| Petersburg, Va. |
| June 13, 1862 |
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| George W. Randolph
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| Secretary of War
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| I took all the Norfolk cars I could get;
most of my cars were up the road loaded when all the rest were sent
for the prisoners. When I ordered them back they were delayed some
time by the quartermaster in Lynchburg telling our agent they should
not go. The superintendent of the telegraph line said there was not
time to fix instruments, or outside operators should not tamper with
their wires. The trains of empty cars had to be brought back to
carry troops from here and also for Mr. Talcott {Superintendent,
Richmond & Danville RR}; as I had a good many of his cars
I presume [he] wanted them. I was unwell at the time the movement
commenced, and my anxiety that it should go on right put me to bed,
where I am still very sick, but I believe the troops have gone as
fast and safely as they could go at so short a notice. I did not
suppose you were ignorant of the number of troops, but I was
ignorant until near the time of the troops starting from Richmond
that they were all to go the same day. Mr. Talcott telegraphed me
they would start next day. He sent the sick to the Junction. I feel
much concerned that you complain of my communicating your movement
in the way I have done. I have made no communication except through
the telegraph; but perhaps there may be a mistake in that part of
the wording of your telegraph. If I erred, it was from my desire to
carry the troops as fast and safely as they could go.
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| H. D. Bird {Superintendent,
South Side RR}
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