| Engineer Bureau |
| Aug 27, 1863 |
| |
| Robt. Auld, Esqr. |
| Agent for the Exchange of Prisoners |
| Richmond Va. |
| |
| Sir, |
| The Secretary of War has allowed the
removal of the iron from the City Point Branch R. Rd. {a
branch of the South Side RR} for the use of
the South Side R. Rd Co in repairing their main line. I notify you of
the fact as it must affect your arrangements for the transportation of
prisoners. Permit me to suggest that the Steamer "Shultz" could
pass the barrier at Drewrys Bluff & bring up the returned
Confederate prisoners: The Federals could be carried by rail to within
three miles of Port Walthall & marched there or to a point
opposite City Point should you prefer, the old arrangement of marching
the Federal prisoners to Varina, James River & then embarking
them, could be adopted. |
| Very respectfully your obdt servt. |
| A. L. Rives |
| Lt Col & Actg chf Bur. |
|