R. E. Lee, May 12, 1861

Richmond, Va., May 12, 1861.

Brig. Gen. W. Gwynn, Commanding Virginia Forces, Norfolk, Va. : 7 GENERAL: I am gratified to learn that all your preparations for . defense are so well advanced. It is important for you, now being prena ‘=

pared against any immediate attack, to review your lines of defense, strengthen, improve, and enlarge them, as necessity and opportunity may permit, and apply all your means and use every exertion to the instruction and discipline of your men, and prepare them for hard and active service. With this view, they should be placed at or near the points where their services will be required in case of an attack and be prepared and habituated to the necessities of service. Is the revetment { of Fort Norfolk sufficiently protected by earthern-covered ways, and are the parapets of all your redoubts sufficiently thick and high to resist heavy shot and protect the men within? If not, they had better be strengthened and every measure taken to give confidence and security to the men.

In the fabrication of musket cartridges at this point we are now obliged to use coarse powder for want of musket powder. As you have a large amount of cartridges on hand, you are desired to send ten barrels of musket powder, as soon as possible, to Colonel Dimmock, at this place. Telegraphed to this effect to-day.

Very respectfully, &c.,

Major-General, Commanding.