Taylorsville, May 26, 1864
(Received 8.30)
Hon. Secretary of War:
The enemy has made no demonstration against our position to-day. From present indications he seems to contemplate a movement on our left flank. It is reported that the Richmond, Fredericksburg, and Potomac Railroad has been repaired and that a train of cars has arrived at Milford. A column of infantry is said to have moved from the White House, by Beulah Church, toward Chesterfield, supposed to be dismounted men of General Sheridan’s command. Transports, loaded with supplies, were at Tappahannock yesterday. The supplies are landed at Port Royal. The enemy’s superiority in cavalry will, I fear, enable him to do us much injury. General Sheridan’s command has rejoined General Grant. I hope that all the cavalry designed for this army may be sent at once. I can place General Young, if sent to me, in command of Gordon’s brigade until his own brigade is organized.
R E Lee
Source: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series 1, Vol. 36, Part 3, p. 834.
Transcribed by Colin Woodward, 2016 May 26
