|
Private |
|
Richmond, Va., April 10, 1863 |
| |
| Capt. L.P. Grant |
| Corps of Engineers |
| Atlanta Ga |
| |
| Captain, |
| Your letter of the 6th inst. received and
I appreciate the difficulties that have to be contended with in the
execution of the work proposed in Alabama for the production of salt by
solar evaporation. We can get no labor here for the construction of
defensive works, except that obtained by force, by the strong arm of the
Govt. I have just come from an interview with the Sec. of War & Col.
Northrop, Chief of the Commissary Bureau. Both are satisfied that you
have done what was possible in the case and that if your personal
knowledge of the resources of the country and your professional
experience will not enable you to have the work accomplished, then, it
must be abandoned, or at least postponed to another season. |
| Official action will be taken soon and
instructions sent to you. |
| I sincerely hope Captain that you will not
entertain for a moment longer the idea of resigning. We cannot dispense
with your services in matters likely to arise in Northern Ga. and East
Tennessee during the campaign now opening. The enemy will soon press
hard upon Genl Bragg and may gain temporary advantages that will enable
him (the enemy) to destroy roads & bridges vital to the support of our
army. In repairing such probable damages, I want your assistance. I hope
you can enlarge the preparation of lattice and truss bridging in
anticipation of coming wants. Money will be supplied at your request. |
| In reference to the link of R Road from
Rome to the Blue Mountain, the Secretary of War says he is unwilling to
pledge the Government to furnish the requisite iron, other wants are so
pressing that they must be met first. I suppose the companies would not
wish to borrow money to grade the roads unless the iron can be
guaranteed. |
| Is there any way in which the power of the
Govt can be brought to bear to obtain labor for constructing the
evaporating salt basins? Mr. Seddon says he does not like to acknowledge
a failure. |
| Yours truly |
| J. F. Gilmer {Chief of
Engineer Bureau} |