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Constructing the Railroads

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Autograph Letter Signed, "V.P. Corebett" 4p. quarto, Washington, July 9, 1862, addressed to Secretary of War Stanton, and reads in part: "...On the 7th day of March last I received orders from E.L. Wentz Esq. Cheif Engineer U.S. Military R.R. to furnish 10,000 R.R. ties for the construction of the U.S.W.R.R. in Va. at the price of 31c per tie. On the 10th day of March the day the Army advanced to Manassas, having been ordered to commence operations I started with 100 men and commenced cutting and delivering said ties as rapidly as possible in order to expand the R.R. track so as to supply the demands of the army. I was under great expense at the time in furnishing men and teams to comply with instructions. I was also ordered to furnish ties on the Orange and Alexandria R.R. at Fairfax Station when the road was extended to Manassas Junction. Further I was sent out to Catlett’s Station in advance of the Army to furnish the ties to Warrenton Junction udner the most dificult circumstances with my men and 10 to 15 teams the streams being flooded at the time, I had to supply my men and teams with subsistence at great expense and under great difficulties....What I ask is that the Government protect me in carrying out their instructions and that the balance retained as above may be paid over to me without further delay...I am willing to submit the above case to the judgement of Col. D.C. McCallum Capt Moslye and other Rail Road men knowing the circumstances..." VG.

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