| Morton Oct 17, '62 |
| |
| Genl M. L. Smith |
|
Commanding at Vicksburg |
| |
| Genl, |
| This note will be handed to you by Wm
Crutcher Esq. a manager of the Southern {(of
Mississippi)} RR & a very large stockholder. By the aid of
himself & a few others the road was built, & neither he nor any of us
have as yet received any return from our outlay. Mr Crutcher has at
Vicksburg 280 hogsheads of sugar {about 22
carloads}, the shipment of which has been delayed by Govt freight
so that, unless he can get it shipped he will not be able I understand
to meet his engagements. |
| I am very anxious that he shall have it
shipped, but can not without your consent deviate from the inflexible
priority we give to Government freight. If however you will sanction it,
Mr Crutcher's sugar can be shipped on Monday & thus delay Govt freight
but one day. |
| I think this concession due to Mr Crutcher
by the military authorities, representing the Government. The latter is
reaping the advantage of Mr C's heavy outlays to his entire exclusion. |
| I hope you will grant Mr C. permission to
ship his sugar on Monday or Tuesday next & oblige. |
| Your friend |
| Wm C Smedes |
| Prest Sou RR C |
|