| Engineer Bureau |
| June 6th 1863 |
| |
| Col. C. F. M. Garnett |
| Capt. Geo. E. Walker |
| Engineer Corps P. A. C. S. |
| |
| Gentlemen, |
| By direction of the Secretary
of War and Navy you are hereby authorized to purchase if possible on
fair terms, but impress if necessary, for the use of the Government,
the iron rails, rolling stock, and scrap iron of the rail roads named
in the list which has been furnished you. |
| A portion of the materials
thus collected it is proposed to employ in repairing and assisting
some of the Roads, now in an unsatisfactory condition, but absolutely
required for the public defense, another portion is to devoted to the
construction of indispensable connections, while a third is destined
to be re-rolled and employed in plating gun boats. |
| To enable you to perform your
duties promptly and satisfactorily you are authorized to appoint
general agents, with authority to represent you when necessary. |
| Very Respectfully |
| Your obt. Servt. |
| J. F. Gilmer |
| Col. of Engr & Chf of Bureau |
|