Headquarters Virginia Forces,
Richmond, Va., May 27, 1861.
Brigadier-General Huger, Commanding, & c., Norfolk, Va .:
Sir: From the facts stated in your telegram received to-day I think it not improbable that the object of the troops which are landing at Newport News may be either to ascend Nansemond River to the town of Suffolk, or, if that river be too well protected for this, to cross James River to Burwell’s Bay, and thence, by land, to Suffolk, or some point, of the railroad. The effect of either of these movements will be to cut off your communication with Richmond, and I take the liberty of calling your attention to this, as I know the pressure of the duties now. upon you. I would recommend that you telegraph the governor, of North Carolina to hasten the movements of those troops which are destined for Norfolk, Va., if they have not already arrived, and to recommend that he dispatch a sufficient force to Suffolk.
I am, general, with respect, your obedient servant,
R. E. LEE,
General, Commanding.