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Eng. Office, Gonzales, Tex. |
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10 P. M. 21 Dec. 1863 |
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Capt. Thos Heerrmann |
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Adjt. Gen. Dept |
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Hawkins' Farm, Matagorda Co |
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| Capt., |
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The destruction of the Railroad from Lavaca to Victoria
{San Antonio & Mexican Gulf RR} seems to
have been most wretchedly mismanaged. I left about 125 hands at work on
it. They were reduced to thirty on 19th inst. These expect
Christmas Holiday, and if it is not granted, they will run away. |
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The Engines were disabled when about five miles of the road had been
destroyed, thus depriving the force at work upon it of the aid of the
road in getting food, water, & transportation for re-impressments & for
the sick. |
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The officer entrusted with the direction of the work, after Maj. Blucher
was placed under arrest, was more drunk than he was, and when he started
to resume the work, was stretched out drunk in a car in company with his
forces. |
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Under the circumstances, I earnestly request that all the slaves still
there, or who by orders ought to be there, be sent to me here; and that
those ho have been faithful be allowed leave of absence for one week, to
report to me here at the end of that time. |
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Very Respy |
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Yr. obt. Sevt. |
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A. M. Lea |
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Lt Col & Chf Eng. |
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