| Engineer Bureau |
| June 25th/63 |
| |
| Col. Chas F. M. Garnett |
| and Capt Geo E Walker
commissioners |
| |
| Gentlemen, |
| I have received your
two letters of the 24th inst and in reply I have to state that it is
not thought to be advisable at this moment to detach even 110 hands
from the defences of this city for the removal of iron from the
railroad between Fredericksburg & the Potomac {the
Richmond, Fredericksburg & Potomac RR}. It is hoped you may
be able to procure labor from the counties below Fredericksburg by
getting the assistance of local persons in collecting the hands. The
necessary guards can no doubt be had by details from the 15th Va.
Cavalry, now on duty near by. Possibly fatigue labor could be obtained
by details from the same command. |
| As to laying the
track from Hamilton's Crossing to Fredericksburg, I have to say that
the want of material and labor will prevent the undertaking for the
present. I see no military objection to doing so. |
| I am pleased to
learn that you can probably remove the iron from the road North of the
Rappahannock (without an engine) by using mules, which you can
probably get from the Quartermaster's Department. |
| I regard to the 500
or 600 tons of iron for repairs on the South Side R. R. I have to say
the amount appears large, when the numerous wants throughout the
Confederacy are considered. Before awarding iron to any Railroad Co.,
I must ask the Commission to make personal examination as to
the absolute wants in each case and then supply on the minimum
quantity that will answer to keep the road up. In cases where it may
be impracticable to make the much desired personal examination, then
they should be made by a competent agent, having no connection with or
interest in, the Company. |
| As to the iron from
the Seaboard & Roanoke R. R. the first five miles obtained have
been pledged to the Piedmont Road from Danville, Va. to Greensboro, N.
C. The remaining two miles will be available for general distribution,
after special examinations, as herein requested. |
| I regret to find you
consider the substitution of the "Port Walthall" Road {part
of the Richmond & Petersburg RR} for
the "City Point," as impracticable for flag of truce
purposes in the exchange of prisoners. |
| Very Respectfully Yr Obt Servt |
| J. F. Gilmer |
| Col Engrs & Chf of Bureau |