| Houston Texas March 16th 1864 |
| |
| To Major Genl J. B. Magruder |
|
Comg District Texas New Mexico and Arizona
|
| |
| For Brig Genl Slaughter |
| Chief of Staff |
| |
| The undersigned respectfully
represents that in the fall of 1861 he tendered his services to Major
J. Killersberg who was at that time superintending the construction of
the defences at Galveston, and was by him appointed Lt of Engineers
and remained in active service in this Department until May 1862 when
he was ordered by Major Kellersberg to make the surveys for the
Galveston & Houston Junction Rail Road and after making said
surveys was ordered to superintend the construction and building of
said Rail Road, upon which work he has been engaged until the present
time. |
| That he has never been absent
from duty. Nor has he ever applied for a furlough, or leave of absence
until the present time. |
| That he now desires a leave of
absence for four months to go to Very Cruz, and such other places as
may be necessary as an agent for the purchase of Rail Road supplies,
Surveying Instruments and Engineer Stationary, now so much needed in
this State. That he has made arrangements, and has at his command, the
necessary means to make such purchases, and for the delivery of the
same at Matamoras, or such other ports in Texas as circumstances may
permit, and he respectfully prays that a leave of absence and
passports be granted to him for that purpose. |
| Very Respectfully |
| Your Most Obt Servt |
| James Converse |
| {Other documents show
that he made the trip, but there is no indication of whether he
succeeded in purchasing and returning the supplies he went for} |