| Endorsement on communication from Maj. F.
W. Sims, dated Sept 12th 1863, returning papers relative to claim for
rails laid on connection at Charleston and suggesting that in as much
as the line was constructed as a military necessity & used only
for military purposes, that the CS pay for the same or arrange to use
them by paying rent. |
| Engr Bureau 18th Dec 1863. Respy returned
to Hon Sec of War. Two papers have been added to the within viz: one
from Maj Echols Engr officer at Charleston SC & one from Mr James
Taphill, Auditor of the State of S. C. from which it appears that the
iron for which Maj Echols presented a bill was furnished by the Govt,
to which it belonged. Maj Sims therefore would seem to be mistaken
when he recommends that the iron be paid for, or a rent be paid for
its use. |
| The testimony with
regard to the connection being a military necessity & Major Sims
strong expression of opinion from personal knowledge, approved by the
QM General, would seem to warrant the conclusion that the C&S RR {Charleston
& Savannah RR} "should not bear
any portion of the expense." -- the iron furnished by the Govt
belongs to it, and will revert to it when the connection is no longer
needed. |
| A. L. Rives |
| Lt Col & Actg Chf Bu |
|