Viewing page 63 of 229

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

government just as little as it possibly could. because said Gov.t did not pay them near as much for their labor, as outside parties as for instance, said Gov.t paid them six cents per pound for castings, when such casings were worth in the market from fifty to seventy five cents per pound. They paid them for bar iron from twenty eight to thirty two cents, when such articles were worth in the market from $1.50 to $3.50 per pound. The said corporation - was unable to get skilled labor, except such men as they could get detailed out of the Confederate States Army and the Gov.t forced said corporation to sell to them their articles at a very reduced price before they would allow them the necessary men to carry on their work. Said Confederate Gov.t never had any right title or claim to said foundry and machine shop or any of the machinery therein.  As before stated said corporation were compelled to sell to said Gov.t such articles as it desired in order to get suitable men to carry on said establishment, but said foundry and machine shop never furnished said Government with any shot or shell or munitions of war of any kind or description As before stated said foundry and machine shop were entirely destroyed by General Willsons command. most of the machinery is - totally ruined and fit only for scrap iron. Some parts of it might be repaired, but it is doubtful whether or not it would not be good economy to buy new machinery entire to fit up - such an establishment.  Said property has never been abandoned by the owners, but they have and still claim the same as their - own private property. Since the burning, said owners have caused to be erected a fence around said property and had ordered and purchased suitable lumber to rebuild said premises and were engaged in rebuilding, when their property was seized by order of General McArthur.

The Rolling Mill belonging to said parties is situated on ground which did belong to the Confederate States. The facts in reference to this establishment are as follows, about the year 1861 the Confederate Government or some individuals -