| From the Wilmington Journal |
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| March 21, 1863 |
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| For the Journal |
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| Messrs. Editors, |
| Can't you induce the managers
of the Wilmington & Weldon Railroad to keep their passenger cars
in a more cleanly condition? Is there no soap, no brooms, no water, no
men to be had, to keep them in a decent order? Seriously, if more
attention is not given to this matter, the yellow fever, or some other
malignant plague or pestilence, will be engendered on board said cars
before the 1st of July next. Where is Captain Fremont? |
| Also, can't some of the
Conductors be induced to be civil and kind to sick and wounded men? It
is a shameful truth, that our soldiers are sometimes treated by some
consequential Conductors and other Railroad employees (who ought to be
in the ranks of the soldiery,) more as intruders, as beasts or animals
than as brave men, who are exposing their health and lives, and
sacrificing their all for the sacred cause of independence. Where is
President Wallace? Will he not induce a reform, or have such men
conscripted? And will not he and the Superintendent see to it that
water, fires, good seats, &c., are provided for these sick and
wounded men who are daily being transported over their Road? The laws
of Congress, patriotic humanity, common justice, all demand a change
upon Railroad in this and other respects. |
| And ho happens it that the
produce and ill-gotten gains of speculators and extortioners are
carried over our different Rail Roads, when at the same time
transportation is denied to the subsistence of the wives and children
of our soldiers: denied to Hospital Stores for sick and wounded men,
and denied to those "good men and true" who in contact with
the greedy shirks of the speculating tribe, are devoting themselves,
mind, soul, body and purse to the good of the cause? I would not
insinuate that the Presidents, Superintendents and Managers of the
Roads allow this to be done. They are too just and patriotic to
tolerate it, when such conduct comes to their knowledge. But in these
days of increasing crime, licentiousness, and corruption, they will
not take it amiss in me to remind them that subordinate officials are
some times unable to resist the tempting bait of a little extra pay. |
| The suggestions embodied in
these remarks are made in a spirit of friendship to the Road, and of
kindness to ins excellent President and Superintendent. But public
opinion, sanctioned and sustained by the demands of patriotism, is not
satisfied with the management of affairs, and the sooner the proper
authorities realize this, the better it will be for the Road. |
| An Army Officer |
| March 19, 1863 |
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| We dislike to publish anything
against any of our Railroads, but the above communication comes from a
gentleman occupying a high position in the Medical Department of our
army, and we feel bound to publish it, so that if the grievances
exist, as charged, they may be remedied -- if not they may be
disproved. |
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