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December 29th, 1862 |
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| Circular |
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Gentlemen, |
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Upon consultation of a number of proprietors of Rolling
Mills and Blast Furnaces, it has been deemed expedient to endeavor
to bring about a convention of all the Iron Masters of the South,
with a view to take such measures as will tend to the introduction
into this country of say two or three thousand operatives, such as
Rollers, Heaters, Pudlers, Founders, Keepers, &c., &c. The necessity
of these men it is not necessary here to urge upon you. The object
of this circular is simply to bring about a concert of action among
all interested, and by such action in convention, the views and
counsel of all may be obtained, and such resolutions adopted as will
insure a speedy result of the object desired; and when accomplished,
that each may avail themselves of their particular quota of these
men that may be introduced under the auspices of this convention,
free from the interference of any other party whatsoever. It is
evident that, should but two or three engage in this undertaking,
the burden would be unsupportable; but should all interest
themselves in it, it would be comparatively light, as it is proposed
that each company should contribute only in proportion to the number
of men that they may require. It may be urged by some that they are
not yet ready to employ any of these men in their business, and may
not be under a year or eighteen months. It is proposed that such
resolutions shall be adopted that whenever such parties go into
operation, and their demand be made upon the proper officer
appointed by the convention, it shall be the imperative duty of such
officer to supply such party with their proportionable quota from
those that have up o that time arrived. |
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Much more might be added; but it is deemed inexpedient to
forestall the ideas of any one in this matter, but rather that all
should attend the convention prepared to give their own suggestions,
and from which a series of resolutions may be adopted which will
bring about the desired end. |
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We are at liberty to say that the Government ill sanction
an enterprise of this kind, and assist us in it as far as is
practicable. Please communicate your ideas upon this matter, and
where you think a meeting had better take place -- the object being
to obtain the sense of all -- also, the address of the Iron Masters
within the circle of your acquaintance. |
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It is thought best to confine the meeting exclusively to
proprietors or agents of Rolling Mills and Blast Furnaces, and also
to keep the subject as confidential as possible. All communications
up to the time of the meeting should be addressed to S. B. LOWE,
Chattanooga, Tenn., who will, as soon as all are heard from, issue
notices of the time and place of meeting. |
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J. R. Anderson & Co. |
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Tredegar Works, Richmond, Va. |
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Wm. S. Triplett |
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Pres't Old Dominion Iron and Nail Works Co., Richmond, Va. |
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Markham & Scofield |
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Atlanta, Ga. |
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W. S. McElwaine & Co. |
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Montevallo, Ala. |
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Shelby County Iron Man'g Co. |
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Alabama |
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Vulcan Works |
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Chattanooga, Tenn. |
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{Found in the Duff Green papers at the
University of North Carolina} |
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