NA, ENG 12/9C/1862

Engineer Bureau
Richmond, December 9th, 1862
 
Lieut. Col. Wm. H. Sterns
Corps of Engineers &c & Chief of Construction Dept N. Va.
(Or Maj. W. P. Smith, C. S. A.)
 
Colonel,
   By direction of the Secretary of War you will detach one hundred negroes from the works for the defenses of Richmond and send them with rations, twenty four spades, twenty four axes and six carts to the Richmond, Fredericksburg & Potomac R. Rd. Co. to assist in work on this road essential to the supply of Genl. Lee's army in the vicinity of Fredericksburg. This force with the tools, &c will be sent to the Depot of that Road, Broad Street, Richmond, at the earliest moment possible. In the absence of Lieut. Col. W. H. Sterns, Major Wm. Proctor Smith C. S. A. will carry out the above instructions.
   Please inform this Bureau as to the time the negroes can be at the Depot. Also, inform Mr. P. V. Daniel, Prest. of the company, corner of Broad & 8th Sts. The services of the negroes are urgently required, Three overseers should be sent with the hands if so many can be spared from the defenses of this city.
Very Respectfully
Your Obt. Servt.
J. F. Gilmer
Colonel of Engrs. & Chief of Bureau

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