| Engineer Bureau |
| February 17th, 1863 |
| |
| Judge Thos A. Watts |
| Attorney General C. S. |
| |
| Sir, |
| The Secretary of War has authorized a loan
to the Texas & New Orleans and the New Orleans & Texas R. Rd.
companies, to aid them in building and completing portions of their
roads, provided they give satisfactory mortgage or mortgages, and, if
not inconsistent with the interests and usages of the Department over
which you preside. I would respectfully request that you instruct
Gen. Mason Esq. C. S. District Atty. of Texas to examine the question
and ascertain whether the property offered by those companies furnish
satisfactory security, and, if so, to prepare all the papers necessary
to protect the Govt. |
| As Capt. F. B. Lee, of the Prov. Corps of
Engrs, is about to proceed, under orders from the Secretary of War, to
Texas with funds for those R. Rd. companies, I would respectfully
suggest, should my request meet your approval, that you send by him,
your instructions to Mr. Mason. |
| Very Respectfully |
| Your obt. Servt. |
| J. F. Gilmer |
| Colonel, & Chief of Engr. Bureau |
|