Chattanooga, March 31, 1863
| |
| Maj. M. B. McMicken |
| |
| Major, |
| I came here Saturday last to
procure men, material, and provisions for my work on the Nashville
& Decatur Railroad. Have succeeded, and return to-day with
everything I wanted, except rope. I telegraphed you last night,
after talking with Captain Kerr, asking you to telegraph him, to
care of Major Cunningham, and give him permission to purchase, for
bridge purposes, three coils of rope, and give him the sizes wanted.
I hope you will grant him permission, as we cannot get along without
rope. |
| Have you arranged about an engine for
west side of Tennessee River? I gave Colonel Cole the order as you
directed, but the next morning, after informing me he could not
comply, he started to see you. I have not seen him since. Colonel
[Samuel] Tate is ready now for an engine. I was with him last
Saturday, and the grade on the east of Tennessee River is nearly
done. His cars are ready to go over. Sloan has a good, safe boat for
transferring them over their roads. |
| On my particular road, as soon as
Sulphur Branch is done, a large amount of corn can be shipped from
south of Elk River, and, by the time that is carried off, I will
have that bridge done. There is also two spans of bridge to build
just south of Pulaski, over Richland Creek, which will complete the
road, as far as I can learn. You can rely on my trestling over
streams, and not waiting for permanent bridge, if can save time. |
| Should you write me, direct to
Huntsville, care of Colonel Tate, and the letter will be forwarded.
Should you telegraph, direct to Athens, Ala. |
| Respectfully, yours, |
| J. W. Goodwin |
| Major
and Mil Superintendent of Railroads |
|