| Engineer Bureau |
| May 27th 1863 |
| |
| Lieut. Henry Bolton C. S. A. |
| Richmond, Va. |
| |
| Sir, |
| The Hon. Sec. of War does not
deem it advisable to send you on a special mission to Europe to
purchase materials for the "construction of sub-marine mines in
the Cape Fear River." |
| But he has decided to
authorize the purchase of the requisite materials through the Agency
of Capt. John Robinson of the Engineer Corps now in Europe. |
| You will therefore present to
this Bureau as promptly as possible, a clear and complete statement of
all the necessary materials specifying at the same time such tests as
are proper to establish their soundness and good quality. |
| Very Respectfully |
| Your obt. Servant |
| J. F. Gilmer |
| Col. of Engrs. & Chf of Bureau |