Headquarters, Richmond, Va., July 1, 1861
Gen. R. S. Garnett, Commanding Northwestern Army:
General: I have received your letter of the 25th instant [ult.], reporting the condition and distribution of your force and your projected plan of operations. I have taken great pleasure in submitting it to the President, and trust you will be able to accomplish your purposes. The rupture of the railroad at Cheat River would be worth to us an army. The companies of the Twentieth and Thirty-seventh Regiments have been forwarded to you; also two companies of cavalry. Another squadron will be furnished if desired. I have ordered Capt. G. Jackson to report to you for duty with the cavalry. His commission will entitle him to precedence over officers of the same grade in the volunteer service. He is a cavalry officer of some experience. Everything that you have required has been sent as far as practicable. The remainder will be forwarded as fast as available. Muster rolls were sent some time since. Your correspondence can be addressed to this office as usual.
Very respectfully,
R E Lee
Source: The War of the Rebellion, Series 1, Volume 2, p. 239
Transcribed by Colin Woodward, 2017 November 8
