| Demopolis |
| May 4, 1864 |
|
|
| Hon. J. A. Seddon |
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| There is a gap in the Alabama &
Mississippi {Rivers} Railroad from
Demopolis to McDowell's Landing, a distance of four miles. This road
is indispensable to me for military operations, and the completion
of it a military necessity. Labor cannot be hired to finish the road
at any price. Can I impress labor to finish this road under the
recent act of Congress? The necessities of my department require
that I should be in possession of the law of Congress upon trading
in the enemy's currency-greenbacks. Send me a copy.
|
| L. Polk
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Indorsement
|
| May 5, 1864
|
| When the necessity exists you can impress labor, but
slaves engaged in agriculture are, by the law, the last to be
impressed. I will send copy of the law.
|
| J. A. S.
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