HEADQUARTERS, June 22, 1861

Richmond, Va., June 22, 1861.

Brig. Gen. J. B. MAGRUDER, Commanding, &c., Yorktown, Va. :

GENERAL: I am instructed by General Lee to acknowledge the receipt of your letter, dated the 20th instant, reporting your movements from Great Bethel to Yorktown, under the supposition, from information derived from your vedettes, that the enemy had moved against the latter in force. The general suggests that you will employ none but the most reliable men for the delicate and important service of vedettes, so as to avoid the chances of false information in respect to the enemy, such as that which caused your sudden march on the 19th instant. The general also wishes you to provide always a sufficient number of wagons for the troops held in advanced positions, so that, in the event of a rapid movement, transportation may be at hand at any moment.

Respectfully, &c., GEO. DEAS, Assistant Adjutant- General.