AR, R&D 6/19/1861

Office of the Richmond & Danville Railroad
Richmond, June 19, 1861
 
To his Excellency Jefferson Davis, President of the Confederate States of America
 
Sir,
   I have the honor to communicate to you the enclosed certified copy of a resolution adopted by the Board of Directors of the Richmond & Danville Railroad Company at a meeting held on the 12th day of June, 1861.
   I beg leave to state concisely, that the proposed connection between the Richmond & Danville Railroad and the North Carolina Railroad will require the construction of about 40 miles of road only, and will, when made, present the straightest and nearest line from Richmond to Kingsville and Branchville, in South Carolina, the distances respectively being 419 and 460 miles.
   An inspection of the accompanying map, which I have caused to be traced for the purpose, will show the route proposed. It will be seen that the route will be nearly midway between the Atlantic coast and the western boundary of Virginia, and will occupy, through its whole extent, a central position in the territory of the Confederate States, so that it will be the least exposed to hostile interference, and, indeed, would only be occupied by the enemy when he had overrun both Virginia and North Carolina. It would thus afford the safest route at all times for the transportation of troops and munitions of war.
   It may be proper to add, that the country through which it passes embraces much of the richest grain growing counties of Virginia and North Carolina, which would ensure a supply of food, even if both the eastern and western routes were in the hands of the enemy.
   I would respectfully ask a conference with you at your earliest convenience in regard to this matter, provided you think it of sufficient importance to occupy the attention of the Government.
With great respect,
I remain,
Your obedient servant,
Lewis E. Harvie
President of the Richmond & Danville Railroad

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