HEADQUARTERS VIRGINIA FORCES,
Richmond, Va., May 3, 1861.
Col. W. B. TALIAFERRO, Gloucester Court-House, Va.:
COLONEL: I have the honor to inform you that you have been appointed colonel of Virginia volunteers. Your commission will be forwarded by the governor. If you accept the position, you are desired to take command of the troops ordered to Gloucester Point, to defend the passage of York River. Maj. P. R. Page has been previously directed to muster into the service of the State, in compliance with the call of the governor, such companies of volunteers as may offer their services.
A battery is now under construction at Gloucester Point, in charge of Captain Whittle, Virginia Navy, with whom you are desired to co-operate in its construction and defense.
Respectfully, &c.,
R. E. LEE,
Major-General, Commanding.
Sources
The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies. Series I, Vol. II. With additions and corrections. Washington: Government Printing Office, 1902.
Spirit of '61 