| Ex. Dep. |
| Milledgeville Ga. |
| March 16th 1863 |
| |
| Col. Wm W Wadley |
| Ast. Augt. General |
| Richmond |
| |
| Dear Sir, |
| Herewith inclosed you will
find a copy of a communication just received at this Department from Mr
John Screven President of the Atlantic & Gulf R R. in this state in
reference to the seizure by the agents of the Navy Department of the
Confederate Government of the iron belonging to that Company. Although I
regard the subject as one of vast importance, the strong and cogent
manner in which the subject is treated by Mr Screven are deemed
sufficient to relieve me from the necessity, if any otherwise existed,
of presenting an argument to one so well prepared to judge and to decide
upon the proper course to be perused. |
| The State of Georgia is an
owner in the Atlantic & Gulf R. R. to the extent of five elevenths of
the entire property. The question presented by Mr Screven is a serious
one, but one which I have not as yet thought it proper to decide. But
serving us I do that the reasons presented by him are altogether
sufficient, upon the grounds of sound public and common sense, to induce
the Navy Department to change its policy, and desist from what seems to
be the purpose of removing and appropriating all the iron belonging to
said company, and virtually destroying the utility to the Government and
people of that and its connecting road. I trust you will at your
earliest convenience present this matter before the proper authorities,
and that you may be successful in accomplishing the deserved object. |
| I am Very respectfully |
| Joseph E Brown
{Governor 0f Georgia} |
|