HEADQUARTERS VIRGINIA FORCES, May 25, 1861

Richmond, Va., May 25, 1861.

Col. WM. B. TALIAFERRO, Commanding Gloucester Point, Va.:

COLONEL: Colonel Talcott will direct Captain Smith, of the Engineer Corps, now at West Point, to take charge of the construction of the battery at Gloucester Point. He will be subject to your orders for the general purposes of defense, but will conform to the instructions of Colonel Talcott as regards the plans and details of the work. You are desired to urge forward the completion of all the batteries, both for the water and land defense, for which purpose it will be desirable for you

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nar. IX.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.—CONFEDERATE. 817

to collect as large a force of laborers as you can. It is hoped that, by the united exertions of yourself and Captain Preston, more troops shall be collected from the counties of Matthews, Gioucester, and King and Queen. We have no troops here to send you. Iam, &c.,

R. E. LEE, General, Commanding.