NA, QM 11/27A/1863

Quartermaster General's Department
Richmond, Nov 27, 1863
 
Major F. W. Sims
Supt: RR Bureau
  
Sir,
   Your letter of the 20th of October has been returned to this bureau, with Captain Sharp's report of the contract made by him with the Raleigh & Gaston Railroad Company, for the occupancy of that Company's shops and land at Raleigh.
   This contract appears to have been simply a verbal agreement to pay a monthly rent for these shops, there was no written lease, and no condition or agreement in regard to any improvements placed upon the property by the Government. The rent agreed upon was doubtless accepted by the Company as a full compensation and no expectation of deriving the benefit of these improvements was entertained; and I think all the Company could properly demand, in addition to the rent, was that the property should be returned in good order, upon termination of the tenancy. I am not willing, therefore, to recognize the claim of the Company to the reversion of the buildings and railroad track referred to. It should be notified that the Government will assert its right to remove them; and you will instruct Captain Sharp accordingly.
   I enclose Captain Sharp's letter for your information.
A. R. Lawton, Q. M. Genl.

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