| From the New Orleans Times Picayune |
| |
| March 8, 1862 |
| |
| Among the most prompt of our
citizens to come forward and organize for the defence of the city and
the State were the employees of the Jackson Railroad {New
Orleans, Jackson & Great Northern RR}. Under the
command of the Superintendent, Mr. Williams, they proved one of the
most numerous, best appointed and best drilled corps in New Orleans,
and, when the volunteer militia were organized under the new law they
united themselves with Gen. Tracy's fine brigade, which is now in
camp, preparatory to being ordered into active service. |
| The consequence has been, as
we are informed, that this excellent company have been exempted from
that particular duty, and permitted to continue in their situations,
in connection with the railroad, which cannot well dispose with their
services. But so prevailing is the military and patriotic spirit now
so active in our midst that many of these spirited gentlemen are
disinclined to avail themselves of this exemption, and prefer leaving
their posts for the seat of war. |
| The feeling is a commendable,
but we would suggest that, in this case, it is a mistaken one. It is
obvious that the business of that most important road cannot be
conducted without the assistance of its regular employees, and that
anything that should occur to cripple its operations, in this most
critical exigency, when it is almost constantly in requisition for
military purposes, would be a serious injury to the cause we all have
so nearly at heart. |
| The attaches of the Jackson
Railroad should reflect that, by continuing to discharge their
necessary and important functions, as such, they are contributing just
as largely and as effectively to the common good, as they could do in
the field. If the time should come that makes it necessary for them to
take up their arms and stand in the ranks for the defence of their
homes, there would be, of course, no reason why they should not do so;
but at present, when the fortunes of our cause may depend upon the
uninterrupted performance of their official duties, it seems to us to
be the part of true patriotism for them to remain at their posts. |
|