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Kinston {N. C.} |
| Feb 9 1864 {might be Feb 1} |
| |
| {From the text it is clear this
was hand delivered by a messenger. It was found in the papers of John D.
Whitford, who, as President of the Atlantic & North Carolina RR may have
been addressed a Colonel. If sent to Whitford, it was probably sent to
Goldsboro. The ship being built was probably the Neuse, which was
built under Hoke's protection at Kinston and had its boiler installed in
mid-February, 1864.} |
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| Col. |
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Lieut Justin goes to see you about having the Boiler
brought forward. All the iron here will be prepared for the boat to
arrived & we are fitting it on as fast as the holes are drilled. Another
machine will be arranged for drilling tomorrow & the work will go on
more speedily, so you see how soon the iron will be mounted. The Engines
are in the boat and we are now waiting for the boiler which please have
brought forward at once. After it is gotten in this work will go on
night and day. I ??? your despatch telling me that. ????? iron will be
down in the morning for which I am obliged, but this will keep me going
but a short time. |
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Commodore Lynch has the iron at Wilmington awaiting
transportation. |
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He proposes to have the holes drilled there but I much
prefer to have it done here as we are prepared for it and can do the
work as fast as it is possible for the force to put it on. I put a party
at work making coal in the morning so there can be no excuse for delay.
I wrote you to try by mail but as I have to send up for steel write
again. |
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Very Respectfully |
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Yours R Hoke |
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Brig Genl |