NA, ENG 6/9A/1864

Engineer Bureau
Richmond, June 9th 1864
 
Brig Genl. Kemper
Comd'g Reserve Forces
 
General,
   I have recd from Mr C. C. de Nordendorf asst Engr in charge of defences at Mattoax bridge {on the Richmond & Danville RR} a letter of which the following is an extract: "Reserve forces are mostly unfit for hard duty, Yet guard, drill and fortifications is required of them more than they can well stand. I beg you not to leave it to my responsibility but to give me some positive instructions, how much and how long I shall make them work, what shall I do if they should refuse to work at all or as required.
   Their work amounts to nothing 1/2 cubic yard per day." So far it has been impossible to procure labor from other sources, and I submit the above extract resp'y requesting that you will give such instructions in this subject as you may deem expedient to the officer comd'g the reserve forces at Mattoax Bridge.
Resp'y &c 
A. L. Rives
Col &c &c

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