| Quartermaster General's Department |
| Richmond, Aug. 19, 1863 |
| |
| Major M. Morfit |
| QM |
| Petersburg, Va. |
| |
| Sir, |
| A correspondence between certain officers
of the Wilmington & Weldon Rail Road, and yourself, has been
forwarded to the Secretary of War, and by him referred to this Office. |
| I regret to observe the tone and temper
with which you conducted your part of this correspondence; and,
earnestly desire that all officers of this Department should have
regard to the rights and feelings of citizens in their official
intercourse with them, and not mistake undo harshness of expression
for zeal in the service of the public. The habit of crimination, and
recrimination, as between Quarter Masters, and Superintendents of Rail
Roads, will scarcely facilitate our transportation, while we sustain
our present relations to them. I am quite sure that a calm perusal of
your own letters will satisfy you that Mr. Fremont is entitled to an
explanation of the very harsh language applied to his conduct. |
| A. R. Lawton, Q. M. Genl. |
|