Department of
Annapolis, April 30th, 1861
The Secretary of War
DEAR SIR: I am annoyed to death with the continual call for
passage. To check it I have established a tariff of $4.00 from Washington to
Perryville, except those upon official business, and I hope this number will be
limited by the department, as the number now interferes with the transportation
of troops.
Will you allow me to suggest that we are getting yeoman service from S. M.
Felton, Esq. President of the Phila. & Wil. Railroad. Will you not by an
order put this whole matter of transportation by this line under his direction,
subject to my order for military purposes. Mr. Felton took the responsibility
of giving me sole charge of the Maryland Steamer by means of which a landing
could be effected. He is efficient and true as steel.
I am constructing a short piece of railroad for the connection of tide water
with Washington. I have the material now and trust to be able to have it in
order in ten days.
Respectfully, Your
obedient servant,
BENJ. F. BUTLER
SOURCE: Jessie Ames Marshall, Editor, Private and
Official Correspondence of Gen. Benjamin F. Butler During the Period of the
Civil War, Volume 1: April 1860 – June 1862, p. 57-8
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