• 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 It contains published and unpublished items, some well known to historians, others that are rare or have never before been put online.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 James Longstreet, 1863 August 31

confidential

Richmond Aug. 31st 1863.

Lt. Genl J. Longstreet

Hd. Qrs. Army No: Va

General,

I have wished for several days past to return to the army, but have been detained by the President. He will not listen to my proposition to leave tomorrow.

I hope you will use every exertion to prepare the army for offensive operations and improve the condition of men and animals. I can see nothing better to be done than to endeavor to bring General Meade out and use our efforts to crush his army while in its present condition.

The Quarter Master’s Dept promise to send up 3,000 bushels of corn per day provided the cars can be unloaded and returned without delay. I hope you will be able to arrange it so that the cars will not be detained. With this supply of corn if it can be maintained, the condition of our animals should improve.

Very Respy & truly Yours

 R E Lee

Genl

 

 

 

Source: Photocopy of original letter, not in Lee’s handwriting, but signed by Lee, Helen M. Taylor Collection, Section 6, Virginia Historical Society, Richmond

Transcribed by Colin Woodward, 2019 May 1     

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