| Columbus, Geo. October 27th 1864 |
| |
| Col. F. W. Sims |
|
Chief of R. R. Bureau
|
| Richmond, Va. |
| |
| Dear Sir, |
| I propose to undertake the
Supervision or contract for building the wood work of from one hundred
to five hundred Rail Road cars in accordance with your plans and
instructions. Your department to furnish the
funds to pay for all the materials when delivered and labour required
for the construction of said cars as the work progresses. Your
department to pay me Twenty five per cent on the gross amount
disbursed by me for the construction of said cars. |
| I further propose to erect a
saw mill and suitable workshops with Engine Power sufficient to saw
all the lumber and run the machinery necessary for building the cars
in an expeditious and suitable manner on the line of one of our
principle Rail Roads where a good supply of suitable timber can be
procured, the location to be approved of by you, on condition that the
C. S. Government agree to pay me the cost or valuation of said
buildings as soon as I have built and delivered one hundred cars and
if the buildings & machinery may be damaged or destroyed by said
enemy. I will commence the work immediately and bind myself to have
the wood work of the cars in readiness for iron work as soon as
delivered. |
| Respectfully submitted by |
| Your obedient servt |
| John D Gray |
|