|
Atlanta Ga. Jany 15th 1863 |
| |
| Colonel J. F. Gilmer |
| Chief of Engineer Bureau |
| Richmond Va. |
| |
| Colonel, |
| I met with some embarrassment in obtaining
transportation for the lumber required at Watauga & Holston bridges and
expect to be forced to ask special power to press cars on the Central &
South Western R. Roads of Ga. I desire to refrain from annoying you with
detailed explanations, knowing that your time is wholly absorbed in
matters of importance. |
| I telegraphed you today in regard to the
contract made with the Ala. & Ten. River R. R. Co. and mortgage
accompanying. Shall a similar contract be made with the Geo. & Ala. R.
R. Co. for the portion of the line in Geo.? |
| With Professor R. Thomassy,
the plan of the proposed salt works has been canvassed. You will
appreciate the difficulty under which I labor in comprehending his
explanation of details. To carry out his plan, will require the constant
supervision of a competent Engineer. A man of the requisite capacity has
recently applied for employment. In eliminating the details of his plan,
the Professor brings to notice , items which were omitted in the general
statement made when we visited the site, all of which will tend to ??ll
the cost beyond my estimate. If you should desire to put the work under
my charge, I shall ask a letter to the Govr of Ala. with whom it will be
important to have a complete and cordial understanding. |
| The Professor desires all the work, except
the finishing of the crystallizing business, to be completed on or
before the first of April. To effect this will require the prompt
organization of a force of about one hundred and fifty negroes under sic
Overseers, to perform the work of cleaning, grubbing, ditching and
forming the main reservoirs and evaporating basins. The tools needed for
the force will be about eight doz. spades & shovels (part of each) 5
doz. axes, 5 doz. mattocks, and 5 doz. picks. |
| For putting up the engine and pumps,
boring and tubing wells, boring and laying the wooden pipes heading to
the reservoirs, constructing the numerous flood gates &c. skilled labor
will be required. |
| The Professor urges the purchase of
adjoining ground owned by individuals sufficient to make the area to be
occupied more symmetrical, than the state reservation alone will admit
of. |
| I can doubtless carry out the general plan
without radical errors. To escape without some errors is beyond my
anticipation. |
| Very Respectfully |
| L. P. Grant |
| Capt. Engrs. P. A. C. S. |