Confederate States of America, War Department
| Montgomery, April 24, 1861 |
| |
| H. J. Ranney |
| President of the New Orleans, Jackson & Great
Northern Railroad Company, at New Orleans |
| |
| Sir, |
| The President has referred to this
Department your letter of 20th April, inclosing the resolutions of
the Board of Directors of the New Orleans, Jackson & Great
Northern Railroad Company, tendering the company's services for the
transportation of troops and munitions of war for the Confederate
States free of expense. Rest assured that this highly generous and
patriotic action of your directory comes to this Government at an
opportune moment and is most acceptable in form and substance.
Nothing could be more gratifying to the Administration than such
profound evidences of devotion to the common cause. Men imbued with
so elevated regard for public necessities, and a spirit so
self-sacrificing, are indeed worthy of liberty, and set even before
the members of the Government the loftiest example of personal
bearing in view of the arduous duties incident to their position. In
the name of the President and each member of the Cabinet, I return
you and your directory, individually and collectively, our sincere
and undivided thanks. The Quartermaster-General will receive
instructions to communicate with you in detail. |
| I have the honor to be, with consideration and
respect, your obligated and obedient servant |
| L. P. Walker |
| Secretary of War |
|