|
Memphis Tennessee |
| April 21st 1862 |
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|
Mr. W. A. Murdock Esq |
| F. A. Hamilton |
| |
| Sir, |
| Your are hereby appointed to take the
control and management of the business of shipping sugar and molasses
from Memphis to certain points on the Mobile & Ohio R. Rd. which it is
designed to exchange with the planters of the country for Bacon, Flour,
Meal &c for the support of the Army. |
| The Sugar and Molasses will be selected,
classed and valued by competent brokers appointed for the purpose, who
will make out invoices of each lot, and give to the owners thereof a
receipt, specifying that the property was taken by my order and stating
the amount due to each owner, which is to be paid in Confederate Bonds.
The selection and shipment of the sugar and molasses must be pushed
forward with all possible despatch, and I shall instruct the Provost
Marshal, Quartermasters, and Superintendent of the Memphis & Charleston
R. Rd to furnish the necessary aid within their respective provinces for
the prompt discharge of the business entrusted to you. When the shipment
is completed, you will report to me the aggregate amount and value, and
adopt such measures as may be necessary to effect a barter or exchange
of the Sugar & Molasses for such articles of provisions as are required
for the subsistence of the Army. |
| Having confidence in your experience and
ability, the arrangements of the details for effecting the exchange are
left to your discretion and judgment. A uniform tariff of prices must be
fixed on the Sugar and Molasses, according to grade, and quality and no
sales whatever to be made except in exchange for provisions. |
| Semi monthly reports will be made to me of
your transactions, and all provisions received in exchange will be held
subject to the order of Col R. B. See Chief of Subsistence for the Army
of the Mississippi. |
| I am Sir Very Respectfully |
| Yr. Obt. Serv't |
| Jas. E. Slaughter |
| Briga & Inspt General |
| C. S. A. |
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