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Hd Qrs &c Charleston S.C. Octr 22nd 1863 |
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Lt Col A. L. Rives |
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Actg Chief Engr Bureau |
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Richmond |
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Colonel, |
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As Genl Meade has fallen back from the Rappahannock, will
it not be possible for the commissioners to take such measures as will
secure the iron from the branch Rail Road leading to Warrenton
{Orange & Alexandria RR}, also from the
Road north of Fredericksburg {Richmond,
Fredericksburg & Potomac RR}? Confer with Col Garnett and have
everything done that may be possible. |
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It may be advisable to send a negro force to each point
from the hands working on the defences of Richmond, rather than fail
again to secure iron so much needed, necessity to our existence. |
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See the Secty of War & get such powers or orders as will
ensure success. |
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It is to be hoped some iron will yet be saved from the
Mississippi Central {RR} North & South of
Jackson. Enquire of Col Garnett as to the prospects, what steps are
being taken? |
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V. resp'y |
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Yr obdt Servt |
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J. F. Gilmer |
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Maj Genl & Chf Engr Bureau |