Savannah, GA., August 26, 1862
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| S. R. Mallory |
| Secretary of the Navy, Richmond, Virginia |
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| Sir, |
| The destruction of the C. S.
S. Mississippi at New Orleans by the C. S. naval authorities
has defeated the purpose for which we have been laboring--the
preparation of a war vessel which would give supremacy to the C. S.
navy in the Gulf of Mexico; and in making this final report of our
proceedings we think it proper to give a brief statement of our
connection with this vessel. |
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*** We found that there was but one establishment in the Confederacy
that could roll plate iron suitable for covering the vessel. That
was in Richmond, and could not aid us on account of previous
engagements.
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We tried to induce other establishments to prepare for and undertake
it without success, and we commenced preparations to cover with
railroad iron, but received a letter from Messrs. Scofield &
Markham, of Atlanta, Ga., stating that they would consider our
proposition to change their rolls and make iron plating. One of us
went to Atlanta, and on the 14th day of November made a contract for
plates to be made and drilled and bolts to be made for the entire
covering of the vessel.
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| This required
about 1,000 tons of iron plating and 160,000 pounds of bolts {enough
iron to make 50# T-rails for about 10 miles of track, both sides} .
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| *** The iron casing made by
Messrs. Scofield & Markham, of Atlanta, was at times delayed for
want of coal and for want of their workmen, who had volunteered in
the Army. When these deficiencies were supplied they fulfilled their
contract in the most prompt and satisfactory manner. We had much
trouble in the transportation of this iron on account of the
necessary movements of the Army and Army supplies. We first received
it by way of Memphis and the river, then via Grand Junction by the
railroad; and after the occupation of that line by General Johnston
we received via Mobile, Montgomery, and Jackson. The Etowa, Ga.,
works were delayed in making a part of the bolt iron ordered for the
casing for want of hands, who had left them for the Army.
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| *****
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| Very respectfully, your obedient
servants,
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| N. & A. F. Tift
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