CAMDEN STATION,
Baltimore, Md., September 29, 1863.
(Received 3.53 p.m.)
Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War:
We are now able to report that our arrangements between
Bellaire, our terminus, and Jeffersonville are working out most satisfactorily.
Captain Cole reports that the first trains reached
Indianapolis at 3.40 p.m. yesterday (Monday), and have been followed in quick
succession and excellent time by others. These trains are, therefore, carrying
their masses of men and material from Washington to the western border of
Indiana, a distance of 640 miles, with ample intervals for refreshment, in less
than three days, say fifty hours, over the Alleghanies, and upon a track three
times redeemed from hostile possession, and three times rebuilt by private
enterprise since the present war began.
The first trains arrived at Jeffersonville, the end of our
charge of them, before midnight, but I will give you fuller reports in a few
hours on this point. Our Captain Cole reports that his requisitions were
enforced by impressment in some cases, but full provision is at hand to effect
our wants to Jeffersonville. Captain Cole is one of our most experienced,
practical officers, having occupied the same position in our service that I now
hold. We had arranged to aid him by sending other officers out or by going in
person, but we feel such confidence now in affairs as to enable us to continue
our promise of the best results.
Our reports from our own line and the transfer at Benwood
continue most uniformly satisfactory, and indicating a success that is deeply
gratifying to us. We are hurrying equipments back from west, and will thus be
able to meet further emergencies or requisitions, should such be presented.
W. P. SMITH.
SOURCES: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of
the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume
29, Part 1 (Serial No. 48), p. 178
No comments:
Post a Comment