Suffolk, should no other troops follow I think it probable that this corps is intended to re-enforce their army in South Carolina; but should its real destination be Suffolk, General Pickett's division will be ample to resist it.

I have the honor to be, with great respect, your obedient servant,

R. E. LEE,

General.

WAR DEPARTMENT, C. S. A.,

Richmond, Va., February 15, 1863.

General R. E. LEE:

I subjoin a telegram just received from General Pryor; likewise the closing paragraph of a telegram by order of General French, at Goldsborough, calling for large supplies of ammunition. I consider the latter the result of similar intelligence from General Pryor. I doubt the Newport New report. Have you information to determine It? Would you advise delay in sending troops to Charleston from North Carolina?

J. A. SEDDON,

Secretary of War.

FRANKLIN, VA., February 14, 1863.

Two persons from Norfolk Thursday (one a lady and the other a gentlemen), where there had been no concert, inform me that thirty-six regiments landed at Newport News Wednesday. They say it is Hooker's army. Within the past week Suffolk largely re-enforced.

ROGER A. PRYOR,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

An attack is expected here.

Meaning at Hamilton, N. C.

[J. A. S.]

WAR DEPARTMENT, C. S. A.,

Richmond, Va., February 15, 1863.

General R. E. LEE:

General French telegraphs that he must, on the call of General Pryor, send re-enforcements to him. General Davis with a brigade is ordered. A brigade has also been ordered from Wilmington to Charleston. Colonel Tabb reports considerable fleets of steamers and transports at mouth of James River as coming from a reliable source. The President thinks you had better move an adequate force at or toward Hanover Junction to aid here if required.

J. A. SEDDON,

Secretary of War.

WAR DEPARTMENT, C. S. A.,

Richmond, Va., February 15, 1863.

General R. E. LEE, Commanding, &c.:

SIR: I send you herewith full copies of the telegram from General French and letter from Colonel Tabb, to which I have referred in a telegram I have just sent you.* In the letter you will perceive a mistake, either in regard to the York or James River. I concluded in my telegram that the James was meant in both places, though it may be well doubted if the York, as first named, was not designed throughout. It matters not, however, as the danger could not be materially different in

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*Not found.

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