Letter from L. J. Fleming to Mississippi Governor John J. Pettus; April 20, 1861

Office of the Mobile ^and Ohio Rail Road Company, Mobile April 20^th 1861.

To His Excellency Gov^r Pettus

Sir:—We shall finish our entire Road on Monday next, and I desire to call your attention to the importance of the immediate construction of a Telegraph along its line—Our Company is unable to build ^it^ without greater assistance than can obtained in this city and along the line.—

The work ^is^ of such great importance in a military point of view, that we are induced to ask the assistance of the States of Mississippi, Alabama, and the Confederate Government.—If the State of Mississippi will aid us to the extent of $15.000 we think, that, with the private contributions here and along the line, and the assistance which we hope Alabama will extend, we can succeed in putting it up without delay.—

Please consider this matter and advise me by Telegraph at Mongomery whether the state will aid us by an advance of cash or by allowing our Company to apply the next two instalments of

Interest due the State to [?] this purpose. I am not sure that even upon this plan we could succeed, but I have no doubt if Mississippi will lead the way Alabama will follow again.—

Of Course if the State renders the assistance the line will always be free for the transmission of its messages.—

By request of the Post Master General I shall be in Montgomery on the 26^th inst to consult with the Department in relation to the transportation of the mail, and I will thank you to Telegraph me your decision at the Exchange Hotel.

I am Sir Very Rest Your obt St

L. J. Fleming Chf Scy & Gen^l Sect.

P. S.—An annual meeting of Stockholders will be held in this City on the 7^th. of May, and we hope the stock owned by the State will be represented.—

J. Fleming Telegraph Line on the M & O, R. R.