Robert C. Schenck to J. C. Kelton, February 11, 1863

Col. J. C. KELTON, Assistant Adjutant-General, Hdgqrs. of the Army: COLONEL: I received yesterday the telegram of the General-in-Chief in relation to the pontoon bridge here, which I had ordered to Harper’s

Ferry. I regret extremely that there has been any misunderstanding about it. I heard from Mr. Garrett, president of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, of the pontoon here, which was said to be intended to be taken up the Potomac, and when I spoke afterward to General Halleck, at Washington, about the necessity of having it conveyed to Harper’s Ferry, I understood him that I could take it if there was one here, and need not consult him about such matters of detail. I have telegraphed General Kelley about it, and he replies to me to night that one-half of this pontoon bridge had arrived at Harper’s Ferry, the other half being still here at Locust Point. I will stop that portion which remains here, and will immediately order back that which has gone, if the General-in-Chief so directs. ;

I beg, however, to be permitted to keep this pontoon, and to carry out my plan, which is to place it at the new dam above the railroad bridge at Harper’s Ferry, where the crossing can be maintained much more securely as to the safety itself, and where the approaches to it on both sides are covered in such manner as to give the best protection for troops passing, while more convenient for the communication between the two shores. The old pontoon, now below the bridge at Harper’s Ferry, I propose then to take up and remove to Williamsport, where the emergency of the army having to cross over or fall back to that point, makes one esséntially needed.

I ask that this explanation may be communicated to Brigadier-General Woodbury, commanding brigade of engineers.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,