| Engineer Bureau |
| Aug 6, 1863 |
| |
| Col. W. H. Stevens C. S. A. |
| Richmond, Va. |
| |
| Colonel, |
| It is the desire of the Hon Sec of War
that immediate steps be taken to construct a suitable work for the
defence of the bridge of the Petersburg & Weldon R. R. {the
Petersburg RR} on the
Meherrin River & I have to request that you will take measures at
once in concert with the commanders of the forces at Weldon &
Petersburg to construct the proper work. The bridge is one of
considerable length & if destroyed would break the southern
connection for a considerable time. An officer of Engrs must be
assigned at once to the duty of locating & building a closed work
in proper relation for defending the approaches to the bridge & of
such strength of profile as to resist cavalry & light artillery
& suitable for a garrison of two or three companies. It is
understood that negro labor will be furnished to some extent by the
citizens in the neighborhood & the commanders of troops should be
urged to furnish fatigue labor. Can you assign Lt. Bendor or some
officer now in N. C. or Petersburg to the duty with proper
instructions from yourself. The bridge over the Sittimay? river should
be guarded also, possibly a small work built for its protection. I
repeat, The Sec of War desires that prompt measures be taken to build
a defensive work at the bridge over the Meherrin. Home guards in an
emergency, it is believed, could be obtained to defend the bridge when
the work shall have been built. The Sec of War has decided that the agricultural
interests will not admit of a call on the slaves for labor on the
fortifications sooner than the 10th of September. He has urged upon
Genl Elzy that details of troops be made from his command for fatigue
services, say 500 men daily. Then to be employed on the connection
between Randolph & Chaffin Bluff. Please see Genl. Elzy & urge
prompt action. |
| Your obt svt |
| J. F. Gilmer |
| Col. Engrs & Chf Bu. |
| Also OR, Series 1, Vol. 29, Part
2, Page 627 |
|