|
Hd Qrs Dept. West. Va. |
|
Dublin Depot Jan 17th/63 |
| |
| Genl S. Cooper |
| Adj & Inspec Genl C. S. A. |
| Richmond Va |
| |
| General, |
| I received this morning Sp.
Ord. No 11 of the 14th inst from your office ordering Capt Jno Robinson,
Corps of Engineers, to proceed to Knoxville, and report for duty to the
Comdg Genl of the Dept of E. Tenn. |
| Capt Robinson is at present on
duty with me in this Department, and I think there are good & sufficient
reasons, which I beg leave to present, why he should remain with me. |
| He is at present engaged in
constructing some works which I regard as important for the defence of
the RR bridge over New River. |
| The bridge is nearly one
thousand feet in length and its destruction would greatly inconvenience
us. A party of the Enemy's Cavalry started last week on an expedition as
I am informed, to burn that bridge, but were deterred from proceeding to
the bridge by hearing that I had it strongly guarded. |
| The works which I propose to
construct there, and which I have given in charge to Capt Robinson will
enable a small guard to defend it against any force the Enemy will be
likely to send there. |
| The tunnel & tressel work on
the Va & Tenn RR, in Montgomery Co, may be approved by the Enemy by
several routes without encountering any of our forces. |
| I have directed Capt Robinson
to examine these localities, and have suitable works constructed to
enable a small guard to defend them. |
| I wish him also to plan &
superintend the construction of some works for the defence of the Salt
works. There are other points which I think it would be well to
strengthen by defensive works and which I had intended Capt Robinson
should direct. |
| When the spring opens, if I am
in condition to do so, I desire to advance my lines and occupy Meadow
Bluff and incy a point near Raleigh C. House. This latter point is
strong, but would require several field works to make it secure. |
| There is yet a stronger reason
why I desire to retain Capt Robinson -- He has made Cheat River Bridge &
tressle work his study, and the Eng. Dept has gone to the expense of
providing him with the necessary instruments and tools for its
destruction. I hope when my Cavalry is in better condition, that it is
now, to send an expedition to destroy these works, and I know of no one
to whom I could entrust that enterprise with the same hope of a
successful issue, that I should, if entrusted to Capt Robinson. |
| I beg that you will
communicate the substance of this letter to the Sec of War and ask that
the order removing Capt Robinson from this Dept. be revoked. |
| I am Very Respectfully |
| Yr obt set |
| Saml Jones |
| Maj Genl |