| Quartermaster General's Department |
| Richmond, March 11th 1863 |
| |
| Cap. J. L. Coles |
| A. Q. Master |
| Columbia, S. C. |
| |
| Sir, |
| Rail Road Companies are bound for the loss
of Government freight, occurring in the course of its transportation
from one point to another. They are not relieved from this liability
by the fact that they carry Government freight at a lower rate than
that charged to individuals. |
| In such a case as is stated by your letter
of the 20th ultimo where property (wagons and harness), shipped in
good order, was destroyed by fire, while on the train, the Company is
clearly responsible for the value of the damage; and the evidence
thereof should be furnished to the officer who settles the
Transportation account of the road, that he may deduct it therefrom. |
| A. C. Myers, Q. M. Genl |
|