| Engineer Bureau |
| Richmond Oct. 4th 1862 |
| |
| Hon. Geo. W. Randolph |
| Secretary of War |
| |
| Sir, |
| I would respectfully state to the war
Department that I have had a full conversation with Capt. E. T. D.
Myers, Corps of Eng. Provisional Army, now in this city in reference
to the construction of the link of Rail Road from Danville, Va. to
Greensboro, N. C. {the Piedmont RR} from which I am led to infer that it will be a long
period, under existing circumstance, before this short road will be
furnished possibly a year or two. The importance of the road to the
nation may become so great, under possible contingencies, that I am
induced to suggest that some step ought, if possible, to be taken by
the Government to hasten forward the work. With a view to presenting
the matter to you, with intelligent and reliable suggestions, I called
on Capt. Myers, the Engineer assigned to the work, for a report as to
its progress, the difficulties causing delay, &c. In reply he says
he cannot report officially to this Bureau, and that he can report
only to the President or other agent of the Rail Road Company he is
serving. |
| If this Bureau can in any way get an
official statement of the condition of this work, it is probable some
means may be devised that will hasten its completion. |
| I am Sir |
| Very Respectfully Your Obdt. Svt. |
| J. F. Gilmer |
| Lieut. Col. & Chf. of Bureau |
|