In 1862 Mallett, in partnership with James Browne of Charleston, South Carolina, took over management and operation of the Egypt Coal Mines.
These mines had been owned by a Philadelphia-based company, and had been placed into receivership by the Confederate government at the start of the war.
The facilities of the railroad were used to transport the coal to Fayetteville, where it was then moved down the Cape Fear River to its contracted final destination of Wilmington, North Carolina.
During his campaign Sherman burned or destroyed several of the bridges used by the railroad, 12 miles of track, and several depots.
By 1868, his other businesses and personal residence also destroyed by Sherman's campaign, Mallett was forced into bankruptcy.