| Engineer Bureau |
| December 12th 1863 |
| |
| Major Minor Meriwether Com &c |
| Demopolis Ala |
| |
| Major, |
| Mr. Brooks letter of
the 24th ult with remarks on his proposition in regard to the
Tombigbee River Bridge by yourself & Mr. Tate, has been duly recd.
The Secy of War to whom it has been submitted is disposed to authorize
the conscription of the bridge on the following terms, |
| The Govt to build
the bridge, the cost being considered an advance to the Ala & Miss
RR {Alabama & Tennessee River RR} Co.
The railroad Co to connect the bridge with those portions of the road
already completed with all possible dispatch, to pay to the Govt until
the close of the war, unless the debt is sooner discharged, at the
close of each year dating from the completion of the bridge the nett
proceeds from government transportation on the Ala & Miss RR.
Also, at the close of the first year, interest at the rate of eight
per cent per annum on the total cost of the bridge and at the close of
each succeeding year during the progress of the war interest at the
same rate on the amount remaining unpaid. If the debt is not
extinguished before the conclusion of the war, the Company to pay to
the Govt. fro the bridge, such additional sum as may be deemed just by
disinterested arbitrators. |
| This proposition
agrees with that of the President of the Ala & Miss RR Co with the
exception that the profits arising from Govt transportation are to be
refunded to the Govt at the close of each year during the war. |
| The Hon Secy is
earnestly desirous that the construction of the Tombigbee bridge
should be pressed. Should the Co accept the above proposition please
give the matter your utmost consideration. |
| Very Respectfully Yours |
| A. L. Rives |
| Lt Col & Actg Chf Bu |
|