| Macon, Ga., Feb. 18th 1864 |
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Col. J. Gorgas |
| Chief of Ordnance |
| Richmond, Va. |
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| Colonel, |
| The branch track connecting with the Macon
& Western R. R. and running into the Laboratory grounds is now fully
graded, and crossties have been furnished for a portion of it, enough to
switch off a train from the main track. |
| I am promised a sufficient amount of old
R. R. iron to lay this portion by the Supt. of the M. & W. R. R., who
also promises to lay the track for me. I only require a few kegs of
railroad spikes. I therefore respectfully request that you will obtain
for me from the Tredegar Works (as I presume that I cannot effect the
object without your order) ten (10) kegs of "dog head spikes, of
five-eights (5/8) of an inch square and five (5) inches long under the
head, for cross-tie track" and will direct them to be sent to me by
Express if no special messenger be coming to Macon. |
| The laying this little piece of track will
greatly facilitate the progress of my work, and will diminish the danger
which now results from cars standing to unload upon the main line of R.
R. |
| I am, Colonel, &c |
| J. W. Mallet, Maj. |
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