| Headquarters, Army of Northern Virginia |
| November 12, 1863 |
|
| James A. Seddon |
| Secretary of War |
| |
| Sir, |
| The condition of the Virginia Central
Railroad, on which we depend almost entirely for our supplies, seems
to become worse every day. Col. Corley reports the frequent accidents
of cars running off the track, and that the track in many places is
very bad. I beg you to consult with the President and Superintendent
of the road as to what measures can be taken for this repair before
the winter fairly sets in. To make details from this army for the
purpose in the present reduced condition of our regiments is next to
impossible. I hope, however, something may be done to put it in good
repair so that it may be relied on for the regular transportation of
our supplies. If this cannot be done, the only alternative will be to
fall back nearer to Richmond. This would leave not only the railroad,
but the richest portion of the State of Virginia at the mercy of the
enemy. If the Engineer Department can do the work and the railroad
company cannot, I think they might set a portion of the force employed
on the defences of Richmond at work at once and charge the work done
to the company, to be deducted from the tolls on supplies transported
to the army. It is of great importance that the work should be done
while the good weather lasts. |
| I am sir respectfully, your obt servt |
| R. E. Lee |
| General |
| {Also recorded in OR 1/29/2/832} |
|