| Headquarters |
| Marietta{, Georgia} |
| July 31, 1862 |
| |
| Colonel J. I. Whitaker |
| Commissary General |
| |
|
Colonel, |
| Finding that there was but little
prospect, on account of the impossibility of large importations, that
private enterprise would afford a supply of salt for our people this
year, and knowing how indispensable it was to health and comfort, I
determined, as the executive of the state, to do all in my power for
the relief of the people, though I might, by assuming the
responsibility, be exposed to the censure of speculators and such
captious fault-finders as can never be pleased. |
| After considerable effort, I have
succeeded in procuring a lease upon a sufficient supply of salt water
at the Virginia Salt Works to make 500 bushels per day, during the
war, and till three months after its termination, if we should need it
so long. |
| ***** |
| The railroad companies in this state have
shown a liberality and a disposition to afford relief to the people in
the present emergency, which entitle them to the gratitude of all. |
| I determined to carry the salt imported by
the state, over the state road to the places of deposit and sale, free
of charge, and to carry from the place of sale to the depot of the
consumer, free. I communicated this determination to the
presidents of the principal roads of the state, and asked their
cooperation, and that they also carry all salt imported by the state
free, as well while in possession of the state as for the consumer
after he has purchased from the state's agent, and if affords me great
pleasure to say that I have received responses from the following
railroad presidents, in the order mentioned, promptly and cheerfully
agreeing to render this public service free of charge, till further
orders: Honorable R. R. Cuyler, President [Georgia] Central Railroad
and Branches, and of the Southwestern Railroad; Isaac Scott, Esquire,
President Macon & Western Railroad; Honorable John King, President
Georgia Railroad and Branches, and of the Atlanta & West Point
Railroad. |
| It is not doubted that the president of
each other road in the state, will meet this request with like
liberality and patriotism. |
| The salt imported under my direction will,
therefore, no doubt, go to any point in the state on a railroad to the
consumer purchasing from the state agent, free of charge for freights. |
| I shall do what I possible can to supply
all during the summer and fall and I trust, with what may be made by
the Georgia Salt Manufacturing Company, whose office is located at
Augusta, and with what our people will make upon the coast (it is
expected that all who live near the coast will at least make their own
supply,) that all who practice strict economy may have enough. |
| ***** |
| Joseph E. Brown {Governor,
State of Georgia} |
|