| War Department, C. S. A. |
| Richmond, Va., June 24, 1864 |
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| General R. E. Lee |
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| General,
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| I hear with regret and some
apprehension the doubt expressed by you of your ability to maintain
communication by the Petersburg and Weldon line {Raleigh
& Gaston RR and Petersburg RR}. Without it there must be
great difficulty in maintaining adequate supplies for the army. The
single line of the Danville road {Richmond
& Danville RR} at best could give only a meager supply;
but it is, besides, liable constantly, on so long a line, to
temporary interruptions and obstructions by the enemy. If successful
in guarding the important bridges, it will be hardly possible to
prevent raiding parties from reaching and tearing up the track at
more accessible and unguarded points. It is certainly, therefore, of
the first importance to maintain the Southern line if practicable.
Your suggestions to render the Danville road more efficient and
secure shall receive full attention, and I have been concerting with
the Quartermaster-General and General Kemper the best means at
command to attain the desired ends. I fear, however, the reserve
forces will prove an inadequate reliance for the defense of the
railroad line, and that, however well they may be organized and
commanded, some trained troops in addition will have to be spared
for all the important points. I heard with some concern last evening
that the gallant officer at Mattoax bridge did not think it
possible, with his force, to defend that and the bridge on the Flat
Creek likewise, and that the latter would have to be yielded, which
would cause serious misfortune and interruption. If, through
extraordinary exertions, these communications can be maintained for
the next three weeks we shall afterward be not so absolutely
dependent on them, for the wheat would, by due exertions enforced to
thresh it, sustain us for some months. The sorest strait is just
now, and you will excuse me for invoking your utmost attention and
thought to the maintenance of our present communications. |
| Very truly, yours, |
| James
A. Seddon |
| Secretary of War |
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