Robert E. Lee to D. RuGGLEs, Virginia.Volunteers, Fredericksburg, Va, May 6, 1861

Col. D. RuGGLEs, Virginia.Volunteers, Fredericksburg, Va.:

COLONEL: Captain Lynch, of the Navy, has been instructed to use the four guns first intended for Mathias Point to protect the approaches to Fredericksburg from the Potomac. You are instructed so to dispose of the force under your command as to aid, to the extent of your power, in this purpose. Measures must be taken to destroy the railroad approach to wharf, &c., if our troops should be driyen by force from its terminus, in such an effectual manner that they cannot be opened again by the enemy without great delay.

I am, sir, &e., . R. 8. GARNETT, Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS Virginia FORCES, Richmond, Va., May 6, 1861.

COLONEL: In my letter to you of this date you were directed to muster the volunteer companies from the counties of Campbell, Bedford, Roanoke, Botetourt, and Craig distinct from the troops coming from the other counties named in my letter. The reason of this is, that Col. P. St. G. Cocke had already been ordered to muster the troops from these five counties into the service of the State, and to send an officer to Lynchburg for that purpose, and they are designed to serve in his division. The order to Colonel Cocke to send an officer to Lynchburg to muster the troops from these counties will be countermanded, and, though mustered into service by you, they will be considered as a part of the troops intended for Colonel Cocke’s line, who will order them to some point on his line, after you notify him that they have been mustered into service.

Respectfully, &c.,