| Head Qrs Army NoVa |
| 25th Mch 1863 |
| |
| Hon J. A. Seddon |
| Secty of War |
| |
| Sir, |
| I have received a letter from Mr Whitcomb
Supt of the Va Central RRd with reference to the supplies of wood on the
road and its present condition, with a communication from Mr Fontaine
Prest of the Road upon the same subject. I am convinced that a portion
of the levy of negroes called forth to work on the fortifications can be
much more beneficially employed on this road to prevent it from failing
us at a time when we shall most need it. I therefore earnestly recommend
that one hundred of the levy about to be called for from Albemarle and
the adjacent counties be allowed with the consent of their masters to
work sixty days on the Rail Road instead of on the fortifications. The
necessities of the Road are immediate and I see no other way of
supplying them. |
| I am Very Respectfully |
| Your obdt servt |
| R E Lee Genl |
|