| Decatur Ala March 13 '62 |
| |
|
To Mess |
| Jno. S. Claybrooke |
| Prest. Tenn & Ala R. R. Co. |
| Tho. Martin |
| Prest. Central Southern R. R. Co. |
| and |
| Jas. W. Sloss |
| Prest. Tenn & Ala Central R. R. Co. |
| |
| Gentlemen, |
| I have received your
communication applying to me for relief in regard to the alleged removal
by Military Authority of the locomotives and for loss and injury to the
rolling stock on the Nashville & Decatur Railroad: and for the bridges
that have been burned on the Tennessee & Alabama Railroad. |
| I have not given any
military authority to take possession of the rolling stock on the
road, we attempted to control them except by applying through my Quarter
Master for such transportation as was necessary. The Superintendents
have usually made the arrangements willingly; and the contract or
agreement between them and the Quarter Master are the proper evidence of
the extent and character of the service, and will entitle the companies
to compensation from the Government in the customary manner. As to the
arrangements between the Superintendents among themselves, that is a
matter for them to adjust, and not for me. The necessary emergencies
often required me to order the destruction of the bridge at Columbia,
and the other smaller bridges on the road may be considered as embraced
in the scope of the order. The preservation of the country from invasion
is a question paramount to property, and the general welfare, to ???
interests. The claim, by the usages of war, in such cases, must address
itself to the superior wisdom ???, and inde??ily must defend upon its
equity, and not on the decision of the General. |
| I transmit a copy of the
order, which was, however, countermanded as to the turnpike bridges. |
| I have the leave to be |
| Your obt svt |
| A. S. Johnston |
| Genl. C. S. A. |
|