| Box 1458 Post Office |
| Richmond, 2 June 1863 |
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| The Hon J A Seddon |
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Sect at War |
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Richmond |
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Sir, |
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In February at Raleigh NC, I wished to purchase from Col
Wadley locomotive Engines No. 34, 226 and Genl Price
{all captured Baltimore & Ohio RR locomotives}.
He referred me to Captain Sharp as to price &c. From Captain Sharp I
bought the Engines for $22,000/--. |
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In April, I wished to pay for the Engines but in the
Department here. I was told it was proper for me to have a bill of
them cut from Captain Sharp. I then wrote him requesting the Bill.
He did not answer the letter. |
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In May, I again sent a letter, requesting him to give me
an order on his agent at Raleigh for such material as I might search
as he had suitable for their repair. He did so and I had the
material laid aside for my use. I then requested his agent Mr Manson
to furnish me with a Bill for the material and Engines so as to
enable me to settle the account. Mr Manson answered he was coming to
Richmond & would arrange with me here. |
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On yesterday, I was surprised to learn that Engine 34 had
been sold to another party -- the Piedmont R. Rd. Co. |
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Why such took place, I do not know. I informed Capt Sims
of my having purchased the Engines, and that I had not only
purchased, but had possession since 1 March, as one of the Engines "Genl
Price" was delivered to me by Captain Sharp as shown by copy of his
letter enclosed. This fact in itself, the delivery to me, I
considered sufficient proof of the Sale & purchases, being a
Bonefide and proper transaction. |
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Captain Sims appeared disposed to do right and referred
to Capt Sharp by Telegraph. He later stated, "by Telegraph." I did
not make the purchase. I then requested Capt Sims not to decide
until I could write to Captain Sharp at Columbia S. C. He refused
delay & he said he had done all that was requested for him to do. |
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These are the facts of the case, so far as I know them. |
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I enclose you Capt Sharp's letter showing he delivered me
one of the Engines -- one that was in repair & fit for use on the 1
March and he states in that letter, the parts of the remaining two,
that required repairs. Can anything be clearer? as to their
sale. As to the payment, I have done all in my power, by necessity,
to get the Bill and ??t a payment. |
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I have to respectfully request you to ??? the Engines be
delivered to me. |
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I would not make this or any other request from you if
the Public ??? ??? be addresses by non-compliance. But in this case,
it cannot be so, as another Engine??? three are 7 or 8 such, can be
obtained by the Piedmont RR Co from the forces of ????? adapted to
that use ????? and Mr W desired to be taken from me. |
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I now let this appeal to you, knowing how desirous you
are to deal in a spirit of Equity ????? The R. Road I ??? ???
here suffered more from the effects of the War than any other in the
Confederacy, having lost in property nearly one million of dollars.
We saved from nearly 300 cars & Engines, only 100 cars & 10 Engines.
The latter are working and have been employed solely for the benefit
of the Government. |
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I have expended a large amount in building shops for the
repairs of Engines and the building of cars for the uses of the
Government. This I have done since the Government had done away with
their own shops at Raleigh, to which when in ???tences I purchased
the Machinery for. |
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The Engines I purchased, I wish to repair at once and
would have them in use in one month. They have not been been
intended for private use, only for the Government Transportation. |
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Under these circumstances, considering the purchases and
actual delivery to use, & as the Piedmont RR Co cannot suffer any
delay, by ??? and these Engines say the 33 now laying at Co. Shops
on the N. C. R. Rd in lieu of the ones I purchased. I respectfully
request you will direct the No. 34 be given me again & some other
Engine given the P. RR Co. in her stead. |
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With great Respect |
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Yr obt Svt |
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Hugh Rice |
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Chf Engineer & Genl. Supt |
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Manassas Gap RRd |
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{on back of document} |
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AG |
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Referred to the Supt of Transportation for inquiry & report |
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By order |
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J A Campbell |
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ASW |
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A&IGO |
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June 9/63 |
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Respy submitted to Capt. Sims Supt. of Transportation |
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By command of Sec of War |
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Saml W Melton AAG |
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A&IGO |
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June 11/63 |