Office of the Mississippi & Central R. R.
Co.
| Holly Springs, September 22, 1861 |
| |
| Hon. Jefferson Davis |
| President Confederate States of America,
Richmond |
| |
| Dear Sir, |
| Supposing the most
speedy manufacturing of arms for the Confederate Army, and the
keeping in good order the equipments of the various railroads in the
Confederate States for the expeditious movement of troops and
munitions of war, to be of great importance, and perhaps vital to
our success, and knowing the difficulty of obtaining the requisite
number of mechanics to accomplish this object, pardon me for
suggesting that permission be granted to look for mechanics among
the volunteers of the Army, and if any be found that leave of
absence be granted them on condition that they engage their services
to some one of the many who would gladly employ them during the
continuance of their furlough. It is well known that many valuable
mechanics felt it to be their duty to tender their services to the
country, who now occupy places in the Army, and whose place could be
supplied by those not mechanics. By this method, carefully pursued,
it is probable many shops now almost destitute of mechanics could be
supplied and the number of workmen in others increased. |
| With respect, I remain your obedient
servant |
| W. Goodman |
|
| [Indorsement] |
| Secretary of War |
| The within suggestion has been
complained of by others. In some instances a remedy might be found
in transfer to local defense. |
| J. D. |
|