| Wilmington N. C. |
| June 29th 1863 |
| |
| Capt F W Sims AAG |
| Richmond Va |
| |
| Captain, |
| I write to bring to your
attention a matter connected with this road of the very first importance
to it and the Gov't. It is the need we are under for mechanics to keep
up on machinery. Without some immediate assistance from the Govt in the
way of details of men from the army. I do nos see how we can keep up our
line much longer. Before giving you the names of certain mechanics I
would beg leave to state a few general facts. We have a line of one
hundred & seventy one miles which since the war commenced has been very
heavily taxed in the transportation of troops of troops & Govt freights.
Over this line is also caused the great through mail. As a link in our
seaboard line its importance in a military point of view I suppose is
duly appreciated. As a means of keeping up the line of Govt steamers
between this place & Bermuda by bringing down cotton for them is of
primary importance in truth, it is the only road over which they can
obtain impressed cotton. It is probably unnecessary to add other facts
which might be cited as I take it those in authority in Richmond fully
appreciate the importance of all rail roads in these times. From the
service which has been imposed on our machinery it is well nigh used up
and unless we can obtain men to repair it I do not see how this line can
be much longer kept up. In obtaining men from the army, I would beg
leave with great respect to state that if the consent of the subordinate
officers must be obtained to detail. I despair of obtaining any men. It
is extremely rare that a company or regimental officers will consent to
part with a man and unless the Secty of War orders the detail I am under
the belief we will obtain no relief. Company & regimental officers do
not understand and appreciate our needs & hence will not part with men
unless ordered to do so. I hope therefore the Secty will see fit to
order these details. Without an order I am satisfied we will not get
the men & without the men our road cannot be kept up. I would argue our
need of men in as strong language as I can command. These details are
absolutely necessary for us. This species of labor cannot be obtained
elsewhere & without it we must go down. I would therefore beg of you to
present this matter to the Sectys attention as forcibly as you can and
obtain as speedy action on the previous as possible. The following are
the names of men I would beg be detailed. Sergt Jn P. Gayle trade
Engineer Co D 2nd Regt So Co Kershaws Brigade. Private Jno Newton trade
blacksmith, Hamptons Legion So Ca troops. Richd Harrison trade moulder,
Moores Lt Artillery Capt A D Moore. At Kinston N. C. Maj Genl D H Hills
command. G. C. Davis trade coppersmith Co H 2nd Regt NC troops. Benj
Bates, trade machinist, Capt J R B?? Co Artillery Maj Genl D H Hills
command. Private Thos W. Lane trade machinist Co A. Capt Chas White,
10th Regt SC troops Col A. M. Managault. |
| Your Obdt Servt |
|
Henry M Drane |
| Genl Supt {Wilmington
& Manchester RR} |
|