NA, RRB 1/27C/1865

Jany 27th 1865
 
Genl Preston
Chf &c
Richmond
 
General,
   I would respectfully ask that you would require all railroads when asking for exemptions, to certify that none of the persons for whom they ask are employed by any other railroad company.
   My reason for making this request is that when a mechanic asks for work, every company is so desirous to increase its operatives that they at once ask for an exemption, and in many cases these persons get exemptions for two or three roads.
   I know of some whose machinists have been detailed to work for refugee roads and exempted to work on roads still in our hands.
   If you would desire a remedy for these cases it would do something towards organizing this difficult and troublesome branch of your department.
Very respy
F. W. Sims
Lt Col & QM

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