| Engineer Bureau |
| Richmond, May 28th 1863 |
| |
| Endorsement on telegram from Maj. Genl. S.
G. French dated Petersburg May 27th '63. I have just reached here and
find your dispatch, if the Engineer Officer had been required to
report to the commanding officer there would have been less trouble --
it was only by my positive orders that they are taking up the iron
referred to. Troops were ordered yesterday. |
| "General French is
laboring under a mistake. Capt. Clarke of the Engineer Corps was
engaged on this duty under Genl. Longstreet and Capt. Dimmock of the
same Corps acting as his assistant. On the departure of General L.
& with him Capt. Clarke, Captain Dimmock remained naturally on the
same duty as before, and if General French will continue to furnish
the necessary protection the iron can doubtless be saved. |
| Respectfully returned to Hon.
Sec. of War. General French has been written to as above." |
| J. F. Gilmer |
| Col. of Engrs & Chf of Bureau |