• The Lees of Virginia
  • The Lees of Virginia
  • The Lees of Virginia
  • The Lees of Virginia

The Lee Family Digital Archive is the largest online source for primary source materials concerning the Lee family of Virginia. It contains published and unpublished items, some well known to historians, others that are rare or have never before been put online. We are always looking for new letters, diaries, and books to add to our website. Do you have a rare item that you would like to donate or share with us? If so, please contact our curator, Colin Woodward, about how you can contribute to this historic project.


 

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Robert E. Lee to George A. Porterfield, 1861 May 19

Headquarters Virginia Forces,

Richmond, Va., May 19, 1861

Col. George A. Porterfield,

Commanding, &c., Grafton, Taylor County, Va.:

 

Colonel: Your letter of the 16th instant is at hand. One thousand muskets and rifles and some ammunition have been sent from Staunton to Major Goff and Lieutenant Chenoweth at Beverly, for the use of the troops under your command, to Colonel Jackson, at Harper’s Ferry. Several companies have been directed to go with the arms from Staunton to Beverly, and to gather strength as they passed along. It is hoped that a considerable force has, by this means, been gathered together, which will be increased by the arrangements which you have made.

Very respectfully, &c.,

R E Lee,

Major-General, Commanding

 

Source: The War of the Rebellion, Series 1, Volume 2, pp. 856-857

Transcribed by Colin Woodward, 2019 March 20

 

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