Head Quarters Army of No. Va.
March 11th 1863
Col. Wms: C. Wickham
Comdg 4th Va Cavalry
Colonel
The letter of Mr. Tho. M. West complaining of the impressment of his corn, was forwarded to you for a report merely to enable me to return him a proper answer; and not that I supposed you had authorized or your officers made any improper impressments.
The care and attention you bestowed on your command as evidenced by its condition have not escaped my notice; and the almost singularity of this complaint shows that you & your agents have exercised with due caution of judgment the power of impressment, which is apt in all cases to give offence to the parties suffering.
I have the honor to be
With great respect
Your Obt Servt
R E Lee
Genl
[signed by Lee, but letter is not in his hand]
Source: Valentine Museum archives, Richmond
Transcribed by Colin Woodward, 2022 March 29
