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Eng. Dept. W. Sub Dist. Tex. |
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Victoria, 9 A. M. 7 Dec. 1863 |
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Capt. E. P. Turner |
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A. A. Genl. |
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The order, from the Navidad, for me to go to Columbia, was recd. at 2 P.
M. Sat 5th & soon after Col. Darden showed me the order to him about the
destruction of the R. Road {San Antonio &
Mexican Gulf RR}, which demanded my personal attention.
Yesterday, Sunday, 6th, I took all the available force of Negroes, about
80, and went down to make a beginning. The first essay was a complete
success. At the word, the negroes turned over the track as far as
they cold extend, one man to each tie. The ties were then piled and the
iron laid on them, but I forebore the torch by Col. Darden's order.
Having shown how the work is to be done I have turned the hands, tools
&c over to Capt. Cunningham, of 5th Regt. Tex. Mil. under Col. Darden's
orders. The Negro force is today over one hundred. It will require such
force two weeks to destroy the Road. That will bring them near
Christmas, when they will all run away, if not allowed to go home. They
will not be available for Columbia. Other must be had for that work. |
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***** I expect to leave tomorrow, but I am worn down, & my presence is
very much needed here. |
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Very Respy |
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Yr. obt. Sevt. |
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A. M. Lea |
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Lt Col & Chf Eng. |
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