NA, ENG 6/16C/1863

Engineer Bureau
June 16th 1863
    
Col. Chas. F. M. Garnett
Capt. G. E. Walker
Commissioners for collecting & distributing railroad iron
 
Gentlemen,
   Your letter of yesterday just received and in reply I have to say that I approve your suggestion to use the railroad iron in the same State wherein it was taken up, if consistent with the general wants of the main lines essential to military supply and defence. In all cases possible old iron should be obtained in exchange for new rails furnished to railroad companies. Old rails above should be rolled for naval purposes.
   It will be an economical arrangement to collect all the old iron possible from the main lines of railroad leading to Atlanta, Georgia in exchange for such quantity of new rail as you may find it necessary to furnish, to supply their essential wants.
   The question of removing the iron from the Charlotte & Statesville road {Atlantic, Tennessee & Ohio RR} will be presented for the consideration of the Hon. Secy of War.
I am Gentlemen
Very Respectfully
Your obt Servt
J. F. Gilmer
Col of Engrs & Chf of Bureau

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