| State of North Carolina, Executive
Department |
| Raleigh, January 6, 1865 |
| |
| General Robert E. Lee |
| Commanding Army of Northern Virginia |
| |
| General, |
| I have received your letter
calling my attention to the dangers to the public service, arising
"from the condition and management of our railroads," and
asking my assistance in endeavoring to facilitate transportation and
to prevent dangerous and injurious delays. I was made painfully
aware of the delays of which you so justly complain during the
recent attack upon Wilmington, and I assure you that you shall have my hearty co-operation in
producing such reforms as can be effected on the North Carolina
roads. I have no control whatever over the Piedmont road {the
State of North Carolina did not own any Piedmont RR stock, as it did
in most of the other railroads in the state}. |
| With sentiments of great respect, your
obedient servant, |
| Z. B. Vance |
|