| Engineer Bureau |
| June 3d 1863 |
| |
| Dr. Wm. A. Smith |
| Prest. Roanoke Valley R. Rd. Co. |
| Randolph & Macon College |
| Mecklenburg, Va. |
| |
| Sir, |
| Enclosed I send for your
information a letter approved by the Hon. Sec. of War authorizing a
commission consisting of Col. Chas. F. M. Garnett and Capt. Geo. E.
Walker Engr. Corps P. A. C. S. to secure for the use of the Government
the iron rails, rolling stock and scrap iron of the Roanoke Valley
Rail Road. |
| It is desired to purchase the
above materials if you are willing and authorized to make such terms
as will meet with the approval of the commission. Otherwise, the
necessities of the Government compel a resort to impressment under the
recent law of Congress. |
| Very Respectfully |
| J. F. Gilmer |
| Col. of Engrs & Chf of Bureau |
|