NA, SWR 2/12/1862

Etna Mines Tenn Feby 12, 1862
 
To his Excellency Jefferson Davis
President of the Confederate States
 
Sir,
   Permit me to respectfully call your attention to the following facts which are alike of the utmost importance to the government of which you are the honored chief magistrate, and to the defence of the country.
   I am extensively engaged in mining coal, and manufacturing coke, both indispensable articles in the production of arms and projectiles for the arms; A considerable number of Foundries, now engaged on work for the War or ordnance department, are depended on my miles for the means of prosecuting their work; I receive daily letters informing me that they must shortly suspend operations unless I supply them with coke. I am unable to send out either cork of coal for want of cars; the Nashville & Chattanooga Rail road officers say that the press on them for government transportation is such that they can not stop to carry coke. The inevitable result is that the Arms and other work needed by the government will come to a stand, whilst in the meantime the miners (who alone can produce the coal) dispense because I cannot keep them to work. afterwards, should it prove to be necessary that coke and coal must be had, then it will be found impossible almost to obtain those articles for want of men skilled in the labor required in their production.
   I therefore with profound respect beg to submit to your excellency the above recited facts. The Rail roads could do more than they accomplish if they would infuse some extra energy into their Conductors and other officers; but I fear, unless the government interferes, and compels them to carry coal and coke, that the Foundries now under contracts for arms and projectiles will be obliged to stop work.
   I have the honor to be
with profound respect
Your excellecy's Servant
Albert C. Richard
Proprietor Etna Coal mines on N&C RR Tenn.

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