Spotsylvania Court-House, Va.,
May 21, 1864 8:40 a.m. (Received 10.30 p.m.)
Hon. J. a. Seddon,
Secretary of War:
The enemy is apparently again changing his base. Three gunboats came up to Port Royal two days since. This morning an infantry force appeared at Guiney's; his cavalry advanced at Downer's Bridge, on Bowling Green road. He is apparently placing the Mattapony between us, and will probably open communication with Port Royal. I am extending on the Telegraph road, and will regulate my movements by the information of his route. I fear will secure him from attack til he crosses the Pamunkey.
R E Lee
Source: The War of the Rebellion, Series 1, Vol. 36, part 3, p. 812
Transcribed by Colin Woodward, 2017 May 18
