| Head Quarters Dist. E. Tenn. |
| Knoxville, March 24th 1862 |
| |
|
Genl. A. S. Johnston |
| Decatur Ala |
| |
| General, |
| The large quantity of Commissary stores in
this District, the imminent danger of the rail-roads falling into the
hands of the enemy, and the necessity for prompt removal of those
stores, makes it important to increase at once the rolling stock upon
both the roads. There is but a limited, indeed very small, quantity of
engines and cars belonging to the companies, and none have been received
from the western roads. |
| "The Gordon" a locomotive of the E. Tenn.
& Geo. Rail-Road Co. was taken some time since & sent into Mississippi,
its want here is seriously felt in the removal of the meat to
places of security. |
| Will you not direct that it be turned over
to
the Agent of the Co. and be returned immediately to Chattanooga. |
| If you can send another engine and burden
cars, the removal of the Commissary stores would be expedited greatly,
and in my opinion, there is great necessity that it should be promptly
done. |
| Very Respectfully |
| Your obt Servt. |
| E Kirby Smith |
| Maj. Genl Command |
|