| Engineer Bureau |
| November 2nd 1863 |
| |
| Col. C. F. M. Garnett |
| Richmond |
| |
| Colonel, |
| Your letter of the 30th ulto in which you
propose in the case of the Lawton & Live Oak RR Co. to grant five
instead of two years for the payment of the $800000 due for railroad
iron furnished by the Government has been received. The Hon Secy of
War is of the opinion that the proposed extension would be injudicious
and that the terms made with the other RR Companies viz two years, and
at 6 pr ct interest -- have been authorized to allow in this
case. If necessary, the Companies can issue bonds which, under the
circumstances of a depreciated currency, would sell at rates
sufficiently high to enable them to meet their engagement without
difficulty in two years. |
| In your letter of the 24th Sept, I observe
that you appear to consider the scrap iron as of small value. In this
I cannot agree with you on further consideration, although I expressed
myself differently in a former communication and deem it better to
secure it whenever possible for the use of the Government than to
leave it to each Company to sell or not to the Govt at their own
decision. This view is confirmed by the Hon Sec of War who desires
that not only the rails spikes & chairs but also the scrap iron
should be saved whenever possible. |
| In regard to the purchase of Rolling
Stock, it would be well for you in each case to consult Major F. W.
Sims, Supt RR Transportation. In the case of the locomotive Nor. 3
purchased for $20000 from the Manassas {Gap} RR
Co. & which in the opinion of Lt Col St John and of Maj Sims it is
important to retain in the service of the Government, I have to call
your attention to the following endorsement of the Hon Sec of War. |
| "31st Oct/63" "If the
Engine be wanted for the transportation of Coal which comes under the
duties of the Qr Master Genls Bureau it may be transferred at cost to
that Bureau." J. A. S. Secy of War" |
| I am Colonel, |
| Yours Very Respectfully |
| A. L. Rives |
| Lt Col & Actg Chf of Bureau |
|