| Headquarters Army of Northern Virginia |
| Petersburg, June 28, 1864 |
| |
| Hon. James A. Seddon |
| Secretary of War
|
|
|
| Sir, |
| I have had the honor to
receive to-day your letter of the 25th instant in reference to the
necessity of obtaining a supply of railroad iron. I see no other
mode than by removing the rails from those roads not of prime
necessity, nor do I know of any objection to taking the remaining
iron on the {Richmond &} York River
road. Unless absolutely necessary, I recommend that that portion of
the road south of the Chickahominy, or at least so much of it as
lies within our lines of defense, should remain. |
| I am, with great respect, your obedient
servant, |
| R. E. Lee |
| General |
|