Centreville, February 9, 1862

Centreville, February 9, 1862

Letter from Joseph Eggleston Johnston to Samuel Cooper, February 9, 1862
Centreville, February 9, 1862.

General S. Cooper,

Adjutant and Inspector-General.

Sir: I am informed that a law recently passed authorizes the President to organize a provisional corps of engineers.

Officers and soldiers of that branch of the service are greatly needed by us. If one or two competent engineers, with eight or ten subalterns of those appointed under this law, could be sent to this district soon, their services would be of great value. They should have sappers and pontoniers as soon as practicable. Such an organization would add greatly to our strength, and, in the event of marches, would be essential.

We should have a much larger cavalry force. The greatest objection, or rather difficulty, in increasing it, is said to be the want of proper arms. This can be easily removed by equipping a large body of lancers. These weapons can be furnished easily and soon, and would be formidable -- much more so than sabres -- in the hands of new troops, especially against the enemy's numerous artillery.
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The shafts should be about ten feet long, and the heads seven or eight inches. Those furnished to us are, many of them, of heavy wood, and too short, the heads too thin and unnecessarily broad. Ash is the best wood.

Most respectfully,

Your obedient servant,

J. E. Johnston, General.