Headquarters Army of Northern Virginia,
May 10, 1864 8.15 p.m.
General Ewell:
General: It will be necessary for you to re-establish your whole line to-night. Set the officers to work to collect and refresh their men and have everything ready for the renewal of the conflict at day-light to-morrow. I wish General Rodes to rectify his line and improve its defenses, especially that part which seemed so easily overcome this afternoon. If no flanking arrangement a ditch had better be dug on the outside, and an abatis made in front. Perhaps General Grant will make a night attack as it was a favorite amusement of his at Vicksburg. See that ammunition is provided and every man supplied.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
R E Lee
General
Source: The War of the Rebellion, Series 1, Vol. 36, Part 2, p. 983
Transcribed by Colin Woodward, 2017 May 18
