R. E. Leer to Thomas J. Jackson, May 10, 1891
Col. T. J. Jackson, Commanding, &c., Harper’s Ferry, Va.: COLONEL: Your letter of May 9th has just been received. The
‘guns you refer to, intended for Maryland, have, I understand, been
stopped by the governor. I wrote you to-day that two 32-pounders
‘had been ordered to you. I fear you may have been premature in oeeupying the heights of Maryland with so strong a force near you. The
true policy is to act on the defensive, and not invite an attack. If not too late, you might withdraw until the proper time. I have already
suggested to you the probability of the use of the canal as a means of carrying ordnance and munitions from Washington to use against you. In that event it would be well to cut the supply dams to prevent its use. Ten cadets have been ordered to report to you, in addition to the
ten now there.
Very respectfully, &c.,
Major-General, Commanding.
HEADQUARTERS, Richmond, VA.,
May 10, 1861.
By dispatch of this date I have directed a detachment of one thousand troops, either of Confederate State troops or Virginia volunteers, to be sent to report to Colonel Jackson at Harper's Ferry. I desire
two regiments more, if efficient men can be obtained, to he sent to the
same point as soon as practicable. Report what troops will have been