Knoxville, November 9, 1861
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| Hon. J. P. Benjamin |
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| Two large bridges on my road were
burned last night about 12 o'clock; also one bridge on the East
Tennessee & Georgia Railroad at the same time, and an effort made
to burn the largest bridge on my road. There is great excitement
along the whole line of road, and evidence that the Union party are
organizing and preparing to destroy or take possession of the whole
line from Bristol and Chattanooga, and unless the Government is very
prompt in giving us the necessary military aid, I much fear the
result. The only hope for protection must be from the Government.
Unless the Government gives us the necessary aid and protection at
once, transportation over my road of army supplies will be an utter
impossibility. It cannot be done. We have arrested four of the
individuals engaged in burning one bridge, and know who burned
another, but for want of the necessary military force fear we cannot
arrest them. |
| John R. Branner |
| President East Tennessee & Virginia Railroad |
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