| Headquarters Virginia Forces |
| Richmond, Va. |
| June 10, 1861 |
| |
| General T. H. Holms |
| Commanding, &c., Fredericksburg, Va.
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| General,
|
| It is probable that, realizing the
inutility of cannonading the batteries at Aquia Creek with
smooth-bore guns, the naval force of
the United States
will hereafter employ rifled cannon, of large caliber, at long
range. It is reported that such means will be employed. It is
therefore advisable that the batteries should be rendered as secure
as possible by the application of some such means as were so
successfully employed at Charleston. Railroad-iron, laid at an angle of about thirty degrees with the
horizon, on the exterior slope, the upper ends not projecting above
the exterior crest, would probably answer the purpose, If such an
arrangement can be made, you are authorized to procure the iron and
apply it where in your judgment it may be required. *** |
| Very respectfully, your obedient servant, |
| R. E. Lee |
| General, Commanding |
|