Lee, Robert E. (1807-1870) to Fitz-John Porter
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00214.01 Author/Creator: Lee, Robert E. (1807-1870) Place Written: Lexington, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 31 October 1867 Pagination: 2 p. ; 25 x 20 cm. Order a Copy
Lee provides a brief list of his recollections of the events during the Battle of Bull Run (Manassas) 29-30 August 1862 in response to a request from Union General Fitz-John Porter. Union General John Pope refused to take the blame for the defeat, and charged Porter with misconduct at the Second Bull Run for not following his orders. Porter was placed under house arrest and was convicted. To aid his defense, Porter wrote to everyone involved in the battle and requested their recollections. Written while Lee was president of Washington College, later Washington and Lee.
Excerpt:
1st. Longstreet's Command arrived within supporting distance of Jackson on the 29 Aug 1862, between 9 & 10 AM & his line was formed by noon.
2nd: It was after 12 AM that Genl Stuart reported the approach of a Column of troops which threatened our right, & Genl Wilson with his three brigades was sent to reinforce it. Genl Longstreet at the time was with his Command near Groveton, & I was with the portion of his troops south of the Gainesville Turnpike.
3rd Genl Longstreet's Command was formed by 12 AM, on the 29t Aug: in two lines on Jacksons right - Genl Hoods division crossing the Gainesville turnpike, & Genl D. R. Jones' division the Manassas Gap RR Artillery was massed between Jacksons right & Longstreets left, & Cavalry under Genl Stuart guarded the extreme right flank.
Lexington Va: 31 Oct 1867
Genl Fitz John Porter
New York City
Sir
I have recd your letter of the 26t Inst: & reply to your questions in the order in which they are asked.
1st. Longstreet's Command arrived within supporting distance of Jackson on the 29 Aug 1862, between 9 & 10 AM & his line was formed by noon.
2nd: It was after 12 M that Genl Stuart reported the approach of a Column of troops which threatened our right, & Genl Wilson with his three brigades was sent to reinforce it. Genl Longstreet at the time was with his Command near Groveton, & I was with the portion of his troops south of the Gainesville Turnpike.
3rd Genl Longstreet's Command was formed by 12 M. on the 29th Aug: in two lines on Jacksons right - Genl Hoods division crossing the Gainesville turnpike, & Genl D. R. Jones' division the Manassas Gap RR. Artillery was massed between Jacksons right and Longstreets left, & Cavalry under Genl Stuart guarded the extreme right flank.
4th. The ground [struck: to] in front & to the right of Hood was interspersed with wood, & rolling in its Character.
[2] 5th. The probable result of an attack on Longstreet after 12 AM. with less than 12000 men would have been a repulse.
6th. The result of an attack before 12 AM. with 25000 men cannot be certainly pronounced, but it ought to have been repulsed if made after his troops were formed. His whole force except Andersons division was all that arrived before next mng.
I have answered your questions to the best of my recollection & Knowledge for your own information, & upon the promise given in your letter
Very respy your Obt Servt
R E Lee
[docket]
Lexington. Va
Oct 31' '69
Genl R: E. Lee
Narrating facts in
Connection with 2nd
Battle of Bull Run.
Enclosure No 2
to F. J Porter's
Reply to Genl Pope
of Jany 29" '70
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