| Engineer Bureau |
| August 5th 1864 |
| |
| Col. E. Fontaine |
| Presdt Va. C. R. R. {Virginia
Central RR} |
| |
| Colonel, |
| The Govt is in great need of RR iron and
is prepared to take steps to secure the iron from the western portion
of the road, beyond Goshen {27 miles before the
end of the road} & to this end proposes to commence
promptly the repairs of the break beyond Staunton. The Govt is
desirous therefore to enter into an agreement with your company to
replace the iron then taken six months after a treaty of peace between
the Confederate States or if preferred to pay a fair price for the
iron -- the first arrangement however preferred. |
| I resp'y ask your
views on the subject as it is earnestly desired to have a complete
understanding beforehand, and also with a view to avoid more injury to
your road than is required to meet the wants of the Govt. An early
reply is requested. |
| Very resp'y &c |
| J. F. Gilmer |
| Maj. Genl. &c |
|