| From the Raleigh Standard |
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| August 28, 1861 |
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| The Deep River Country |
| We are indebted to the courtesy of C. G.
Wright, Esq., of Cumberland, for a copy of the following letter
addressed to him by the Secretary of the Navy: |
| |
| Confederate States, Navy Department |
| Richmond, Aug. 19, 1861 |
| |
| Hon. C. G. Wright, |
| House of Delegates, Raleigh |
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| Sir, |
| A full supply of coal in your State, in
connection with the present and future operations of a steam navy, I
regard as of very great importance; and hence I observe with interest
every indication connected with it. Will you be pleased to advise me
as to the prospect for completing your Fayetteville and Coalfields
Railroad? {Western RR} |
| The mineral wealth of your State, and
particularly of the Deep River country, points to an early
establishment of such great work-shops as the defence of our
Confederacy will demand; and I deeply regret that the common sense of
the South in years gone by, had not established them. |
| I am, respectfully yours, |
| S. R. Mallory |
| Sec. of Navy |
| |
| The above letter speaks for itself. It
shows that the attention of the Confederate government is earnestly
directed to the great mineral resources of the Deep River country; and
it shows also how important it is to North Carolina that line of
Railroad should be at once laid down, connecting that region with the
Railroads of the State {ie the Chatham RR
connecting to the North Carolina RR}. We trust the Legislature
will take the necessary steps promptly to complete the Fayetteville
and Coalfields Road. |
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