NA, ENG 6/10/1864

Engineer Bureau
Richmond, June 10th, 1864
  
H. D. Whitcomb Esq
Genl Supdt Va Central R. R.   {General Superintendent, Virginia Central RR}
 
Sir,
   Your letter of the 7 inst in reference to the damage inflicted on your road by the recent operations of the enemy and the amount of labor & material required to effect repairs, has been recd. The department though disposed to render any assistance in its power to bring about the permanent re-opening of communication on the Central R. R. does not deem it prudent or advisable to press the necessary repairs to completion until the line of the rail road becomes more secure from the raiding parties of the enemy. The Hon Secy of War has written on this subject to Genl R. E. Lee and you will be promptly advised of his views & wishes. In the mean time bridges have been constructed and held in readiness for the South Anna and Little Rivers & Col C. F. M. Garnett Commissioner &c has been instructed to collect and store at Richmond the R. R. iron necessary for the repair of your track. 
   The negro force required for these repairs will not be furnished until the country becomes more secure, but it is hoped that at the proper time, the Department will be able to afford material assistance in this respect.
   In reference to the expenditures to be made in the reconstruction of your road, I am directed by the Hon Sec'y of War to inform you that he will not call upon the company for immediate reimbursement of the amount expended by the Government, but will reserve the right to effect hereafter an equitable arrangement.
   As soon as the military authorities consider it safe to commence operations on your road, you will be notified and your cooperation requested.
Very resp'y &c
A. L. Rives
Col &c

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