| Engineer Bureau |
| June 16th 1863 |
| |
| Col. Chas. F. M. Garnett |
| Capt. G. E. Walker |
| Commissioners for collecting & distributing
railroad iron |
| |
| Gentlemen, |
| Your letter of yesterday just received and
in reply I have to say that I approve your suggestion to use the
railroad iron in the same State wherein it was taken up, if consistent
with the general wants of the main lines essential to military supply
and defence. In all cases possible old iron should be obtained in
exchange for new rails furnished to railroad companies. Old rails
above should be rolled for naval purposes. |
| It will be an
economical arrangement to collect all the old iron possible from the
main lines of railroad leading to Atlanta, Georgia in exchange for
such quantity of new rail as you may find it necessary to furnish, to
supply their essential wants. |
| The question of
removing the iron from the Charlotte & Statesville road {Atlantic,
Tennessee & Ohio RR} will be
presented for the consideration of the Hon. Secy of War. |
| I am Gentlemen |
| Very Respectfully |
| Your obt Servt |
| J. F. Gilmer |
| Col of Engrs & Chf of Bureau |