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General,—Herewith enclosed you will please find a copy of a letter addressed to the Adjutant-General by me, and which was answered by General Lee, stating that the enemy's plans were not yet sufficiently developed to justify the adoption of my suggestions, and recommending, if my force could be divided, that I should erect a battery at Mathias Point, some thirty miles below here; from this you will see how utterly out of the question it is for me to send a regiment to your neighborhood, as all the force I have would scarcely be sufficient to resist an effort by the enemy to land, with a view to invade. I need not say it will give me the greatest satisfaction to co-operate with you, and, if you will keep me advised of your wishes, they shall receive the most respectful consideration, and, as far as I can, consistently with my other obligations, be complied with. I am, General, very respectfully, your obedient servant,T. H. Holmes, Brig-Genl. Comdg. Dept. Genl. G. T. Beauregard, Comdg. Manassas.
A true copy. S. W. Ferguson, Aide-de-Camp.
Sir,—I received, and read, your communication to me with a great deal of pleasure. I presented it to General Holmes, as you requested, and forwarded it to the War Department. General Holmes, in his endorsement on the back of the communication, evidently admits the force of your suggestions, but objects to having any portion of his command taken from him. I desire to take the ‘Walter Legion’ to the column which is to advance on Alexandria, if such advance is made; anyhow, I desire to co-operate with the main body of the army. We are getting very well drilled, and could be of efficient service, if in the right place. It is no disposition in me to get my regiment from under General Holmes which prompts these suggestions, for we are well pleased with him, but are satisfied there is no necessity for us here. There could be twenty-five hundred efficient men and two batteries of artillery (four rifled cannon) transferred to Manassas, or within supporting distance, and have sufficient forces here to guard this place. It is certainly manifest injury to the service, that so efficient a force should be kept inactive at this place. I think, by the proper representation to the War Department, this force can be united with yours. Suppose you make application immediately. I will co-operate with you in the matter. I send this by Mr. Mhoon, of Mississippi, my relative, and my brother, Lieutenant Bate. I will be obliged if you will extend to them the privilege of passing through your camps during their stay, which will be but a day or two. Yours,
Headquarters army of the Potomac, Manassas Junction, Va., June 24th, 1861.My dear General,—Your two letters of the 23d instant have just been delivered to me. I regret much the change you have been compelled to make in your
