NP, AC 5/5/1864

From the Augusta Constitutionalist
 
May 5, 1864
 
Blockade Prices
   The Wilmington Journal of the 12th contains the following report of a catalogue sale of blockade goods in that city on the 11th:
   *****
railroad iron, 1.60 per lb
   *****
{"Railroad iron" usually meant rails. The 1861 price for rails was $50 per ton of 2240 pounds; at the above price, such a ton would cost $3584. This is the first hint that any track was brought through the blockade. The railroads used a lot of other iron for construction and repairs to cars and machinery; this was usually called "bar iron" and was available in limited quantities from Tredegar and other places.}

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