Headquarters Virginia Forces,
Richmond, Va., May 14, 1861
Lieut. Col. B. S. Ewell, Commanding, &c., Williamsburg, Va.:
Colonel: I have heard that two hundred mules were landed at Old Point on Saturday, the 11th instant, and some horses previously. I should be glad if you could ascertain from any of our friends about Hampton the truth of this report, and also make arrangements with some reliable person in Hampton to keep you advised of what is going on in the neighborhood of Hampton, and also at Old Point. Should you deem any of it of sufficient importance, I request to be informed of it.
I hope you will call out all the volunteers from the counties within your jurisdiction, give them the necessary orders as to their duties, and urge forward their instruction and equipment as soon as possible.
I will send to Yorktown, via West Point, on the 16th instant, three companies of infantry and one of artillery, to protect the battery to be erected at that place. It is desired that you place yourself in communication with the officer commanding, and give him all the advice and facilities in your power.
Very respectfully, &c.,
R E Lee,
Major-General, Commanding
Source: The War of the Rebellion, Series 1, Volume 2, pp. 838-839
Transcribed by Colin Woodward, 2019 March 20
