k. E. Lee to Remarks on the report of Maj. Gen. J. Bankhead Magruder of the recent, August 14, 1862

August 14, 1862.

August 14, 1862:. Hon. GEORGE W. RANDOLPH, See’y of War, Richmond, Va.:

Sir: I have the honor to transmit the report of Major-General Magruder and the officers of his command of the operations in the late engagements around Richmond. At the request of General Magruder I forward the report without the delay which would necessarily attend its accompanying my own, which, for the want of the reports of other division commanders, I. am unable to submit. I have only been able to give it a cursory examination, and to append such remarks as were suggestéd in its perusal. General Magruder appears to have greatly exerted himself to accomplish the duty devolved on him, and I can bear testimony to the uniform alacrity he displayed in its execution. He had many difficulties to contend with, I know. I regretted at the time, and still regret, that they could not have been more readily overcome. I feel assured, however, that General Magruder intentionally omitted nothing that he could do to insure success.

I am, most respectfully,

your obedient servant,

k. E. LEE,

General.

Remarks on the report of Maj. Gen. J. Bankhead Magruder of the recent

operations of his command near Richmond.

1. General Magruder is under a misapprehension as to the separation of the troops operating on the north side of the Chickahominy

from those under himself and General Huger on the south side. He

refers to this subject on pages 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 of his report.* The

troops on the two sides of the river were only separated until we sueceeded in occupying the position near what is known as New Bridge,