NA, VAF 4/26/1861

Hd Qrs Va Forces
Richmond Va. April 26, 1861
 
Circular
 
Sir,
   In order to render the Rail Roads of this state as effective as possible, in its defence, and to prevent their use by its Enemies, the adoption of the following precautions and regulations is earnestly impressed upon the Presidents and Directors.
1st  Every Engine and Car, whether for freight or passengers, not absolutely required for immediate use, should without delay, be removed from those termini or points, which may be liable to attack, to some parts of the Roads of greater security.
2nd  At every such point, there should be kept always in readiness, a Locomotive Engine, to be dispatched at a moments notice, for giving warning of the approach of the Enemy or conveying of important intelligence. The Roads should also be supplied at suitable distance, with light Pole Cars, with tar barrels or other containers for Beacon Lights, to be fired only, by responsible persons -- designated for purpose, on the receipt of Reliable information.
3rd  All Bridges and Culverts should be guarded night and day, by two armed men (under the direction of the Military Commander of the District) who should be ordered, on the receipt of undoubted intelligence of the approach of the Enemy by train, to destroy the Track. The execution of this order must be under the positive conviction of its propriety and urgent necessity.
4th  The Engineers and Machinists should be instructed, on the certain approach of the Enemy, to remove and take away or conceal the connecting Rods of the Engines.
5th  All burthen and box cars should be fitted with cleets for seats &c, for the transportation of Troops, when the passenger cars will not afford accommodation of them.
6th Every Rail Road Company should immediately strengthen its open flat cars and so far as it is possible to do so, construct others of the strongest materials, for the transportation of heavy ordinance.
7th  The safety of Life and protection of both Trains and Roads from disasters incident to collisions, make it imperative that all Trains should be regulated in their movements and speed, only, by their Conductors and Engineers, in accordance with the Regulations and Time tables of the Company. Disregard of this Rule, would inevitably be attended with consequences disastrous to life and property valuable to the State.
   Please make known this circular to no-one.
Respectfully &c.
{No signature in the letter book}

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