| C. S. A. War Dept. |
| Richmond, Va Dec. 30 1864 |
| |
| Brig Genl A R Lawton |
| Q. M. Genl. |
| |
| Genl, |
| This Government upon the representation
that the Piedmont railroad running from Danville in the State of
Virginia to Greensboro in the State of North Carolina, has
occasionally failed to comply with the requisitions of the
Department, for the transportation of freight supplies material
& men of the Confederate States ??? affecting adversely the
military operations of the Confederacy, has issued an order to Maj.
S. R. Chrisman of the Quarter Master Department (under the direction
of the President) to seize & employ such road with all its
appurtenances, under the provisions of the act of Congress append
May 1st, 1863. Entitled "an Act to facilitate transportation
for the government" & to turn the same over to the Quarter
Master General. |
| Your powers & obligations are
defined by the act of Congress before mentioned & the department
notifies you of its actions in order that you may proceed to perform
the duties it imposes upon you. You are authorized by the act to
comport the present employment & work of such of its officers,
agents, employees & operatives as are within the act -- liable
to compensation under existing laws & shall continue the working
& operations in transportation of said road paying to each rail
road company for the permission & use of its functions, roads,
depots, rolling stock, machinery employments -- such just
compensation as may be aforesaid & presented by the Board of
assessors in the State of No. Ca. under the act entitled "n act
to negotiate impressments" approved March 26/63. |
| Or if the Company should agree, you are
liberty to have the compensation assessed by assessors mutually
selected according to the 1st Section of the act aforesaid
concerning impressments & under the conditions of that act &
the amendments thereto by Congress since that date. |
| You are also authorized to employ such
officers & employees as may be necessary for the efficient
working of said road. |
| Very Respectfully |
| Your obt svt |
| J. A. Seddon |
| Secretary of War |
|