| Adjutant and Inspector General's Office |
| Richmond, Va. |
| July 10, 1862 |
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| General Braxton Bragg
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| Commanding, &c.
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| Tupelo, Miss.
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| General,
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| The Secretary of War instructs me to
say, in reply to your communication of 26th ultimo, relating to the
railroad connection between Meridian, Miss., and Selma, Ala. {the
Alabama & Mississippi Rivers RR}, that the department
fully appreciates the importance of this road and is most desirous
of completing it. Accordingly, with the consent of the company, it
has already authorized you to take possession of and complete it.
Until Congress meets in August the only appropriation applicable to
the purpose is the $150,000 authorized to be advanced to the
company. The department proposes to execute the law by making this
advance, taking security for its application, and by permitting the
company to make the necessary disbursements under your order. To
complete this work by seizing the road and the material required for
its completion will be not only illegal, but will run the Government
to enormous cost, irritate the people, and leave open a question
between the Government and the company concerning transportation,
&c.
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| Very respectfully, &c.,
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| S. Cooper
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| Adjutant and Inspector General
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