Unknown to Thommas Jordan, June 25, 1863

Brig. Gen. THomMas JORDAN, Chief of Staff, &c.:

GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of a copy of a communication from Lieutenant-Colonel Roman, inspectorgeneral, to yourself, relating to certain communications from these headquarters to those of the department, concerning the operations of engineers in this district, ail a communication from yourself, of the date of the 20th instant, expressing the views and opinions of the commanding general, which appear to be based upon the report of Lieutenant-Colonel Roman. Beheving that report ee been made without due examination, and that it is in some degree unjust to myself, I beg respectfully to submit the following:

It appears that the examination of Lieutenant-Colonel Roman into the matter has been to carefully peruse reports of Lieutenant-Colonel Harris, Major Echols, Captain Howard, Mr. Cheves, and Mr. White, all officers or employés of engineers, and to visit with Lieutenant-Colonel Harris a part of the cause or foot way, now under construction by officers of the engineer department, between James and Morris Islands. Upon the contents of the reports mentioned, and such casual inspection, Lieutenant-Colonel Roman bases the first part of his report, with reference to the cause or foot way and its construction.

I opine that Lieytenant-Colonel Roman has misapprehended the communications from these headquarters, which it seems he has reviewed, with regard to the bridge or cause or foot way under construction, and instead of looking to the manner of employing the force, military or hired, engaged, has given his opinion on the character of the structure. On the last, ordered by the commanding general, IT have nothing to remark. Concerning the employment of troops detailed for the service, forming part of my command, I

respectfully