| Quartermaster General's Department |
| Richmond, Nov 30, 1863 |
| |
| Sam. Tate Esqr |
| Demopolis, Ala. |
| |
| Dear Sir, |
| I have telegraphed you that the
arrangements were all made as indicated in our conference in Georgia.
Major Peters has been ordered to take charge of railroads West of the
Alabama River, under the general control of the Rail Road Bureau here.
He has been ordered to confer freely with you, and accept the
assistance which you had kindly offered. I shall rely with great
confidence on your promise that I shall have no trouble with Rail
Roads west of the Alabama River, and feel sure that Major Peters and
yourself will work smoothly together. |
| The Commissary General informs me that he
has written Major Walker, Chief Commissary of the State of Alabama to
furnish provisions, as far as possible, to the hands employed in
making that connection. |
| As to the power of impressing hands, I
think General Johnston has it now. If he has not, the power must be
asked for by himself. He might consider an application by one an
interference with his duties. |
| The action of the Engineer Department is
all right. The transfer of iron, and building new roads is strictly
their duty. Major Minor Meriwether has been sent there by that Bureau,
and they will work in perfect harmony with us. |
| A. R. Lawton, Q. M. General |
|