| Head Quarters Defences of Wilmington |
| November 19th 1863 |
| |
| Mr Hugh Rice |
| Supt M. G. R. R. Co.
{Manassas Gap RR} |
| Greensboro, N. C. |
| |
| Sir, |
| The Major General Commanding directs me to
inform you that your application for the return of the Lathe belonging
to the M. G. R. R. Co. has been submitted to the Secretary of War for
his decision. |
| He further directs me to inform you that
the Secy of War has ordered that the Lathe must not be surrendered until
Genl Whiting can import one for the use of the Government. |
| The Genl further directs me to inform you
that he has taken measures to import one as soon as possible. |
| I am Sir |
| Very Respectfully &c &c |
| F. Brown Venable |
| Maj & A. A. Genl |