Headquarters Army of Northern Virginia,
November 27, 1862
Hon. Postmaster-General, Richmond, Va.:
Sir: In consequence of the exposed condition of Fredericksburg, and the inability of the railroad train to reach that city, there is a difficulty in forwarding and receiving mails for the army. The cars are obliged to stop about 5 miles from the city, and the mail is carried there for distribution. There is not only delay, but difficulty in communicating with the city. If the mail for the army was put up in the Richmond post-office, or if the traveling agent on the cars was authorized to make it up and deliver it to the chief quartermaster of the army, the difficulty would be removed. I have the honor to request that you will give such orders in the case as may be considered best by you.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
R E Lee,
General
Source: The War of the Rebellion, Series 1, Volume 21, pp. 1035-1036
Transcribed by Colin Woodward, 2018 January 5
