Summary:
Robert E. Lee writes General Joseph E. Johnston in May, 1862, with news from Staunton of Jackson's victory at McDowell.

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Gen. J. E. JOHNSTON,
Cmdg., &c.:

Richmond, Va., HDQRS.,

May 9, 1862.

GEN.:

I have received information by telegraph this morning from Maj. A. W. Harman, assistant quartermaster at Staunton, that Gen. Jackson's advanced forces engaged the enemy (Milroy) near McDowell, on Sitlington's Hill, at 5 p. m. yesterday, and after four hours' fighting drove them back in confusion on McDowell. We had no artillery. Winder's brigade not in action. Our troops encamped on battle-field. Artillery gotten in position, and ready to renew fight. Three gun-boats entered James River on yesterday. One iron-clad attacked battery at Day's Point. It is reported battery was silenced. Enemy yesterday attacked Sewell's Point battery. Retired on approach of Virginia. These movements of enemy supposed to be caused by information derived from a Capt. Bias, who deserted with his tugboat and crew and went to Fort Monroe yesterday. Every preparation is being made that is possible to contest the ascent of James River by enemy's boats. Nothing heard of their farther advance since yesterday.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

R. E. LEE,
Gen.

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Bibliographic Information : Letter Reproduced from The War of The Rebellion: Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series 1, Volume 51, Serial No. 108, Pages 553-554, Broadfoot Publishing Company, Wilmington, NC, 1997.