Brigadier-General George H. Thomas to Major-General George B. McClellan, September 30,

HEADQUARTERS CAMP DICK ROBINSON,        

September 30, 1861.

Maj. Gen. GEORGE B. MCCLELLAN,
        Commanding Department of the Potomac:

GENERAL: I have just had a conversation with Mr. W. B. Carter, of Tennessee, on the subject of the destruction of the Grand Trunk Railroad through that State. He assures me that he can have it done if the Government will intrust him with a small sum of money to give confidence to the persons to be employed to do it. It would be one of the most important services that could be done for the country, and I most earnestly hope you will use your influence with the authorities in furtherance of his plans, which he will submit to you, together with the reasons for doing the work.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

GEO. H. THOMAS        

Brigadier-General, U.S. Volunteers, Commanding.

SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 4 (Serial No. 4), p. 284