SOR, Series 94, Page 518

Headquarters
Marietta{, Georgia}
July 31, 1862
 
Colonel J. I. Whitaker
Commissary General
 

Colonel,

   Finding that there was but little prospect, on account of the impossibility of large importations, that private enterprise would afford a supply of salt for our people this year, and knowing how indispensable it was to health and comfort, I determined, as the executive of the state, to do all in my power for the relief of the people, though I might, by assuming the responsibility, be exposed to the censure of speculators and such captious fault-finders as can never be pleased.
   After considerable effort, I have succeeded in procuring a lease upon a sufficient supply of salt water at the Virginia Salt Works to make 500 bushels per day, during the war, and till three months after its termination, if we should need it so long. 
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   The railroad companies in this state have shown a liberality and a disposition to afford relief to the people in the present emergency, which entitle them to the gratitude of all.
   I determined to carry the salt imported by the state, over the state road to the places of deposit and sale, free of charge, and to carry from the place of sale to the depot of the consumer, free. I communicated this determination to the presidents of the principal roads of the state, and asked their cooperation, and that they also carry all salt imported by the state free, as well while in possession of the state as for the consumer after he has purchased from the state's agent, and if affords me great pleasure to say that I have received responses from the following railroad presidents, in the order mentioned, promptly and cheerfully agreeing to render this public service free of charge, till further orders: Honorable R. R. Cuyler, President [Georgia] Central Railroad and Branches, and of the Southwestern Railroad; Isaac Scott, Esquire, President Macon & Western Railroad; Honorable John King, President Georgia Railroad and Branches, and of the Atlanta & West Point Railroad.
   It is not doubted that the president of each other road in the state, will meet this request with like liberality and patriotism.
   The salt imported under my direction will, therefore, no doubt, go to any point in the state on a railroad to the consumer purchasing from the state agent, free of charge for freights.
   I shall do what I possible can to supply all during the summer and fall and I trust, with what may be made by the Georgia Salt Manufacturing Company, whose office is located at Augusta, and with what our people will make upon the coast (it is expected that all who live near the coast will at least make their own supply,) that all who practice strict economy may have enough.
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Joseph E. Brown   {Governor, State of Georgia}

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