| CS Arsenal Demopolis |
| June 24, 1863 |
| |
| My Dear Captain, |
| Capt Fisher reported to me that
6000 canteens had passed through here for you on the 12th. He says he
certainly saw one box containing 1200, & also 4 more loading like
them which he presumed contained the same number. I suppose however he
was mistaken & now to remedy it I will send you all I can get just
as soon as possible. 2304 canteens were sent you day before yesterday
also 3481. Haversacks in addition 2500 haversacks leave for you today.
In regard to the Artillery Harness I am making & repairing as fast
as possible & was in hopes to send you seventy five sets by the
end of the week, but this d__d Railroad Company {the
Alabama & Mississippi Rivers RR was running its own line and the
connecting Northeast & Southwest Alabama RR} has left three
cars containing Leather & Artillery pads &c on a switch
between Meridian & McDowell's & never made an effort to get it
any farther, notwithstanding the cars left Jackson about the 15th of
last month. I wish you would mention this fact to Maj Barbour &
see if he cant have them ordered on. My contacts in Mobile reports
that he cant get Leather, so I am disappointed there also, but if you
can hold on ten days longer I will be able to send you one hundred
sets provided the cars are ordered on to McDowell's containing the
pads. I would make other pads but the leather at present on hand is
too heavy. |
| Georgas has ordered me to
discontinue making cartridges here in consequence of the scarcity of
lead in the Confederacy, but has ordered me to carry on an extensive
repairing establishment & collect supplies for Gen'l Johnston's
Army. This I am glad of, as in case if New Orleans or Memphis being
retaken I stand a good chance of being ordered to an Arsenal at one of
the places. Philips Machine Shop & foundry will be in operation in
about a month & then we will be able to make & repair gun
carriages of every description & cast shot & shell &
repair small arms. The location of the Arsenal here is one of the
prettiest sites I ever saw. One mile from town containing 40 acres
bordering on the Black Warrior River, with four magnificent cold
springs & plenty of mint, which ingredients, you know, mixed with
a little brandy & sugar does not make altogether an unpalatable
beouap. I hope you may find it convenient before long to pay us a
visit. Demopolis is a quite pleasant little village & I
decidedly prefer it to Jackson. |
| Let me congratulate you on
your appointment on General Johnston's staff. I did not think he could
stand Mayo long. Poor Mayo passed through here about a week ago, &
did not know whether he was going to Richmond, to Charleston or where.
He evidently expected to meet the widow Alston here, but was
disappointed, as she had left for Jackson the day previous to his
arrival. |
| In case I am not able to fill
your Requisitions I will forward them immediately to Selma & have
the articles procured for you as soon as possible. |
| Write us & give me all the Jackson
news. |
| As Ever yr friend |
| Philip Mton {?} |
|