James A. Seddon to His Excellency THomas H. Warts, January 18, 1864

His Excellency THomas H. Warts, Governor of Alabama, Montgomery, Ala.:

Sir: Your letter of the 6th instant, earnestly requesting that Government iron contractors in Alabama be authorized to sell to planters some of their iron to make and repair agricultural implements, was referred to the chief of the Niter and Mining Bureau for consideration and remarks. I have the honor to invite your attention to the following copy of his reply:

The Government supplies in Alabama will permit the diversion of a considerable quantity. of cast iron for agricultural purposes, but very little rolled iron. The loss of the Tennessee rolling-mills and the virtual suspension of the Etowah mills have thrown all the requisitions from the Army of Tennessee for wagontire and horseshoe iron upon the two Alabama mills controlled by the Bureau. These requisitions can be met with great difficulty, and only by drawing largely upon the Navy. Major Hunt has been instructed to call upon the Governor of Alabama, explain the poverty of our resources, and to urge a concert action from the State authorities in starting additional rolling-mills.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,