| Engineer Bureau |
| Richmond, June 9th, 1863 |
| |
| Hon. James M. Baker |
| Fayetteville, N. C. |
| |
| Sir, |
| Your letter of the 1st. inst. addressed to
the Hon. Sec. of War in regard to the removal of the iron of the
Florida R. Rd. has been referred to this Bureau for a reply showing
the reasons that justify the proposed seizure. |
| It is not proposed to remove the iron of
the above road to extend the Geo. & Pensacola R. Rd {??}. It is only
intended to take such action when the imperative necessity of roads of
vital importance to the Confederacy demand it. |
| Hoping that the above short assurance will
explain to your satisfaction and justify at the same time such course
as may be adopted by the Confederate authorities. |
| Very Respectfully |
| J. F. Gilmer |
| Colonel of Engr. & Chf. of Bureau |
|