Augusta County: Michael G. Harman to General H. R. Jackson,
October 20, 1861
Summary:
Harman discusses a horse unfit for service, the transportation of corn, and the overcrowded
hospitals in Staunton.
Letterhead: Confederate States of America. Head Quarters forces at Staunton, Va.
Genl. H.R. Jackson Commanding on Monterey Line Greenbrier River
Confederate States of America Head Quarters Forces at Staunton, Va.
October 20th, 1861
General-
Your letter in regard to horses unfit for service is at hand. When I wrote to you in regard to them I understood many horses were turned out as unfit for use. If the number that ought to be changed can be reported to me I will send out horses to take the places of those unfit for service.
On Thursday last I sent 7 loads of corn (4 horse) to Monterey. This morning 4 four horse loads of corn & Saturday 7 two horse wagons of Capt. Miller's [unclear: Battery] with corn & tomorrow morning I start twenty four horse wagon loads of corn & 10 loads of clothing marked to Maj. J. L. Corley. I write to Capt. P. B. Hoge the Quarter master at Monterey if you desire it & direct him to do so although the corn is invoiced to Monterey to send it through without unloading to Greenbrier River. Col. Scott who is now in my office says he does not think 20 loads of corn can be stored at Greenbrier River. Please advise Capt. Hoge what you wish done by express.
Yesterday a train of wagons loaded with corn was started from the county of Rockingham to Monterey. It is most important the bags should be returned to us & for that reason if there is not room to store the corn at the River I wish it stopped at Monterey. I hope you will not think me troublesome in writing to you about these details, but there has been so much mismanagement I think it is best to communicate with you direct until I get all in good order.
There are now 1000 men in the Hospital here and it is too much crowded. Surgeon Boatwright informs me he has 250 men on the road to this place. I have recommended to the Surgeon General to authorize me to contract for the use of the Rockbridge Baths 9 miles from the Central Rail Road & will accommodate 300,and also to contract for Stribling Springs provided we need them & I feel confident we will need both in less than 10 days.
Very Respectfully Your Obedient Servant M.G. Harman Lt. Colonel, Comdg. &c..
