Item Description: Letter to General R. H. Anderson commanding him to move across the James River to take command of the line of defense and establish a line of communication between General Lee and Major Generals Field and Pickett.
Item Citation: Folder 21 of the Edward Porter Alexander Papers #0007, Southern Historical Collection, Wilson Library, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Item Transcription:
Head Quarters Army of Northern Va.
28th September
Lieutenant General R. H. Anderson
Commanding Longstreet’s Corps
General:
I am directed by General Lee to say that he desires you to move to the North side of James River and take command of the troops and line of defense about Chaffin’s Bluff, New Market etc. He wishes the construction of the line of works under the supervision of Col. W. Proctor Smith Engineers etc. pushed forward as vigorously as possible and everything done to make the entire defensive line secure against any attack of the enemy. You are requested to establish your headquarters at such point as may be most convenient to the lines and to report your location to the General Commanding and also to Major Generals Field and Pickett. These division commanders have been instructed to communicate through you in all matters of routine and internal administration and being nearer the General Commanding to report by Army Head Quarters direct in matters appertaining to military operations.
A copy of this letter has been furnished Lt. General Ewell commanding the Dept. of Richmond in whose department you will be operating.
I have the honor to be respectively tour obedient servant,
W. H. Taylor
A. A. General
Hd Qurs A. Nor. Va.
Sept. 28, 1864
W. H. Taylor
A A Genl.
to Genl. Anderson
Is directed to state by Genl. Lee that he desires you to move to the North side of the river and take Comd. of the line of defense around Chaffin’s Bluff New Market etc.