Executive Department of Alabama
| Montgomery, March 24,
1864 |
| |
| His Excellency President Davis |
| |
| Dear Sir, |
| It would be very greatly to the
advantage of the Confederate States to complete the road from Blue
Mountain, Ala., to Rome, Ga. The difference in the transportation of
troops and supplies, so far as expense is concerned and expedition,
makes the completion of this road a military necessity. If this road
had been completed two months since Sherman never could have got
back to the Mississippi River with his army. The expense saved to
the Government would in six months more than pay for the building of
the road. Besides, the foundries in Georgia are now almost entirely
dependent for coal on the mines of Alabama. If this road is
completed there is a direct route from the coal mines to the
foundries and work-shops of the Government. The route now from
Montevallo to Selma, thence by river to Montgomery, and thence by
railroad to West Point, and thence to Atlanta. In this circuitous
route bulk has to be broken three times. A glance at the map will
satisfy you that this road should be at once completed. I trust it
needs but a suggestion to induce you to give the matter your
attention.
|
| I have the honor to remain, your friend and obedient
servant |
| T. H. Watts |
|