| Engineer Bureau |
| May 29th 1863 |
| |
| Endorsement on letter from
Capt. F. W. Smith dated Chattanooga, Tenn. May 25th 1863 asking
authority from Secretary of War to take up the rails from the Branch of
the Tennessee & Alabama Rail Road running from Columbia, Tenn. 12
miles south west to Mount Pleasant, Tenn. and to exchange with the
Chattanooga & Nashville Road for old Rails. |
| "Respectfully referred to
the Secretary of War. It is believed the iron from this Branch Road
can be spared for the general service. The application of the iron to
the Chattanooga & Nashville R. Rd. {Nashville
& Chattanooga RR} will keep up the connection
with Genl Bragg's Army at Tullahoma -- essential to its supply. The
old iron obtained in exchange will be of much value to the Govt. for
Naval and other purposes. Time is important, but a reference should be
made, probably, to General Bragg by telegram before ordering the
removal." |
| J. F. Gilmer |
| Col. of Engrs & Chf of Bureau |
|