NP, RD 9/8/1863

From the Richmond Daily Dispatch
 
September 8, 1863
 
Governor's Message
Executive Department
Richmond, Va., Sept. 7, 1863
 
Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Delegates
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   I have received a communication from the President of the {Virginia} Central railroad, enclosing a report made to him by the Superintendent, on a subject of great importance to the road, and not less to the State and the Confederacy. The demands for the transportation of passengers and freight over this and the other railroads of the State have been very great, and the roads have been severely taxed to meet them. So far they have fully met the demands, but it is apparent to any person that will pass over them that extensive repairs are now much needed, and must be made, or they will be broken down and rendered useless. Besides great difficulty is experienced in procuring cross ties and the necessary supply of wood for fuel. Labor is indispensably necessary to relieve them, and so far as legislation can aid them I am satisfied it will be cheerfully extended.
   The Central, Orange & Alexandria, and the Virginia & Tennessee roads have more to apprehend from raids than any of the other roads in the State, and this apprehension makes it difficult to procure labor on reasonable, or indeed on any terms. The owners of slaves are unwilling to hire them on these lines, lost they may be seized and carried off, or may be induced to abscond. Under these circumstances they very properly desire that the subject shall be brought to your attention. The papers are herewith submitted, and I trust your wisdom will enable you to devise some measure of relief.
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