NA, RRB 1/6/1862

Mobile Jan'y 6th, 1862

 
Capt. H Oladowski
Ch'f of Ordnance
Depts West Florida & Ala
 
Captain,
   If possible will you please send me three more Blacksmith. I am now building four more forges which will all be done this week. Today one was finished and luckily I found a man to work it. The Barbette Gun Carriages ordered by you are nearly done. The irregularities of the holidays and lack of blacksmiths is all that has delayed me.
   Gen'l Wither wants more Barbette Carriages for 32 Pdrs and has directed me to construct them. This of course I must do, but at the same time will go on with Field Artillery as you direct and do work only as fast as my eight Blacksmiths can keep the iron work up. Today I paid off my men for December but had not funds enough to pay lumber bills and pay up in full for the first Battery of wheels constructed by A. Moorhouse from contract. To pay off these bills will take Five hundred dollars. All bills for Iron & are ready for you when you come over. Please write me soon and ?????
Respectfully yrs
J. W. Goodwin
Supt Whitsler Shops

Home