| Engineer Bureau |
| Richmond, Apl 4th 1863 |
| |
| Genl R. E. Bide |
| Commanding Div: A. N. V. |
| |
| Dear General, |
| The Hon Secy of War has referred to this
Bureau an application for a loan of $700,000 from the N. E. & S.
W. Alabama RR with the following series of questions. |
| 1. To state the military advantage of the work |
| 2. Its advantages as furnishing an easy access to the
mineral region of Ala, & the value of that region as a source of
supply. |
| 3. Whether an advance of $700,000 could be secured to
the Confederate States? |
| 4. Whether the advantages to be realized afford a fair
equivalent to that advance? |
| Before attempting any replies, it has occurred
to me to consult you as, from your recent connection with the road as
its Chief Engr you have had every opportunity to form enlightened
opinions. |
| The nicest point to decide is perhaps,
whether it would be judicious to direct from agriculture at this time,
so much of the negro labor of that part of the country in
consideration of the extension of transportation facilities, than
raising of its supplies a larger section |
| In this hope that you may find them {time?}
to express your views at an early day, |
| I remain |
| Very truly Yours |
| A. L. Rives |
| Maj & Asst to Chf Engr |