| Engineer
Bureau |
| Richmond, May
27, 1862 |
| |
| Capt. John J. Clarke, P. A. C. S. |
| Engineer in Charge Mulberry Island Point
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|
|
| Dear Sir,
|
| It seems almost needless to urge upon
you the vigorous prosecution of the works at Mulberry Point, but I
do so at the suggestion of General Lee, who thinks it a matter of
paramount importance. I received to-day a telegram from General
Magruder to the effect that he had directed you to place the 42 and
68 pounders in barbette in the work surrounding Carfare’s house.
In this, from the lights before me, I should think the general
probably right. The work on the point can then be prosecuted
untrammeled by guns in position.
|
| I sent you to-day 1,000 sand bags, and
you will receive with this letter the first installment of bolts for
the casemate battery. I have been trying in vain, so far, to procure
wrought-iron protection for the embrasures, but think that I have
succeeded to-day in making a plan and procuring flat-bar railroad
iron from the Richmond & Danville Railroad Company which will be
perfectly satisfactory. A tracing will be sent to you to-morrow
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| *****
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| Very respectfully and truly, yours,
|
| Alfred L. Rives
|
| Acting Chief Engineer Bureau
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|