William W. Mackall to Jeremy F. Gilmer, February 15, 1861

Capt. J. F. GILMER, Engineer in Charge of Fortifications, Fort Point, Cal. : CAPTAIN: The general commanding has examined your instructions from the Secretary of War of January 14, viz: ‘That all operations of constructions upon the works under your charge be at once discontinued and that no further liabilities be contracted,” &c. He has, however, orders * of a subsequent date from the General-in-Chief to occupy Fort Point with troops, and as this order confers of necessity the authority to do all such acts as are necessary to render the occupation secure and the place inhabitable, he relieves you from the obligation of obeying the order of the Secretary to that extent and directs you, so far as you may be able, to execute the works he has pointed out. I am, sir,

very respectfully, your obedient servant,