Engineer Bureau
| June 17, 1863 |
| |
| Capt. T. B. Lee |
| Corps
of Engineers, Provisional Army C. S., Richmond, Va |
| |
| Captain, |
| The advance of our
forces upon Winchester and Martinsburg, Va., will probably give us
control of a part of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, and possibly
of a portion of the rollingstock, machinery, tools, &c. By a
prompt effort much valuable property may be seized and brought up
the Valley on the fine roads of that region to points of safety. |
| It is believed that the
workshops at Martinsburg are well supplied with tools, machinery,
and materials much needed by the railroads of the Confederacy, and
that many parts of the engines and cars that may fall into our hands
can be secured, viz, wheels and axles, tires, springs, brass work,
&c. Your knowledge of the wants of our railroads will enable you
to select other parts that will be useful to them; of these you will
collect all you can. You will proceed without delay to the lower
part of the Valley, and confer with the commander of the forces in
that section, asking such assistance and protection as it may be in
his power to give in the execution of the important work committed
to your charge. |
| Before leaving Richmond, you
will confer fully with Colonel Garnett and Captain Walker,
commissioners, as to the best method of procedure. |
| On your way to Winchester,
you will report at General Lee's headquarters, and arrange with
Colonel Corley, chief quartermaster, for assistance, through his
subordinate officers, serving with the forces in the Valley. |
| Possibly a portion of any
kind of transportation captured from the enemy might be employed in
removing property seized by you. |
| You will inform General Lee
fully as to the duties assigned to you, and ask of him all necessary
authority for their successful prosecution. |
| You are authorized to employ
all necessary mechanics and experts for the accomplishment of the
work undertaken. |
| To defray expenses, $10,000
are placed to your credit with the Treasurer of the Confederate
States, at Richmond. |
| With the approval of the
commander of the forces in the Valley, you will collect and remove
like machinery, tools, and materials from the road leading from
Winchester to Harper's Ferry. |
| I am, sir, very respectfully, your
obedient servant, |
| J. F. Gilmer |
| Colonel of Engineers, and Chief of Bureau |
|