| Quartermaster General's Department |
| Richmond, May 2nd, 1864 |
| |
| Col. J. S. Corley |
| Orange C. H. |
| |
| Sir, |
| Your dispatch of yesterday was received
last night. I was afraid before its receipts, that your supply of corn
had been diminished within the last few days. All arrangements had
been made with the different R. Roads to deliver an amount of corn
daily in Richmond fully 50 pr. cent beyond your daily wants. This was
continued in good faith until the recent military movements in N. Ca.
& the rapid transfer of troops from the South. This business has
monopolized the Wilmington & Weldon Road for nearly two weeks,
& we have depended solely on what we could receive by Charlotte.
The other Road is now hauling again however, & we have already
commenced sending you more than your daily consumption. I have
notice however that other troops are to come up via Wilmington,
& we are to expect new interference with the transportation of
corn. I have every reason to believe though that you will receive
during the present week enough to replace what you have lost from your
reserve supply. |
| I am anxious to receive weekly reports of
your supply on hand, not only to regulate the shipments from here; but
because I am frequently asked by the President, Genl. Bragg, Sect of
War etc what supplies you have on hand & am unable to answer them.
If you think it important not to have it known too well, you can mark
your letters "confidential." |
| As you may change front any day, & give
battle in another quarter, we ought to accumulate for you in
Richmond, all beyond a certain amount. Let me know your wants
freely & I will do the very best possible under the circumstances. |
| A. R. Lawton, Q. M. Genl. |
|