| Richmond, October 20, 1861
|
| |
| General
P. G. T. Beauregard |
| |
| My Dear General, |
| *** |
| In a recent letter of General G. W.
Smith, he says: |
| The railroad from Richmond to
Manassas {composed of the Virginia Central RR
and the Orange & Alexandria RR} does not work efficiently. Let Beauregard try to apply the
remedy. This need not interfere with your general agent nor the
general plan of the Executive. The subject is of vital importance to
this army. Beauregard guarantees to regulate it. Try him. |
| Inform me what your plan is.
You must have an agent, and he, to be useful, must have an
appointment. I will gladly accept your aid and give you my support. |
| Complaints are made to me of
shocking neglect of the sick, who are sent down in the trains, such
as being put in burden cars which had been used to transport horses
or provisions, and into which the sick were thrust without
previously cleansing the cars, and there left with out water, food,
or attention. These representations have been spread among the
people, and served to chill the ardor which has filled our ranks
with the best men of the land. If such things have occurred, surely
others than the railroad companies must share the responsibility. |
| *** |
| With my best wishes for your welfare, and
prayers for your success, I am, as ever, your friend, |
| Jefferson Davis |
|