Hd Qrs Va Forces |
Richmond Va. April 26, 1861 |
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Circular |
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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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