| Executive Department, C. S. A. |
| Richmond, Va. |
| March 12, 1863 |
| |
| Col. Wm. Preston Johnston |
| Aide-de-Camp to the President |
| |
| Colonel, |
| You will proceed, without unnecessary
delay, to Atlanta, Ga., Montgomery,
Ala., and Tullahoma, Tenn., to carry out the instructions which will be hereinafter given you,
and such others as you may verbally receive. |
| ***** |
| At Montgomery
you will investigate the alleged difficulties of transportation
between the railroads meeting in that city {the
Montgomery & West Point RR and the Alabama & Florida (of
Alabama) RR}, and ascertain the
progress upon the gunboat there building, and any other matters of
interest that may come under your notice. |
| ***** |
| You will communicate with this office by
letter, from time to time, if you think it necessary, and, upon the
completion of the duties herein assigned you, you will return to
this city and report to me in person. |
| Very respectfully, yours |
| Jefferson Davis |
|