| Wilmington N. C., September 1, 1863 |
| |
| Enclosing letter from Maj Sims relating to
Rail Road &c, wishes to purchase an Engine from Govt to run on Branch of
Tarboro Road {Tarboro Road was a 26 mile
branch of the Wilmington & Weldon RR} |
| S. L. Fremont Supt W&W RR
{Wilmington & Weldon RR} |
| |
| Refd to Maj Sims for report. Has he any
thing to suggest in addition to his letter enclosed within |
| A R Lawton QM Genl |
| |
| Retd to QM Genl with Maj Sims report. |
| Sept 11/63 |
| Respy retd to Qr Mr Genl. This engine would
be of considerable advantage in ??ting grain from Tarboro and the W&W RR
needs it. But the Piedmont road will soon be completed where we shall
need every Engine and Car that can be ??ted & then we will fall far
short of giving a comfortable working outfit. There is but one remedy &
that is to make the Piedmont road of 5 foot gauge and this can only be
done by making it a military necessity which I consider in the highest
degree. The law of No Ca establishes the gauge of 4' 8 1/2" in that
state & the legislature refused to alter it when asked to do so. |
| F. W. Sims Maj & QM |
| |
| Respy submitted to the Secty of War. The
suggestion of Maj Sims is important and the attention of the Secretary
is requested to the statement he presents. It is manifest that during
the war the Piedmont Road even when completed will be comparatively
useless unless its gauge be changed because it will be impossible to
procure an outfit of rolling stock for a 4' 8 1/2" gauge Road. |
| A R Lawton QM Genl |
| Sept 12/63 |
| |
| Entry in Quartermaster General's Letters
Received Register |