| Goldsborough |
| January 26, 1863 |
| |
| Hon. James A. Seddon |
| Secretary of War, Richmond |
| |
| My Dear Sir,
|
| ***** |
| But the shortest and best road from New
Berne to Kinston crosses to the left or north bank of the Neuse some
10 or 12 miles below Kinston. I scarcely think they will cross the
river; if they do I have two brigades here ready to move by railroad
toward Weldon, Kinston {on the Atlantic &
North Carolina RR}, or Wilmington, and will endeavor to beat
them, let them come as they may. Railroads are an uncertain
reliance; they will worry me out of my life yet I think. But I must
say in simple justice to Mr. Whitford, president of the North
Carolina & Atlantic {Atlantic & North
Carolina} Railroad, who was appointed Government agent of
railroad transportation at this point by General Holmes, and of Mr.
Harvey, his subordinate, that no men could be more willing,
attentive, and obliging and none more efficient than they have shown
themselves. At all hours, night and day, they have served me; within
five minutes they were always ready to comply with any requirement
of mine. The State of North Carolina owns two-thirds of the stock in
all the railroads within the State except one, and has placed
everything possible at my disposal. The only trouble heretofore, has
been in the condition of the roads and their fixtures. Colonel
Wadley left here about two weeks ago for Charleston and told me that
Mr. Whitford would represent him in his absence, and all has gone on
smoothly until to-day. Mr. Whitford and his subordinate or
assistant, Mr. Harvey, resigned when Colonel Wadley first arrived
here, but he urged them to retain their positions, which they
consented to do, at least for the present. I am informed that their
arduous and valuable services have been rendered the Government
without compensation. The communication from Quartermaster General
dispensing with Mr. Whitford's services from the 20th instant has
crippled me, as far as railroad transportation is concerned, for the
present. At the moment Mr. Whitford's note, a copy of which is sent
herewith, was handed me I received a telegram saying that the
pickets reported the enemy advancing in force from Trenton upon
Kinston. I immediately telegraphed you, and hope that the
Quartermaster General has reversed his action, or, if not, that in
future he will consult with or notify me before taking a step so
vitally affecting the interest and safety of my command. |
| ***** |
| I remain, very respectfully and truly yours, |
| G. W. Smith |
| Major-General |
|