War Department, C. S. A.
| Richmond,
April 1, 1863 |
| |
| General
R. E. Lee |
| Commanding
etc. |
| |
| General, |
| I have received your letter asking that 100
slaves be put to work on the Virginia Central Railroad for sixty
days. In reply I have the honor to say that the act recently passed
by the General Assembly does not permit a diversion of the slaves
called out from the various counties of the State from the
fortifications and other works strictly pertaining to the public
defense. Objection was made even to their employment on the Piedmont
Railroad connecting Danville and Greensborough.
|
| Very respectfully, your obedient servant, |
| James A. Seddon |
| Secretary of War |
|