Benjamin, Judah Philip (1811-1884) to Jefferson Davis
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00495 Author/Creator: Benjamin, Judah Philip (1811-1884) Place Written: Richmond, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 4 February 1862 Pagination: 2 p. : docket ; 25 x 20 cm. Order a Copy
Writing to the Confederate President, Confederate Secretary of War Benjamin notes that there is much molasses available in Louisiana and suggests that molasses would be welcomed by the troops to improve their deficient coffee.
[Draft Created by Crowdsourcing]
4 February
Sir
The crops of sugar and molasses in Louisiana are very large and the prices unusually low-
The rations as now distributed to the troop are deficient in many articles which cannot be procured, especially so as regards coffee, candles and soap-
It has occurred to me that no article will be more acceptable to our troops than molasses as an addition to their diet and as a substitute for the deficiency in coffee. I am informed that the men buy it eagerly at exorbitant prices from the sutlers-
A gallon of molasses will form as rations for thirty-two men at one gill per man, & the cost of the ration will be less than one cent at present prices-
Molasses and sugar for a year's supply can now be purchased for Confederate
[2]
bonds, and I respectfully recommend that this be done at the present low rates-
I endorse an estimate of the amount required and respectfully request that you will submit this recommendation and estimate to the Congress.
yr ob svt
J.P. Benjamin
Sec. of War
To the President
[docket]
Letter of
Judah P. Benjamin
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