Administrative Information

Access Restrictions

Collection is open to research.

Use Restrictions

Permission to publish material from the United States Military Railroads Receipt must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech.

Preferred Citation

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: United States Military Railroads Receipt, Ms2008-097 - Special Collections, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.

Acquisition Information

The United States Military Railroads Receipt was donated to Special Collections in 2008.

Processing Information

The processing and description of the United States Military Railroads Receipt commenced and was completed in December 2008.

Historical Information

The United States Military Railroads were created in 1862 with legislation empowering the Federal government to take possession and operate railroads as necessary to support the Union war effort. The seized railroads were consolidated into the United States Military Railroads to insure the efficient movement of troops and supplies, with operating money issued by the Quartermaster's Department. The U.S.M.R. was gradually liquidated beginning in August 1865, as the railroads were returned to their original owners and government-produced equipment and rolling stock were sold.

Scope and Content

This collection consists of a single United States Military Railroads receipt. Issued in Nashville, Tennessee on August 25, 1865 to general freight agent William W. Tuttle, the document acknowledges receipt of $5,700 and is signed by an assistant quartermaster [T. J. Aider?].