| Hd. Qrs. Dep't of the West |
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Morton Sept. 5th 1863 |
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Dr Emanuel |
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Prest S. R. R. {Southern (of
Mississippi) RR} |
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Sir, |
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Many cases of extortionate charges having been reported to
General Johnston a having been made by employees on the Southern Rail
Road, I received instructions from General Johnston to investigate the
matter, and if they were found to be true, to write to you requesting
that all employees found committing such acts, be discharged from the
service of the Rail Road and turned over to the military authorities for
conscription. I found a baggage master on the passenger train named
Rankin, charging an old lady two (2) dollars for one small trunk, her
only baggage from Meridian to this point. I have been unable to procure
the names of any other employees who have engaged in such discreditable
conduct. Numerous complaints have been made, the majority of which I
believe, of similar cases of outrageous extortion. |
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I therefore in obedience to General Johnston's
instructions, as that the man Rankin be discharged from the employ of
the Southern Rail Road, and that he be given up to the Commandant of the
Post at Meridian or the place for Conscription. |
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I am Sir Very Respectfully |
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Your Obdt Servt |
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Maj. & Asst Inspec Genl |
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