Robert E. Lee to William B. Taliaferro, May 8, 1861

Col. WILLIAM B. TALIAFERRO, Comdg., Ge., Gloucester Point, Gloucester Court-House, Va. : CoLONEL: In reply to your letter of the 6th instant, asking instructions as to the course to be pursued in the event of an attempt on the part of the enemy to pass the battery at Gloucester Point, you are directed, on the approach of a vessel of the enemy, and when she shall have gotten within range, to fire a shot across her bows. Should this not deter her from proceeding on. you will fire one over her; and if she still persist, you will fire into her. Should the fire be returned, you will capture her, if possible. Similar orders have been issued to the naval oilicer commanding battery.

Respectfully, &e.,