HEADQUARTERS OF THE FORCES, July 16, 1861

Richmond, Va., July 16, 1861.

srig. Gen. J. B. MAGRUDER, Commanding, Yorktown, Va.:

GENERAL: Your letter of the 13th, in reference to the defenses on famestown Island, has been received. I hope the additional redoubt vhich you have directed to be constructed at the east end of the island nd the division of the guns in the midway redoubt may be advantageus. Ido not consider it advisable, however, to diffuse your force over oo large a space, and it was this consideration that induced the location f the midway redoubt on its present site. I have only to repeat, in elation to the landing at Spratley’s, King’s Mill, &c., that the construcion of the battery at Day’s Point and the projected batteries at Mulerry Point, and the one opposite, will render them more secure, and liminish the danger of an attempt upon Williamsburg by that route. Yo means, however, must be neglected to prevent such an attempt or o secure the line of defenses across the Peninsula. We have not, howver, guns sufficient to place at every vulnerable point on the Peninsula, nd they must be posted only on the most important, and, if carried, he guns must be removed to other points of defense. Upon the comletion of the defenses a more advantageous disposition of the guns nay be made; but until that time I do not wish the guns for the deense of the channel to be removed from their present positions.

Respectfully, R. E. LEE, General, Commanding.

RicHMonD, VA., July 17, 1861.

General G. T. BEAUREGARD: We are making all efforts to re-enforce you. Cannot send to-day,

but afterwards they will go regularly daily, railroad permitting. Hampton’s Legion, McRae’s regiment, and two battalions, Mississippi and

Alabama, under orders.

RicHmonnD, July 17, 1861. General Houmus, Fredericksburg, Va. :

General Beauregard is attacked. Move with three regiments and a light battery to support him. Replace the troops you withdraw by the nnilitia, leaving Colonel Ruggles in command of the district, directing him to hold his troops in readiness for any emergency.

S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General.

Ricumonn, July 17, 1861. General G. T. BEAUREGARD, Manassas Junction, Va.:

You are authorized to appropriate the North Carolina regiment on its route to General Johnston. If possible, send to General Johnston to say he has been informed, via Staunton, that you were attacked, and that he will join you if practicable with his effective force, sending his sick and baggage to Culpeper Court-House by rail or through

Warrenton. 8. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General.

MANASSAS, July 17, 1861. General COOPER:

I believe this proposed movement of General Johnston is too late. Enemy will attack me in force to-morrow morning. G. T. BEAUREGARD.