| Richmond Feb 27th 1864 |
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Col. F. W. Sims |
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Chief of Bureau of RRs & Transportation |
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Sir, |
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I desire to call your attention to my friend Mr James
Sims of Mississippi, the writer of the enclosed letter; and to say
that if you need the services of an energetic, thorough business
man, you could not do better than to give him employment. When quite
young he was a stage driver in this State; he then emigrated to
Mississippi and there became an extensive mail contractor and making
money settled down as a farmer. His negroes have been taken by the
yankees and his plantation laid waste, and he is now quite anxious
to fill some position in the public service, for which he may be
qualified. He is over forty five years of age, enjoys good health
and is without a family. I know him well and regard him as a
gentleman, not only of reliability, but of great experience and
superior qualifications as a business man. I refer you to my friend
Mr Baster and shall be glad to hear from you. Address me at Macon
Nosubee County Mississippi. |
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Most respectfully |
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Jno. W. C. Watson |
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{enclosed letter} |
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Holly Springs Jany 7th 1864 |
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Hon J. W. C. Watson |
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My Dear Sir, |
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You must pardon me for troubling you but I am very
anxious to contribute my small might in this great struggle. You
know from my affliction I am not able to go into the ranks, but I do
think I can render the Government some service in some other
capacity. |
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Maj Mims wrote me to come down to Enterprise. I went
down, he wanted me to purchase horses mules &c but I told him I did
not think I could be any use in this part of the country. I would
like to go in the transportation department, as I think I understand
that business better than any other. But, I am willing to do any
thing. I want to be steadily employed. If you go to Richmond soon
mention that letter to the President that he endorsed whilst Walker
was Secretary of Was as I think he thinks I am in the services of
the Government. |
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I would be pleased to hear from you soon. I heard from
your family not many days since they were all well. I suppose you
have heard of the capture of your nephew young Mr Warringham and
William Hauer was captured of last Wednesday by the yankees on their
way down after Forrest which we all regret very much ??? ??? The
weather is intensely cold at this time. Ice from four to six
inches thick and snowing at this time. The thermometer has been as
low as 4 degrees below zero, which you know is very cold for this
climate. |
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Genl Forrest has come out of Tennessee with from three to
four thousand troops, he is at this time south of the Tallehastabula
River, they cant do any thing this weather if they can keep from
freezing they will do remarkably well. Let me hear from you soon and
below me. |
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My dear sir |
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Your obt st |
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J Sims |
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