OR, Series 1, Vol. 6, Page 428

Hdqrs. Depart. of South Carolina and Georgia
Pocotaligo, April 8, 1862
 
Brig. Gen. Thomas F. Drayton
Commanding Sixth Military District South Carolina
General,
   I desire you to proceed with as little delay as possible to the city of Augusta, Ga., and confer with the mayor, R. H. May, esq., in relation to the immediate connection through Augusta of the Waynesborough and Augusta {the Augusta & Savannah RR} and South Carolina Railroads. You will explain to the city authorities and to the presidents and directors of the railroad companies that this measure is a military necessity, which I trust those interested will acknowledge. It is only necessary to revert to the important fact that, should the enemy cut the Charleston and Savannah Railroad, there will be no direct communication between the cities of Charleston and Savannah by railroad unless this connection is made. I am informed by his excellency Gov. J. E. Brown, of Georgia, that the route through Augusta proposed by Dr. Willis, president of the Waynesborough and Augusta road, and which he is willing to construct at the expense of the company, is the shortest; and being, for military necessities, the proper route, you will therefore require the said connection to be made by this route, and as expeditiously as possible.
I am, very respectfuly, &c.,
J. C. Pemberton
Major-General, Commanding

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