NA, ENG 7/24A/1864

Engineer Bureau
July 24th 1864
 
Capt. T. T. L. Sneade
Engr Adjt. D. N. V.
 
Captain,
   The negroes for the Richmond defences, who were ordered to report in Richmond, for work on the Orange & Alexandria R. R. have been by a misapprehension of orders sent to Capt. Fitzhugh, Engr Corps, at Staunton River bridge. It is a matter of great importance that there should be no further delay in furnishing a force to take up the iron on the O. & A. R. R.
   You will therefore, if you can possibly spare them, turn over to Lt. Dade fifty negroes, with ten days rations, to leave tomorrow morning on the {Virginia} Central. R. R. If you desire it, an order will be sent immediately to Capt Fitzhugh to send down fifty negroes from the Staunton River bridge to replace those furnished by you.
By order Maj Genl Gilmer
J. H. Alexander
Maj & A. A. G.

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