| Engineer Bureau |
| January 5th 1864 |
| |
| Genl James Longstreet |
| Comdg Dept ETenn |
| |
| General, |
| The bearer of this letter Mr James H
Rumbough has been presented to me by the Hon. Messrs Swan &
Heirkell as a man of great energy and experience as a constructor
greatly interested in the prompt repair of the Tenn & Va R. R. {Virginia
& Tennessee RR} and willing to render any assistance in his
power. It is believed that the repairs of the road will be materially
advanced by his cooperation, rendered the more effective from his
complete knowledge of the people & resources of E Tenn. A letter
commending him to Capt John M Robinson of the Engr Corps has been
written. Mr. Rumbough is of the impression that it will be necessary
to impress temporarily teams & labor for the work as well as to
secure materials in the same way in order to ensure a vigorous and
rapid prosecution of the work, and such a course is recommended to
your favorable consideration. Should other attempts fail to produce promptly
the desired results. In case the latter alternative is decided upon,
please extend such facilities as in your judgment will render it
effective. |
| I am Genl Very Respy |
| Your Obt Servt. |
| A. L. Rives |
| Lt Col & Actg Chf of Bureau |
|