Millborough, September 20, 1861
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| His
Excellency Jefferson Davis |
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| I have just received a note from Major
Harman, inclosing a dispatch from you stating that you understood
that cars were detained here for the purpose of store-houses, and
that the cars were wanted, and must be sent down. |
| The small county of Rockbridge is the
only place that I have had to press teams; I have had them in
service now for about two months, and, the roads being in such a
terrible state, most of them are now broken down, either horses or
wagons. I have never been able to get any teams from Staunton, where
they have a fine rich country to get teams from |
| In consequence of this, provisions have
accumulated upon me to such an extent, that I have had to keep some
twelve or fifteen cars for several days. |
| I will immediately have sheds erected to
put provisions in, and have them unloaded as soon as possible. We
have some ten or fifteen days' provisions ahead with the army. |
| I would respectfully refer you to General Loring or
to Major Corley, the quartermaster of the northwest, for the manners
in which provisions have been forwarded form this place heretofore
and for the disadvantages under which I have labored. |
| Very respectfully, your obedient servant, |
| W. L. Powell |
| Captain, Acting Quartermaster |
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