NA, RR 7/14/1863

Charleston, S. C.
No. 88 Mills House, July 14, 1863
 
John M. Otey
A. A. Genl.
 
Sir,
   It is estimated that there is manufactured daily in Charleston District from three to five thousand bushels of Salt {up to 150,000 lbs or about 10 carloads}. By interpretation the recent order prohibiting the Railroads shipping Provisions and Subsistence Stores from this place, includes Salt, and ??egirently a large amount of that scarce and indispensable article must soon accumulate in Charleston.
   I would call your attention to the fact, that there is more Salt being manufactured within the limits of this city than is necessary for the use of its people and for the use of the Army defending it, a source of supply which would still exist even if the city were invested.
   If the order above referred to could be so modified as to allow the shipment of Salt when the cars were not needed for Government transportation, it would be a great accommodation to many interested in its manufacture, in whose behalf you will please excuse me for venturing this suggestion.
   I regret that you will exercise your own discretion in determining whether you will trouble Genl. Beauregard with so trivial a matter at such a momentous time.
I am Sir, very Respectfully &c.
Young J. Anderson

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