| Hd. Qrs. Dep't of the West |
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Jackson, Miss June 25th 1863 |
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M. Emmanuel Esq |
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Vice Prest Sou. R. R. {Southern (of
Mississippi) RR} |
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Jackson Miss |
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Sir, |
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Your letter of the 24th inst addressed to Genl Johnston
respecting the desire of your company that he shall give "A written
guarantee that should the enemy destroy the bridge within ninety day
from the present date, the loss should fall on Govt" has been received.
In reply I have respectfully to stat that the Genl does not feel
authorized to comply with your request. In the first place he has not
the power to insure the property of your road. In the second, he thinks
where your company have so much at stake, it should be willing to take a
share of the possible risk. Add to this the great profit it is believed
would accrue to your road by the rebuilding of the bridge, and it
appears to him that your company would be sufficiently repaid. Already
if the General is correctly informed, the Government authorities have
furnished no little aid to your road, and they are disposed to render it
still more. The General is pleased to see your willingness to have him
select "some suitable officer to aid & assist the officer of your road
in completion of its repairs," and with the permission of the Company,
will telegraph for Col. Tate to come on for that purpose. |
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Very Respectfully, |
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Your Obdt Servt, |
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Col. & Inspec. Genl. |
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