| Engineer Bureau |
| Richmond, February 4th, 1863 |
| |
| General Joseph E. Johnston |
| Commanding &c. |
| Chattanooga, Tenn. |
| |
| General, |
| In Colonel Gilmer's absence from
indisposition I enclose for your consideration a communication of Mr.
O. E. Boone to the Commissary Genl regarding the great importance of
repairing a portion of the Tennessee & Alabama R. Rd. Col.
Northrop has visited the Bureau and made a warm personal appeal on the
subject, stating that if the repairs called for were made an
exceedingly valuable supply of commissary stores could be saved which
would otherwise be lost. |
| By direction of the Hon. Sec. of War the
whole matter is laid before you for your decision and action, with a
request however, that you would assign an engineer officer of your
command to the duty of examining and reporting promptly on the cost
and time required for repairs. Should Mr. Boone's estimate of
$10,000.00 (ten thousand Dollars) prove correct or nearly so, and the
proposed repairs meet with your approval, the requisite funds can be
furnished by this Bureau. |
| Very Respectfully Your obt. Sevt |
| A. L. Rives |
| Maj. & Asst.to Chf Engr |
|