| Engineer Bureau |
| November 26th 1863 |
| |
| Col. W. H. Stevens Chf Constn &c |
| ??? Engr Corps Richmond Va. |
| |
| Colonel, |
| In an interview this
morning with the Hon Secretary of War, he informed me that letters had
been received from Genl R. E. Lee representing in urgent terms the
paramount and vital importance of repairing without delay the Virginia
Central Railroad. The Hon Secretary is of opinion that nearly the
entire force of free negroes now employed on the Richmond defences
should be temporarily transferred to the repair of the railroad in
question: but before taking any action he is desirous of knowing the
number of free negroes under your control in this vicinity and has
directed me to request from you an approximate report. |
| Yours Very Respectfully |
| A. L. Rives |
| Lt Col & Act Chf of Bu |
|