| Virginia Central Railroad |
| General Superintendent's Office |
| Richmond, Va. Oct 29 1862 |
|
|
| Capt Mason Morfit |
| AQM &c |
| |
| Sir, |
| I find that Major Hill's goods were lost
while in the cars of this Company. The car had a hole in it, as many
of our cars have, and through it the thief entered. I have been
unwilling to carry these valuable goods in such cars, but at times am
forced to do it, but only for the Government. The cars have been
damaged by troops. We have repaired them again & again & we
are now repairing, as fast as we can get materials; but it is
impracticable to keep our cars in condition so long as troops are
being moved on the road. I hope that the Company will not be held
accountable for the losses it sustains in this way, as I shall in that
case be compelled to adopt the rule for Government supplies that we
now apply to Private Customers & refuse to carry such articles
unless entirely sound cars are at hand. I think you will not blame me
for this decision. |
| Very Respectfully |
| Your Obt Sevt |
| H. D. Whitcomb |
| Genl Supt |
| |
| {on the back of the letter} |
| Respectfully referred to Maj Hill, with my endorsement
of the facts stated by Mr Whitcomb. For the past three months the V.
C. R R has been in constant use night & day. |
| Mason Morfit |
| Capt & A. Q. M. |
|