| Engineer Bureau |
| December 9th 1863 |
| |
| Hon James A. Seddon Secy of War |
| |
| Sir, |
| The charter granted
to the Piedmont RR Co by the State of North Carolina fixes the gauge
of the road at four feet eight and a half inches. Unfortunately the
supply of rolling stock adapted to that gauge which can under existing
circumstances be procured by the Company or the Govt is very small,
while on the contrary a fair supply of rolling stock for the five feet
gauge is on hand or can be procured. |
| As the legislature of the State of North
Carolina is now in session, but will shortly adjourn, I respectfully
suggest that representation be made (by telegraph) to his Excy Gov
Vance, with a view to obtaining from the legislature such a
modification of the Charter of the Piedmont RR Co as will furnish the
putting down, without further delay of the wide instead of the narrow,
as is now being done. |
| Very Respectfully, Your Obt Servt |
| A. L. Rives |
| Lt. Col. & Actg Ch Bu |
|