| Confederate States |
| Quartermasters Department |
| Office Supt Railroad Transportation |
| Nov 23rd 1864 |
| |
| Col. C. Mee
{Superintendent, Knoxville & Kentucky RR} |
| Lynchburg, Va |
| |
| Colonel, |
| Since writing you yesterday* information
has been received from Genl Lees Quartermaster that renders it
imperatively necessary that we should get the Engine "John Williams"
immediately and put her in repair to haul wood and long forage for the
troops and animals at Petersburg. So pressing is our need that I send
this by the hands of Mr. C. Stanly a Machinist on duty with me who in
instructed to give you a receipt for her and put her at once into the
shop for repairs. |
| It is not my wish to impress the engine
nor do I believe you will force the disagreeable necessity on me, and
I therefore beg leave to assure you that in the way of compensation
you shall receive the same pay allowed to other Engines of her Class. |
| I beg you Colonel not to throw any
obstacle in the way of our using the Engine and if there is any point
upon which you are uncertain please leave it in abeyance until we can
have a personal interview when you shall be satisfied. |
| Very Respectfully |
| F. W. Sims |
| Lt. Col. & Q. M. |
| *No letter was written, it had been ordered written
but the press of business prevented it. |
| F. W. S. |