NA, SWR 11/28/1864

Richmond & Danville Rail Road
Superintendent's Office
Richmond, Nov 28th 1864
 
To C. G. Talcott
 
   I have a train ready for Genl Youngs command at 6 P. M. Nov 25th the Richmond & Danville train from Richmond did not arrive at Danville until 4 A. M. 26th it took his command one hour & half fully to transfer and when they were ready the Engineer reported to me that he did not have wood sufficient to carry him to Pelham he having been Steam Up all night waiting had used the quarter part of his wood my material train was stopped by the Staunton & Hercules being off the track & no supply of wood could be kept up at Danville. as soon as reported to me I made arrangements for wood and started them from here at 7 oclock Engine Lee and Conductor West with 12 Cars left Pelham at 8=45 arrived at Ruffin at 9 k 30 where they found but little water I anticipated the difficulty of water & sent buckets & force of men ahead of them so as to bail them up near 16 mile post which was done as quick as possible the cold weather had busted the pump at 20 mile post so no water could be got there & up to that time I could not get it replaced although I had Mr Laply at work on it. they left Ruffin 11 k 5 Reidsville 1. 5 where they waited 40 minutes to pass down delayed mail Benaja 2-5 Sapinau 3-10 & arrived at Greensboro at 4 oclock Every exertion was used on the part of myself & Employees to advance the train & its delay from the time the Troops got transferred until their arrival at Greensboro was unavoidable in every particular.
J. L. Morrow
{Copy of the original telegram}

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