This ALS is from Major J. M. Eason, Superintendent of the Gun Boat Works in Charleston, South Carolina. Eason writes to South Carolina Governor Bonham on February 18, 1863 stating that, “We are badly off for cast steel, and cannot get along without it.”
· “I HAVE SENT TO NASSAU FOR SOME BUT DELAY IN WAITING FOR SAME GIVES US GREAT INCONVIENCE AND LOSS.”
· “Will you please order the supt. (of the Steel Works) or request him to ship me two or three Bars of each size he has on hand for the use of our works on Gun Boats.”
An appeal to the Governor for needed steel bars to make Confederate Gun Boats! A very desirable subject with the mention of shipment through Nassau! Letter measures 6 ½ x 8 ½ inches and is in excellent condition.
#HC48 - Price $1,095 Gov. Bonham Sir We are badly off for cast steel, and I have sent to Nassau for some but delay Will you please order the supt. or request I also understand ‘Mr. Niernse’ of the The pressing necessity is my only excuse Very Respectfully, Your Obt. Servt. J. M. Eason Supt.
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Transcription:
Charleston 18th Feby. 1863
cannot get along without it. I understand the ‘Steel
Works’ has a large quantity on hand.
in waiting for same gives us great inconvenience
and loss.
him to ship me two or three Bars of each size he
has on hand for the use of our works on Gun Boats.
Capitol Building has some. Probably he could spare
a few Bars.
of troubling your Excellency in so small a matter.