Huntsville, Sept. 22, 1862
Hon. Charles S. Taylor
Dear Sir:
Your favor of the 19th inst, is just at hand and contents noted. In reply would state that the demand for warp is such, that two
years production would not supply it, and nearly all for similar purposes, to yours. I need not say to you, that could a favorable answer be returned to your enquiry, it would afford me pleasure to make it, but is one of the impossibilities.
In some two or three months, I have had $40 sent by Captain Whitaker of your county for warp, and yet unfilled--and will afford no surplus. In the army, we are not more than one month behind requisitions for the army--more coming in--and half our woolen machinery, standing idle for the last two months. All is being done that can be done, but our machinery is inadequate to demands on it--and the true interest of the people demands--that they should not rely on the Penitentiary for one hundredth part of their wants. Cards, or, no cards--they must depend upon themselves. The army has first to be supplied, if possible, through the Quarter Master Dept. of the State. Then the families of t hose on the field--next those who remain at home &c.
Truly yours, John S. Besser
TS. Let ters and Papers of Charles S. Taylor, Vol . II, 125-6.
