| Engineer Bureau |
| Richmond, May 4th, 1863 |
| |
| Col. W. H. Stevens |
| Chief of Construction, D. N. Va |
| Richmond, Va. |
| |
| Colonel, |
| The President desires the Engineer Dept.
to assist in every way in promptly repairing the damages done to the R.
F. & P. R. Rd. & the Va. Central R. Rd. I desire you therefore to select
an Engineer officer (two if deem it better) together with a laboring
force of from 50 to 100 free negroes & direct them to report forthwith
to Mr. Daniel, Prest. of the R. F. & P. R. Rd.
{Richmond, Fredericksburg & Potomac RR} the less damaged &
therefore the first to be repaired. Such timber as may be required can
be procured from the Navy Dept. Arrangements for feeding the laboring
force while engaged on the above duty should be made at the time of
sending them to Mr. Daniel. |
| Very Respectfully |
| J. F. Gilmer |
| Col of Engrs & Chf of Bureau |
|