OR, Series 1, Vol. 23, Part 2, Page 732

Chattanooga, March 31, 1863
 
Maj. M. B. McMicken
 
Major,
   I came here Saturday last to procure men, material, and provisions for my work on the Nashville & Decatur Railroad. Have succeeded, and return to-day with everything I wanted, except rope. I telegraphed you last night, after talking with Captain Kerr, asking you to telegraph him, to care of Major Cunningham, and give him permission to purchase, for bridge purposes, three coils of rope, and give him the sizes wanted. I hope you will grant him permission, as we cannot get along without rope.
   Have you arranged about an engine for west side of Tennessee River? I gave Colonel Cole the order as you directed, but the next morning, after informing me he could not comply, he started to see you. I have not seen him since. Colonel [Samuel] Tate is ready now for an engine. I was with him last Saturday, and the grade on the east of Tennessee River is nearly done. His cars are ready to go over. Sloan has a good, safe boat for transferring them over their roads.
   On my particular road, as soon as Sulphur Branch is done, a large amount of corn can be shipped from south of Elk River, and, by the time that is carried off, I will have that bridge done. There is also two spans of bridge to build just south of Pulaski, over Richland Creek, which will complete the road, as far as I can learn. You can rely on my trestling over streams, and not waiting for permanent bridge, if can save time.
   Should you write me, direct to Huntsville, care of Colonel Tate, and the letter will be forwarded. Should you telegraph, direct to Athens, Ala.
Respectfully, yours,
J. W. Goodwin
 Major and Mil Superintendent of Railroads

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