OR, Series 1, Vol. 53, Page 382

Headquarters Military Division of the West
Charleston, S. C., December 20, 1864
 
Maj. E. Willis
Chief Quartermaster
 
Major,
   General Beauregard directs me to inform you that he has communicated with Brigadier-General Fry, at Augusta, Maj. Gen. Howell Cobb, at Macon, and His Excellency Governor Brown, relative to the opening of the lines of railroad known as the Georgia and Central {of Georgia} Railroads, all of whom have been requested to aid you in the completion of the line of communication. He directs that you at once proceed to impress, according to law, the necessary labor both to remove the iron from the branches to be used on the main roads, and also labor for the main line. You will make arrangements to ration the negroes and forage the animals necessary. It has been decided to concentrate all the labor on the route from West Point to Augusta via Atlanta, and open this line as soon as possible. It is thought ten or fifteen miles of iron will be required on the road between Augusta and Atlanta. This can be obtained from the branch road between Mayfield and Camak. Beyond Atlanta the same amount is required. This has been promised by Major Meriwether. You will open communication with Major Meriwether at once and get from him all the information that may be needed respecting the iron, so that no delay can ensue relative thereto. Communicate with Governor Brown and Generals Cobb and Fry and call upon either General C[obb] or F[ry] for any guard you may need to protect your working parties in the removal of iron. The main object is to open the roads at the earliest practicable moment, that provisions now so much needed may be pushed through, and to this end let trestle-work be put up at once instead of bridges at such points as require it. In the event the iron on the Mayfield and Camak branch be insufficient, you will obtain it from the nearest source practicable.
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
John M. Otey
Assistant Adjutant-General

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