|
Atlanta Ga. Jany 24th 1863 |
| |
| Colonel J. F. Gilmer |
| Chief of Engineer Bureau |
| Richmond Va |
| |
| Colonel, |
| Your letter of the 17th inst. has been
received. In perseverance of your instructions, I have written, to
engage a competent Engineer to give personal attention to carrying out
Professor Thomassy's plan of the salt works. I can get a second hand
stationary steam engine and boilers, and shall probably make the
purchase in a few days, if the machine will come up to the requirements.
The pumps may be more difficult to obtain. I have that that Nitre Dept.
have a large number of shovels, spades and picks in Augusta Ga. not in
use. An order from Maj. St. John will enable me to get a supply. Can you
see him on the subject? |
| In my suggestion of duplicate bridges I
named only Howe Truss. Since making the suggestion I have become
convinced that the adoption of a plan dispensing with iron, would better
promote the interests of the Govt. I recommend Town's Lattice, which can
be adapted to the replacement of Howe's Truss bridges in a majority, if
not all instances, within my knowledge. Iron is a material of such
paramount importance to the Govt for other purposes, that, the
substitution of wood in the bridges seems to me worthy of attention.
Another point is much in favor of the Lattice plan. I find great
difficulty and annoyance in the transportation of the long pieces for
Howe's Truss. They are from 40 to 50 ft. in length requiring two
platform cars for one length of chord pieces. In passing the abrupt
curves on the Western & Atlantic R. R. the loading becomes disarranged
and the cars are frequently left at way sidings to have the loudine
{load?} readjusted. A higher price is charged for this long
lumber. In Towns' Lattice, no extra lengths are required. |
| In ordinary times, with the usual
facilities for procuring materials, I should adopt Howe's Truss,
believing it to be the better plan of bridge, but the other plan is more
economical and better adapted to emergencies. |
| I shall consult Maj Wright as you suggest
in the matter of bills and amounts. |
| The notice from the Second Auditor's
office has been received, of the requisition for Fifty Thousand dollars
in my favor. The draft from the Treasury has not yet come to hand. |
| Very Respectfully |
| L. P. Grant |
| Capt. Engrs. P. A. C. S. |
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