|
{From the minutes of the
Directors' Meeting of the North Carolina RR, February 27,
1863} |
| |
| Co Shops, Feb 27th 1863 |
| |
| The Board met at the call of
the President, he having been requested to do so by the Governor.
Present: |
| Webb President |
Cameron |
| Gorrell |
Mebane |
| Barrington |
Shaver |
| Hargrave |
|
|
| |
| ***** The following letter was
read to the Board. |
| State of North Carolina |
| Executive Department |
| Raleigh Feb 26th 1863 |
| To the Prest & Directors of the N. C. R. R.
Co. |
| Gentlemen, |
| I regret that a great press of
business accumulated by a recent absence from home, renders it out of my
power to attend your meeting; especially so, as it was called by Mr Webb
at my request. I am compelled therefore to put my proposition before you
in writing. |
| The great necessities of both
the country and Army render the subject of transportation of the most
vital importance, and it was with the view of doing something if
possible, to increase the power and efficiency of your Road that I asked
Mr Webb to call this meeting. |
| Being the main trunk road of
the State, into which all the other roads discharge themselves it is not
to be wondered at that it should have proven unable to meet the demands
made upon it. Without intending any reflection whatever upon the
management of the Road, it may I think be fairly said that it is
overtaxed and is clearly unequal to the task of transporting the freight
which is waiting upon it. The supreme importance of that required for
the use of our Army is acknowledged: whilst the wants of the State in
corn for the poor, and the cotton bought to redeem our obligations
abroad, are scarcely less so. |
| I am able to see but one
remedy, and that is to permit the Atlantic & N. C. R. R. Company to take
charge of and work the Eastern section of your road, from this place to
Goldsboro, for such length of time and under such terms as you may think
best. Having the unemployed rolling stock & employees &c. I am convinced
that Company can work it well, and that it would give the balance of
your road the motive power to put new life and vigor into its
operations. With my limited experience in Rail Road matters I shall not
argue the proposition: I could give gentlemen of your experience no new
light, I am confident. |
| But I am assured by four
fifths of all Rail Road men with whom I have conversed that the
arrangement could be made without loss to your Road, and with infinite
advantage to the public, and would be greatly superior to the plan
proposed in lieu thereof of running cars of other companies over it by
permission. |
| I beg leave also to remind you
of the very great importance of prompt and regular communication, in a
military point of view, between this place and Goldsboro, which we now
do not enjoy. I am aware gentlemen of the extreme repugnance with which
our independent Rail Road Co. would regard a proposition to farm out a
portion of their Road to another, on various accounts, and I should feel
great delicacy in making the proposition, did I not sincerely believe
that the public interests, before which every minor consideration must
give way, imperatively demands it. |
| Trusting that you may so regard it, and if
so, confident that you will promptly give the proposition at least a
trial, I have the honor to be gentlemen, most truly and |
| respectfully yr obt. svt. |
| Z. B. Vance |
| The proposition herein
contained was examined and discussed and the President was directed to
communicate to the Governor the opinion of the Board that it was
inexpedient. |
| Mr. Barringer submitted the
following which was agreed to -- Resolved: |
| That the President of this Co.
be instructed to ascertain on what terms an arrangement can be made with
the A. & N. C. R. R. Co. for the use of the whole or any portion of
their Engines & Cars for transportation of freight and passengers on the
Road of this Co. to and from Raleigh & Goldsboro: And if such
arrangement cannot be made for the rent of said Engines and Cars as
aforesaid, then to ascertain on what terms the said A & N. C. R. R. Co.
will take a contract for the Transfer of Frt. over the said portion of
this Road to & from Raleigh & Goldsboro, for a temporary period & that
the Prest. be authorized to make such final arrangement on this subject
with the said A. & N. C. R. R. Co. as he may think proper. |
| On motion of Mr Mebane: |
| Ordered -- That fifty cents per cord be
paid to such persons as granted the right of way, without compensation,
to this Company for wood cut by the Company within the one hundred feet
each way from the centre of the Road. |
| On motion of Mr. Cameron: |
| Resolved: That the Secretary immediately
notify every Officer of this Company that if he be engaged in any
speculation and use his official position to procure Transportation over
this Road he shall be forthwith discharged. |