NA, RRB 9/29A/1863

Engineers Office
Houston Sep 29, 1863
 
Capt E P Turner
A A G
 
Captn,
   By the advice of Maj Bloomfield Chf Qr Mr I have thought it best to address the following communication directly to you, instead of sending it through the Chief of this department, the usual channel. I found upon passing over the Texas & New Orleans Rail Road, on my return to this place on Saturday last, that the rail Road Bridge over the Trinity river was in a very dangerous condition being at present only on temporary supports.
   This Bridge was washed away by the freshet in February last and has been since partially rebuilt, but for the want of Carpenters, has never been completed. The amt of work remaining to be done is very small, but of such a nature that the bridge is liable to be washed away with the first freshet.
   I would respectfully suggest, that instruction be at once given to the President A. M. Gentry to complete this bridge immediately. Twelve Carpenters being furnished him for that purpose.
   I would further report that the road from this place to Liberty is in good order, but that from Liberty to Beaumont is in a very bad condition, and will be altogether impassible in rainy weather.
   I would respectfully recommend that the President be instructed to concentrate on this portion of the road, all his labor with the exception of that at work on the Neches Swamp, and put it immediately in running order.
Very Resp Your Obt Sevt
E. L. Heriot
Capt & Inspt R Rds

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