HEADQUARTERS VIRGINIA FORCES, May 11, 1861

Richmond, Va., May 11, 1861.

B. M. JonEs, Esq., Danville, Va.:

Sir: I am instructed by Major-General Lee to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of May 9, respecting the construction of a railroad

Car. TX.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.—CONFEDERATE. 831

from Keysville, on the Richmond and Danville Roau, to Clarksville, on the Roanoke, whereby an additional railroad connection would be had between Richmond and States to the south of Virginia. As a military road at this time, General Lee thinks it would be both desirable and important to have the road which you propose constructed, as it would afford not only an additional means of communication between Richmond and the South, but, in the event of obstruction on one road, the other might be kept open for travel and transportation. Contingencies might occur to-render this a matter of the highest importance, and he would therefore be pleased to see the road made. But while he regards it as desirable, he thinks, from the information he has of the financial condition of the State, it would not be proper just now to divert the money required for the work from other objects. Tam, &ce., JNO. A. WASHINGTON, Aide to General Lee.