HEADQUARTERS, June 19, 1861

Richmond, Va., June 19, 1861.

Hon. R, M. T. HUNTER, Lloyd’s, Essex County, Va. : Sir: Your communication of the 12th instant, to his excellency the President of the Confederate States, has been referred to me. I have the honor to reply that my attention has been frequently and earnestly called to the subject of the defense of the Rappahannock, both as re- . gards Essex and the surrounding counties. The battery at Lowry’s Point seemed to be most advantageous at first for the defense of Fredericksburg, because it was at the narrowest and most difficult portion of the channel, and because it could be best defended by the guns that were available. It was desired to place the battery as near the mouth of the river as possible, and attention was particularly directed to Gray’s Â¥ Point and Cherry Point; but it was found that the distance was so great as to require guns of heavy caliber, not then available, and works of such size as to be difficult of construction and protection. Those points were therefore abandoned. Recently the project for the construction of batteries at those points has been received, and a proper officer has made examinations to that effect. As soon as means can be provided the _ works will be commenced; but in the mean time it is desired that the measure be kept secret. 2 Respectfully, R. E. LEE, General, Commanding.