NA, SWT 10/2A/1862

Richmond, Octr. 2d 1862
 
His Excellency Governor J. G. Shorter
Montgomery, Ala.
 
   Major A. S. Gaines, telegraphs that many parties have withdrawn their negroes from the Alabama & Mississippi {Rivers} Rail Road and refuse to return them, that every effort to hire has proved unsuccessful and that the work will be retarded for months, when with an efficient force it could be finished by the 1st of November.
   This work is of great importance, and I must beg that you will use your influence with the planters to procure labor. Delay may bring disaster to themselves. Can you not appeal to them by proclamation?
G. W. Randolph
Sec. of War
 
Sent by telegram

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