| Office Mobile & Ohio R. R. |
| Mobile Jany 21st 1862 {Sims
was not a Major until mid-63, so this had to be 1864} |
| |
| Maj F. W. Sims |
| Chf Rail Road Bureau |
| Richmond |
| |
| Major, |
| Allow me to introduce to your
favorable attention my friend, Col. J. Bliss, of Gainesville Ala. |
| Col. Bliss represents the
Mississippi, Gainesville & Tuscaloosa Rail Road, which extends
from Gainesville Junction Station on our Road to Gainesville Ala, a
distance of 22 miles. The Road is entirely in the Prairie ???
formation and is very difficult and expensive to keep up, and has no
Rolling Stock, except what is hired to the by our Company. Some after
the assembling of an army Genl Bragg directed Maj Gord?? to impress
labor and put the Road in good order, but he was soon after relieved
and the same orders and authority given to me. We directed the Company
to hire the labor and repair the Road for early as practicable, and as
far as I know the Government has not reimbursed them for the amount
expended. |
| The Road is an important one
for the Government in the Transportation of the Provisions from the
rich country in the vicinity of ??? which, in winter, cannot be
transported in any other way. |
| I understand that the
Department at one time regarded this Road and classed it as a Branch
of our Line, and, if so, it was an error. It was constructed by a
distinct company, and our association with them, or any control over
it. We have furnished assistance to build it, and now hire them
Machinery to operate it. |
| The Road has a very small
business, principally for the Government, is more expensive to keep up
than any other road of the same length and I think under the
circumstances is justly entitled to higher rates than are usually
paid. |
| Very Respectfully |
| L. J. Fleming |
| Chf Eng & Genl Supt |
|