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Wilmington, N. C. |
| Friday, Sept. 18th 1863 |
| 8 o'clock A. M. |
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|
Genl. S. Cooper |
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A. & I. Genl. |
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Genl., |
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A few minutes after I posted to you the day before
yesterday, the Superintendent of the R. Road from this to Weldon, S. L.
Fremont, made his appearance. I stated to him the report of the
Conductor that the driving wheel of the locomotive which broke down was
out of order and that it was made known by him to the chief machinist at
Wilmington before it was sent for the troops. He, Fremont behaved very
badly, replying with insolence, showing a guiltiness of dereliction of
duty and bad temper for making it known. He defied all interference from
the Secy. of War, even, and went off with the damaged locomotive to some
turn out, leaving me with the 59th, the baggage and horses in the road,
with an engine too small to draw the train. We attached to it, however,
at full load of the ???, leaving Maj Ganett to follow with the baggage,
horses and their guards. He reports that he followed the Superintendent
to Wilson, found him there at 4 a.m. yesterday, and that then he
(Fremont) had not telegraphed to either Weldon or Wilmington for another
locomotive. Majr Ganett had the message for one sent, and the train with
the baggage and horses arrived here yesterday at 4 p.m.; taking three
days to come 226 miles. I forwarded the 4th and 21st last evening, and
am waiting for transportation this morning. A messenger has just
informed me that the R. R. office can, at about 11 a.m. today tell me
when we can move with the horses, baggage, 46th & 59th from this place.
I have sent an officer forward to report our coming and to provide our
quarters at Charleston. I suppose we may get off from this place some
time today after 12 m. |
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I am very respectfully |
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Yr. obt. sevt. |
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Henry A. Wise |
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Brig. Genl. |
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{on back of document} |
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Respy ref to Sec War |
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This letter exhibits a culpable neglect on the part of the
Superintendent of the Rail Road between Weldon & Wilmington in the
transportation of troops on that line. |
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S. Cooper |
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A. & I. G. Sept 21/63 |
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Referred to the Q. M. Genl (for attention by Maj Sims) |
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21st Sep 63 JAS |
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Qr. Mr. Gen Office |
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Sep 23/63 |
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Respectfully referred to Major F. W. Sims Qr Mr for attention |
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By order |
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J B ??? |
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Major |
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Rail Road Bureau |
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Richmond Oct 19/63 |
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Respectfully referred to Major J. D. Whitford for examination and
report. |
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F. W. Sims |
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Maj & Q. M. |
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