| Confederate States of America |
| War Department |
| Ordnance Office |
| Richmond, Dec. 5th 1861 |
| |
| Hon. J. P. Benjamin |
| Secretary of War |
| |
| Sir, |
| I beg leave to call your attention to
the large amount of public property still at Harpers Ferry and
required by us. |
| Rolls, stands & bed plates of the
musket machinery are still there. Besides these there is a
locomotive Engine, tender, and nine cars; besides much other
valuable property which might be obtained. |
| I am informed by an officer of Col
Ashby's regiment, who has interested himself in trying to obtain
this property, that the presence of a considerable force, with
artillery, will be necessary for some days to secure it. |
| I suggest that you call the attention of
Genl. Jackson to this, and direct him to have it removed, if
possible. |
| An agent by the name of Nagalis is with
his command at Winchester, officially charged with looking after
this property, and will be able to point out what is most needed. |
| Very Respectfully |
| Your Obt. Servt |
| JGordas LtCol |
| Chief of Ordnance |
|