Summary:
In May, 1861, new Confederate recruits from western Virginia mustered in at
Staunton. In this letter, Robert E. Lee informs Thomas J. Jackson, commanding at
Harper's Ferry, that troops will be sent him from Staunton as they muster
in.
HEADQUARTERS VIRGINIA FORCES,
Col. T. J. JACKSON,
Virginia Volunteers, Commanding
Harper's Ferry, Va.:
Richmond, Va.,
May 10, 1861.
COLONEL:
Your letter of the 7th instant, by Maj. Massie, has been received. Orders have been given to fill your requisition for arms, ammunition, and accouterments as far as possible. In addition to the guns that you were advised yesterday would be sent to you, I have directed two 32-pounders, with navy carriages, and a supply of ammunition, &c., to be forwarded to you. They will be in charge of Lieut. Fauntleroy,of the Navy, who is ordered to report to you, and I hope will be useful in defending your post.
Your intention to fortify the heights of Maryland may interrupt our friendly arrangements with that State, and we have no right to intrude on her soil, unless, under pressing necessity, for defense. I had hoped that her own citizens would have relieved u of that question, and you must endeavor to give to the course you may find it necessary to pursue the appearance of its being the act of her citizens. At all events, do not move until actually necessary and under stern necessity.
I have directed the companies ordered to rendezvous at Staunton to be sent to you as soon as mustered into the service, and I hope you will receive a large accession of troops under the authority extended to you. Several officers of experience have been sent to you, and I shall endeavor to send some cadets. I know, from the spirit with which you are animated, that you will leave nothing undone to insure the defense of your post and the security of your command. You will not neglect, therefore, the instruction of the troops, who ought to be constantly practicing their military exercises and prepared in every way for hard service. Every rifle that you can finish will be of advantage, but it will be necessary to send off that machinery as soon as the musket factory is removed. I have directed the Quartermaster and Commissary Department to send funds, if practicable, to the assistant quartermaster and commissary at your post.
Respectfully, &c.,
R. E. LEE,
Maj.-Gen., Commanding.
Bibliographic Information : Letter Reproduced from The War of The Rebellion: Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series 1, Volume 2, Serial No. 2, Pages 824-825, Broadfoot Publishing Company, Wilmington, NC, 1997.
