Unknown to Robert E. Lee, May 10, 1861

General R. E. LEE:

Sir: Being pressed for time and deeming it necessary to communicate with you at once, I wrote from this point on the 7th instant, giving my views hastily as regards the best policy to be pursued in order to carry

out my instructions. I am fully confirmed in the opinions there given,

as I have since had an opportunity of posting myself by visiting some of the adjacent counties. The feeling in nearly all of our counties is very bitter, and nothing is left undone by the adherents of the old Union to discourage those who are disposed to enlist in the service of the State. I find that organizations exist in most of the counties pledged to the support of what they term the Union. We have various rumors about forces being sent from Ohio and Pennsylvania for the purpose of holding the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad at Grafton. I have no doubt from the confidence and bearing of the Union men in and around here that they are expecting aid from some quarter.

_ While I deem it absolutely necessary for us to,hold this point immediately, I think it impracticable to undertake it with the very small

force which could be gotten here soon.

oP eee a If forces are sent, I think we should have at least one battery. I think five hundred men will bo sufficient to quell any disturbance which might arise if a smaller force were sent. As regards the necessity of a force at Parkersburg, I am ‘clearly of opinion that troops should be assembled there immediately. I most respectfully commend to your consideration the name of Judge W. L. Jackson, formerly second auditor and afterwards lieutenant-governor of the State, as a suitable person to appoint to the command at that point. Judge Jackson is a gentleman of very great personal popularity, not only with his own party, but with those who are diametrically opposed to him politically, and I am satisfied could exert more influence towards coneiliating than any other gentleman who could be appointed. I consider it unnecessary to say more of the judge, as he is known throughout the State to be devoted to the interest of Virginia, and will stand by her to the last extremity. I have recently had a conversation with him, and he will accept the command if tendered him. I am, most

respectfully, your obedient servant,