Walter Gwynn to Robert E. Lee, May 6, 1861
Maj. Gen. RoBERT E. LEE, Commanding Forces of the State of Virginia:
GENERAL: I have received your communication of the 3d instant,* and am happy to assure you that, while there was some difference of opinion between Flag Officer French Forrest and myself in regard to the extent of my command over the munitions and stores of the navy-
pliclia yard, as well as in other parts of my command, there has been, and still [is], the most cordial co-operation in all measures intended for the common defense, not only between Commodore Forrest and myself, but between all the officers of the Army and Navy in thiscommand. Asan illustration of this, I may mention that one of the most important posts of my command, viz, Fort Norfolk, is under the command of Capt. Arthur Sinclair, of the Navy, including all the land forces stationed at that post.
The immediate occasion of the communication of Commodore Forrest, of which I sent you the copy, was the act of Captain Fairfax, ordnance officer, in taking possession without my knowledge of the whole supply of percussion caps within my control, the greater part of which, I understood, he was about to send off to Richmond under an order from Colonel Dimmock, which would have left my whole force inefficient. Besides which, I had not been able, notwithstanding my repeated requests, to get any sufficient information as to the quantity of munitions and stores in the navy-yard, which information was indispensable to the proper discharge of my duties. Under these circumstances I thought it best to send that communication to Commodore Forrest with a view to the prevention of further embarrassments and misunderstandings. I must add that I have not yet been able to get the inventory of the munitions and stores in the navy-yard, nor has the commodore made any reply to that part of the above-mentioned communication. I trust, however, that your communication will remove all doubt upon the point of difference above indicated.
I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient