| Executive Department |
| Canton, Georgia
|
| June 6, 1862
|
| |
| Col. Benjamin May
|
| Treasurer W. & A. R. R. {Western
& Atlantic RR}
|
|
|
| Sir,
|
| I have, through the agency of Hon. John
W. Lewis, secured a lease on such interest in the Virginia Salt
Works as will enable me to have made on State account, a
large quantity of salt during the summer, if our forces hold the
possession of East-Tennessee. Dr. Lewis has consented to take the
control and direction of the works for the public benefit without
compensation. The absolute necessity for salt makes it important
that all be done which can be to secure a supply for the people of
the State. My intention is to have kept a strict account of every
dollar of public money spent in the business, and to order the salt
sold to the people of the State at such price as will only cover
cost to the State. It will be necessary to have funds to carry on
this business, and as no appropriation was made for this purpose, I
order and direct that you pay, out of the funds belonging to
the W. & A. R. R., all drafts made on you by Dr. Lewis, and you
will receive credit at the treasury for the sums thus paid before
your annual report is made up, as the money will be paid into the
Treasury as soon as the salt is sold.
|
| Joseph E. Brown
|
| Governor of Georgia
|
|