RICHMOND, May 6, 1861.
Major-General LEE, Commander-in-Chief:
SIR: I desire to be informed as to the course to be pursued by me in the event of a ship of war of the United States attempting to pass the batteries on Gloucester Point when they shall be erected and in condition for service.
Is the attempt to be resisted, or shall I await the institution of more decisive hostilities on the part of the United States authorities?
This political question I desire to have decided, and ask your instructions on the subject.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
WM. B. TALIAFERRO,
Colonel Volunteers, Commanding Gloucester Point.
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 