| Office Va Central RRCo |
| Richmond March 6 1864 |
| |
| Col. F. W. Sims |
| |
| Sir, |
| Your letter with the
endorsement of the Sec'y of War relative to the transfer of the
Company of Employees of this road from the 19th Regt of Va Militia to
the Confederate Service is received. |
| I think a majority of the
Company will prefer the formation of a battalion of R. R. employees
under the C. S. Authority. I wish to know whether this majority will
carry the whole Company or must each man act for himself. I presume
the Employees cannot be forced to join the C. S. Service, but are
compelled to do Military duty under the laws of Virginia. I would like
to be informed on this point as soon as possible. I shall urge the new
organization with the hope that our men will only be called out when
it is absolutely necessary. I think they will then go cheerfully and
the more willingly if their comrades are to be their daily associates. |
| Very Respectfully |
| Your ovt Sevt |
| H. D. Whitcomb |
| Genl Supt |
|