Richmond, Fredericksburg & Potomac R. R
| President's Office, Richmond, October 9, 1863 |
| |
| Hon. James A. Seddon |
| Secretary of War |
| |
| Sir, |
| Your note dated the 3d, and postmarked the
6th instant, in reply to mine of the 30th ultimo, in relation to the
importation by other railroad companies of supplies necessary for
the maintenance of their railroads, has duly arrived. You state that
you should prefer that the presidents of the railroads should
correspond among themselves or assemble by their own arrangement to
consider the subject. This company and the others that have already
succeeded in procuring supplies through the agency of Captain
Robinson have no longer any special interest in the subject. Any
invitation to such a convention from them to together railroad
companies, and any suggestions made by them at such a convention
called by them, would very probably be considered an officious
intermeddling in the affairs of others by persons having no concern
in them, and be disregarded, and would certainly fail to carry with
them any weight or authority. But from the Secretary of War, charged
with the function and responsibility of maintaining the military
transportation of the Confederacy, and for that purpose clothed by
the act passed at the late session of Congress with the eminent
authority to compel all railroad companies to maintain in efficient
condition their roads and machinery, or in default of their doing so
to do it himself at their expense, taking possession of them if
necessary, such a convocation and such suggestions, with the offer
of such propriety and persuasive authority. For these reasons, while
I shall be always most willing and ready to contribute every
exertion I can make toward accomplishing what is so important, so
essential to the success of our cause, I must respectfully leave the
subject with you, not doubting that you will appreciate its urgent
importance, nor the special facilities just at this time presented
by Captain Robinson's recent successful mission and opportunities
for further negotiations and by the present improved aspect of our
military operations. |
| With great respect, your obedient servant |
| P. V. Daniel, Jr. |
| President, etc. |
|