Demopolis, Ala., March 17,
1864
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| His Excellency Jefferson Davis |
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| Dear Sir, |
| The great importance to the
interests of this department and that of the Army of Tennessee, as
well as the cause generally, induces me to write you on the subject
of the speedy completion of the railroad from Blue Mountain, Ala.,
to Rome, Ga. This road if completed would give a direct railroad
connection without break of gauge between this entire department and
all Georgia and the Atlantic sea-board via Atlanta, and with
Virginia and East Tennessee via Dalton. The work is light and in
such a state of progress that the building and grading can be done
so as to have no delay in track-laying, commencing at once from both
ends. The distance only sixty-one miles, the work could be completed
in ninety days from the time an efficient force was organized. It
would enable the coal-fields in Alabama to supply all the
rolling-mills in Georgia with fuel in abundance at once at low
rates. It would enable the armies of Generals Polk and Johnston to
re-enforce each other in thirty-six hours. The advantages in a
military point of view are incalculable and are too plain to need
argument. The advantages of supplying the army at Dalton with corn
and provisions from the rich canebrake country of South Alabama are
very great. The advantages to the general interests of the country
are in themselves sufficient to induce the Government to give a
helping hand. By its completion the Government would save in
transportation alone more than its entire cost in six months. The
company only needs iron and energy, and an honest administration of
those energies, to insure its speedy completion. It would not cost
the Government a cent that would not be returned in six months. But
the power to pull up a few short branch roads now of but little use
to the Government is needed, and a man put in charge who will apply
his energies faithfully to the work. If you will give this matter
your personal examination you will order the road built at once, I
am sure. The proper data will be before you.
|
| Your friend |
| Sam Tate |
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| [First indorsement] |
| April 4, 1864 |
| Secretary of War for consideration and conference. |
| J. Davis
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| [Second indorsement] |
| Retain for conference. |
| J. A. Seddon |
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