| Engineer Bureau |
| February 21st, 1863 |
| |
| Peter V. Daniel Esq. |
| Prest. R. F. & P. R. Rd. Co. {President,
Richmond, Fredericksburg & Potomac RR} |
| Richmond, Va. |
| |
| Dear Sir, |
| Your letter of the 17th inst. in regard to
the escape of negroes detailed for work on your road and requesting
suggestions, has been received. It is presumed that the recent removal
of a large portion of the Army from the vicinity of Fredericksburg
will reduce very materially the heavy calls upon your road for
transportation and that therefore you no longer need assistance from
Government in the way of labor. If you wish to secure, for the balance
of their terms of service, the negroes, who have escaped, in all
probability to their homes, I know nothing better to suggest than that
you send your section masters for them or communicate with the masters
on the subject. |
| Very Respectfully |
| Your obt. Servt |
| J. F. Gilmer |
| Chf of Engr. Bureau |
|