| Chattanooga Tenn |
| Aug 23d 1862 |
|
|
| Rich M. Cuyler |
| Capt. Artly & Ord |
| Commanding Macon Arsenal |
| |
| Dear Captain, |
| I today shipp two car loads of coal to
"Columbus Iron Works" via {Atlanta &} West
Point Rail Road, making three in all to this time, a slow business;
which I am ashamed of, but have done my best, under the circumstances. I
wish you would please see Mr Tyler of the Macon & Western, if he will
not allow us to run his cars over the Atlanta & West Point R. R. or if
he will not agree to this, and will allow us to use his cars to
Columbus, had you not better have what his cars may carry, shipped over
his Road by way of Macon, to Columbus -- in either case will you please
have him give you an order for the use of his cars wherever found, which
I need immediately as the old order he gave me only called for the cars
to go to Macon and the R. R. Agent here will not recognize it, for
Columbus. |
| With the West Point cars above I do not think I
can get more than six or eight hundred Bushels a week, with the control
of the Macon & Western the amount might probably be doubled. |
| I am not aware what amount they will ????
There a tremendous rush of coal all the time, from the largest Rolling
Mills (to rolling gun boat plate) to the country Black smith, who shoes
the cavalry horses -- each and all asserting and justly too, that it is
for government, use. -- Genl Mercers agent that I spoke of in my last
Letter has been here nearly one week longer than myself, thus far he has
only sent forward two car loads. |
| The cars of the West Point Road I have
secured -- and trust, Captain you will see the necessity of securing the
Macon & Western, -- please forward the order to me at this place at your
very earliest convenience, for if any poor Devil was ever tired of being
in a place; I am of this, -- When corresponding with the "Columbus Iron
Works" please ask them where they formerly obtained their coal. I think
from Selma Ala -- the chances may be better there than here -- they will
probably know. no W. P. cars came up the clay so I can ship none
tomorrow. |
| Yours Respectfully |
| W H McDowell |
| Agt. O. Dept. |
|