| Head Qrs Richmond Va |
| 5th May 1862 |
| |
|
A. Dudley Esq. |
| Presdt R &York R. R. R.
{Richmond & York River RR} |
| |
| Sir, |
| I have received your letter by the hands
of Mr. Anderson C. S. N. but am at a loss to know what military
assistance you require. If a force is needed at any point to facilitate
or protect your operations an application to Genl. Johnston specifying
the object to be attained will no doubt meet with a prompt response. |
| An Engineer will be sent down as
requested. It will be necessary, in order to communicate with Genl.
Johnston that you send a special messenger. |
| I am very respectfully |
| Your obt Sevt |
| R. E. Lee |
| Genl. |
|