NA, ENG 5/18C/1863

Engineer Bureau
Richmond, May 18th 1863
 
Capt. W. F. Foster
Engineer Corps P. A. C. S.
Knoxville, Tenn.
 
Captain,
   Your letter of 15th April 1863, addressing to Major J. G. Martin advocating the completion of the {Knoxville &} Kentucky Rail Road to Coal Creek, has been as you are aware for some time under the consideration of this Bureau. The limited supply of railroad iron now available from every source, is so greatly needed to keep in repair roads of first class importance, that it is not deemed judicious to undertake the construction of the above named Road. You will therefore as suggested by yourself suspend the construction of the bridge at Clinton, storing in some safe and convenient locality the materials collected, with a view to repairing promptly any disaster which may happen to important rai road bridges in the Department.
Very Respectfully Yours
J. F. Gilmer
Col. of Engrs. & Chf. of Bureau

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