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by General Lee to say that under all the circumstances it would appear that the dispositions which you have ordered are the best that could be made to meet the present emergency.
He hopes that you will be enabled by energy and perseverance to make up for the small means at your command, and in a short while to gather a considerable force from the country in which you are operating.
As regards the infantry force from General Ed. Johnson's army to which you allude, the General suggests that you correspond with the officer in command in reference to any movement or cooperation which you think advisable, and which would not jeopardize the safety of that line.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
W. H. Taylor, Assistant Adjutant-General.
If you have not left Petersburg, proceed at once with your entire force to Drewry's Bluff.
Reply immediately, and state the number of your troops.
G. W. Randolph, Secretary of War.
Your dispatch to General Walker is received.
He went to Richmond this morning with his brigade.
I have left me here not more than four hundred well men, and they are very indifferently armed.
I arrived here but a few hours ago.
Reported four transports landing troops at Howlett's Landing, seven miles below, and two gunboats coming up, firing occasionally to clear the banks.
We have only a small force to prevent them from outflanking us. I do not know who commands the forces outside.
S. S. Lee, Captain, Commanding.
