Thomas Jordan, July 1, 1863

GENERAL: The subject-matter of your communication of the 25th ultimo has been considered by the commanding general, who instructs me to acquaint you with his answers as follows, to two questions submitted by you:

avail himself of such works as he may be assured are necessary for the defense of any points or position within the lmits of his command, and which he may be able to throw up with the means at his disposal. But all such works must be reported as soonas practicable to the department commander for his information and for his orders, should he consider them in part or whole unnecessary.

Second. District commanders have no other ccntrol over works ordered for construction under the chief engineer than has been already provided for in General Orders, No. 95, * from these headquarters, and Special Orders, No. 56, same series [following], and Paragraph V, Special Orders, No. 131, June 27, 1863.

The commanding general, however, will always be pleased to receive from district commanders any reports touching the manner in which works are executed within their departments, as also any recommendations or suggestions as to works regarded by them as necessary for the effective defense of their districts.

There can properly be no question of rank between a district or other commander and the engineer staff of these headquarters, who act simply under the orders of the commanding general, who hopes, moreover, that hereafter there will be complete harmony between the different branches of the service in the department.

Any acts tending to destroy good feeling and produce irritations will meet his unqualified disapprobatfon.

The chief engineer will be instructed to communicate freely with district commanders concerning all works to be constructed in their districts.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,