| War
Department, C. S. A., Richmond, Va. July 2, 1864 |
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| General R. E. Lee |
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| General, |
| I presume the large number of slaves
lately recaptured by our troops from the marauding cavalry of the
enemy are more burdensome than useful in Petersburg or with the
army, and, besides, are difficult of reclamation by the owners, most
of whom will, probably, be averse to visiting Petersburg at this
time. On the other hand, the active laborers among them could be
made very useful assistants in the repair of the Danville road {the
Richmond & Danville RR}, and all could be more readily
supplied and placed within reach of their owners by being sent up on
the line of the road. I therefore take the liberty of suggesting
such disposition of all, but especially of the laborers, and to
avoid delay, in case of your approval, send over Lieut. L. A. Dade,
of the Engineer Corps, to arrange for their transport and to take
charge of them. I am anxious, also, to command more wagons and
ambulances on the road, both to carry the mail and establish a
portage for grain over the break in the road, and to haul sills,
&c., for repairs. I can, probably, command from the more distant
counties (where threshing may be delayed) temporarily more mules and
horses than suitable wagons. As many wagons and ambulances were
captured from the enemy, I hope you will be able to spare a
considerable number of them, and they, likewise, may be placed, if
you approve, under the charge of Lieutenant Dade. The signal
retribution visited on these cavalry marauders has caused the
liveliest satisfaction, and will be received by the whole country
with admiration and grateful appreciation of the skill and valor
which have accomplished it. |
| James A. Seddon |
| Secretary of War |
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