| Engineer Bureau |
| July 30th 1864 |
| |
| Col. L. B. Northrup |
| Com. Genl. C. S. A. |
| |
| Colonel, |
| The Engr Bureau have
employed in repairing the {Richmond
&} Danville R. R. one hundred &
six mechanics & also fifteen or twenty on the O & A R. Rd. {Orange
& Alexandria RR} |
| These men, being
detailed, will henceforth draw rations from the Govt. in accordance
with special order no. 158, p. XXI A&IGO. |
| The severe labor
which is required from them, renders the present reduced rations of
meal or flour one pound per day insufficient for their support and I
therefore resp'y request that the allowance of meal or flour may be
increased from one pound to one pound and a quarter per day. |
| I am Col. very resp'y &c |
| J. F. Gilmer |
| Maj. Genl. &c |
|