Hdqrs. Department of Northern Virginia,
August 8, 1862
Brig. Gen. John B. Hood,
Commanding Division:
General: I desire you to prepare your two brigades to proceed to Hanover Junction as soon as practicable. I do not know your encampment, but if you will designate the nearest point on the railroad where the train can take you up and where a portion of your force will be ready I will have the cars at the spot. You must make arrangements for your sick. Your very sick can be sent to the hospitals in Richmond. The others I hope will be well enough to accompany you. Take your wagon train and batteries. They must march.
Very truly and respectfully, your obedient servant,
R E Lee,
General
Source: The War of the Rebellion, Series 1, Volume 11, part 3, p. 667
Transcribed b Colin Woodward, 2019 January 17
