Lee, Robert E. (1807-1870) to Governor Francis W. Pickens
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00751 Author/Creator: Lee, Robert E. (1807-1870) Place Written: Richmond, Virginia Type: Letter signed Date: 29 May 1862 Pagination: 4 p. : docket ; 25 x 20 cm Order a Copy
Written to South Carolina's governor, Pickens in response to Pickens concerns about the city of Charleston. Lee writes in part, "The loss of Charleston would cut us off almost entirely from communication with the rest of the world and close the only channel through which we can expect to get supplies from abroad now almost our only dependince. [.... ] Let it be distinctly understood by every body, that Charleston and Savannah are to be defended to the last extremity. If the harbours are taken, the cities are to be fought street by street and house by house as long as we have a foot of ground to stand upon." Lee reports that General Roswell S. Ripley has been transferred and the issue of dissension among the troops at Charleston is being addressed. He indicates that no more guns can be sent at this time but if it becomes necessary, they will procure them. Lee was recalled to Richmond in March 1862, after replacing Beauregard in South Carolina and Georgia defenses. Docketed by Pickens on p.4.
Notes: Governor Pickens of South Carolina did provide for the Union attack on Charleston, which was repulsed. The word "Private" at top and Lee's signature are in Lee's handwriting. The body of the letter is written in the hand of Lee's aide, Charles Marshall. Pickens's signed docket on the letter was probably written after the fall of Charleston. Published in Official Records of the War of the Rebellion, Volume 14, p. 524, Battle of Secessionville. (6/62; CSA victory). (Not in Charles Marshall's handwriting.)
Private
Hd. Qrs Richmond Va
May 29th 1862
His Excellency F W. Pickens
Gov: of South Carolina
Gov:
Your letter of May 23d has been received. I thank you most cordially for the freedom with which you have made your suggestions about the state of affairs at Charleston and will assure you that they are duly considered. I am sure that we both estimate alike the importance of defending the City of Charleston to the [struck: utmost] last extremity. To loose this City now would as you remarked Close our only channel of communication with the foreign world. Through which we have and still hope to secure many valuable cargoes of Munitions of war.
The dissensions which have arisen among the officers who have been called to the defense of Charleston are true, to be reported. Steps have been taken as far as practicable at present, to remedy to some extent this evil. Genl. Ripley has been relieved from duty in Charleston and ordered else where and another competent officer will be sent to replace him. I will here insert for your information, a copy of my instructions to Genl: Pemberton, "General, It is [2] desired that you give particular attention to the Condition of the fortifications in Charleston harbour. Not only as regards the Armament and supplies, but also as regards the condition and feeling of the garrisons. This is particularly important as any disaffection might be attended by irreparable mischief. Since the example of Fort Jackson we cannot be too particular in guarding against mutiny."
"Since your forces have been to some extent reduced and may be still further diminished, it becomes necessary for you to make up in vigilance any any [sic] want of Physical force, you may have to contend against. The importance of defending both Charleston and Savannah to the last extremity particularly Charleston is earnestly brought to your attention. The loss of Charleston would cut us off almost entirely from communication with the rest of the world and close the only channel through which we can expect to get supplies from abroad now almost our only dependence. You will therefore make use of every means at your command to put these cities in the most perfect state of defense. Your attention is particularly called to the river and harbour Obstructions. These should be rendered as strong as it is possible to make them. Spare no labor or expense upon them. It is also of the greatest importance that the discipline of the garrisons of the different works should be brought to the highest state of perfection. Let it be distinctly understood by every body, that [3] Charleston and Savannah are to be defended to the last extremity. If the harbours are taken, the cities are to be fought street by street and house by house as long as we have a foot of ground to stand upon. The State Authorities of both South Carolina and Georgia will doubtless lend you every means at their Command to aid you in your operations".
I feel well assured of your hearty Cooperation with Confederate forces serving in your State. Harmonious action between the State and Confederate Authorities is greatly to be desired and must result in promoting the general good.
There are now in position in the different works about Charleston over two hundred guns many of these of the most improved class. I feel confident that this number of guns, if properly manned and fought will render Charleston impregnable. If it however be found that other guns are needed and they can be procured they shall be sent to Charleston. There are none available at this place now.
In regard to Genl. Huger. Just at this time it is impossible to comply with your suggestions. He commands a division of Genl. Johnston's Army around this City, having commanded it many months, knowing its condition and being accustomed to the command he cannot be relieved without injury to the service. I esteem him very highly and he has always been regarded as an officer of great merit especially as an Artillerist. I do not know how far the causes you [4] mention might impair his usefulness in Carolina
I am Gov: very Respy
Your Obt Servant
RE Lee
[docket]
Genl: E. Lee -
orders as to
defence of
Charleston 29 May 1862
Defended to the last
Extremity
FW Pickens
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