War Department, C. S. A.
| Richmond, Va., January 11, 1865 |
| |
| General R. E. Lee |
| Petersburg, Va. |
| |
| The late rain has unfortunately broken
down the Piedmont Railroad in various places so that transit will
not be practicable over twenty miles of it for several days, perhaps
a week. I fear the extraordinary power reposed in commanding
generals of impressing without limit will have to be resorted to by
you. A call by you on the people would be more influential in
inducing acquiescence, perhaps voluntary contributions, than from
any other source. Field transportation is also very necessary. |
| J. A. Seddon |
| Secretary of War |
|