Brigadier-General ARMISTEAD,
Petersburg:

We are informed that if the enemy's pickets are kept off as far down as the Blackwater, on the Norfolk and Petersburg road, and the cars run, we can obtain large quantities of supplies. Can you afford the necessary protection? This is certainly so, and the Commissary General's agent, Everett Todd, will see you this evening.

G. W. RANDOLPH,
Secretary of War.

RICHMOND, VA., May 28, 1862.
 

Brigadier-General ARMISTEAD,
Petersburg, Va.:

What is the condition of the obstruction  of the  Appomattox, and is anything needed to perfect it?

G. W. RANDOLPH,
Secretary of War.

PETERSBURG, VA., May 28, 1862.

HonorableGEORGE W. RANDOLPH,
Secretary of War:

When I last visited obstructions with Captain Pegram, C. S. Navy, we both thought they could be easily removed. They are not in the right place. Give me the authority, with the officers and men now at work on the present obstructions, and I will try to redeem lost time. Let me have Captain Pegram, C. S. Navy.

L. A. ARMISTEAD,
Brigadier-General, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS,
Richmond, Va., May 28, 1862.

Brigadier  General  L. A. ARMISTEAD,
Commanding at Petersburg:

GENERAL: I have received you letter of the 26th instant to General Cooper, in which you express the opinion that the obstructions in the Appomattox River should have been placed at the Point of Rocks, instead of above Port Walthall. General Huger wrote on the 21st instant that he was endeavoring to obstruct the river at the Point of Rocks, and would if possible render the barrier effective. This work if incomplete should be continued with the utmost energy, unless it has been decided to be impracticable.

The engineer officer assigned to the charge of the work in obstructing the river is unquestionably under your direction as commanding officer of the district. He was under the immediate control of the Engineer Bureau only until General Huger was assigned to the command of the Department of the Appomattox.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

R. E. LEE,
General.

RICHMOND, VA., May 29, 1862.

Brigadier-General ARMISTEAD,
Petersburg, Va.:

Do what you can to make the obstructions effective, but I think you had better have engineer officers. Our experience here proves that great confusion results from the two services attempting to work together. If, however, you still wish Captain Pegram I will apply for him.

G. W. RANDOLPH,
Secretary of War.