• 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 It contains published and unpublished items, some well known to historians, others that are rare or have never before been put online.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 William B. Taliaferro, 1861 May 3

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 cooperate in its construction and defense.

Respectfully, &c.,

R E Lee

Major-General, Commanding

 

 

Source: The War of the Rebellion, Series 1, Volume 2, p. 800

Transcribed by Colin Woodward, 2017 November 27

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