| Demopolis Alaba Nov 22/63 |
| |
| Genl J. E. Johnston |
| Meridian |
| |
| The Commissary Genl for the
State of Miss, Maj W. H. Dameron, Seized 26 HHds of Sugar at Meridian
belonging to this Company, then in transitu to this place to be
exchanged for supplies of Bacon to find the employees, which could not
be purchased for money. This was done on or about the 26th of October.
This Sugar was purchased in good faith by the Alaba & Miss Rivers Rail
Road Co. of one Wm H Grinder to be paid for on delivery at Demopolis at
$1.25 for the Mr Dameron claims that Mr Grider is a notorious speculator
and that this Co. is promoting speculation and thereby interfering with
the Govts operations by such purchases as these, yet Maj Dameron
telegraphs the Supt of the Road Nov 7th as follows |
| Meridian Nov 7 1863 |
| M B Pritchard Prest Rail Road |
| Demopolis |
| "A man owning Sugar 6 miles
from the River proposes to haul it to Brandon and sell at one dollar &
thirty cents per pound: if you want any for the use of your Road you can
get of this lost twenty five Hhds. Let me know immediately." |
| Maj & Chf CS Miss. |
| {This is the end of
the letter, without signature, but the below remarks are on the back of
this paper.} |
| |
| {On the back of the
document} |
| Meridian Nov 24th 1863 |
| Respectfully referred to the War Department |
| J E Johnston |
| General |
| |
| Demopolis Ala |
| Nov 22d 63 |
| |
| Sam Tate |
| Agt Ala & Miss Rivers RR Co |
| In regard to sugar seized by Maj. W. H.
Dameron: claims that it was in direct violation of a late order from
AnIGO |
| |
| Respy referred to the Commissary General fr
inquiry and report. |
| By Comd. Sec. of War |
| H. L. Clay |
| A. A. Genl. |
| Dec. 5/63 |
| |
| Office of C. S. G. |
| Richmd V Dec 7 1863 |
| Respectfully re?? to A&I Genl. On the 24th
Nov. 63 Genl Johnston telegraphed to Hon Sec of War recommending that
the within mentioned sugar be released inasmuch as Majr Dameron had
seized it contrary law & order of War Dept. The following reply was sent
to Genl Johnston by Hon Sec of War viz "Sugar purchased for the
consumption of a person & family or for the employees of a corporation
is exempt under the order and will be released. But we cannot allow an
important article of subsistence to be engrossed for barter" This reply
was communicated to the Commissary General whereupon as the sugar was
obtained for the express purpose of "Barter," Majr Dameron was
instructed to release the sugar in question. This is clearly in
accordance with the decision of Sec of War. This sugar should not be
released. |
| L B Northrop |
| CGL |
| |
| Respy submitted to the Sec of War |
| H. L. Clay |
| Dec 10/63 |
| |
| Secy of War |
| Special |
| Mr Gillford for examination report |
| JAS Sy |
| 12 Dec 63 |