| Naval Gun Foundry and Ordnance Works |
| Selma, December 5, 1864 |
| |
| Lieutenant-Colonel William Richardson Hunt, C. S. Army |
| Nitre and Mining Bureau |
| Selma, Ala. |
| |
| Colonel, |
| You are aware that for two months we could
not cast guns for want of iron. The difficulty appeared to be the want
of transportation. We have lately received some iron, but not as
rapidly as we could cast it into guns. |
| At my instance General Taylor issued
orders to transport iron for guns and a special train was sent up for
it last week {on the Alabama & Tennessee
River RR}, which train I am informed, brought down iron on
Friday or earlier. |
| On Saturday Mr. Boyle informed Mr. Wurback
that we would not have enough iron to cast again today, and urged him
to let us have it as soon as possible, but he has not yet delivered
the iron. In consequence, we cannot cast a gun today. Mr. Boyle has
also seen him twice today, and has again requested him to let us have
the iron. But now, at 3 p. m., Mr. Wurbach informs him that the iron
has not been weighed or inspected, and that we can not have it today,
thus causing us to lose another day in casting. |
| Please give such instructions as will
prevent unnecessary delay in the future, and I would also ask that
whenever we want gun iron that unusual exertions be made to supply us. |
| Very respectfully, your obedient servant, |
| Catesby ap R. Jones |
| Commandant |
|