| Head Qrs Richmond Va |
| 11th April 1862 |
| |
|
General Wm Mahone |
| Presdt N. & P. R. R. R. Co.
{President, Norfolk & Petersburg RR} |
| Norfolk Va. |
| |
| General, |
| I have had the honor to receive your
letter of the 10th inst. relative to G. O. No. 1 from these
Headquarters, and suggesting a "reiteration" of the order of April last,
forbidding any interference on the part of Military officers with the
officers and employees of railroads &c" issued by Genl Lee, at that time
commanding in chief the Virginia Forces. I have submitted the same to
the consideration of the General Commanding who directs me to reply to
following effect. He thinks that Gen order of 20th March, which
prescribes that the movements and speeds of trains shall be regulated
only by conductors and engineers, in accordance with the regulations of
time tables of the Co and which requires that any variations from the
regular schedules, which may be necessary, shall be directed through the
supt. or other authorized officer; coupled with the circular to R. R.
Presdts of 31 March, a copy of which is herewith enclosed, will
accomplish the desired and of rendering the railroads efficient to their
utmost capacity, and of preventing all destruction of life and property.
The exigencies of the service at this time are much more urgent than in
April 61; and it must be admitted that the officer commanding a
department or army, is a better judge of the necessities for
transportation &c than other not so well informed; and it is only
necessary in order to secure harmonious cooperation that all demands for
transportation be made through the proper office of the road, which, as
before said indirected in the Gen. order in question |
| I am very resp. Your obt Sevt |
| W. H. Tayler A. A. G. |
|