Letter

Henry W. Halleck to William P. Craighill, June 10, 1863

Washington, D. C.

Capt. WiLLiAm P. CRAIGHILL, Corps of Engineers:

CaPpTaIN: You will immediately repair to the city of Pittsburgh, Pa., and make preparations for the defense of that place against a possible rebel raid. Brigadier-General Barnard has been directed to advise with you on this subject. A copy of his instructions is inclosed herewith.*

The main object of your mission is to assist the municipal authorities and the people in preparing for their own defense. They are epee and, it is presumed, ready to defend their town against any efforts the rebels may make to capture or destroy it. You will assist and animate them in the performance of this patriotic duty, should the occasion arise. A few days’ labor in the trenches will render their city entirely safe from acowp demain. They should not neglect this preparation, nor postpone it till too late. Impress upon them the importance of prompt and efficient action.

Brigadier-General Brooks has been appointed to the command of pee ey with authority to make requisitions for arms, artilery, &c. ae will report to him, and show him these orders.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

H. W. HALLECK,
General-in-Chief.
SUFFOLK, June 10, 1863.
Major-General Drx,
Yorktown, Va.:
Spear is the soul of such an enterprise. I would advise delay
until, say Friday, on his account. Advise in respect to this.
Editor's Notes
From: Operations in N. Virginia, W. Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Pt. 1. Location: Washington, D. C.. Summary: H. W. Halleck orders Captain William P. Craighill to promptly assist Pittsburgh's municipal authorities in preparing defenses against a potential Confederate raid during the Civil War.
Sources
The War of the Rebellion: Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 27, Part 1 View original source ↗