R. E. Lee, May 19, 1861

Richmond, Va., May 19, 1861.

JOHN T. SEAWELL, Esq., Gloucester Oourt-House, Va.:

Str: Your letter of the 15th instant isin: hand. The engineers who examined York River considered Gloucester Point the lowest available position for a battery for the defense of the entrance of that river. It is difficult to procure men enough to man the battery already erected, and, by increasing posts, this difficulty would be enhanced.

Colonel Taliaferro has been previously directed to muster the troops from the county of King and Queen into the service of the State, and to form a regiment at Gloucester Point of the troops from the three counties of Gloucester, Matthews, and King and Queen. It is hoped that sufficient troops from those counties will be obtained for the defense of their homes.

Very respectfully, &c.,

Major-General, Commanding.