| Engineer Bureau |
| Richmond, Mar 4th, 1863 |
| |
| Genl. R. E. Lee Comdg A. N. V |
| Near Fredericksburg, Va. |
| |
| General, |
| By direction of the Hon. Secy of War steps
have been taken for the removal of the iron from the {Richmond
&} York River R. Rd.
to be used in laying the track of the Piedmont RR from Danville Va.
to Greensboro NC and for other purposes. To protect the laboring force
from an attack from the enemy, while employed in taking up &
removing the iron, I have respectfully to ask a military force of at
least one company, & for this service I would suggest "Lee's
Rangers," 9th Va. Cavalry, as the men composing the company are
fully acquainted with the country bordering the York River RR. I would
ask also, for two pieces of field artillery to guard the approaches to
the bridge over the Pamunkey River which is being repaired with a view
to bringing the iron to Richmond. |
| Application has been made to Maj. Genl.
Elzy for the requisite force, but, up to this time he has not been
able to furnish it, therefore I make the application to you. |
| I am General Very Respectfully |
| J. F. Gilmer |
|