Letter from station/road masters to Adna Anderson, October 16, 1864

Labor bosses ask Adna Anderson to pressure the Quarter Master to approve the sale of winter clothing to contrabands.

U. S. Military Railroads
Division of the Mississippi
Office Master of Transportation
Nashville, Decatur, and Stevenson Line
Huntsville, Ala.,

October 16, 1864

A. Anderson Esqr.
Gen. Supt. Govt. R. R.

Dear Sir

We have at the station quite a number of contrabands, in the employ of the U.S. Mil. Rail Roads, at low wages, who are unable to purchase clothing for the winter season, as there are no stores here except such as the sutlers keep, and their prices are such that they are not able to purchase of them. The Quarter Master refuses to sell to them saying that he has no right to sell to any one not in his immediate employ. Will you please do us they favor to have the Quarter Master instructed to sell to them such things as they may need. Upon our respective orders.

Yours respectfully
Geo. Brown M. T.
Jos. Wallace E. D.
Joshua Ellis Agent
H. S. Chapin Road Master
J. H. Gardner Road Master

[verso]

Respectfully referred to Col. J. O. Crane for information as to what can be done in the matter. It is probable that men will pay on delivery of the articles. All that is wanted is authority to sell to them. A. Anderson.

Quartermaster's Office U. S. Mil. R. R. D. M. Nashville, Tenn. Oct. 22, 1864 Respectfully returned to mr. A. Anderson Gen. Supt. The Quartermaster at Huntsville has been requested to issue clothing when paid for on orders of Mr. Bruce. Mr. B. has been notified of my action. Jno. E. Crane.