| Engineer Bureau |
| June 24, 1864 |
| |
| Lt. Col. Minor Meriwether |
| Commissioner &c |
| Demopolis, Ala. |
| |
| Colonel, |
| Your letter of 24th ult in relation to
seizure of iron Fla. & Ala. R. R. {Alabama
& Florida (of Florida) RR} & {Mobile
&} Spring Hill R. R. has just been recd, owing to the
derangements of the mails. |
| I have referred your communication to Hon
Secy of War most strongly endorsing your views as to the necessity
& Propriety of seizing without delay as a matter of absolute mil.
necessity the iron of the above Roads & hope that my earnest
appeal will not be in vain. You shall be promptly informed of the
result. |
| I think the 1/3 deduction from the
Locomotives made at all events until a new valuation is arrived at
provided the company claims the privilege. |
| I am sorry to say that I can send you no
money as yet, but that a requisition has been made in your favor &
I trust you will soon be in funds. |
| Very resp'y yours |
| A. L. Rives |
| Col. &c |