Montgomery, Ala., April 21, 1864
| |
| General Braxton Bragg |
| Richmond, Va. |
| |
| General, |
| It has been ordered that the supplies
of Georgia be forwarded to the Army of Virginia and that the Army of
Tennessee be sustained from Alabama. The corn crop of the eastern
section of this State was limited and will not afford a supply;
hence the necessity of depending upon the middle and western
portions. The only outlet for the removal of stores from Central
Alabama is the Montgomery & West Point Railroad, which has not
capacity for the requirements of the Government. Its gauge is
narrower than that of the other roads, and it is now deemed
impracticable to increase its rolling-stock. |
| I would respectfully call your attention to
the completion of the railroad from Talladega, Ala., to Rome, Ga. {extending
the Alabama & Tennessee River Railroad}, a distance of
fifty-three miles, the track for which, I am informed, is graded
through. This would complete the line to the Alabama and Tombigbee
Rivers, and the rich land of all that portion of the State. The
great pressure upon this, the only available, line would be
relieved, and the most productive section now within our reach
brought in easy communication. |
| I have understood the value of this
improvement has been before represented, and pressing necessity
alone induces me to ask that consideration which the importance of
supply demands. |
| Your obedient servant |
| Parker Cambell |
| Major, etc. |
| |
| First indorsement] |
| April 29, 1864 |
| Respectfully referred to the Honorable
Secretary of War. |
| The subject is one of great importance, which
has previously received my favorable indorsement. |
| Braxton Bragg |
| General |
| |
| [Second indorsement] |
| May 3, 1864 |
| Engineer Bureau for consideration. |
| J. A. S. |
| |
| [Third indorsement] |
| Engineer Bureau |
| May 17, 1864 |
| Respectfully returned to Honorable Secretary
of War. |
| Leut. Col. Minor Meriwether received
instructions a month since to do all in his power to press forward
this connection. A letter has been written calling his attention to
this important subject again, and I believe that everything will be
done that can by Colonel M. |
| A. L. Rives |
| Colonel and Acting Chief of Bureau |
|