Spotswood Hotel
| Richmond, January 25, 1862 |
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| Hon. Jeff Davis |
| President Confederate States of America |
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| Dear Sir, |
|
I am quite sure you will pardon me for taking
this method of continuing the subject of our conversation to-day. If
any suggestions I can make should prove beneficial to the Government
or satisfactory to you, I shall be thankful that I have been of some
service to my adopted country. If useless I shall regret troubling
you with them. First, as to the economical and speedy transportation
of Government troops and freight. The more reflection I give the
subject the better am I satisfied that written contracts should be
entered into with the several railroad companies of the Confederacy
for the transportation of Government troops, munitions of war, and
supplies, stipulating the price to be paid to each company, and that
Government freights should have preference over all others as to
time of transit, and that the Government trains should run day and
night. I would also stipulate that if the Government should supply
its own cars, they should be transported at a certain rate per mile
with their loads of not exceeding 16,000 pounds. If a greater weight
is contained in a car, the excess to be paid for at a price to be
agreed upon, and these cars to have preference over all other
freight cars as to time of transportation. I would also suggest that
one, two, or three general freight agents be appointed in different
sections of the Confederacy as superintendents of Government
transportation, and to see that the conditions of the contracts were
complied with, and that these general agents should have power to
select messengers to travel with Government trains to prevent delays
and secure speedy delivery. These messengers to grant to each
company a certificate setting forth the quantity of freight
transported, the distance carried, and the amount to which it is
entitled therefore. These certificates to be the only voucher
required for services performed. Thus simplifying the mode of
settlement now in use, and preventing overcharges of weight or price
to be paid. |
| As to Government cars, I think contracts
could be made with the several railroad companies and individuals
for the manufacture of 300 or 400 or more cars if springs or
materials for springs can be obtained. The shops of the South
Carolina road at Charleston, the Georgia Central at Savannah, the
Georgia road at Augusta, the Memphis and Charleston road at
Huntsville, and the Mississippi Central road at Holly Springs,
perhaps others, could all manufacture cars. Besides these there are
shops at Charleston, Augusta, Ga., Atlanta, Ga., at Nashville,
Tenn., near Amite City, Miss., belonging to individuals that would
doubtless contract to deliver cars. In addition to these there have
been cars manufactured at the Georgia Penitentiary for years. Wheels
and axles can be obtained in a reasonable time at Lynchburg,
Richmond, and Knoxville. As to locomotives and other engines, as I
stated in conversation, there are but few railroad shops on long
roads but what are capable of turning out engines with a small
increase of mechanical force if materials can be procured. The
materials most in demand are steel boiler-plate, sheet-iron, and
flues for boilers. I think all but the steel may be supplied within
the Confederacy within a few months. Engines have been made at the
railroad shops in Charleston, Savannah, and Atlanta, and could be at
those in Richmond, Lynchburg, Petersburg, Nashville, Memphis, and
Holly Springs, and probably at Vicksburg. Rolling-mills are required
for rolling railroad iron and many other articles connected with the
manufacture of engines. A mill to do effective work would cost from
$100,000 to $150,000. If two or three were erected in as many
different sections of the Confederacy it would result in great
saving of transportation. Mark A. Cooper, in Western Georgia, has a
rolling-mill and nail factory {the Etowah Iron
Works}. By some additions it could soon be made to supply
many articles now needed. It is in close proximity to a fine quality
of iron ore and coal, and possesses water-power of great
superiority. Mr. Cooper, I understand, is somewhat embarrassed, and
it is probable his works could be purchased on favorable terms as to
price. I think Huntsville, Ala., offers many advantages for
rolling-mills, workshops, etc. It possesses an abundant supply of
water for steam power, is in close proximity to iron and coal, a
healthy situation, and easily accessible. The same remarks would
perhaps apply to Tuscumbia, Florence, Decatur, and Nashville. Mr.
Tanner, of the Tredegar Works, informs me they will have a
rolling-mill in operation by May, and will then be able to furnish
some railroad supplies, such as tire-axles, boiler-plate,
sheet-iron, etc. There are in Shelby County, Ala., perhaps the most
valuable beds of iron and coal in the whole South. At present it is
inaccessible. |
| There is a convention of railroad presidents
called in this city on the 5th proximo. The object of the meeting,
as I understand it, is to devise some method whereby they may obtain
such supplies as will soon become a necessity. The period of that
meeting will be a favorable time to ascertain the disposition of the
several companies to enter into contract with the Government for
transportation of freight, and to give aid and assistance in
erecting rolling-mills. The ability of the several companies to
manufacture engines could then be also ascertained.
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| I have, dear sir, to crave your indulgence for
this protracted letter. I could not say less; perhaps should have
added more, but for the trespass on your time and patience.
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| I am, with respect, your obedient servant |
| W. Goodman |
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