| Engineer Bureau |
| October 14, 1863 |
| |
| Maj. Wm H Echols |
| C. S. Engrs, Charleston |
| |
| Sir, |
| The papers concerning the railroad iron
furnished for the track across Ashley River, have been referred to
this office for a report by the Hon. Sec of War. |
| It appears that the iron was furnished by
you, and that your bill was forwarded to the President of the C&S
RR {Charleston & Savannah RR} Co.,
who declined to pay it on the ground that the work was one of military
necessity, and for the exclusive benefit of the Government. |
| Major Sims, of the Railroad Bureau, to
whom the matter was referred recommends that the Government should
purchase the rails, but, if such an arrangement can be made, it would
be better to pay rent for them as they will not be needed by the
Government for permanent use. |
| Were these rails furnished by the Govt.?
If so, what charge was made, and what was the quantity furnished? |
| It is desirable also to ascertain whether
the expenses of the work, exclusive of the iron, has been paid by the
State of North {clearly, this should be
"South"} Carolina or whether there are still further
claims against the Confederate Govt. This information may be obtained
from the State Auditor, Mr. James Taphill. |
| You will, if possible, report to this
office the total cost of the connection between the Charleston &
Savannah RR and the S. C. R. R. {South Carolina
RR} and what portion has been paid by the State; also, the
amount and value of the iron furnished by you, and the agreement under
which it was delivered. |
| Respectfully Your Obt Servt |
| A. L. Rives |
| Lt Col & Actg Chf of Bu |
|