| Confederate States |
| Quartermaster's Department |
| Office Supt Railroad Transportation |
| Richmond Novr 21st 1864 |
| |
| Genl A. R. Lawton |
| Q. M. G. |
| |
| General, |
| Mr. S. B. Lowe who is to carry out the
contract made in Selma to furnish iron work for two hundred cars
informs me that it will be almost impossible for him to perform it
without an increase to his force of twenty men -- say thirteen
conscripts and seven men from the army, and I respectfully ask a
positive assurance that where skilled men are found by Mr Lowe he
shall have them detailed, to the number named. |
| I would further ask that when conscripts
such as are desirable are found that the enrolling officer be directed
to leave them with Mr Lowe until a proper detail can be obtained. |
| It is impossible for contractors to
proceed with work without the assurances mentioned; the monied risk is
very large and will not be born if there is an uncertainty attending
it which the government only can relieve. |
| I am, General, |
| Very respy |
| Yr obdt svt. |
| F. W. Sims |
| Lt. Col. & Q. M. |
|