HEADQUARTERS,
Lee's Farm, April 22, 1862.
General R. E. LEE:
GENERAL: Maj. Gen. D. H. Hill, commanding at Yorktown,
reports that the enemy used signal lights across the river and fired signal
guns last night. He thinks that this may indicate a dash at Richmond from West
Point or Urbana, and suggests that the North Carolina army be brought to that place.
The report from Norfolk that ten steam transports left Fort Monroe with troops
the day before is more indicative of such a move.
I have heard neither from Jackson nor Field. Ewell's last
letter, dated 18th, informed me that he was hourly expecting a summons to
Jackson's aid. Stationed here, I can obtain no information except from or
through Richmond. Should the enemy's movements on the north or south of you
require the withdrawal of these troops you will have to give me notice.
Labor enough has been expended here to make a very strong
position, but it has been wretchedly misapplied by the young engineer officers.
No one but McClellan could have hesitated to attack. The defensive line is far
better for him than for us.
Most respectfully,
your obedient servant,
J. E. JOHNSTON,
General.
SOURCES: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of
the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume
11, Part 3 (Serial No. 14), p. 455-6
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