NA, DSCGF 12/4/1863

Atlanta Geo. December 4th 1863
 
Hon James A Seddon
Sect'y of War
Richmond Va
 
Sir,
   Geo G. Hull Esq. Superintendent of the Atlanta & West Point Road desires to procure for his road the following supplies, namely tyres for driving wheels, rubber springs, spring steel, engine & car axles, rubber hose, block tin, paints, oils & car springs, locks for cars &c &c and these he can procure by importation from England if our Government will allow him to use the cars of his own road to convey abt 100 bales of cotton (the number will not exceed 150) to Wilmington N. C. from this point. That is to say, the Government to give positive exemption from seizure for the cars when conveying the cotton to the port of Wilmington and returning with the material wanted. Mr Hull will use the cars of his road for the purpose when they can be spared without interfering with Government transportation between Atlanta & Wet Point; he will ask the use of no cars belonging to the roads connecting Atlanta with the port of shipment.
   As the Atlanta & West Point RR forms a link of the vital connection between Atlanta & South Western states, I resp'y recommend that the War Dept give the protection desired. That is to say, furnish to Geo G. Hull Esq. Superintendent of said road, a specific exemption for his cars, while conveying cotton to Wilmington & the needed material back to Atlanta, forbidding all Government agents from impressing, detaining, or employing the cars while used for the purposes described.
   Mr Hull has already been informed by you that the Government grants him full permission to obtain shipment from & to Wilmington for the materials to be exchanged. The only additional understanding is the one now asked for, when he will take measures at once to supply his road. If granted, will you please send the exemptions to Mr Hull at this place.
   *****
I am sir, very resp'y
Yr obdt Servt
J. F. Gilmer
Maj. Genl & Chf of Bu

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