Headquarters, August 12, 1862
General Fitz Lee,
Commanding Cavalry Brigade:
General: It is so difficult to procure forage at Hanover Court-House I would suggest you change your position to where it can be more conveniently obtained. In the event of your seeing an opportunity to strike a favorable blow at the enemy, provided he comes within your reach, you are authorized to do so. It is desirable that your horses should not be exhausted, and that you should not leave uncovered the approach to the railroad or Richmond.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
R E Lee,
General
P.S. Applications will be made to the superintendent of the telegraph line for an operator.
Source: The War of the Rebellion, Series 1, Volume 11, Part 3, p. 673
Transcribed by Colin Woodward, 2019 February 4
