| Confederate States of America |
| War Department |
| Richmond, Va. December 14, 1863 |
| |
| S. L. Fremont Esq. |
| Prest of Wil & Weldon R. R. |
| Wilmington N. C. |
| |
|
Sir,
|
| Your letter of the 10th ult was received
and referred to the Bureau of Conscription in regard to the details
and to Maj Sims in reference to the engine. |
| The Chief of the Bureau of Conscription
replies that the subject of the details will require a reference and
report to the Commandant of Conscripts in North Carolina. |
| Maj Sims replies that the engine is very
badly needed by your Road, but it has passed from the control of the
Government and is now the property of the Piedmont Rail Road. It
cannot be taken away from that company without a seizure, and when the
relative wants of owner and applicant are considered such a step does
not appear advisable. |
| Respectfully |
| James A. Seddon |
| Secretary of War |