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Richmond October 5th 1864
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| |
| General A. R. Lawton |
| Q. M. General |
| |
| General, |
| In times of danger to localities the
efficient operation of rail roads is most necessary for the movement
of troops and stores, and may be for the removal of engines cars and
shop machinery. They are more or less paralyzed if their men are taken
from them for military service. |
| At this moment it would be impossible to
remove from Petersburg a single engine of the Weldon Company {the
Petersburg RR},
and their preparations to remove their equipment are suspended from
the absence of twenty two men who have been taken from their duties
for service amongst the negroes. Applications for their return were
made to Gen Hill Commdg without success. |
| I am sure you will agree with me that this
addition of twenty two raw recruits to the lines was obtained at too
great risk and sacrifice. |
| So well am I satisfied of the costs
resulting from the absence of railroad men from their posts that I
trust you will obtain not only an order for the immediate return of
the men belonging to the Petersburg & Weldon rail road, but a
general order forbidding the removal of men from any rail road, and
instructing Superintendents to report to the Conscript Bureau the
names of those who are voluntarily absent from their posts in times of
danger. |
| I am General |
| Respy your obt Servt |
| Jno. M. Robinson |
| Capt Engrs &c |
| {on reverse of document} |
| Respectfully referred to the Secretary of War. I regard
this as a very serious matter calling for prompt attention. There is
great danger of a repetition of a true loss of "rolling
stock" at Atlanta, unless positive orders are issued &
enforced. |
| A. R. Lawton |
| Qr. Mr. Genl. |
| 5 Oct '64 |