Tuesday, February 25, 2014

General Joseph E. Johnston to General Robert E. Lee, April 22, 1862

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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