| Quartermaster General's Department |
| Richmond, Sep. 19th 1863 |
| |
| Cap. W. H. Irwin |
| AQM |
| Charlottesville, Va. |
| |
| Sir, |
| Your letter of the 5th instant, with the
former communications upon the subject of procuring wood for the
Hospitals at Charlottesville, and especially the proposition to have
the fuel transported by the Orange & Alexandria Rail Road, have
been referred to Major Sims Superintendent of the Rail Road Bureau,
for consideration. |
| His opinion is, that this plan would prove
more expensive than hauling the wood in wagons; and that it would be
objectionable, moreover, because of the appropriation of rolling stock
to this purpose; and because it is inexpedient, in view of the
pressing demands of the Rail Roads for fuel, to consume the wood upon
their lines for public purposes. |
| This opinion of Major Sims is fully
approved by this bureau; and you will make your arrangements to
procure fuel by hauling with wagons. It is not understood why a full
supply was not obtained when the roads were good, in the earlier part
of the season. This would have been the proper course, and it was
pursued at other posts. |
| By order of the Q. M. Genl., J. B. Hodge, Major etc. |
|