OR, Series 1, Vol. 47, Part 2, Page 1110

Headquarter Department of North Carolina
Wilmington, February 6, 1865
 
Maj. Gen. J. F. Gilmer
Chief Engineer, Richmond
 
General,
   I have your confidential letter in regard to the Wilmington and Rutherford Railroad {Wilmington, Charlotte & Rutherford RR}. Immediately on its receipt I took measures to inform myself in regard to its importance, public and private, as well as its availability. I find a large proportion of the supplies, probably one-half, used by the troops in this region, is drawn from the country bordering this road, and a still larger proportion of the subsistence for the citizens reaches them by this route. But this is not the main consideration inducing me to defer action on your suggestions. The road, though not absolutely owned by, is mortgaged to, the State of North Carolina, and any attempt to seize it under the impressment law will be resisted. Indeed, this was once done, and the State defeated the attempt and held the road. You can find the proceedings on file in the War Department, dated about one year ago. The only hope, then, it seems to me, is to appeal to Governor Vance on the subject, and endeavor to obtain the consent of the State. With this view I shall defer action for further advice.
   I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Braxton Bragg

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