| Atlanta |
| July 25th 1863 |
| |
| To Hon James A Seddon Sety of War |
| Richmond, Va. |
| |
| Dr Sir, |
| As Railroad Stock and Tracks have become
much dilapidated and run down owing to the impossibility to procure
the necessary materials for repairing them, and as they are frequently
subjected to Military interference by inexperienced Officers of
Government, and as all Railroads are now in immanent danger of the
Raids of the Enemy whose object it is to tear up the Tracks, burn the
Bridges &c &c, we think it therefore highly important that the
Government should appoint or Commission an officer of Railroad
experience to exercise a controlling power to protect and aid Railroad
officers in preventing any unnecessary Military interference with the
Roads, Rolling Stock or Motive Power, also to use all Military force
within reach to assist in making prompt repairs of all damages that
may originate from the incursions of the Enemy. |
| An officer of this description and
character, with authority as above described could render much
valuable service to the Roads in Georgia, and knowing as we do the
great necessity for such an Officer we beg leave to urge its
importance upon the consideration of the Government, and at the same
time we most respectfully recommend for the position A. A. Genl G. W.
Lee, now filling the office of Commander & Provost Marshall of
this Post. |
| Having had a strong acquaintance with Maj
Lee, and knowing his capacity and experience in Railroad matters, we
desire to secure his services in this capacity. He has had several
years official experiences in the Georgia Roads, and is well qualified
to discharge the duties of such a position Satisfactory to all concerned.
He would understand that we do not desire Military Control or
interference by inexperienced officials, but military aid to repair
any and all damages (whenever such assistance should be deemed
necessary) that may occur to the Railroad Bridges and Tracks from the
Enemy raids. |
| We learn that Maj Lee will accept the
position and since there are doubtless many persons with sufficient
qualification for discharging the duties of Commander of this Post,
and but few whose experience and qualifications would suite them for
this position as mentioned in the forgoing part of this Communication
we earnestly hope that our suggestion and recommendation may meet your
approval. |
| Very Respectfully |
| We are |
| Your obt Sts |
| John S. Rowland Supt. W&A RRoad {Western
& Atlantic RR} |
| G. B. Walker M. T. {Master of
Transportation} W&A RRoad |
| Jno P. King Pst of the Geo RRd and of the Atlanta &
WPT RRd {Georgia RR and Atlanta & West Point
RR} |
| Geo. G. Hull Supt. A. & W. Pt. R. R. |
| |
| Prompt action in this matter is highly desirable &
will be gratifying to all parties. |
| E. B. Walker MT W&A RRd |
| |
| {On reverse side of the letter} |
| W. D. 1667 |
| E. B. Walker & other RRd
officers |
| Atlanta, Ga. |
| July 25/63 |
| Misc |
| Recommending the
appt of an officer of Rail road experience to prevent unnecessary
military interference with the Roads, Rolling stock &c &c and
G. W. Lee recommended. |
| The Secy of War |
| The persons signing
this paper manage the different roads that meet at Atlanta. The
recommendation is entitled to great weight. |
| Rcd. July 29/63 |
| Ansd July 31/63 |
| |
| Such an Worely as is
asked could not again think Company Major Lee almost: Constantly in
Atlanta suttr the E?? in the Field -- es praintly Genl Bragg. |
| A Rail R
Superintendent of Govt Transportation already exists in Maj Sims who
is believed to be active & efficient. Similar poss is to a?? ???
and confusion. |
| {The two paragraphs above are
very hard to read, but the meaning of the second one is clear.} |
| JAS Sy |
| July 30th '63 |