| From the Southern Recorder (Milledgeville, Ga.) |
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| December 27, 1864 |
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| Augusta and Milledgeville Railroad |
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| Messrs Editors: |
| The enclosed letter contains suggestions
which should be published in order to reach more readily the ears of
those who can act in the premises. The Augusta and Milledgeville road
is the most direct to Macon, whence pass the supplies from
South-western Georgia: and it is probable that it can be constructed
earlier than the necessary repairs could be made on the Central Road
from Millen to Macon, while it would be safer from Yankee raids. |
| M. |
| |
| Dear Sir, |
| Some knowledge of the wants of the people
of Virginia, and recent observation of the abundant supplies in
South-western Georgia and Alabama have led me lately to reflect
closely upon the quickest and most practicable method of restoring
communication with those sections. The result of my reflections, I am
tempted by the possibility of being of service, to submit for your
consideration. |
| The line of communication I propose is the
Milledgeville Railroad. |
| The iron on this road is laid from
Warrenton to Mayfield. The road bed from Mayfield to Milledgeville is
graded -- except a small quantity of rock near Culverton, in Hancock
county. This rock, Capt. Geo. P. Hazelhurst, (now in the Confederate
service, and stationed at Columbus,) long since informed me, will
prove no obstacle, as it does not increase the grade so much as to
prevent running over it. |
| The distance from Mayfield to
Milledgeville is 36 miles. |
| The length of the Washington Branch
of the Georgia Railroad is |
18 miles |
| The length of the line of road from
Milledgeville to Eatonton is |
21 miles |
| Total |
39 miles |
|
| These two portions of roads, now
comparatively useless will furnish iron and superstructure; and
further, will facilitate progress by permitting track laying to
commence at both ends. |
| There would remain, then the single
obstruction of bridging the Oconee at Milledgeville; and this can be
easily overcome by building crib piers, to serve until a more
permanent structure can be erected. |
| It strikes me that a force of five hundred
hands -- three hundred at Milledgeville, and two hundred at the
Mayfield end -- would complete the work in a very short time. |
| Very truly yours |
| *** |