| Engineer Bureau |
| Richmond, May 21st, 1864 |
| |
| W. Goddin Esq |
| Chairman Advisory Board &c |
| Enrolling Office -- Richmond, Va. |
| |
| Sir, |
| The persons for whose detail I have made
application are, with exceptions of a very few contractors, mechanics
& experts. The mechanics are constantly employed on the
preparation of bridge material and the repair & re-construction of
bridges &c injured or destroyed by the enemy. Under present
circumstances when our communications are constantly exposed to
interruption, the services of these men may be regarded as more than
ever indispensable to the public service. A letter from R. E. Lee
recently referred to this Bureau, urges the importance of preparing
beforehand duplicates of the various bridges on the line of the
Richmond & Fredericksburg R. R. {Richmond,
Fredericksburg & Potomac RR} |
| The few contractors for whose detail I
have applied, are under Government engagements to supply this Dept.
with lumber, or, one one case, with grindstones. Their services cannot
of course be dispensed with. Large quantities of lumber are needed for
the operations of the Engr Services, & great difficulty is
experienced in procuring the requisite supply, with sufficient
promptness. I resp'y submit these facts to the consideration of the
Board & an very respy |
| Your Obdt Svt |
| A. L. Rives |
| Col &c &c |
|