| Headquarters Confederate States Forces |
| Chattanooga, Tenn., September 2, 1862 |
| |
| E. W. Cole, Supt. Nashville & Chattanooga
Railroad |
| |
| Sir, |
| The Federals having left the line of the
Nashville & Chattanooga Railroad in their retreat from Middle
Tennessee, the reopening of said road becomes a military necessity.
You will therefore with as little delay as possible proceed to run
tracks to the water's edge on each side of the Tennessee River, and
make arrangements for the immediate transfer of locomotive engines
and cars, troops and supplies, across said river, and with all
possible dispatch have such bridges on the road rebuilt as have been
destroyed, so as to pass trains over them, having accurate accounts
of the expenses for such work kept, and charge the amount to the War
Department of the Confederate States of America. On consultation
with you I am informed that the entire expense, exclusive of the
bridge over the Tennessee River, will not exceed $10,000. |
| Sam. Jones |
| Major-General |
|