| Quartermaster General's Department |
| Richmond, Oct. 6, 1863 |
| |
| Sam. Tate Esqr. |
| Demopolis |
| |
| Sir, |
| In response to your telegrams I promised
to write you as to the nature of the service which I proposed to ask
of you. |
| You have been informed as to the duties
and powers, in regard to Rail Road transportation in the Confederate
States, originally delegated to Colonel Wadley, and now to Major Sims.
These duties are more than can be performed by one man, and I wish you
to take entire charge of this matter in the South and West -- say all
roads west of Atlanta -- to endeavor to give the greatest possible
efficiency to their present transportation, to assist in devising
means for its increase, and if our lines should be again extended, to
give your attention to putting into operation such lines as might come
under our control. |
| It would be necessary, for the
accomplishment of these purposes that you accept a commission in the
Confederate Service, and I would also wish a full personal conference.
For these purposes your presence in Richmond would be desirable. |
| A. R. Lawton, Q. M. Genl. |
|