Chap.XII.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. - CONFEDERATE.

NASHVILLE, TENN., September 4, 1861.

HonorableL. P. WALKER, Secretary of War of the Confederate States:

SIR: I had the honor on the 3rd instant of telegraphing you, to wit:

Shall I assume for the Confederate Government the Tennessee contracts for ordnance, quartermaster, and commissary stores or supplies now pending? The contracts are desirable. Orders or officers will be needed at once to issue to Confederate troops now in the field and making requisitions daily.

The demand is urgent for orders to issue these stores and supplies, and will be appreciated by the Department when I state that a large force of the Confederate troops in this State are now drawing their rations from said supplies and are dependent upon them.

I herewith transmit to the Department a copy of the views of the Military and Financial Board of the State of Tennessee, submitted at my request in writing. The board agree that the transfer shall be made with the distinct understanding that I do not, as agent for the Government of the Confederate States, pledge the Government to make payments for the property transferred at any specified time, though the authorities of Tennessee may expect to be remunerated within a reasonable limit. With this clear understanding the transfer will be made at as early date as the inventories can be completed and the supplies inspected and counted.

I have the honor to remain, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

KENSEY JOHNS, A. Q. M., C. S. Army.

[Inclosure.]

MILITARY AND FINANCIAL BOARD, Nashville, Tenn., September 3, 1861.

Captain KENSEY JOHNS:

SIR: This board proposes to transfer the commissary, quartermaster, and ordnance supplies on hand in Tennessee. They are to be taken at cost where the cost can now be ascertained, and if that cannot be fixed, the present cash value. It is expected the Government of the Confederate States will pay the State of Tennessee the cash for all these articles without delay. It is proposed that the quartermaster supplies, consisting of clothing, shoes, & c., for soldiers, shall be applied to the use of the Tennessee volunteers in the Confederate service as far as necessary. All the other supplies are to go without restriction. The amount paid is to be credited on the general account of the Confederate States.

NEILL S. BROWN.

J. E. BAILEY.

W. G. HARDING.

RICHMOND, September 4, 1861.

General ZOLLICOFFER, Knoxville, Tenn.:

Take military control of the railroad from Knoxville to Bristol until every pound of freight for the army destined to Richmond and Manassas is sent from Knoxville to Bristol, unless forwarded at once.

L. P. WALKER.

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