| Wil. & Weldon RR Co |
| Wilmington N. C. |
| Dec 18, 1863 |
| |
| His Excellency |
| Jefferson Davis |
| President C. S. of America |
| |
|
Mr. President,
|
| Allow me to refer the inclosed letter to
you and to say that this Engine was sold to this company before
it was sold to the Piedmont Railroad Company. |
| Major Sims knowing our great need of this
engine for our Branch road to Tarboro in consequence of the
destruction of one by the enemy in July last wrote me that I could
take it at its estimated value ($10,000). I immediately replied I
would take it. In about ten days he informed me that the Hon Secy of
War had refused to let any machinery for our gauge (8 ft 4 1/2 inch)
be delivered to any Road in North Carolina. |
| I claim it under the first sale and beg
you will in conformity with your friendly & kind promise when you
were with us cause the Engine to be delivered to this company for
which we will pay the Government its price. |
| I am Mr President very |
| respectfully |
| Your ot svt |
| S. L. Fremont |
| Chf Eng & Supt |
|
| {on back of letter} |
| S. L. Fremont |
| Chf Eng & Supt W. & W. R. R. Co. |
| Wilmington Dec 18, 1863 |
| |
| Enclosing decision of Sec of War relating to an Engine
now in possession of Piedmont R. R. Co. Appeals from that decision,
claiming that he had a right to the Engine, it having been first sold
to himself by the Dept. |
| |
| Secty of War for remarks |
| J. D. |
| |
| Scy of War |
| Q. M. G. |
| For report as to facts. |
| JAS |
| |
| QMGl Dec 29, 1863 |
| Resp. referred to Maj F. W. Sims for report. |
| By order of Qr Mr Genl |
| W. F. Alexander |
| Maj & Asst to the Qr Mr Genl |
| |
| Rail Road Bureau |
| Richmond Jany 6/63 {should be
"64"] |
| Respy referred to Q. M. G. This
Engine was engaged to the W&W RRd but before it was delivered the
necessity of stock for the Piedmont RRd were discussed and the Secy of
War instructed me, verbally, to husband all that was suitable for it.
I wrote to Mr. Fremont immediately withdrawing my proposition and I
find on examination of my letters that my withdrawal was dated Aug
29th while his acceptance of my offer was dated 31st Aug. The engine
was never in his possession though under other circumstances he should
have had it. He needs it I know but it is now in possession of the
Piedmont Co. |
| F. W. Sims |
| Maj & Q. M. |