Headquarters Virginia Forces,
Richmond, Va., June 10, 1861.
General T. H. Holmes, Commanding, &c., Fredericksburg, Va.:
General: It is probable that, realizing the inutility of cannonading the batteries at Aquia Creek with smooth-bore guns, the naval force of the United States will hereafter employ rifled cannon, of large caliber, at long range. It is reported that such means will be employed. It is therefore advisable that the batteries should be rendered as secure as possible by the application of some such means as were so successfully employed at Charleston. Railroad-iron, laid at an angle of about thirty degrees with the horizon, on the exterior slope, the upper ends not projecting above the exterior crest, would probably answer the purpose. If such an arrangement can be made, you are authorized to procure the iron and apply it where in your judgment it may be required.
It is not unlikely that for the attack of these batteries the enemy will provide himself with iron-plated vessels. In this event the shots from the batteries should be so directed as to strike the water short of but near the vessel, so that after the rebound they might strike below any eave which may be presented near the water line at right angles to her sides. The accompanying sketch* expresses the idea herein contained.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
R. E. LEE,
General, Commanding.
* not found