| Jany 3nd 1865 |
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| Maj. S. R. Chrisman |
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Q. M. Greensboro N. C.
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| |
| Major, |
| Your dispatches informing me that Mr.
Sumner {Superintendent, North Carolina RR} had
withdrawn his engines is at hand and I want a line to understand why
he did so. It seems that your troubles increase instead of diminishing
and if sympathy can soften your position, I can assure you of mine. |
| I have today telegraphed to Dr. Hawkins {President,
Raleigh & Gaston RR} to send you all the help he can and hope, but {3
words lost in crease of paper} a
favorable reply. I am repairing an engine here which will take forever,
but she will I think do you good service when placed upon the road.
The engine "South" from Weldon {probably
a Petersburg RR locomotive} should be
with you by this time. These are about our prospects. I hope you are
trying to get help from W C & R {Wilmington,
Charlotte & Rutherford RR} and W. N.
C. RRds {Western North Carolina RR}.
There seems to be a want of management on the Piedmont road that is
not increased in ability and until it is remedied foreign stock will
go there only by compulsion, send its worse engines, with best trains in
the present dilapidated condition. |
| I had hoped that Mr. Sumner would view the
proposal to take charge of it more liberally there is informed from his
communications. It should be worked by things beyond all question, but on his terms
did not meet with the approval of the powers that be -- of course it
was impossible. Genl Lee read his letter and opposed its transfer of
the road under Mr. Sumner's terms. Mr. Dodamead will be on the road in
a short time and his ability should produce satisfactory results. I
asked Cone this morning to go to Greensboro for a fortnight ?????
declined. |
| Very respy |
| F. W. Sims |
| Lt. Col. & Q. M. |
|