| Quartermaster General's Department |
| Richmond, Sept. 3, 1861 |
| |
| Mr. J. A. Whitsides |
| V. P. N. & C. {Vice President, Nashville &
Chattanooga RR} |
| |
| Sir, |
| The Virginia roads require additional
motive power for the immediate movement of accumulated Government
freight at Knoxville and Bristol. Can you supply them with three
Locomotives for a short time. It is a necessity the Government
requires and must have them. Answer immediately. |
| A. C. Myers, Q. M. Gl. |
| Sent by telegram. |
|