| Headquarters |
| Richmond, Va., April 9, 1862 |
| |
| Maj. Gen. T. H. Holmes |
| Commanding, &c, Goldsborough, N. C. |
| |
| General, |
| ***** |
| Your attention is specially
directed to this report and to any movement in that direction. I
think that if an attack be made on Norfolk
it will be from the south side. The presence of the Virginia
will, in my opinion, deter the enemy from attempting a movement on Norfolk
from the direction of
Fort
Monroe
or by way of Elizabeth
River. I have directed the Georgia
regiments to be sent to you at once, and as soon as they arrive you
will do everything in your power to arm and prepare them for
service. I am informed by Major Ashe, of North Carolina, that large numbers of country rifles and other arms can be
collected in that State, and I have directed him to get all he can.
You will also do everything in your power to collect arms for the
troops that you will receive. |
| With reference to the North Carolina
troops, I am desirous that you should have them as soon as possible,
and the Governor of North Carolina has been written to on the
subject. I desire that you shall do whatever may be in your power to
expedite the matter, and as soon as the troops arrive proceed to
organize and prepare them for service, and after arming the Georgia
troops, those from North Carolina that are unprovided with arms can
be supplied with such as remain from what Major Ashe or yourself may
collect or any others that may be sent to you. |
| ***** |
| I am, general, very respectfully, your
obedient servant, |
| R. E. Lee |
| General, Commanding |
|