OR, Series 1, Vol. 25, Part 2, Page 703

Headquarters Army of Northern Virginia
April 4, 1863
 
Hon. James A. Seddon
Secretary of War
 
Sir,
   I have had the honor to receive your letter of the 1st instant, in reply to my application that 100 slaves be employed in the reparation of the Virginia Central Railroad.
   If the law forbids their application, I do not ask that it be violated. But if it allows this labor to be applied to works pertaining to the public defense, I think it may with propriety be applied to this road. Our railroads are our principal lines of communication, necessary for the transportation of munitions of war, and to the maintenance of our defensive lines and works; as much so as the lines and works themselves. We cannot retain our position unless the railroads can afford sufficient transportation, which they cannot do in their present condition. If there is any better mode of placing the road in proper condition, I would prefer it.
I have the honor to be, with great respect, your obedient servant
R. E. Lee
General

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