| Shreveport, La. |
| Feb. 28th 1863 |
| |
| The President of Directors of the V. S. &
T. R. R. {Vicksburg, Shreveport & Texas RR} |
| Monroe, La. |
| |
| Sirs, |
| I wrote to you some time
since stating, (in behalf of the government) that I desired to use the
rail-road iron in the vicinity of Shreveport. |
| I received on yesterday a
communication from the agent of the Southern Pacific Rail Road Company
protesting against the use by the government of the rail-road iron laid
on the track extending westward from this place. I made, some time
since, an agreement with the Southern Pacific Rail Road Co. supposing
that they had full power to contract, authorizing me to use the iron
provided the government would return it within twelve months after the
signing of a treaty of peace. My desire, in carrying out the wishes of
the Navy Department at this place, is to conflict with the rights of no
one, but, as you are doubtless aware, necessity sometimes compels
governments as well as individuals to overstep the bounds of prudence
and discretion. It is sometimes necessary to take private property for
public use without the consent of the owner, yet under such
circumstances, an enlightened patriotism always throws the mantle of
charity over the action of the government. The government will doubtless
need the railroad iron at this place, and it will contract for its
return within twelve months after the signing of a treat of peace. |
| It is my wish to obtain the
iron with your consent, but if that is refused, I shall certainly
use the iron, if needed, although such a course will be repugnant to any
feelings. |
| I am respectfully |
| Your obt. servt. |
| J. H. Carter |
| Lieut. C. S. N. |
|