Daniel P. Woodbury to Daniel Butterfield, February 7, 1863

Major-General BUTTERFIELD, Chief of Staff, Hdgrs. Army of the Potomac:

GENERAL: I respectfully request some instructions from the commanding general relative to our bridge equipage. During the last month we have had four trains, of twenty-two pontoons each, fitted up, and, as far as possible, permanently supplied with teams. Besides these, we have had one train mouuted on wagons, and all complete except teams, with the understanding that teams were to be furnished in some manner by the quartermaster when the time arrived for using this train. We have material for still another bridge.

The roads have been so bad now for. several weeks, and are likely to continue so bad, that I think it necessary to supply every pontoon wagon with eight horses or mules and two drivers. The question arises, 1s it necessary to keep four trains thus mounted and ready for instant service, or will a less number answer, say three? In this case, to throw five bridges, the quartermaster must furnish teams for two when the emergency arises. 1 should like to make this reduction if it meets the views of the commanding general. It is so exceedingly difficult to obtain good teamsters for the pontoon service and to retain them, that

I would like to reduce the permanent establishment as much as practicable.

Very respectfully,