| February 13 1865 |
| |
| Genl A R Lawton |
|
Q. M. G.
|
| |
| General, |
| I have directed Maj C. M. Smith Auditing
Quartermaster of Railroad accounts to deduct all sums assessed against
railroad Co's for loss or damage and pay the same over to the proper
bureau. These instructions are based on paragraph No. 931 army
regulations. |
| It has come to my knowledge that Col.
Taylor 2nd Auditor arranged for these deductions to be credited
properly when the accounts reach his office, and if I pursue the plan
drawn from my interpretation of the army regulations the credits will
be twice given. |
| Under these circumstances the case is
presented you for decision. It is immaterial to me whether the Co's
receive pay from Auditing officers of Q. M. Dept or not, but is
necessary to ??? any conflict that would result in refunding the same
amount by two bureaus. |
| F. W. Sims |
| Lt Col & Q M |
| |
| The following is the Q. M. Genl
endorsement Respectfully retd to Lt Col Sims Those settlements should
be made through the 2nd Auditor. |
| Qr Genl A R Lawton |
| Q. M. Genl |
| Richmond Feby 15 1865 |
| |
| Major C. M. Smith Qr Mr |
| Richmond |
| Maj. Under the decision assessments will be
deducted and the reimbursements paid to the RR Co. record will
be kept of the sums deducted & what for as that a claim presented
by any bureau can be ??d. |
| Very resply |
| F. W. Sims |
| Lt Col & QM |