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Wilmington & Weldon Rail Road Co.,
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President's Office,
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Wilmington, Jany 9, 1864. |
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| Major F. W. Sims |
| Quarter Master Dept |
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| Sir |
| I have received from you the
following telegram "Transportation will be advanced if only one
mail train is run will you take off one train the first of February,
if other roads will contact Post Master General will release
you." |
| I perceive your object is to
increase the facilities for Government Transportation. I assure you
that heretofore the means at our disposal have been industriously
engaged in the performance of that object, and it is my desire to do
all that is practical in the future to aid you in this matter. |
| The question is will your
proposition accomplish your object. I have consulted with the
Superintendent of this road, and herewith send you a copy of his
letter. |
| You will see that he is of the
opinion that we cannot successfully prosecute our business, unless two
passenger trains are continued. The view I take is that the amount of
travel offering, consisting largely of furloughed and wounded soldiers
compels two trains per day -- with but one, we cannot begin to accommodate
it. Our Engines are of that class even if they were in good order they
could not do the work, and in their imperfect condition cannot do it. |
| Suppose that we ignore all
travel except on Government account, we then should have as much as
our trains per day could do, and in the event of misconnections 24
hours would elapse before travel could be resumed. |
| On this score it seems to me
it is beneficial to the Government to continue the two trains. I do
not now speak of the transit of bodies of troops, for they have
preference over all transportation, even if every train is required. |
| Again suppose we discontinue
one train and add to the motive power for Government work the number
of Engines required to do the work. How will that expedite
transportation? It is not the lack of Engines that impedes our
progress, as much as the want of cars. Had we cars much more might be
accomplished than we now perform. |
| For view therefore of these
facts I think it would be impolitic to do as you suggest. We are
making arrangements by hiring a large gang of carpenters and other
mechanics, to manufacture cars and improve our motive power so as to
put us in condition to meet your requirements, and we hope unless
prevented by the enemy, we shall not be disappointed in our
expectations. |
| The question of increased
compensation I think you should seriously consider. I affirm that at
the present compensation paid us for Government work which is but
about one half of our specie rates of 1861, in connection with the
exorbitant prices we pay for labor and every article of supplies, that
were it not for outside receipts we could not maintain the road in
working order and would be compelled to cease operations for want of
means to carry it on. |
| I know that much is said about
the large dividends the Rail Roads of the country have declared. It
needs no argument to convince you who are familiar with such
operations that this is only apparent. You know that the dividends
realized by the owners of these roads in peace times wee more
valuable than those now received. And again, that the dividends now
realized are in fact not derived from profits, as the roads are being
worn out, and it will require vastly more money to place them in good
order after the termination of the war, than has been distributed in
dividends. |
| These remarks are made in no
complaining spirit, but to elicit your serious consideration. You may
depend upon the cordial cooperation of the authorities of this road to
aid you in the arduous duties devolved upon you. I would suggest that
you invite to meet you in Richmond the Presidents and Superintendents
of the several roads to debate this and other pertinent matters that
there may be unity of agreement & action. |
| In conclusion I again assure
you that my unwillingness to agree to your proposition is not from
want of disposition to serve your department, but because I believe
you will not be better served, while this Company will be materially
injured. |
| Yours Respty, |
| Yours |
| S. D. Wallace, |
| Pres {President,
Wilmington & Weldon RR} |