Lee, Robert E. (1807-1870) to Joseph E. Johnston re: defense of Richmond, troop positions, etc.
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02348 Author/Creator: Lee, Robert E. (1807-1870) Place Written: Richmond, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 1862/05/16 Pagination: 2 p. 28 x 22 cm Order a Copy
Written as commander in chief of the Army of Northern Virginia.
Hd. Qrs: Richmond 16 May '62
Genl. J. E. Johnston
Commd. Army of N. Virga.
Genl.
In reply to that portion of your letter of yesterday's date relating to the works for the defense of James river will state that the redoubt at Drurys [Drewry's] bluff is armed with Seven of our heaviest guns well position, but not as perfectly protected as designed for want of time. The work however is progressing. I presume we shall have a few days before the return of the enemy which if properly improved much may be accomplished. To insure this I was obliged to halt Genl. Mahone's brigade or at least that portion of it with him at Drury's bluff, place him in Command, direct him to push the work with [illegible]. The laborers, mechanics & Comps of unorganized regts. left at the first shot long before yesterday. Could not be contended [?] by the Navy. Neither could proper scouts or videttes be kept on the river to report the movements of the enemy which gave rise to innumerable alarms & exaggerated reports. The obstruction of the Channel of the river also is progressing but not satisfactorily.
On this side of the river a battery is under Construction by Major Stevens at Warwick bar where a several line [2] or barrier has been commenced by sinking boats. Two guns are designed for this position. Major Stevens also projects a three gun battery at that point. Chapins bluff on the left bank, about 2 miles below is occupied by Col. Stewarts Va. Regt: the rifled 39 p[ounde]r & a light battery. I have supposed if your army took a position so near this city its right could not in that vicinity. You will see by the reports of yesterday's fights that the enemy were driven back by the batteries with supposed damage.
I telegraphed to you yesterday that Major Stevens desired the Services of Capt. Douglass, Engineer or Genl. Magruder's staff, a Mr. Douglass a builder, if he could be spared by you.
I am most respt. your obt. Servt.
R. E. Lee
Genl.
[Docket]
Richmond, Va
May 16. 1862
R. E. Lee General
Relative to the works at
Drewry's Bluff & obstructions
in the river
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