| Engineer Bureau |
| Richmond July 16th 1863 |
| |
| Col. Chas. F. M. Garnett Commissioner &c |
| Richmond, Va. |
| |
| Col., |
| I reply to your letter of yesterday
stating that Dr. Wm. A. Smith Presdt of the Roanoke Valley Rail Road
"claims the benefit of neighborhood valuation." I have to
say that, such a right appears to be second to the owners by the terms
of the 1st & 2nd Section of the impressment Act -- See Genl Orders
No 37, A. & I. G. Office Apl 6 1863 -- a copy of which has been
furnished you. But, by the supplementary Act approved Apl 27th 1863
& published in Genl Orders No 53, a copy of which is herewith
enclosed, if the officer impressing property does not consider the
impressment fair & just; he will not approve it, and "shall
endorse upon it his reasons for refusing &c &c." You
will, in the case of the iron taken from the Roanoke Valley RRd be
governed by the laws & regulations as set forth in the Genl
Orders, applicable to the case -- viz: Nos 37 & 53 A&I Genl O.
Current Series. The appraisement under their regulations may be
somewhat delayed that is, greater time may be required to perfect it,
int this must not delay the collection and removal of the iron. |
| Very respectfully, &c |
| J. F. Gilmer |
| Col Engrs & Chf of Bur. |
|