|
Engineer Bureau |
| Richmond, 24 Novr 1864 |
| |
| Capt L. P. Grant Engrs |
| Augusta Ga. |
| |
| Captain, |
| I have just ordered Colonel Jno J. Clarke
of Engrs to proceed temporarily to Augusta to assist in the common
effort to delay the enemy in his advance. Col. Clarke's experience in
past campaigns will enable him to apply many expedients for the purpose
and he has been instructed to rely upon you as one who can be of great
assistance in the important work to be done. It is not designed to
relieve you of your responsibilities in the direction & construction of
works for the Defence of Augusta, but in addition to this duty I want
your assistance in every way practicable to aid Col. Clarke in the
labors devolving on the Engineers. Your great experience as a civil
engineer will enable you to aid him much in destroying communications &
in constructing bridges if needed to aid the movements of our own
forces. Your familiarity with the country, too, over which the Enemy is
moving will enable you to arrive at correct information rapidly. Nothing
can be more important to the Commdg Genl than the assistance which your
local knowledge & professional intelligence can furnish. You can do
much, too, to arouse the people through the Country to make every effort
to assist in all things which it may be necessary to do. You are known
personally to many of them in a way to add much to your personal
influence. On this I rely much for good results. |
| Very Respectfully |
| Yr Obt Svt |
| J. F. Gilmer |
| Maj Gen & Chf Eng Bu |
|