|
Atlanta Feby. 10th 1863 |
| |
| Major A. L. Rives |
| Engineer Bureau |
| Richmond Va. |
| |
| Major, |
| Your letter of the 31st ult. and the order
of Major St. John on Capt. Arnold have been received. Also Col. Gilmer's
telegram to the effect that funds would be placed in Montgomery for the
salt works and in Augusta for the duplicate bridges. |
| My efforts to induce owners of negroes to
hire them to work at the salt works has thus far failed of any success. |
| I am now negotiating with contractors for
regular grading forces, now employed in the construction of Railroads at
definite rates pr. acre for grubbing and pr. cubic yard for grading,
ditching &c. To effect this arrangement, I must pledge the Govt. to
furnish subsistence to the Contractor at specific prices. The contractor
will be unable to purchase supplies in the vicinity of the works. |
| As this work does not come within the
preview of military operations it seems to me necessary to have some
authority from the Commissary Dept. by which subsistence may be obtained
from the nearest Post to the works. The force should be supplied with
tents, as the erection of cabins will take up too much time. |
| Please give me the necessary instructions
touching the foregoing points. |
| I feel discouraged about these works. The
Dept. may censure me for delay, when I have no in?? to move. The person
selected by Professor Thomassy to bore the wells, declines the service.
If the main reservoir and cooperating basins can be prepared, I can
obtain water from the adjacent wells of the State and individuals to
fill and thoroughly saturate the basins while the boring of our wells
may be progressing. |
| I am still waiting the rect. of funds to
pay the bridge bills in E. Ten. some of which are pressed upon me rather
urgently. |
| Very Respectfully |
| L. P. Grant |
| Capt. Engrs. P. A. C. S. |