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POLK Letter : August 23, 1860
1860, Aug. 23
T. K. Wharton, New Orleans, La., to Bishop Polk, re: his work on the plans, his progress on the drawings; explaining that he could not at this time visit the locality because of the absence of Major Beauregard - his obligations in the office of the Government; his expectation of writing the specifactions before his visit. 2 pp. ( 1 mss. original and 1 Photostat copy ).
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New Custom House,
New Orleans Augt. 23
1860.
Dear Bishop
I was much obliged by your message thro' Mr. Beck, who gave me valuable information. I should hasten to the locality, but for the fact that Major Beauregard is at East Pascagoula, with his bride, and we cannot both be away at the same time -- however, since I got your letter of the 3rd. Inst. I have taken every spare moment, and half the night long, in considering and distributing the Plans and Details and have already commissioned the finished drawings, which my general knowledge of the country, and very thorough knowledge of the objects
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you contemplate, will enable me to advance to the point of writing the specification before I visit the spot -- by that time the Major will have returned -but as this subject opens upon me, with all its massive and elaborate details, and the necessity too, of combining amplitude and strength with rigid economy, I am appalled to think of the short time allowed me to prepare Plans and Specifications of such magnitude and importance, when so much of my time is absorbed by the exactions of a Government Office; still I shall strain every nerve, and hope the result will fully meet your views --
Truly & respectfully Yours
T. K. Wharton