| War Department, C. S. A. |
| Richmond, October 1, 1863 |
|
|
| General Joseph E. Johnston |
| Commanding Department of the West |
|
|
| General,
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| Information has been received that the
Mississippi Central Railroad Company evinces an unwillingness to
save, for the use of the Government, its rolling-stock, whenever
endangered by the operations of the enemy in your department. It
would, therefore, be well to seize, to prevent capture by the enemy,
or impress the rolling-stock of this company in all instances where,
in your judgment, it is injudiciously exposed to capture by the
enemy, with a view to preserving it for future use in transportation
on that and other roads.
|
| Very respectfully, yours,
|
| James A. Seddon
|
| Secretary of War
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|