NA, RR 4/21/1862

Memphis Tennessee
April 21st 1862
 
Mr. W. A. Murdock Esq
F. A. Hamilton
 
Sir,
   Your are hereby appointed to take the control and management of the business of shipping sugar and molasses from Memphis to certain points on the Mobile & Ohio R. Rd. which it is designed to exchange with the planters of the country for Bacon, Flour, Meal &c for the support of the Army.
   The Sugar and Molasses will be selected, classed and valued by competent brokers appointed for the purpose, who will make out invoices of each lot, and give to the owners thereof a receipt, specifying that the property was taken by my order and stating the amount due to each owner, which is to be paid in Confederate Bonds. The selection and shipment of the sugar and molasses must be pushed forward with all possible despatch, and I shall instruct the Provost Marshal, Quartermasters, and Superintendent of the Memphis & Charleston R. Rd to furnish the necessary aid within their respective provinces for the prompt discharge of the business entrusted to you. When the shipment is completed, you will report to me the aggregate amount and value, and adopt such measures as may be necessary to effect a barter or exchange of the Sugar & Molasses for such articles of provisions as are required for the subsistence of the Army.
   Having confidence in your experience and ability, the arrangements of the details for effecting the exchange are left to your discretion and judgment. A uniform tariff of prices must be fixed on the Sugar and Molasses, according to grade, and quality and no sales whatever to be made except in exchange for provisions.
   Semi monthly reports will be made to me of your transactions, and all provisions received in exchange will be held subject to the order of Col R. B. See Chief of Subsistence for the Army of the Mississippi.
I am Sir Very Respectfully
Yr. Obt. Serv't
Jas. E. Slaughter
Briga & Inspt General
C. S. A.

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