| Headquarters Army of Northern Virginia |
| November 15, 1862 |
| |
| Col. W. B. Ball, Commanding Fredericksburg |
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| Colonel,
|
| I informed you yesterday, by telegraph,
that I desired the railroad between Fredericksburg and Aquia Creek {the
northern end of the Richmond, Fredericksburg & Potomac RR} to
be entirely broken up. The bridges and culverts must be thoroughly
destroyed, the cross-ties removed and piled, with the rails placed
across them, and, when the timber is sufficiently dry, fired; the
weight of the bars will thus cause them to bend, and prevent their
being relaid. If you can make arrangements to bring the iron back
and send it to Richmond, it will be better and I desire you to do
so, but, if you cannot, treat in the manner described above. See the
superintendent of the road, and endeavor to save the iron. *** |
| I have the honor to be, very respectfully: your
obedient servant, |
| R. E. Lee |
| General |
|