| Quartermaster General's Department |
| Nov. 10th 1864 |
| |
| R. R. Cuyler Esqr. {President;
Central (of Georgia) RR and South Western RR} |
| Prest. etc |
| Savannah, Geo. |
| |
| Sir, |
| I am not surprised that you feel annoyed
at the delays in making payments to your Roads. To one at a distance
it seems impossible that funds cannot be provided more promptly &
with more system than they are. |
| But had you accepted the Post of Sect of
Treas. (as I sincerely desired you to do) or could you be a
"looker on" in any office for one week only, I am sure you
would fully appreciate our difficulties. To me, the cause of surprise
is that we have been able to pay as well! |
| If the R. Rd. Co.'s will cooperate with me
in the new arrangement I am confident they will be more promptly paid.
Under the former system of auditing there were great irregularities
differing with the localities; & much favoritism I fear. Moreover
several honest QMasters will find themselves in serious trouble about
their accounts, because they did not know the of the Comptrollers
& Auditors of the Treasury. It is absolutely necessary that these
accounts be audited at one office for the present until a
uniform system is introduced. If the R. Roads then desire it, it is
probable that another change can be made. |
| I had Mr. Garrison's paid about the sum
claimed to be due your roads in order that you should not for the
present suffer for funds on account of any irregularities or informality
in the accounts. |
| A. R. Lawton Q. M. Genl. |