| Quarter Master's Office |
| Charleston March 27th 1864 |
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| General Thomas Jordan |
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Chief of Staff |
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Savannah |
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In consequence of the great scarcity of long forage which must
ensue in this State, from the difficulty of transportation over the line
of Rail Roads, I would take the liberty of suggesting that the different
District Quarter Masters be directed to require from me a sufficient
number of ploughs to be used in preparing the many abandoned fields on
the Coast, which without other preparation than a single ploughing,
could furnish hay about enough to supply the amount of long forage
required for the Stock. In the month of April, the Marsh grass will
become available and will last until the fields prepared, as proposed
above, will yield grass. |
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If my suggestion be approved of, I beg that the District
Commanders in the State be directed to carry it out as far a
practicable. The mules and the harness belonging to field transportation
will be sufficient for the purpose, without requiring anything more than
the ploughs. |
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Each acre of land will yield from 1500 to 2000 pounds of
hay, sufficient to feed from 150 to 200 horses for one day, the cost of
which will be from $52.50 to $70. |
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No expense will be incurred, save that of the cost or hire
of the ploughs. Should proper energy be used by Brigade and Regimental
Quarter Masters, fifty ploughs, I think, would be sufficient, these to
be transferred from one district to another. |
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I have the honor to be |
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Your Obt Seavt |
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Motte A. Pringle |
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Maj & Qr Mr |
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