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Office Mobile & Ohio R. R.
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| Corinth Miss April 27th 1862 |
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|
General Thomas Jordan
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| A. Adj. Genl. |
| Head Quarters |
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| General, |
| Your favor of the 24th ult., stating that
Mr Chuin complained that this Road would not transport Hospital Stores
from Meridian to this place, was received on my arrival here
yesterday. |
| I am also in receipt of an Order from Maj.
Hurt directing all hospital stores to be sent by the first train after
the demand for transportation is made. |
| In relation to the complaint lodged by Mr
Chuin, I have to say that it is contrary to the custom of this Road to
impose any obstacle to the speedy transportation of Government
Freight. For several days past all trains from Mobile have been
fully loaded with Troops, and but one Passenger Train has come
through. Application was made at Meridian by some one to put some
boxes in the Baggage Car of that Train which was full of baggage,
and was directed by me to take it to the Express Car, which he
refused to do. |
| If the Agents of this Company have refused
to ship public stores by the Mail Train the excuse may be found in the
General Orders issued by Quarter Master General Myers under date of
Feby 10th 1862 which contains the following clause: |
| "Public Stores must not be sent by
Mail Train without special orders from the Quarter Master General."
These orders were reprinted by my direction and a copy given to each
Agent and Conductor. I have, however, given special instructions to
the Agents at Mobile, Meridian & this place to take public stores
by the Mail Train whenever the requisition was made by the Commanding
officer of any Post, and large amounts have been transported in this
way with great expedition. The Auditor at Richmond has always refused
to allow the compensation for the service, but this company has never
stopped to inquire the cost to them when it could render a service to
our Country. |
| I am Sir |
| Very Respectfully |
| Your Obt Svt |
| L. J. Fleming |
| Chf Eng & Genl Supt |