| Headquarters |
| West Point
|
| May 22, 1861 |
|
|
| Maj. Gen. R. E. Lee |
| |
| General, |
| The necessity of the Richmond & York
River Railroad to your military operations is absolute; and in this
connection, if not improper, I respectfully call your attention to
the bridges across the Pamunkey River and Cohoke Mill Pond. Should
they be destroyed the railroad would be comparatively useless to you
in a military point of view. You may know that the Pamunkey tribe of
Indians live immediately on this side of the Pamunkey bridge, and
some of them have said to an old merchant in their immediate
neighborhood that the bridge was in danger. This fact has just been
communicated to me. One of the Indians communicating the fact is a
pilot, and Starke, the merchant, says he seems to feel much
uneasiness and apprehension. This may be only fear upon their part.
Had the bridge not better be guarded? I have called the attention of
the railroad agent to the matter, and await your instructions. I
have taken measures to keep myself informed, and would immediately
have the Indians before me if I participated fully in the
apprehensions of Mr. Starke and the Indians. I call your attention
to the fact that the mails to this place are only tri-weekly, though
any communication may be made daily by the conductor of the cars. |
| Very respectfully, your obedient servant, |
| H. B. Tomlin |
| Commanding West Point |
| P. S. -- Upon consultation with Captain Whittle, I
send by return cars a lieutenant, sergeant, and twelve men to guard
these bridges till I have your instructions. |
| H. B. T. |
| |
| Indorsement |
| Direct him to consult Captain Whittle,
and if he thinks it necessary, to guard the bridges. |
| R. E. Lee |
|