| Quarter Master General's Department |
| Richmond, April 19th 1864 |
| |
| Major Harris |
| Montgomery, Ala. |
| |
| Maj. Hillyer QrMr |
| Selma, Ala. |
| |
| Sir, |
| The attention of this
Department has been called to the very distressing need of corn for
the support of the poor in upper Georgia; & the efforts of the
State of Geo. to supply this want, from purchases made in Alabama.
Appeal has also been made to me for assistance in getting this corn
forward. |
| The urgent need in the case
is seen & felt, & the appeal is strengthened by the fact that
in many cases the supplies of these families have been consumed by our
own troops, whilst their protectors are away in the field & unable
to afford them any help. These circumstances impose upon us the duty
of supplying our armies in the field, in bringing its supplies of food
to the relief to these families. Government transportation of
course cannot be furnished, as it would be a violation of good faith
to the R. Roads; but you will permit, & as far as possible
facilitate the transportation for the State of Geo. of the corn
purchased by her, to the extent of five car loads per day. If in your judgment
greater facilities can be granted without injuriously
retarding the shipment to the army, you will report the facts to me
for further instructions & similar is requested, if you find the
privilege granted seriously affecting the supplies for the armies. |
| A. R. Lawton, Q. M. Genl. |
|