Hdqrs. Department of Northern Virginia,
July 31, 1862
Col. Thomas S. Rhett,
Commanding Richmond Defenses:
I desire barbette guns to be mounted in commanding positions in the works on the south side of the river, and wish you to report at once whether to effect this it will be necessary to strip entirely the batteries on the north side. I would prefer, if it is possible, to keep some of the barbette guns at commanding points in these batteries. The siege guns can be moved to the south side later, if needed, as the same preparation, would not be necessary for them. Please state what is the best disposition you can make both of the barbette guns and those on siege carriages.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
R E Lee,
General
Source: The War of the Rebellion, Series 1, Volume 11, Part 3, p. 659
Transcribed by Colin Woodward, 2018 November 29
