| Office Mobile & Ohio R R |
| Mobile Sept 5th 1864 |
| |
| Lt Col F W Sims |
| Chf R. R. Bureau |
| Richmond |
| |
| Colonel, |
| I am glad to learn from Maj
LeBaron that you have decided to organize a separate department for
the auditing and payment of the Rail Roads. Since he has been assigned
to that duty for our Road, we have had no just grounds for complaint,
and, while protecting the interest of the Government, he has been
prompt in the dispatch of business. |
| I understand he has been
ordered to make his head quarters at Demopolis, in view I suppose,
of an attack upon this city. In the present condition of things, I
think this place quite as safe as Demopolis, and there are comfortable
places and conveniences here for persons having business with
that Department, which are not such at that one horse village. Mobile
can be as easily reached from the east or west as Demopolis, and as
Agents of Rail Roads on official business pass free of charge, there
will be no difference in the expense of reaching either point. I
think, therefore, you will contribute to the comfort of all parties by
permitting the office to remain here, and if there should be any
danger of the city being taken, I will reserve a car to move him and
his effects in time. |
| Maj Geo Whitfield has returned
to his Post at Meridian, and I am pleased to learn is now connected
with your Department. I shall address you a communication in a few
days in relation to him, which you will oblige me by endorsing and
forwarding to the President through the proper channel. He is, the
right man in the right place, and it will afford me great pleasure, if
necessity requires it to render him any assistance he may desire. |
| Very Resp, Sir |
| L J Fleming |
| Chf Eng & Genl Supt |
|