| Raleigh, N. C. Feby 5th 1863 |
| |
| Genl. S. Cooper |
| A&I Genl. |
| Richmond, Va |
| |
| General, |
| I am entirely at a loss as to what
action I can take in reference to the letter of Mr. O. M. Avery,
President, Alabama & Florida Rail Road Company of Florida. The act
of which he complains has been committed and restitution appears to be
the only remedy. To make this in kind is, at present, next to
impossible. I therefore see no other way than to pay in money the
value of the property taken. What was the value? Shall it be paid by
Government, or by the parties for whom the property was taken? Are
questions which when answered will solve the difficulty. |
| The price is the only question, it appears
to me, that I can possibly be called on to answer, and this rather to
be answered by the market value than the opinion of any one person.
From what I have learned of this whole matter I am disposed to think
it was done in an illegal and arbitrary manner and that a compromise
with the parties aggrieved will be the best way of settling it. |
| If it is expected that I shall take any
further action with a view to an amicable settlement I would
respectfully ask for definite instructions. |
| I am Genl vey Respecty |
| Your est & a?? |
| W. M. Wadley |
| A. A. G. |
|