| Office Asst Quartermaster |
| Victoria, Texas |
| March 31st, 1862 |
| |
| Lieut. B. E. Benton |
| A. A. A. Genl. |
| San Antonio, Texas |
| |
| Sir, |
| I have the honor to submit the enclosed
contract for the approval of the Colonel Commanding the S. W. Dist.
R. G. It was made for the following reasons: |
| Some time since I was officially
informed that the Cars on the San Antonio & Mexican Gulf Rail
Road would cease running on the 1st of April 1862, and the employees
discharged because the expenditures have for some time exceeded the
receipts. Knowing that the Road is absolutely necessary for the
transportation to and from the Coast, of supplies reinforcements
&c. in order to facilitate the interest of the Government (as a
Depot cannot be established on the coast without great danger) and
as a ??? of communication with the interior for the troops see Major
Shea Commanding. I reported the affair to Col. Garlauda who
authorized me to enter into a contract with the Rail Road Company,
subject to the approval of Proper Authorities. |
| It seems to me ??? if the plans for
Coast defence are to be carried out, this Road is very essential to
their execution for if wagons were to be purchased for that purpose,
they would only ????? specified in the contract for Rail Road
transportation. Besides the facility guaranteed, especially, in an
emergency is a matter of no small importance in my estimation. |
| Of course $20.50 per diem will not pay
the actual expenses of the road, but the Superintendent is willing
to rely in other business to ???t the deficit. |
| I trust this contract will meet with the
approbation of the Colonel Comd'g for I regard it as a matter of
much importance. |
| If as I would respectfully request that
it be signed (in quadruplicate) & return to this Officer. |
| I have the honor to be Sir |
| Very respectfully |
| Your Obt Svt |
| Udoethr Wolfe |
| Capt & A. Q. M. |
| CS Army |
| {contract not found} |