NA, ENG 5/28B/1863

Engineer Bureau
Richmond, May 28th 1863
 
Endorsement on telegram from Maj. Genl. S. G. French dated Petersburg May 27th '63. I have just reached here and find your dispatch, if the Engineer Officer had been required to report to the commanding officer there would have been less trouble -- it was only by my positive orders that they are taking up the iron referred to. Troops were ordered yesterday.
   "General French is laboring under a mistake. Capt. Clarke of the Engineer Corps was engaged on this duty under Genl. Longstreet and Capt. Dimmock of the same Corps acting as his assistant. On the departure of General L. & with him Capt. Clarke, Captain Dimmock remained naturally on the same duty as before, and if General French will continue to furnish the necessary protection the iron can doubtless be saved.
   Respectfully returned to Hon. Sec. of War. General French has been written to as above."
J. F. Gilmer
Col. of Engrs & Chf of Bureau

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