| Engineer Bureau |
| Richmond July 18, 1863 |
| |
| Chas Ellis Esqr |
| Presdt Richmond & Petersburg RRd |
| |
| Sir, |
| Your communication of the 17th asking whether certain
cotton machinery, belonging to the Govt & stored in Petersburg can be
purchased by an association of Gentlemen has been recd. The Govt is
unwilling to dispense of this machinery to private individuals,
intending to use it directly for the benefit of the service. |
| Very respy &c |
| J. F. Gilmer |
| Col Engrs & Chf of Bu |
|