| Transpn Office Q.M. Dept. |
| Lynchburg, Jany 30, 1865 |
| |
|
To the Hon. Secretary of War |
|
|
|
Having been stationed at this post, in charge of Through
Transpn for the Q. M. Dept. since July, 1861, it affords me pleasure
to be able to testify to the Statements contained in the application
of Mr. Houston Rucker for detail, with reference to the
accommodation and treatment of Officers & Soldiers of our Army
entertained at the Orange Hotel during the above period. |
|
Very Respectfully |
|
T. M. Howard |
|
Tr. A QMD |
|
|
|
{attached, undated document} |
|
To the Hon James A Seddon |
|
Secty of War |
|
|
|
The undersigned respectfully request that a detail be granted to
Private Houston Rucker Co "G" 3d Va Cavalry Wickham's Brigade on the
following grounds -- |
|
The said Rucker was a partner with his father John Rucker
of Lynchburg Va in the ownership & management of the Hotel, known as
the "Orange House" located at the terminus of the Orange &
Alexandria RR and very near that of the Va & Tenn and South Side
Railroads. |
|
These proprietors have been for a long time entertaining
a number of officers and soldiers of the Army at less expense than
any other House in the city and have never to our knowledge turned
away a soldier who was unable to pay his bill. The House has
rendered essential service to the country in this way and is of very
great value as well in that respect as to the Railroad employees and
the community generally. |
|
John Rucker the senior partner has just died, leaving the
Hotel without a manager, and a wife in delicate health with several
daughters at the Hotel unable to conduct it and without a male
protector, so that unless the said Houston Rucker is permitted to
take charge, the House must be closed. The said Houston Rucker has
been for some time in Hospital unable to go to the field in
consequence of delicate health with no prospect of returning in any
short time He can be of great service to the Army & the country if
permitted to keep open this House as well as to the family, much
more we are satisfied than he could possibly be in the Army, and we
hope for these reasons the detail may be granted. |
|
Very respectfully |
|
H. W. Vandergrift |
|
Gen. Supt O&A RRd |
|
|
|
A M Sean |
|
Auditor O&A RRd |
|
|
|
J W Goodwin |
|
Genl Supt Va & Tenn RRd |
|
|
|
J. N. Barbour |
|
President |
|
O. & A. R. R. Co. |
|
|
|
Ro. L. Owen |
|
Prest V & T RR |
|
|
|
H. D. Bird |
|
Gen Supt |
|
South Side R. Rd |
|
|
|
Lemuel Peebles Pres |
|
S. S. Rail Road |