| {Found at the Valentine Museum
with the archivist notation: Response to Sec. War Seddon
November 1862} |
| Whereas the Hon James A Seddon Secty of
War has called on the managers of Railroads in the Confederate
States for counsel and cooperation in conducting Government
transportation, and in maintaining and keeping up to the greatest
possible efficiency the principal lines of communication throughout
the country therefore |
| Resolved That we recognize the necessity
for the most perfect harmony and cooperation, as well between
connecting roads, or with government, and to this end we recommend
that every road in the country enter into a contract with the
Government under the following stipulations and provisions viz |
| I Such reasonable compensation for transportation of
freight and troops as will fairly remunerate the roads each to be
judged of you its own merit. Troops to be carried by the mile and
freight at a specific rate for all distances up to 25 miles and for
each additional 25 miles allowing the additional rate to obtain
whenever the distance exceeds the ??? to which the lower price is
fixed. |
| II Suitable accommodations and comfort to be provided
for sick and wounded soldiers and specially a supply of pure water |
| III Prompt movement of Government freight to the
exclusion of all other (in preference to all other) |
| IV To arrange schedules both for passenger and
freight trains so as to make the best possible connections with
adjoining roads |
| V Whenever any road has a surplus stock of Engines or
Cars, which are wanted on another road to render a line more
efficient such Engines and Cars to be distributed upon just and fair
terms to be agreed upon |
| VI The Superintendent, at an early day to report to
the officer in charge of government transportation the general
characteristics of the road, the character and extent of rolling
stock, giving as nearly as possible its ability for transporting
passengers in number and freight in tons daily each way; also the
number of trains of all descriptions that can be run daily each way,
and to report from time to time any change in the condition of the
road or rolling stock, with any other information that will enable
the Transportation Bureau to have at all times a correct idea of the
condition and ability of the roads |
| VII To cause to be gathered up, and placed at the
disposal of government, all scrap iron belonging o the road of every
description, reserving such only as is necessary for repairs, for
which reasonable compensation is to be made |
| VIII The roads to have detailed from the army or
government shops such mechanics and experts as are absolutely
necessary to keep up and operate them |
| IX Government to allow rolling mills furnaces and
foundries to furnish supplies necessary to keep up and maintain the
roads and rolling stock and to furnish to roads steel files or other
supplies that maybe important |
| X To the extent that new rails or T bars but little
worn can be had Government to exchange with roads for them worn out
upon fair terms to be agreed upon |
| Resolved: That in view of the present
and prospective necessity for a supply of pig iron, rails Engines
and Cars we earnestly recommend that suitable establishments for
their construction and manufacture be encouraged by all railroad
companies in the country, and that each road should lend capital,
prorata according to mileage for the last fiscal year requisite to
put such works in successful operation |
| Resolved: That we regard private
capital, skill and energy as necessary to ensure complete success in
manufacturing, therein we greatly favor the formation of commercial
firms, to be aided by railroad companies for building Engines, Cars,
and the production and manufacture of iron |
| Resolved: That it is the ??? interest
and in our judgment, the duty of government to countenance
establishments for the constructing of Engines, Cars and the
production and management of iron for railroad purposes, to the
extent of allowing rolling mills furnaces and foundries now in
operation to furnish supplies necessary for a commencement and also
to undertake the importation of tools, steel, tin, files &c &c
necessary for such works |
| Resolved: That the chair appoint a
committee of three to wait upon the President of the Confederate
States and ask his recommendation for Congress to pass a resolution
sanctioning the importation by Government of supplies necessary for
works to construct Engines and Cars and that iron establishments now
in operation be allowed to furnish the necessary material to put in
operation such works. |