Engineer Bureau
| July 27, 1863 |
| |
| Maj. C. R. Collins |
| Fredericksburg |
| |
| Major, |
| The honorable
Secretary of War is exceedingly anxious to remove all the iron we
can from the railroad north of Fredericksburg, and authorizes me to
appeal to you for every support and assistance in your power.
Lieutenant Stuart with his working force may need protection, for
which he must rely on you, and, if you can give him labor by
details, in 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 do not do so until the last extremity. |
| Your obedient servant, |
| J. F. Gilmer |
| Colonel
of Engineers, and Chief of Bureau |
|