| Eng Bureau |
| July 27th 1863 |
| |
| Major C. R. Collins |
| Fredericksburg |
| |
| Major, |
| The Hon Secy of War is exceedingly anxious
to remove all the iron we can, from the RRd north of Fredericksburg {the
Richmond, Fredericksburg & Potomac RR}, and authorizes me
to appeal to you for every support & assistance in your power.
Lieut Steuart with his working force may need protection, for which he
must rely on you, and, if you can give him labor by details, or
impressing, all within reach, white as well as black; you will much oblige
me. Railroad iron is a great want in the Confederacy, as you well
know. Every bar that can be saved is important. Prepare for destroying
bridges, but dont do so until the last extremity. |
| Your obdt servt |
| J. F. Gilmer |
| Col. Engrs & Chf of Bu |
| |
| P. S. Can any of the sand bags in
the Federal batteries at Falmouth, or other points near be saved by
your men, if not, they should be destroyed. |
|