Selections From The Splinters - Volume 7
Galveston, Texas
18 September 1874
Col. J. P. Fresenius
Asst. Engineer
Dear Sir:
Reposing full trust and confidence in your industry, integrity and capacity, I have selected you for Chief of the field party to run the line of the Gulf, Colorado and Santa Fe Ry to a point about 150 miles from this city.
An examination of this Island, of the Bay crossings, and of one route to Columbia on the Brazos has been made. You will therefore join the party and assume control of the later point, causing a full report to be made by your predecessor up to that time and transmit it to this office.
The party has been organized to the best of my judgment in the absence of any personal knowledge, but there are very many applicants, so that changes can be made at any time it may be necessary. On a few days notice I can replace any one requiring special knowledge, and in other cases, you can act at once on your own discretions.
Between objective points designated in the Charter you will run the line as near straight as the nature of the country will allow. The Board of Directors after action in this office will determine on any deflections deemed advisable.
Special information must be obtained and furnished as to the bridging of streams, piling in low and swampy grounds (if necessary) draining the track, culverts &c, &c; as also in regard to settlements, improvements, cultivated lands, timber, stone, wood &c &c on and near the route. On all these points let your side notes be full and explicit.
Keep your party under good discipline, prevent their straggling over the country and especially prevent dissipation. The best way to accomplish these ends is to keep them busy. Cultivate a good understanding with the people, a matter of policy as well as principle.
It was deemed best in a country sparsely settled to undertake the entire support of your party, but you are enjoined to exercise the strictest economy (consistent with efficiency) in all expenditures.
To relieve the Chief of the party from such details as might interfere with his more important work, Mr. Ellis one of the rodmen has been furnished the necessary funds and charged with such disbursements as may be necessary in the field, subject however, to your control.
Very Respectfully (Sgd) Braxton Bragg Chief Engineer
Volume 7 Splinters pages 136-137 transcribed in altered form for the web by Johnnie Welborn, Jr.
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