| War Department, C. S. A. |
| Richmond, Va. |
| May 17, 1864
|
| |
| General McLaws |
| Burkeville Junction |
| |
| Intelligence last received shows the
raiding party to have passed toward Lawrenceville, and afterward
proceeded to attack some forces of ours at Belfield. They do not
seem to be aiming at the Staunton
bridge {Richmond & Danville RR}. Any cavalry that may have been detained and others coming
on, should be sent forward to this city, not, however, by rail, as
that would intercept supplies. A permanent guard for the Staunton
bridge should, if possible, be provided of reserves and any veteran
troops you can spare.
|
| J. A. Seddon |
| Secretary of War |
|