| Headquarters Buckner's Corps |
| Knoxville, August 21, 1863 |
| |
| President East Tennessee & Virginia Railroad |
| Knoxville |
| |
| Sir, |
| An evacuation of this point being if not
a probable at least a possible event, the major-general commanding
directs me to state to you that it would be well to hold the
rolling-stock of your road in readiness to be moved in case of
imminent danger. The movements of the enemy are not yet fully
developed. Perhaps there will be no danger, perhaps there will be a
great deal. |
| It is hardly necessary to point out to
you the fact that this communication is a strictly confidential one. |
| I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, |
| V. Sheliha |
| Chief or Staff |
| |
| (Same to President East Tennessee & Georgia
Railroad) |