| Engineer Bureau |
| Richmond, May 27th 1863 |
| |
| Capt. Chas. H. Dimmock |
| Engineer Corps P. A. C. S. Petersburg, Va. |
| |
| Captain, |
| The Secretary of War will
write to General French today urging protection to your operations
across the Blackwater until the iron (eight and a half miles if
possible) is removed from the Seaboard & Roanoke R. Rd. to the
right bank of the river. In the mean time, and until the protection be
offered you, your negro force ought to be brought to this side of the
stream. |
| These instructions are sent
directly to you because Colonel Stevens is temporarily absent from the
city of Richmond. |
| Very Respectfully, |
| J. F. Gilmer |
| Col. of Engrs & Chf of Bureau |
|