|
Confederate States, Quartermaster's Department
|
| Railroad Bureau |
| Richmond |
| Feby 23rd 1864 |
| |
| Brig. Genl. A. R. Lawton |
| Q. M. G. |
| |
| General, |
| In Petersburg there is a machine shop
completely fitted up with tools and labor saving machinery of such an
extent as to turn out a car every day. But it is lying completely idle
for the want of men and material. Here is an opportunity to improve
transportation and at its weakest point. The question is now fairly
before Government as to whether it will continue to suffer and
complain of deficient transportation, or consent for enough mechanics
to leave the army to work with. |
| At the risk of being considered
unnecessarily importunate I press this matter upon your attention.
There is but one way to quiet my entreaties and that is by a decisive
answer. Will the Govt. give me the facilities for benefiting
transportation, or will it accept the consequences of a refusal. |
| I am, General, |
| Very respectfully |
| Your obdt svt |
| F. W. Sims |
| Lt. Col. & Q. M. |
| |
| {on reverse of document} |
| Qr. Mr. Gen Office |
| Feby 24, 1864 |
| Respectfully referred to the Hon Sec of
War. The remarks of Col. Sims are endorsed to the fullest extent, and
the importance of the work cannot be overestimated. |
| A. R. Lawton |
| Qr Mr Gen |
|