| January 5 1865 |
| |
| Major Ge Whitfield QM |
|
Meridian Miss
|
| |
| Major, |
| Your esteemed favor of 10th ult is before me
and regret to learn the state of the roads referred to. |
| It is impossible for me to grant the
request with reference to organizing a force to rebuild the roads. It
would only conflict with the Engineer Dept whose province it is to
attend to the repairing of roads destroyed by the enemy when deemed
necessary for the purposes of the Government. |
| A similar case occurred with the Georgia Ralrds
and a man sent on to me for the necessary force &c and on
referring the matter to the Qr Mr Genl was
informed that the "Engineer Bureau" would attend to all
such matters. |
| Very respectfully |
| Your obdt Sert |
| W. G. Gray |
| Capt & A. Q. M. |
| for Lt. Col. F. W. Sims |