NA, QM 8/6/1863

Quartermaster General's Department
Richmond, August 6, 1863
 
Major S. Mims
QM
Enterprise, Miss.
  
Major,
   The Secretary of War has referred to this office a communication from Colonel Phil Stockton, Commanding Confederate States Arsenal at Demopolis, Alabama, to Colonel J. Gorgas, Chief of Ordnance, covering letters from yourself, from Major George Whitfield, Quarter Master, and from other persons in relation to the destruction by the enemy at Bolton's Depot, of a large quantity of Government Cotton. The failure of the Southern {(of Mississippi)} Rail Road Company to transport this cotton, is alleged as the cause of its destruction. The papers show that repeated demands for its transportation were made upon the authorities of the Company, which were disregarded, and that during the pendency of these demands the company furnished transportation for Cotton owned by private persons.
   I am instructed by the Secretary of War to "hold money due this Company, to abide the result of an investigation."
   You are, accordingly, hereby instructed not to pay to the Southern Rail Road any money due for transportation, or otherwise, until you shall be notified of the result of such investigation. You are also requested to communicate with Major George Whitfield, and instruct him to the same effect -- also to stop any money due this Company, that may be in the hands of any officers subject to your orders.
A. C. Myers, Q. M. General

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