| Memphis July 19, 1861 |
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| To Maj. Genl. Polk |
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| The undersigned Presidents of Railroads
desire respectfully to bring to your attention the fact that our
several roads in common with others have consented to an arrangement
with the government of this Confederate States by which we transport
soldiers & munitions of war of every kind at half price &
receive our pay in Confederate Bonds. The service we perform being of
an unusual & irregular kind constantly requiring extra trains to
be run out of regular time, our compensation will not meet our actual
expenses. We are however contented with the arrangement & are
endeavoring to carry it out in good faith. But in passing soldiers
over our roads we find some of them are disposed to disregard all our
rules and to ride when & where they please in defiance of the
conductors & officers on the trains. In many instances trains have
been forced to start & stop out of time thereby greatly
endangering the lives of passengers. Under the pressure of these
difficulties we appealed to Brig. Generals Clark & Cheatham for
relief and they were pleased to make the orders which we herewith
enclose. Should you deem it proper we would {be}
pleased if you would give to this order your official sanction
as commander in chief. |
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Most respectfully yours
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| Milton Brown |
| Prest Mobile & Ohio R. R. Co. |
| Sam Tate |
| Prest Memphis & Charleston RR |
| Jas. P Wood |
| Prest Memphis & Ohio RR Co |
| F. M. White |
| Presdt Miss & Ten RR Co |
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