R. HE. Lee to J. B. Magruder, July 10, 1861

General J. B. MAGRUDER, Commanding, &e., Yorktown, Va. :

GENERAL: I have had the honor to receive your letter of the 7th instant, and lament the death of Lieutenant-Colonel Dreux, a gallant: and accomplished officer.

There are no troops with which you can be re-enforced at present. Two long 32-pounders, with a supply of ammunition, have been sent to you to-day, which you can apply to the defenses of Yorktown or Willjiamsburg, as you may think proper, and two 12-pounders will go to you to-morrow, with a supply of ammunition, which you can dispose of in the same way. The facility of the enemy’s landing in the vicinity of the Grove Wharf, with a view either of attacking Williamsburg or — Yorktown, is much lessened since the establishment of a battery at — Day’s Point, which I hope will prevent their ascending the river. Watchfulness, however, on your part and every precaution must be ~ continued. You can use your judgment as to applying the 32-pounders above mentioned at Spratley’s farm and below the Grove to defend that landing or to Yorktown and Williamsburg. I need not refer to— the importance of the battery at Gloucester Point for the defense

a ll aha, ct ~ Ae \ it of York River; therefore the armament of this battery was considered with peculiar interest and the guns disposed to the best advantage. Unless you deem it expedient, the columbiads transferred from there need not at present be returned. You are requested, however, to give every attention to the completion of the works at Gloucester Point, and, if possible, to strengthen its garrison. The question of transferring the guns at West Point to Gloucester Point will be referred to Captain Whittle.

Respectfully,