Southern Division, Mississippi Central Railroad
| Grenada, June 24, 1864 |
| |
| Maj. Gen. S. D. Lee, C. S. Army |
| Meridian |
| |
| Dear Sir, |
| I did not receive your letter of the
16th of this month until after I had written and forwarded another
asking for permission to send cotton to Marshall and De Soto
Counties to exchange for bacon to feed the hands at work on this
road, otherwise, I should not have made the second request. It is
certain that unless the Government is willing to grant me some
facilities in obtaining necessary supplies for the repairs and
operating the road, it is worse than useless for me to continue my
efforts to keep the road in operation, and it would be far better to
let the Government take it and do as it may seem best. The entire
road is in an unsafe condition. I have not the means adequate for
the necessary repairs, nor can I procure without Government aid, nor
have I the necessary supplies to feed my hands but a few weeks more.
When these are exhausted I must discontinue my trains and discharge
my hands. There is no other alternative. Fifteen miles of the road
has been materially damaged between this and Canton, twelve miles
seriously. I cannot hire hands to repair it. I would cheerfully do
so if I could. To the company the working of the road is rather an
injury than a benefit, as the expenses and taxes will absorb all of
its income. Ir remains for the Government to determine if the road
is or will be useful to them or not. The difficulties in procuring
the army supplies contracted for by me have been greatly increased
since I entered into the engagement. I have spent no small amount of
money and no little time in my efforts to comply with my contract. I
have been disappointed in every way, and in no small degree by the
price I was to pay for cotton when others were receiving it at
one-third the price I was to pay, thus enabling them to offer
greater profits to those who would deliver the articles required,
besides being permitted to send out cotton as they pleased, and
always keeping themselves in funds, which I have found it always
impossible to do. I have delivered some teams, wagons, etc., and
could have delivered many more. To-day Major Paxton refused to take
100 mules on terms that I think he should have accepted, and of
course I declined the purchase. I shall continue my efforts, but
with faint hopes of success. |
| I wrote you some days since by Mr. Wang, whom
I sent to New Orleans. |
| With respect, I remain your friend |
| W. Goodman |
| President |
|