Hdqrs. Department of Northern Virginia,
June 23, 1862.
Maj. General T. H. Holmes,
Commanding &c., Petersburg, Va.:
General: Unless some movement of the enemy on the south side of James River is apparent or threatening against your position at Petersburg or the battery at Drewry’s Bluff, which will require the aid of General Ransom’s brigade to oppose, I desire you to send him, with the effective force of his brigade, to report to me on Wednesday morning next, 25th instant, prepared for service. He will come with light baggage and one day’s cooked provisions in haversacks. You can retain the artillery attached to his brigade if you think proper. The best route will be by cars to Richmond, where at the railroad depot he will receive orders. He will inform me by telegraph at what time he leaves Petersburg. I understand that a part of the brigade is at Drewry’s Bluff which is embraced in this order. These latter can come by rail, steamer, or march across the pontoon bridge, as you may deem best.
I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
R. E. Lee,
General.
Source: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series 1, Vol. 11, Part 3, p. 613
Transcribed by Colin Woodward, 2016 June 23
