| Houston Nov 12th 1863 |
| |
| Capt. E. L. Heriot |
|
Inspector Rail Roads
|
| |
| Sir, |
| In reply to your favor of this
day in relation to the progress and condition of the Galveston &
Houston Junction Rail Road. I have to report that all the grading for
main & side tracks is completed. |
| The timber for Drawbridge and
approaches 180,000 ft has been sawed and 120,000 ft delivered on the
bank of the Sayord, the balance 60,000 ft is at Beaumont waiting
transportation. |
| The piles have all been
contracted for, and nearly all of them, have been delivered on the
ground, the iron (wrought & cast) for drawbridge has been nearly
provided for. |
| For main & side tracks,
4000 cross ties are required. I have made every exertion to obtain
them and have failed. I am now trying to purchase timber for the same.
if they can be furnished, the main & side tracks can be laid down
in ten days. |
| If the timber now at Beaumont
can be delivered, and the 16000 ft taken by the Government replaced
the connection can be completed within sixty days, provided mechanical
labor can be obtained. |
| I have used every means within
my power to prosecute the work vigorously and orders have been issued
by Major Genl Magruder to facilitate the delivery of material and for
the protection of the same, and I regret to state that the urgent
necessity of the completion of this road, has not prevented the
violations of said orders. I have recently had assurances that the
timber at Beaumont would be shipped as soon as circumstances will
permit. |
| For details of construction I
refer you to my previous report. |
| Very Respectfully Your |
| Most obt Svt |
| James Converse |
| Chief Engr |