| Office of the Richmond & Danville
Railroad |
| Richmond, June 19, 1861 |
| |
| To his Excellency Jefferson Davis, President
of the Confederate States of America |
| |
| Sir, |
| I have the honor to
communicate to you the enclosed certified copy of a resolution adopted
by the Board of Directors of the Richmond & Danville Railroad
Company at a meeting held on the 12th day of June, 1861. |
| I beg leave to state
concisely, that the proposed connection between the Richmond &
Danville Railroad and the North Carolina Railroad will require the
construction of about 40 miles of road only, and will, when made,
present the straightest and nearest line from Richmond to Kingsville
and Branchville, in South Carolina, the distances respectively being
419 and 460 miles. |
| An inspection of the
accompanying map, which I have caused to be traced for the purpose,
will show the route proposed. It will be seen that the route will be
nearly midway between the Atlantic coast and the western boundary of
Virginia, and will occupy, through its whole extent, a central
position in the territory of the Confederate States, so that it will
be the least exposed to hostile interference, and, indeed, would only
be occupied by the enemy when he had overrun both Virginia and North
Carolina. It would thus afford the safest route at all times for the
transportation of troops and munitions of war. |
| It may be proper to add, that
the country through which it passes embraces much of the richest grain
growing counties of Virginia and North Carolina, which would ensure a
supply of food, even if both the eastern and western routes were in
the hands of the enemy. |
| I would respectfully ask a
conference with you at your earliest convenience in regard to this
matter, provided you think it of sufficient importance to occupy the
attention of the Government. |
| With great respect, |
| I remain, |
| Your obedient servant, |
| Lewis E. Harvie |
| President of the Richmond & Danville
Railroad |
|