| Confederate States of America |
| War Department |
|
Engineer Bureau |
| Richmond, Va., November 11th 1862 |
| |
| General G. T. Beauregard |
|
Commandg Dept. of S. C. & Ga. |
| Charleston, S. C. |
| |
| General, |
| Your letter of the 6th inst. to the
Adjutant and Inspector General has just been referred to this Bureau for
answer to so much as relates to Captain Walker of the Provisional
Engineers. |
| The enquiry in my telegram of 6th October
in reference to that officer was with a view to get his services in
establishing defences for the rivers in eastern North Carolina, but as
you could not spare him just at that time, I succeeded in getting
another Engineer to enter upon this duty. |
| I regretted the necessity which arose
afterward of calling upon Captain Walker to go promptly to Mobile, but
the want was urgent and I could not supply a competent officer from any
other point. Knowing that Major Harris, Provisional Engineers, has, or
soon would, arrive at Charleston for duty with your, I hoped Capt.
Walker could be spared to Mobile, where his services were all important.
Under these circumstances I asked of the Secretary of War the order
sending him thither. |
| I trust that Captains J. M. Wampler and S.
W. Presstman of the Provisional Engineers can be dispensed with by Genl
Bragg and ordered to you as requested. |
| I am, General, |
| Very respectfully |
| Your obt Servt |
| J. F. Gilmer |
| Col. & Chf Engr Bureau |
|