| Engineer Bureau |
| Richmond, March 2d, 1863 |
| |
| General S. Cooper |
| Adjt & Inspt Genl. |
| |
| General, |
| I respectfully request the detail of
private Wm. T. Newman of Co. B 18th Va. Regt. Garnett Brigade,
Picketts Division & Longstreets Corps to run the service engine on
the Richmond & Danville R. Rd extension. |
| The necessity for the rapid construction
of the above extension known as the Piedmont RRd which may soon become
one of the greatest importance, combined with the excessive difficulty
of procuring, except by the detail, a suitable & skilled mechanic
for the purpose specified would seem to commend it specially to your
favorable consideration. |
| Very rsp Yr |
| J. F. Gilmer |
| Col & Chf of Engr Bu |
|