Robert E. Lee to Daniel Ruggles, May 10, 1861

Col. DANIEL RUGGLES, Provisional Army of Virginia, Fredericksburg, Va.:

COLONEL: In carrying into effect Special Orders, No. 39, you are desired to use all the means in your power to advance the instruction and discipline of your command. For this purpose you will place the troops © at or near points where. they will probably be needed, and it is hoped, as it will be impossible to furnish tents at present, that you, may procure buildings, or erect huts or plank sheds, for their protection, which will enable you to remove them from the towns, accustom them to the necessities of service, and enable them to prepare for it. You must establish rigid discipline, and endeavor to place with each command — competent officers as instructors, though they may be of inferior rank to the respective commanders. I know that officers and men are in-

Umar, 1X. CORRESPONDENCE, ETC,—-CONFEDERATE.

spired with proper zeal, and you will have only to aid and direct it. As regards the water defenses, you are desired to consult freely with, the naval officers charged with that subject, and give them all the aid in your power. Your operations will be strictly defensive.

Respectfully, &e.,