Southern Division, Mississippi Central Railroad
| Canton, January 7, 1864 |
| |
| Lieut. Gen. L. Polk, C. S. Army |
| |
| Dear Sir, |
| In addition to what I have written
over my private signature, I have to state officially that this road
is almost destitute of materials and tools for repairs and for
operating the road. Nearly all we possessed was destroyed in August
last by the Federal troops. We must have steel axes, shovels, files,
etc., or soon discontinue our trains. In fact, I may be compelled to
stop our trains north of the Yalobusha River within a week for want
of axes, or materials to make them of, to cut fuel. We are equally
in want of shovels to keep our track in running order. I cannot
obtain them, or have not been able to do so after many trials,
within the Confederacy. I can procure from within the Federal lines
if I can obtain means of payment. To procure these means I must send
out cotton or purchase Federal currency, giving $10 or our currency
for $1 or theirs. By purchasing greenbacks I discredit and
depreciate Confederate notes, and still I am compelled to obtain a
supply of the articles referred to or discontinue the running of our
trains very soon. It is for the authorities to determine if our road
is useful and necessary to the Government. Our business is almost
entirely confined to Government transportation. Will you grant me
permission to send out cotton to purchase necessary railroad
supplies? |
| Yours, respectfully |
| W. Goodman |
| President |
| |
| [First indorsement] |
| Headquarters |
| Meridian, January 21, 1864 |
| Respectfully forwarded for reference to the
Honorable Secretary of War. |
| I can see no sound reason why we should not
use our cotton to purchase supplies we cannot get otherwise. We have
reached a point, in my opinion, at which the hazard of greater evils
than any which may follow from selling cotton are threatening us. |
| L. Polk |
| Lieutenant-General |
| |
| [Second indorsement] |
| February 2, 1864 |
| May be considered when law regulating exports is to
be adjusted. |
| J. A. S. |
| Secretary |
|