NA, GH&H 9/7/1863

Supt Office
Horg  Sept 7, 1863
 
Stephen D. Yancy Esq A. A. G.
 
Sir,
   Your communication No 320 is at hand, and in explanation will say that about Sept first I received instructions from Col Sulakowski to put my machinery and rolling stock in immediate repair, and to apply to Capt Merriott for details of men.
   Capt Merriott informed he did not know of any men, but if I could find them he would make application for their detail.
   I had no resource but to advertise for them and if I have committed an error I did so unintentionally and am sorry for it.
   I have 3 Engines in shop under repair and not the necessary machinist to get them out with dispatch. On Sept 2d the Engine on the Island came here broke down, and consequently the Engineers Dept have no Engine.
   I have not received one application by advertising.
Very Respy
Geo B. Nichols
Supt
G. H. & H. RR  {Galveston, Houston & Henderson RR}

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