| Engineer Bureau |
| Richmond, Va., 11 August 1863 |
| |
| Capt. L. P. Grant, Senior Engineer |
| Atlanta, Ga. |
| |
| Captain, |
| I have to acknowledge the receipt of yours
of the 4th inst., relative to the construction of works for the defense
of the city of Atlanta & of the ferries on the Chattahoochee River. In
regard to the system of defences I recommend to you full & free
consultation with Col. Wright. The method adopted by you for the defence
of the ferries on the Chattahoochee River is approved by the Bureau, as
is likewise your intention to commence, so soon as the smaller works on
the river are finished, the construction of a complete system of works
around the city of Atlanta. To enable you to execute these proposed
works, you will be supplied, on requisition, with the necessary funds.
The sum of (5,000) Five thousand Dollars has been placed to the credit
of Capt. J. A. Haydon, and you therefore need furnish him with no
further funds. |
| Very Respectfully |
| J. F. Gilmer |
| Col. Engrs. & Chf Bu. |
| |
| N. B. The order of work on the general defenses for
Atlanta should be to occupy the favorable points in the circuit around
the place, (far enough from the town to prevent the enemy from coming
within bombardment distance,) by suitable detached works, closed toward
the town with stockades. The intermediate spaces to be filled up
afterwards by "rifle pits" or lines of "Infantry Cover." The work to be
either works, with such obstructions in advance as you may find the
means & teams to construct, such as abbatis, fits, felled timbers &c. |
| J. F. G. |
|