| Engineer Bureau |
| November 4th 1863 |
| |
| Capt John M Grady Corps Engrs PACS |
| Savannah, Ga. |
| |
| Captain, |
| I am instructed by Col. Rives to
communicate to you the decision of the Secretary of War on the
application of the President of the South Alabama & Georgia
Railroad Company {a previous letter said this
request was from the Savannah, Albany & Gulf RR. No record of a
South Alabama & Gulf RR has been found.} for relief from payment for 96 bales of cotton
belonging to the Confederate Govt. under the circumstances shown in
your letter of the 10th October. |
| The decision, which you will please
communicate to the Prest of the South Ala & Georgia Railroad is as
follows: |
| "No doubt is entertained of the zeal
and fidelity of the road but the obligation as common carriers must be
enforced. It would be too dangerous a precedent, and too pregnant with
claims and other mischief in the future, to dispense with this
obligation. The responsibility of common carriers is often,
apparently, harsh and inequitable, but its aim is one of general
policy, to enforce on those who have charge of others' property, the
strictest diligence and care, and, to secure this, they are made
almost insurers. Experience has justified this rigor, and it must be
adhered to." |
| By order of Lt Col A. L. Rives Actg Chf of Engr Bureau |
| Very Respectfully Your Obt Servt |
| Isaac W. Smith |
| Lt Engrs P. A. C. S. |
|