Camp Fred’g 21 May 1863
My dear Genl
Upon my return from Richmond I found your letter of the 13 awaiting me. Although separated from me I have always had you in my eye & thoughts. I wished for you much in the last battle, & believe had I had the whole army with me Genl Hooker would have been demolished. But God ordered otherwise.
I grieve much over the death of Genl Jackson. For our sakes not for his. He is happy & at peace. But his spirit lives with us. I hope it will arise up many Jacksons in our ranks. We must all do more than formerly. We must endeavor to follow the unselfish, devoted, intrepid Cause he pursued, & we shall be strengthened rather than be weakened by his loss. I rely much upon you. You must so inspire & lead your brave division, as that it may accomplish that work of a Corps. I agree with you as to the size of the Corps of this army. They are too large for the country we have to operate in for one man to handle. I saw all last campaign. I have endeavored to remedy it, this in a measure at least, but do not know whether I shall succeed. I am much obliged to you always for your opinion. I know you give it from pure motives. If I am not always convinced you must bear with me. I agree with you also in believing that our army would be invincible of it could be properly organized & officered. There never were such men in an army before. They will go anywhere & do anything if properly led. But there is the difficulty—proper Commanders. Where can they be obtained? But they are improving—constantly improving. Rome was not built in a day nor can we expect miracles in our favor.
Wishing you every health & happiness. Committing you to the Care of a Kind Providence, I am and always
Your friend
RE Lee
Gnl J. B. Hood, Commd Division
Source: The Lost Papers of Confederate General John Bell Hood, edited by Stephen M. Hood, pp. 189-190
Transcribed by Colin Woodward, 2018 November 30
