| Engineer Bureau |
| November 10th 1863 |
| |
| Maj. Minor Meriwether Corps Engrs P. A. C. S. |
| |
| Major, |
| You have been selected by the Hon.
Secretaries of War and the Navy to occupy the position on the
commission for the collection and distribution of railroad iron
recently made vacant by the death of Capt. Geo. E. Walker, Corps Engrs
P. A. C. S. |
| You will endeavor, in conjunction with
Col. C. F. M. Garnett, your colleague in this commission to negotiate
the purchase of the above material on satisfactory terms, introducing
the condition of replacing the rails at the termination of the war, in
lieu of immediate compensation for them, whenever practicable. The
Chief of the Nitre and Mining Bureau should be consulted before
closing, definitely, the terms of purchase as it is very desirable for
the Government that the value of iron should be, as far as
practicable, controlled by that Bureau. |
| In the event that negotiations for
purchase fail, you are authorized to impress, but will conform
strictly to the recent law of impressments. Whenever occasion demands,
you are also authorized to secure all necessary legal assistance, but
will endeavor to fix beforehand a fair compensation for such service. |
| An early entrance upon the duties confided
to you is earnestly desired and you are particularly enjoined to take
measures to provide practicable results with the least possible delay,
to which end you are authorized to employ, upon reasonable terms, such
agents as may be necessary. |
| You will be informed by your colleague
Col. Garnett of such other instructions and suggestions as may on
various occasions have been given him by this Bureau in regard to the
conduct of the business confided to the commission of which you are a
member. |
| Yours Very Respectfully |
| A. L. Rives |
| Lt Col & Actg Chf Bu |
| |
| Approved J. A. Seddon Secy War |
|
S. R. Mallory Sec Navy |
|