| State of North Carolina |
| Executive Department |
| Raleigh, Jany. 27th, 1863 |
| |
| Dr. W. J. Hawkins {President,
Raleigh & Gaston RR} |
| |
| Sir, |
| After looking at the working
of things I have concluded that the State Cotton and Corn at Halifax
and Enfield will never be hauled. As it is of the very greatest
consequence to the state that both should be got away, I want you to
stop the night train and haul the Corn and Cotton, let the consequences
be what they may unless it can be done speedily without stopping this
train. |
| Very respectfully |
| Yr. obt. Svt. |
| Z. B. Vance |
|