| Quarter Master General's Department |
| Richmond, May 6th 1864 |
| |
| Major Thomas Peters |
| QM |
| Demopolis |
| |
| Sir, |
| Your letter of date April
22nd 1864 recommending exchange of broken down public animals with
citizens for fresh stock has been received & was referred to the Inspt
Genl of Field Transportation who has returned it with the following
endorsement "This plan was proposed to the Qr. Mr. Genl. about two
months since, & verbal instructions given, to have such exchanges made,
when it could be done under the immediate direction of the Chf Inspt of
Districts; but, very little has been done in that way. One very serious
objection to the plan is that very many of the unserviceable Govmt
animals have contagious diseases & in this exchanging & scattering them
through the country diseases will get on the plantations & there will be
danger of a general epidemic. I think however, authority being given Chf
Inspt to order exchanges in special cases, under such rules as may be
practicable from this office, will be a good plan." Said endorsement has
been offered & the authority given. |
| A. R. Lawton |
| QMG |
|