Hdqrs: Richmond, 21 May ’62
Genl J. E. Johnston
Commg Army of N. Virga
Genl:
The President desires to know the number of troops around Richmond, how they are posted and the organization of the divisions and brigades; also the programme of operations which you propose. The information relative to the composition & position of your Army can readily be furnished, but your plan of operations dependant upon circumstances perhaps yet to be developed may not be so easily explained nor may it be prudent to commit it to paper.
I would therefore respectfully suggest that you communicate your view on this subject pursuant to the President which perhaps would be more Convenient to you Satisfactory to him.
I have the honor to be your Obtservt,
RELee
Genl
Source: The Archives of the Robert E. Lee Memorial Foundation, Papers of the Lee Family, Box 3, M2009.284, Jessie Ball duPont Library, Stratford Hall.
Transcription revised by Colin Woodward, 2015 September 15
