| Head Quarters |
| Defences of Wilmington |
| October 19th 1863 |
| |
| Mr Hugh Rice |
| Supt. Manassas Gap R. R. |
| Greensboro N. C. |
| |
| Sir, |
| I have received your letter regarding the
lathe belonging to your road. It is still in use in the Ordnance Dept to
its full capacity and on very important work. All the missing parts,
which were many have been supplied here. I am fully aware of the
importance of transportation our deficient in that respect, As charged
however with the defence of this place, I cannot prefer any other
business or interest. You had better refer the matter to the Secy of
War, by whose authority the lathe was taken. I am willing to endorse a
liberal rent or price for it, but without a direct order or price, in
the present condition of affairs, this being an only ??? post, I cannot
relinquish the only chance I have of making my rifled guns effective or
at all useful |
| Very Respectfully |
| W. H. C. Whiting |
| Maj Genl. |
|