OR, Series 1, Vol. 11, Pt 3, Page 508

Headquarters
Richmond, Va., May 11, 1862
 
Samuel S. Wilson, Esq.  {President, Seaboard & Roanoke RR}
Richmond, Va.
 
Sir,
   Your letter of the 10th instant to the Secretary of War is received. The forces have been withdrawn from Norfolk and Portsmouth, but efforts will be made to continue railroad communication with the South through Weldon. I deem it a matter of great moment that the rolling stock and equipments of your road should be removed to a place of safety and placed where they can be made available on other roads.
   Unless there should be danger of losing rolling stock there would be no objection to using the upper part of the road for transporting to Weldon such stores and supplies as may be collected along the route, but in no case should the trains be endangered either in attempting to transport such supplies or more especially in the ordinary traffic of the road.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
R. E. Lee

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