| Confederate States of America |
| Quartermaster's Department |
| Montgomery, Ala. March 22 1863 |
| |
| Col. Wm. Preston Johnston |
| Aid de Camp to President |
| Richmond, Va. |
| |
| Colonel, |
| I regret that my temporary absence on
duty prevented my meeting you on your visit at this post, as I
should have been pleased to have given you much fuller information
on the subject of your enquiries, than Capt. Kenworth was enabled to
afford you. |
| In addition to what has already been
submitted, and in response to your esteemed communication of the
19th inst., I have the honor, most respectfully to submit the
enclosed statement of the number of wagons, teams &c, and the
expense necessary to carry on the city transportation here, as
nearly as I can estimate it. |
| The first contract for city
transportation was made by the Quarter Master Genl and the terms
then stipulated have not been varied from since, so much so, that
2240 lbs to the ton have been insisted upon in all instances, when
R. Rd. Co.s and private parties paid drayage at the rate of
2000 lbs pr ton. |
| Nearly 18 months ago, Chas. T. Pollard
Prest. &c {President, Montgomery West
Point RR and Alabama & Florida (of Alabama) RR} proposed to
connect the roads for an advance from Government of $30,000.00,
which measure received my most cordial sanction and cooperation; I
urged its propriety upon Genl. Waul M. C. and other members of
Congress; why this was refused, I never knew, but the result has
been that I adopted the only alternative, and continued to hire
transportation as before. |
| What the probable expense would be now
of connecting the R. Rd.s & River, I cannot say, but that an immense
saving would accrue to the Government, by such an arrangement, is
beyond doubt; |
| I have the honor to be |
| Colonel, Very respectfully your obt sevt. |
| J L Calhoun |
| Maj & A. Q. M. C. S. A. |
|