OR, Series 1, Vol. 52, Part 2, Page 164

Mobile, October 3, 1861
 
His Excellency Jefferson Davis
President of the Confederate States of America
 
   I address you in behalf of the Mobile & Great Northern Railroad Company. As you are aware of the location of this road, and the rapid communication it would afford if completed below this place and Pensacola and all parts of the Confederacy east of this, it is unnecessary for me to say anything about its being a military necessity. I inclose a note from the president of the company, Colonel W. D. Dunn, whose statements are to be entirely relied on, from which it appears that only $15,000 in cash is required to complete this road by the 10th to the 15th of November, and without which he will not be able to go on with the work, having entirely exhausted all the means of the company. In addition to this $15,000 he asks the extension of $10,000 due the Government for duties on iron. In view of the important military events that are likely to take place on our Gulf coast this winter, would it not be well for the Government to aid the company to complete their road? The amount to be advanced would soon be repaid by transportation.
   I therefore ask you to take the matter into your most favorable consideration.
 
With much respect, your obedient servant
C. J. McRae
P. S.-Since writing the foregoing Colonel Dunn has informed me that he is going to Richmond, and he will more fully explain to you the condition of the road. I commend him and his road to your most favorable attention.
C. J. M.
 
Inclosure
 
Office Mobile & Great Northern Railroad, Co.
Mobile, October 3, 1861
 
Honorable C. J. MacRae
Dear Sir:
   By the greatest exertion this company has been able to progress very far toward the completion of its road. The grading and bridging are all done, more than half the track laid, and the balance of rails on hand mostly in this city. On the unfinished part of the road the cross-ties, with the exception of some three or four miles, are all laid ready for the iron. In this condition the work the available means of the company are almost exhausted. We have been already largely aided by the banks here, and most, if not all, of our stockholders have paid up to the extent of their ability, and we must now look to other sources for the means to enable us to go on. With the aid of $15,000 and an extension for a few months on the duties due on the rails, about $10,000, I feel confident we can have the road in operation by from 10th to 15th of November. I assure you that this work has been urged and pressed forward under all the embarrassments of the times with no reference to the individual interest of the stockholders, but from a conviction of its great and pressing importance to our city in a military point of view at this juncture. May I not, under the circumstances, ask the exercise of your influence with the Government to obtain an advance of $15,000 and an extension of a few months upon the duties, to be paid by transportation for the Government or other earnings of the road at the earliest practicable day, the Government to be secured for both sums by good personal security?
With great respect, your obedient servant,
Wm. D. Dunn
President

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