| Head Quarters Dept Cape Fear |
| Wilmington N. C. August 7th 1864 |
| |
| Lieut Col. Jno. M. Otey |
| A. A. Genl. |
| Petersburg |
| |
| Colonel, |
| I have today received the following
telegram for you. |
| "Dunns Hill Aug 7th 1864, Maj Genl W. H.
C. Whiting Please explain why you have ordered all the train hands,
fireman and negroes of the Manassas Gap Rail Road from Greensboro to
Raleigh. The Commanding General desires that I inquire of you. |
| Jno M. Otey" |
| Be good enough to inform me by mail upon
what authority you make the statement that I have given any such order
and who, if anybody, has made use of my name. |
| Your message has been replied to by
telegraph. |
| Very Respectfully |
| W. H. C. Whiting |
| Maj Genl |