| Centreville, Va. |
| November 15, 1861
|
| |
| General J. E. Johnston
|
| Present: |
| |
| Dear General, |
| I have just seen Major James, who
informs me that his resignation has been accepted, and that he is
now out of the service. He is a great loss to us, at this time
especially. Could we not get him appointed superintendent or
Government agent of the Orange & Alexandria Railroad from
Manassas, and which I understand is still in a terrible state of
confusion? He is willing, he tells me, to accept that position. He
suggests that if flour and other provisions that could be bought in
that direction were brought to Manassas by the Manassas Gap
Railroad, a double object would be attained -- the Orange &
Alexandria road would be relieved of that much freight, thereby
permitting corn, hay, &c. (much needed here), to pass over that
road; the Northern District of Virginia, which might at any time
fall into the hands of the enemy, would thereby be able to dispose
of all the flour, &c., which in that contingency would fall into
their hands. I think it would be well to represent strongly the
above facts to the War Department, at the same time recommending
Major James as already referred to. ***** |
| Yours, truly, |
| G. T. Beauregard |
|