| Engineer Bureau |
| July 8th 1863 |
| |
| Capt. John A. Haydon, P. C. E. |
| Care of Maj. Gen S. B. Buckner |
| Knoxville, Tenn. |
| |
| Captain, |
| Col. George B. Hodge, A&I Genl reports
by letter to the Hon Sec of War under date 3rd inst. as follows, viz: |
| "I found extensive salt works at
Winters Gap -- about 14 miles from Clinton on the road to Wistburg --
a railroad from Knoxville to Clinton has been finished {the
Knoxville & Kentucky RR}, and the rails are on it in
running order, about ten miles. Clinton is distant from Knoxville 18
miles. The county road is good, as also the road from Clinton to
Winters Gap." |
| "There were some 50 or 60 kettles of
large capacity in position, bedded in masonry and under shelter. The
pipe of the well has been broken and an upper stream of fresh water
weakens the saline water, but the country people were making salt,
using 1600 gallons to the bushel. The water is pumped by hand, but
there is a steam engine in the works which could be repaired. Abundant
supplies of coal on a good road are within two miles of the work, and
the supply of wood unlimited." |
| You will please to visit the salines
described by Col Hodge, and report fully to this Bureau as to the
practicability of working the machinery and other fixtures described
-- whether the broken pipe can be repaired or a new one substituted,
and all other facts relating to the matter. You will apply to Maj Gen
Buckner for such protection or assistance as you may require. Should
you find it possible to renew the salt works, you will take immediate
steps to that end, reporting fully to this office. |
| Yr Obt Servt |
| J. F. Gilmer |
| Col Engrs & Chf of Bureau |
|