| Engineer Bureau |
| Richmond, June 9th 1864 |
| |
| Brig Genl. Kemper |
| Comd'g Reserve Forces |
| |
| General, |
| I have recd from Mr C. C. de Nordendorf
asst Engr in charge of defences at Mattoax bridge {on
the Richmond & Danville RR} a letter of which the following
is an extract: "Reserve forces are mostly unfit for hard duty,
Yet guard, drill and fortifications is required of them more than they
can well stand. I beg you not to leave it to my responsibility but to
give me some positive instructions, how much and how long I shall make
them work, what shall I do if they should refuse to work at all or as
required. |
| Their work amounts to nothing 1/2 cubic
yard per day." So far it has been impossible to procure labor
from other sources, and I submit the above extract resp'y requesting
that you will give such instructions in this subject as you may deem
expedient to the officer comd'g the reserve forces at Mattoax Bridge. |
| Resp'y &c |
| A. L. Rives |
| Col &c &c |
|