| Engineer Bureau |
| July 4 1864 |
| |
| Capt. F. F. Forbes |
| Commissary subst. |
| |
| Captain, |
| The officer in charge of the force of
mechanics, employed by the Eng Bureau for work on the {Richmond
&} Danville R. R. was authorized by the Sec'y of War
& Commissary Genl. to draw rations from you on his requisition. |
| Lt. L. A. Dade Eng. who was assigned to
this duty, was also authorized by the Sec'y of War to draw rations for
negroes recaptured from the enemy last week, these negroes being
placed under his charge for work on the Railroad. |
| Lt. Dade has telegraphed me requesting
that rations be sent immediately to Green ??? for 315 men (supposed to
be negroes) for three days & ten days rations for 135 men
(mechanics). Lt. Dade being absent & not having sent requisitions
I wish to draw 945 rations for negroes & 1555 rations for
mechanics in bulk, if you consider that you are authorized by your
instructions to issue, but if such is not the case I will endeavor to
obtain the necessary authority from the Commissary Genl. Please send
an answer by ??? and also a few blank requisitions. |
| Resp'y yours |
| A. L. Rives |
| Col. &c |
|