Grenville M. Dodge to M. Rochester, July 8, 1862

Capt. M. ROCHESTER, Assistant Adjutant-General, Columbus, Ky. :

CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the following report of the work done by the troops under your command on the Mobile and Ohio Railroad from Columbus to Humboldt:

‘At Columbus the overflow of the Mississippi River had damaged and destroyed a portion of the track. This was relaid and a new track run to the water’s edge for the purpose of unloading cars. At the crossing of Little Obion River was the first bridge out, formerly a Howe’s truss, with 90 feet span, the entire wreck of which, bolted together, had to be taken out of the stream. It was replaced by a single bent trestle 110 feet long and 30 feet rise. The danger of a single bent trestle of such height was overcome by placing a crib in the center of the stream, with stringers from bank to bank, on which was built the tr stle-work, all atove the common stage of water. The next bridge

6 R R—VOL XVI, PT 0 out was at the Bayou Des Shay. This was replaced with a single bent trestle of 90 feet length and 25 feet rise, making a substantial bridge; a water-tank was also built at this bridge. Between this point and Big Obion were some four wooden culverts, partially burnt, and one beam-truss bridge, somewhat damaged; the track was also torn up in places, all of which was repaired. At the Big Obion River a Howe’s truss of 120 feet span had been burnt. The height of this bridge and the depth of water precluded replacing it speedily with a permanent structure. The track was therefore changed and a temporary bridge on the lower side of the stream was putin. Three large cribs were built, capped with bolsters and heavy stringers, the whole 130 feet long. A new grade was thrown up around the old trestle-work some 600 feet long, thus lowering the bridge some 10 feet, and leaving the old bridge in such shape that a new truss can be built at any time without the detention or delay of trains. This temporary work was put in in 15 feet of water, and the cribs are very irregular, but at the same time strong and substantial, and would last a long time if the stream at extra high water did not rise above them. All the work was delayed some ten days for want of proper tools. As soon as they arrived the work was pushed and completed in about twelve days; and by the time the rolling stock arrived the road-bed for the entire division was covered with weeds, rendering it impassable for a loaded train.- These have all been thoroughly cleaned off. The tanks, all except one, were damaged, and in most cases pumps taken away. These have been replaced and are now all in working order. ‘Section men have been placed on every 12 to this portion of the read is in a condition that good machinery will take over it 25 loaded cars with ease. I am,

very respectfully, your obedient servant,