| Engineer Bureau |
| May 21st 1863 |
| |
| Major J. M. St. John |
| Chf of Nitre & Mining Bureau |
| Richmond, Va. |
| |
| Major, |
| In a recent communication received from
Mr. Hugh Rice Supt. & Chief Engineer Manassas Gap Rail Road, he offers
to sell to the Government ninety wagon loads of scrap iron & various
portions of rail road machinery &c such a locomotive wheel tires &c. The
Engineer Bureau is anxious to secure this property and will pay for it
if saved. Your co-operation with the teams engaged in hauling gun
metal is earnestly requested. Your agent if placed upon the duty of
saving the foregoing articles should place himself in communication with
Mr. Rice if upon the spot. |
| Very Respectfully Yours |
| J. F. Gilmer |
| Col. of Engrs. & Chf or Bureau |
|