| Head Quarters Dept. S. C., Ga. & Florida |
| Charleston S. C. January 3d 1863 |
| |
| To the President of the North Eastern R
Road |
| |
| Dear Sir, |
| The movements of the enemy may
make it of vital importance to the defence not only of the lines of
communication through N. Carolina but the safety of this City and Harbor
that a considerable number of troops shall be concentrated by R. Road
with the utmost possible celerity at threatened points to which and I am
instructed to invoke a preparation for contingencies on the part of the
lines hence to Wilmington which will enable the officers of the Roads to
work them more effectively than during the movements to & fro of Brig
Genl Gisk's command. |
| It is believed that by
conference & arrangement between the proper officers of the two Roads
{Northeastern and Wilmington & Manchester RR}
material results may be effected. Delays occurred from the want
of persons (of pilots) to run the engines beyond Florence. An ample
number of pilots should be at once trained or otherwise provided for an
emergency. |
| There was a deficiency of wood
at the Stations to meet the increased number of trains per day. Wood
should at once be properly accumulated to obviate the possibility of
such a mishap hereafter. |
| It may be that troops will be
required here from N. Carolina for the enemy once afloat may be landed
almost at will and strike at any vulnerable point therefore the Comdg
General feels that he cannot too earnestly call on all R. Road Officers
&c exert their utmost energies at this juncture to place their several
Roads in the most efficient condition possible for the transportation of
troops with the least delay practicable. |
| Respectfully |
| Your Obdt Servt |
| Thomas Jordan |
| Chief of Staff |