to other
southern points by the Ky. (Guthrie Ky R. R.). I believe in fact I
know, that speculations have been made, by parties in Ky, who are
opposed to this confederacy, with the Knowledge imparted to them some
days since that the R. R. from Louisville {Louisville
& Nashville RR, whose President was James Guthrie} would be
open. And I can further say that Ohio merchants have informed
their friends here, that they would be able in a few days to relieve
themselves of stocks by shipments south. The whole move resolves
itself into this: Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois are rebellious,
inconsequence of their products being worth nothing at home, and this
is a move upon the part of the Lincoln Government to quiet them by
giving them a market for their stuff, and at the same time to give
them the sinews of War (Gold!) to carry on the war. Your own good
judgment will dictate a course to pursue. I Enclose this with Mr G.'s
letter who will endorse My Information &c. |
| Resply |
| James W. Tutt |
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