| Executive Department |
| Milledgeville, Georgia |
| November 30th, 1863 |
| |
| Dr. Geo. D. Phillips, Sup. W. & A. R. R.
{Superintendent, Western & Atlantic RR} |
| |
| Dear Sir, |
| It having been represented to
me that on account of the great difficulty in procuring teams with
which to haul wood for delivery along the line of road from places
where contractors are able to procure it, the supply is about to run
out, which event would be followed by very serious consequences in
embarrassing the conveyance of supplies to Genl. Bragg's army, and
also to destitute portions of our own population. |
| To meet this emergency, you
will direct the detail of soldiers, and also any other labor that is
now or may be at your command for that purpose, to cut as much wood as
may be necessary, from any timbered lands which may lie contiguous to
the line of road, except groves, shade trees, and also rail and board
timber. |
| For the purpose of
compensation to the owners, you will cause all the wood cut to be
carefully piled and measured, and tender to the owner, or cause the
same to be done, one dollar per cord for all the wood so taken
from his land, and if the owner is not content with the same, let the
road choose some disinterested party and he another, who shall fix the
value, on oath, and if they disagree, then to call in a third as
umpire, and the amount so ascertained by them shall be the value paid
by the road. You will pursue this course only so long as the emergency
lasts, or until a supply is procured sufficient to enable you to get a
start with the contractors, so as to keep the requisite supply on
hand. |
| Joseph E. Brown |
|