| From the Richmond Daily Dispatch |
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| September 8, 1863 |
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| Governor's Message |
| Executive Department |
| Richmond, Va., Sept. 7, 1863 |
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| Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Delegates |
| ***** |
| I have received a communication from the
President of the {Virginia} Central railroad, enclosing a report made to him by
the Superintendent, on a subject of great importance to the road, and
not less to the State and the Confederacy. The demands for the transportation
of passengers and freight over this and the other railroads of the
State have been very great, and the roads have been severely taxed to
meet them. So far they have fully met the demands, but it is apparent
to any person that will pass over them that extensive repairs are now
much needed, and must be made, or they will be broken down and
rendered useless. Besides great difficulty is experienced in procuring
cross ties and the necessary supply of wood for fuel. Labor is
indispensably necessary to relieve them, and so far as legislation can
aid them I am satisfied it will be cheerfully extended. |
| The Central, Orange & Alexandria, and
the Virginia & Tennessee roads have more to apprehend from raids
than any of the other roads in the State, and this apprehension makes
it difficult to procure labor on reasonable, or indeed on any terms.
The owners of slaves are unwilling to hire them on these lines, lost
they may be seized and carried off, or may be induced to abscond.
Under these circumstances they very properly desire that the subject
shall be brought to your attention. The papers are herewith submitted,
and I trust your wisdom will enable you to devise some measure of
relief. |
| ***** |
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