| Head Quarters Wilmington |
| 26th March 1863 |
| |
| Col. Gorgas |
| Chief of Ordnance |
| Richmond |
| |
| Colonel, |
| You are aware of the importance of the
coal district of this state & the necessity of our being able to secure
a continuous supply of both for foundries & gunboats and for the Govt
Steamers running the blockade. The owners of the Chatham Co mines
contracted with the Navy Department to furnish 3000 tons. Upwards of
2000 tons of the coal is reported to be quarried at the mines & detained
only for difficulty of transportation. In addition to our exhaustive
needs here, Charleston also depends on us for coal. The
{Western} R. R. to the coal fields is
finished with exception of two miles of rails, all the grading, sleepers
& of these two miles being done. |
| The company can get two miles of iron, as
I understand, from the Charlotte & Rutherford R. R. Co. Would it not be
well for the Dept to form a speedy completion of the railroad at once by
reserving from the Rail Road iron of the
{Wilmington,} Charlotte & Rutherford road enough to bring coal
down. We should within a few days have enough coal on hand for all
pressing wants in all quarters & could depend on a regular supply. The
detention of the steamers would be avoided also. |
| I believe Government has assumed control,
or obtained it over the iron of the Rutherford R. R. |
| Very Respectfully |
| W. H. C. Whiting |
| Brig. Genl. Comdg |
|