| Confederate States of America |
| War Department |
| Engineer Bureau |
| Richmond Va |
| 6 Nov 1863 |
| |
| Major Minor Meriwether |
| Corps of Engineers P. A. C. S. &c |
| |
| Major, |
| You have been selected by the Hon.
Secretaries of War, & of the Navy to occupy the position on the
Commission for the Collection & Distribution of RR Iron recently made
vacant by the death of Capt Geo E Walker Corps of Engineers P. A. C. S. |
| You will endeavor, in conjunction with
your colleague Col. C. F. M. Garnett, in this Commission, to negotiate
the purchase of the above materials on satisfactory terms, introducing
the conditions of replacing the rails, at the termination of the war, in
lieu of immediate compensation for them, whenever practicable. |
| The Chief of the Nitre & Mining Bureau
should be consulted before closing definitely the terms of purchase, as
it is very desirable for the Government, that the value of iron should,
as far as practicable, be controlled by that Bureau. |
| In the event that negotiations for
purchase fail, you are authorised to impress, but will conform strictly
to the recent law of Impressments. Whenever occasion demands you are
further authorised to secure all necessary legal assistance, but will
endeavor to fix beforehand a fair compensation for such services. |
| An early entrance upon the duty confided
to you, is earnestly desired, and you are particularly enjoined to take
measures to produce practical results, with the least possible delay, to
which end, you are authorised to employ upon reasonable terms such
agents as may be necessary. |
| You will be informed by your colleague,
Col Garnett, of such other instructions or suggestions as may on various
occasions, have been given by this Bureau in regard to the conduct of
the business confided to the Commission of which you are a member. |
| Yours very respectfully |
| A. L. Rives |
| Lt Col & Actg Chief Bureau |
| |
| Approved |
| James A Seddon |
| Secretary of War |
| |
| S R Mallory |
| Secretary of the Navy |
|