| Confederate States |
| Quartermaster's Department |
| Office Supt Railroad Transportation |
| Richmond Decr 3rd 1864 |
| |
| Genl A. R. Lawton |
| Q. M. G. |
| |
| General, |
| Enclosed I have the honor to submit
copies of the proceedings in case of engine "John Williams" which will
give a full history of the transaction thus far. |
| I have only to add that of the four
South Side engines reported at Lynchburg, the Supt of that road
informs me two of them have been carried to Petersburg for repairs and
as soon as they can be put in running order, or one of them, the
"Williams" can be returned {to the Knoxville &
Kentucky RR} without detriment to govt. business without some
unusual accident occurring. He adds that they were carrying to
Lynchburg for safety until he had shop room for them. |
| The pressure for aid from some quarter
to supply Genl. Lee with timber for bomb proofs, wood & forage
increases daily. |
| I am, General, |
| Very respy |
| Your obdt sevt |
| F. W. Sims |
| Lt. Col. & Q. M. |
|