| Richmond & Danville Railroad |
| President's Office |
| Richmond, May 6th 1863 |
|
|
|
Hon Jas A Seddon |
|
Secy of War |
|
|
|
Dear Sir, |
|
I learn that promotions to a considerable extent are
about to be made, in the Engineer Corps, & I fear that my friend
Capt E. T. D. Myers may not receive the rank, to which he is
entitled, by reason of his having been detailed to construct the
Piedmont Rail Road. I am confident that Capt Myers merits
promotions, as an officer of the Corps of Engineer & the more on
account of the position he occupies in reference to the Piedmont
Rail Road. He was ordered to survey & fix the location of that Road,
by the War Department, and after discharging that duty, the Board of
Directors of the Piedmont RRd Co requested Mr Geo W Randolph, then
Secy of War, to detail him to act as Chief Engineer, upon its
construction. Before Capt Myers would agree to accept the office of
Chief Engineer, he went to see the Secy of War & said to him that
while he never had & never would indicate a preference, for a
particular branch of service, he would accept of none that would
change in any respect his relation to a position in the Engineer
Corps that with that understanding he was ready to discharge any
service, & enter upon any duties, the Secretary might think best for
the interest of the service.
|
|
The Secretary told him that he preferred his going upon
the Piedmont R Road. He told Mr Myers also, that he should not in
any respect loose position in his corps, but should be entitled to
the same promotion as if he were in the field. The Secy of War told
me that Capt Myers could render ten times as much service, to the
Government by building that road, than he could by going into the
field; under these circumstances Mr Myers entered upon his duties as
Chief Engineer & well & faithfully has he discharged them. It would
be a hard case, if he should loose promotion, & see others junior in
professional position & perhaps inferior in qualifications, promoted
over him, in account of his zeal in the cause & his obedience to the
Secy of War. Being instrumental & urgent in placing Capt Myers in
his present position, I hope you will appreciate my anxiety in
preserving what I conceive to be greatly due to him. |
|
I have entered into this detail, because I knew you
were not conversant with the circumstances under which Capt Myers
became connected with this work, which had been proclaimed by the
President & Congress by its action necessary as a War measure. I
have written this letter without solicitation or suggestion on the
part of Capt Myers & hope you will give it your personal
consideration & extend to this gallant & competent officer that
promotion to which I am sure he is entitled. |
|
Very Respectfully & Truly |
|
Your Friend |
|
Lewis E Harvie |
|