| Ordnance Office |
| Wilmington N. C. |
| August 7th/63 |
| |
| Maj. W. S. Downer |
| Supt. Armories |
| Richmond Va. |
| |
| Maj., |
| In reply to your letter stating that only
12 bales of hides had been recd by you, I have the honor to say, that I
counted 15 in the depot here & have the R. R. & Quartermasters receipt
for that number. I suppose the other 3 will soon arrive as they were
certainly shipped. |
| I send you by freight train tomorrow, the
larger part of the cargo ex "Lee" 18 car loads which I hope you will
safely receive. |
| I have sir, the honor to be |
| Very Respectfully |
| Yr Obt Servant |
| Jno. M. Payne |
| Lt. & Ord Off |
|