| Columbus, Geo. October 27th 1864 |
| |
| Col. F. W. Sims |
|
Chief of R. R. Bureau
|
| Richmond, Va. |
| |
| Dear Sir, |
| Accompanying this you will
please find two separate proposals for building the cars. |
| I have limited the smallest
number in my proposal to furnish all building & machinery at my
own cost at (200) two hundred. I could not with safety undertake, on
the terms, for a less number. |
| I am fully of the opinion that
the other proposal, by which the Government is to take the Buildings
& Machinery, would be most to its interest as the saving between
the cost of Lumber in sawing it ourselves, and purchasing it from the
Mills and paying transportation would more than pay for the building,
Mill & Machinery, but this is a matter for you to decide. I will
build the number of cars you may require under either proposition and
will endeavour to conduct the business so as to meet your views. |
| You will please let me know as
early as convenient which proposal you prefer, so that I may know how
to act. I am offered an Engine & Sawmill with 2 good boilers &
2 extra saws all in good order -- the mill was built for sawing lumber
for the Gun Boats and is said to be complete with a good engine of 40
Horse power. I am offered the whole for ($35,000.00) Thirty-five
thousand Dollars. |
| When you write me please give
me instructions and authority to contract for materials &c &
how the payments will be made and any other information you may think
necessary. |
| Very Respectfully |
| Your obedient servt |
| John D Gray |
|