| Jany 30th 1865 |
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| Capt. G. A. Cuyler |
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A. Q. M. Macon Ge.
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| Captain, |
| The Government intends to build 200 box
cars after the drawing enclosed, the iron work to be constructed by
the "Selma Iron Works" of Selma and the wood work by Mr John
D Gray of Columbus Ga. A copy of the contract with "Selma Iron
Works" is enclosed for your guidance, and you will please proceed
to Columbus and make your headquarters there to disburse the money,
and take charge of the property connected with the construction of
these cars. My arrangement with Mr Gray, and which I desire you to
draw up a contract for our signatures, is to pay him 25% on the cost
of the car body, and the truck, painting, numbering, and placing the car
body and truck together in a substantial & workmanlike manner, in
addition to the cost thereof. I would advise you to consult with Mr
Adams or Mr Powers about the detail of the matter to be inserted, or
you might see Mr Gray and after consulting with him draw up the
agreement. Our contract is very simple; the govt will sell the
iron work at Mr Grays shops and Mr Gray is to do all the remaining
work for which he is to get the cost and 25% profit. |
| The terms of payment you will gather from
accompanying papers and you should make a requisition immediately and
at such future intervals as may be necessary to meet the engagement
promptly. I have advanced the one hundred thousand dollars due on the
contract with "Selma Iron Works" and enclose the receipt of
its agent. In exchange therefor please sign the enclosed receipts
officially and return them to me. You can hold the receipt of the Iron
Works as your security, making the necessary credits, as the
deductions called for in contract are allowed. |
| You will receive the iron work at Selma
after being inspected by Major J. M. Hottle and accept his written
report as to its being up to contract. You will then have it
transported to the shops of Mr Gray. When the cars are ready for
delivery you will call upon Maj. J. M. Hottel to inspect them and upon
his written report that they are up to contract receive and pay for
same. |
| As you are now to take charge of money and
property it will be necessary for you to be acquainted with Q. M.
accts and I would advise you that you cannot be too particular in
keeping a record of everything you do. You will not find it
troublesome after getting accustomed the forms, but until you do it is a
vexatious business. |
| The enclosed papers are copies, the
originals being on file in this office, of contract with Selma Iron
Works, mortgage of same to secure advance of $100,000 already made,
drawing of car, authority of directors of S. I. W. to mortgage its
property and power of Atty for Jno Hudson to draw the advance of
$100,000 & his receipt for same. |
| Since writing above have concluded to send
you the original papers as the mortgage deed has to be recorded at
Selma which you will have done at once. |
| Very respy |
| F. W. Sims |
| Lt. Col. & Q. M. |
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