Richmond, Va., June 1, 1862
General R. E. Lee:
Sir: The unfortunate casualty which has deprived the army in front of Richmond of its immediate commander, General Johnston, renders it necessary to interfere temporarily with the duties to which you were assigned in connection with the general service, but only so far as to make you available for command in the field of a particular army. You will assume command of the armies in Eastern Virginia and in North Carolina, and give such orders as may be needful and proper.
Very respectfully,
Jefferson Davis
Source: The War of the Rebellion, Series 1, Vol. 11, Part 3, pp. 568-569.
Transcribed by Colin Woodward, 2017 March 1
