Headquarters Richmond Defenses, July 11, 1864.
Respectfully referred to the general commanding Army of Northern Virginia.
It is probable these outrages will be repeated, and it appears likely that if some officer of experience could take a small command to that region it might serve as a nucleus to those citizens capable of bearing arms. General Pegram is nearly well, and could he take his brigade to that vicinity for a time he might increase its force (about 450) and organize some resistance to the enemy. I was told at the War Department that this matter rests with General Lee.
R. S. Ewell, Lieutenant General.
