| Headquarters
Army of Northern Virginia |
| July 1, 1864 |
| |
| Hon. Secretary of War, Richmond |
| |
| Sir, |
| I have the honor to call your attention
to the importance of keeping open the Virginia Central Railroad, not
only to bring supplies from the Valley but to facilitate military
operations in that quarter. I am informed that the road is now
completed to Staunton, or within a short distance of it. I
respectfully recommend that a force of reserves be placed at the
bridge over the South Anna and also those over the Rivanna River.
There is a company of cavalry commanded by a Capt. Anderson, in
Hanover, which might be employed in scouting to give notice of the
approach of danger. So far as I know there is no enemy north of the
James who would be likely to attempt to break the road, unless there
be some cavalry on the Peninsula. There is a small body of cavalry
near Fairfax Court-House. I think the presence of the reserves would
deter the enemy from sending small parties to break the road, and if
they detach troops from their main body for the purpose it will
enable us to re-enforce the guard. |
| Very respectfully, your obedient servant, |
| R. E. Lee |
| General |
|