| Confederate States of America |
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Quarter Master General's Department |
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Rail Road Bureau Richmond Dec 11th 1863 |
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Brig. Genl. A. R. Lawton |
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Q. M. G. |
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Richmond, Va. |
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General, |
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Enclosed are letters making complaint of the Wilmington &
Manchester RRd for giving cotton owned by private parties preference in
transportation, an examination of the books of this road, on a similar
charge, qualifies me to deny that this road is guilty of this acusation,
but on the contrary all of its cars and engines are devoted to
Govt. work. |
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It is true that freight trains bring cotton for private
parties over this road, but this is a matter beyond its control. |
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As to the Secty of War's threat to with-hold payment, its
force is lost in the fact that the Govt owes the W&M RRd Co a bill of
about $75,000 which has been audited and ready for payment for over
twelve months. The law referred to is as yet unknown to the public. |
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Measures have been taken which, it is hoped, will supply
{one or two words lost in crease} |
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I remain, General, |
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Very respectfully |
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Your obdt Servant |
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F. W. Sims |
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Major & Q. M. |
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