| C. S. A. War Dept. |
| Richmond, Va Decr 20th, 1864 |
| |
| Brig Genl A R Lawton |
| Q. M. Genl. |
| |
| Genl, |
| This imressment upon the representation
that the Piedmont railroad running from Danville in the State of
Virginia to Greensboro in the State of North Carolina has,
unreasonably failed to comply with the requisitions of this
Department for the transportation of freight supplies material & men
of the Confederate States thereby affecting injuriously the military
operations of the Confederacy has issued an order to Maj. S. R.
Chrisman of the Quarter Masters department (under the direction of
the President) to seize & impress such road with all its
appurtenances, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved
May 1st 1863, Entitled an "Act to facilitate transportation for the
government" & to turn the same over to the Quartermaster General. |
| Your powers & obligations are defined by
the Act of Congress before mentioned, & the department notifies four
of its actions in order that you may proceed to perform the duties
it imposes upon you. You are authorized by the act to compel the
presence, employment & work of such of its officers, agents,
employees & operatives as are within the ages liable to conscription
under existing laws & shall continue the working & operations in
transportation of said road, paying to such railroad company for the
possession & use of its functions, roads, depots, rolling stock,
machinery & implements such just compensation as may be assessed &
proscribed by its Board of approved in the State of No Ca: under the
act entitled "an act to regulate impressments" approved March 23/63. |
| Or it the Company should agree, you are
at liberty to have the compensation appraised by appraisers mutually
selected according to the 1st Section of the act aforesaid
concerning impressments & under the condition of that act & the
amendments thereto by Congress since that date. |
| You are also authorized to employ such
officers, agents & employees as may be necessary for the efficient
operation of such road. |
| Very Respectfully |
| Your obdt sevt |
| James A. Seddon |
| Secretary of War |
|