| Engineer Bureau |
| Richmond, June 10th, 1864 |
| |
| H. D. Whitcomb Esq |
| Genl Supdt Va Central R. R. {General
Superintendent, Virginia Central RR} |
| |
| Sir, |
| Your letter of the 7 inst in reference to
the damage inflicted on your road by the recent operations of the
enemy and the amount of labor & material required to effect
repairs, has been recd. The department though disposed to render any
assistance in its power to bring about the permanent re-opening of
communication on the Central R. R. does not deem it prudent or
advisable to press the necessary repairs to completion until the line
of the rail road becomes more secure from the raiding parties of the
enemy. The Hon Secy of War has written on this subject to Genl R. E.
Lee and you will be promptly advised of his views & wishes. In the
mean time bridges have been constructed and held in readiness for the
South Anna and Little Rivers & Col C. F. M. Garnett Commissioner
&c has been instructed to collect and store at Richmond the R. R.
iron necessary for the repair of your track. |
|
The negro force required for these repairs will not be
furnished until the country becomes more secure, but it is hoped that
at the proper time, the Department will be able to afford material
assistance in this respect.
|
| In reference to the expenditures to be
made in the reconstruction of your road, I am directed by the Hon
Sec'y of War to inform you that he will not call upon the company for
immediate reimbursement of the amount expended by the Government, but
will reserve the right to effect hereafter an equitable arrangement. |
| As soon as the military authorities
consider it safe to commence operations on your road, you will be
notified and your cooperation requested. |
| Very resp'y &c |
| A. L. Rives |
| Col &c |