| Engineer Bureau |
| Sept. 24th, 1863 |
| |
| H. D. Whitcomb, Esq. |
| Genl. Supt. Va. Central R. R. {General
Superintendent, Virginia Central RR} Richmond |
| |
| Sir, |
| Your letter of the 17th, submitting to the
Bureau certain questions relative to the operation of the draft
recently made upon the counties of Virginia for slave labor to be
employed on the public defence, has been received, and, on conference
with the Hon. Secretary of War it was decided: |
| 1st That slaves actually employed on your
road at the time that the draft was made, will be relieved on
application and certificate from you of the fact; & |
| 2d That owners of slaves will not be
exempted from furnishing their quota for the fortification under the
call on condition of furnishing a like number to the Rail Road
Company. |
| Yours very respectfully |
| A. L. Rives |
| Lt. Col. & Actg Chf. Bur. |
|