| Macon, Ga. Jany 27th 1863 |
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His Excellency |
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Presdt Jefferson Davis` |
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Richmond Va |
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Sir, |
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I take the liberty of addressing you personally, on a
subject which is already of the highest importance to the success of our
cause, and rapidly becoming one of the most pressing necessities of our
country, viz, the renewal of our Rail Road Machinery. |
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For nearly two years the present stock of
Machinery has been doing double service, with but few repairs. Its
present condition is very bad, and rapidly growing worse. From personal
observation I am compelled to conclude that some of our main lines will
not be able to furnish transportation adequate to the wants of the
Government, more than a few months more, unless some means be devised
for supplying the parts of machinery worn out. |
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As there is no special Bureau or officers to alter this
matter, I deem it desirable to call your attention, particularly to the
subject. |
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I am fully acquainted with the construction of the
machinery of the European Rail Roads, a I served my apprenticeship,
practically, in the best machine shops in England, and was under the
immediate instruction, and supervision, of the best mechanical engineers
there. I was afterwards four years in Baltimore and Philadelphia: where
I had opportunities for adding to my experience, in the manufacture of
American Machinery. I was offered positions of the highest trust in
their best Locomotive and Machine Shops: but preferred returning to the
South. |
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On the election of Mr Lincoln, I returned to my native
state South Carolina -- in whose College I had graduated in 1862 -- I
have since been engaged in various mechanical enterprises, looking to
the material prosperity and independence of our country. I desire to do
all that I can to advance the interest of our cause, and as any
advantages, and experience in this class of work, has been equal to or
perhaps greater than any one else in the Confederate States: if it be
your pleasure, I will abandon every thing else, and devote myself to
this work. |
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I am aware that A. A. General Wadley has taken charge of
the Department of Transportation: yet without the proper means of
transportation, the efficiency of his department must be much impaired. |
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I cannot here enter into the details of the subject, but
simply lay the matter before you. Our Rail Road Companies have failed,
in their endeavors to bring about concerted action, in the matter; and
unless the Government lead in it, disastrous results may follow. |
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I remain Sir |
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With the highest respect |
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Your Most Obdt Sevt |
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Thos E. McNeill |
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