| Quartermaster General's Department |
| Richmond, Sep. 8th 1864 |
| |
| G. B. Lamar Esq |
| Savannah, Geo. |
| |
| Dear Sir, |
| Your letter of the 8th inst is before me.
I am not aware of any disposition on the part of the Government to
control Transportation, any further than to forward the Supplies
necessary to the support of the army. This control should not be
exercised even to the extent of one half (as you propose) if that
proportion is not necessary to accomplish the purpose indicated above.
If more than that is required, then certainly we ought not to be
stopped by any rule which is purely artificial. The agreement of the
Rail roads to give Govt. freight the preference; and we do not claim
the least control over any excess of capacity beyond that absolutely
required for the army. |
| But I am somewhat surprised to learn that
the Roads in Georgia cannot transport private freight. At a meeting in
Augusta in November last, Mr. Cuyler {President,
Central (of Georgia) and South Western RRs} shared to me that there was no difficulty of that kind on his
line. That he was able to respond to all calls (except in some special
emergency) both public and private. It is quite possible, however,
that the pressure of the enemy so far into Georgia and the great loss
of rolling stock; have marked some change. |
| If there are any officers of this
Department who are speculating on the necessities of the
"people" I would be glad to have such information as
will enable me to take prompt on their cases. Many of them are
doubtless not without faults. But something definite must be forwarded
me before I can attempt corrections in any case. |
| A. R. Lawton, Q. M. G. |
|