Headquarters Army of Northern Virginia
| October 25, 1862 |
| |
| Hon. George W. Randolph |
| Secretary of War |
| |
| Sir, |
| The completion of the Danville and
Greensborough Railroad {Piedmont RR} as
speedily as possible is almost absolutely essential to us in the
operations of the ensuing campaign. The enemy will, doubtless, make
his attack in the present winter south of the James River, and will
make strenuous efforts to cut off our communication with the South
by obtaining possession of the Petersburg, Weldon and Wilmington
Railway {the Petersburg RR and the Wilmington
& Weldon RR}. Should they succeed in this, hopeless
disaster might ensue, unless we could rely on the interior
connection, via Greensborough and Danville. This road should be
pushed on to completion at once by every means in our power. I
believe that I cannot urge its importance too strongly on the
Government, and I therefore beg leave to call your attention to it. |
| I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your
obedient servant, |
| R. E. Lee |
| General |
| |
|
Indorsement |
| October 28, 1862 |
| Send copy to L. E. Harvie, esq.,
president of the Piedmont Railroad, and inform him that the
Department is desirous of giving him every possible assistance, and
will be glad to receive suggestions as to the mode in which it may
be done. |
| G. W. Randolph |
| Secretary of War |
|