Raleigh, March 11, 1865
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| Col. Archer Anderson |
| Assistant Adjutant-General |
| |
| Colonel, |
| I have the honor to submit the following
as the result of examination of route from Jonesborough, on Western
Coal Fields Railroad {the Western RR}, to Page's Depot, on North Carolina Railroad,
by way of Aven's Ferry. The distance is thirty-five miles, ridge
road, generally level, and for the most part sandy soil; there are,
however, several steep clay hills, which have been rendered almost
impassable by the continued rains. The low grounds as you approach
the river from Jonesborough are miry, and the road there in bad
condition. It should be causewayed. With the exception of the Cape
Fear, there is but one water-course of any importance--White Oak
Creek, four miles east of the river, which is well bridged. At
ordinary seasons this road is a very good one. From Jonesborough to
Morrisville, on North Carolina Railroad, by way of Haywood, is as
near a route. There is a bridge over Deep River, but there is none
over Haw; it has been recently carried off by freshet. |
| Very respectfully, your obedient servant, |
| Robert Strange |
| Aide-de Camp |
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