| Confederate States of America |
| Adjutant General's Department |
| Railroad Bureau Richmond June 12th 1863 |
| |
|
Genl. S. Cooper |
|
A&I Genl |
|
Richmond |
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General, |
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On the morning of the 1st day of June Capt Myers of the
Piedmont and Mr Hugh Rice of the Manassas Gap Rd walked into my
office apparently in company with each other. Capt Myers remarked to
me that {he} had bought the engine "No
34" {a captured Baltimore & Ohio RR
locomotive} from Capt T. R. Sharp A. Q. M. at Raleigh and
desired to arrange with me as to the price. Mr Rice then spoke
saying that he had already purchased the engine "No 34" from Capt
Sharp, some time ago. A good deal of conversation occurred in regard
to the engine, but the substance of it all was that both parties
claimed her and both alleging to have bought he from Capt Sharp. To
settle the question I telegraphed Capt Sharp as follows: "Mr
Hugh Rice says you sold him the engine "No 34" and Capt Myers also
claims that you offered her to him on Friday. Which shall have her."
To which Capt Sharp replied: "Mr Rice did not agree to take the
engine "No 34", only enquired of me what I would take for her.
Consequently I gave Capt Myers the refusal. I suggest that you let
Capt Myers have the engine." |
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Soon after the receipt of this dispatch Capt Myers called
and I sold him the engine for the Piedmont Road. Mr Rice calling
still later desired me to revoke my decision until he could
communicate with Capt Sharp which I refused to do. |
|
These are the facts and I believe do not differ in any
substantial point from Mr Rice's statements in the enclosed
communication. There points for consideration which Mr Rice does not
mention, as for instance he has no road upon which to run an engine;
while this is the only chance the Piedmont road has to supply itself
with motive power. Also that he has an opportunity of buying an
engine which still remains unsold and which he suggests as suitable
for the Piedmont Railroad. The Railroad interest would not suffer if
Mr Rice owned no stock, the same remark cannot be applied to the
Piedmont Railroad. These engines are all in dilapidated condition
and can only become useful after much repair, which will be made as
soon by the Piedmont road as by Mr Rice. |
|
These suggestions do not affect any claim Mr Rice may
urge to engine "No 34" arising from a bargain with Capt Sharp, that
point is decided in the dispatch above recited so far as my action
is concerned, but they do show that the Railroad interest is not
suffering in consequence of the direction affairs have taken. |
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I am, General, |
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Very respectfully |
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Your obdt servant |
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F. W. Sims |
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Capt. & A. A. G. |
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{on back of document} |
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Resp submitted to Hon Sec of War |
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H. L. Clay |
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AAG |
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A&IGO |
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June 15/63 |
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Capt Sims |
|
Secy of War |
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Noted -- Approved |
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JAS |
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Scy |