Lee, Robert E. (1807-1870) to Maj. Gen. Gustavus W. Smith re: military matters, Gen. Burnside
High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.
A high-resolution version of this object is available for registered users. LOG IN
Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01966 Author/Creator: Lee, Robert E. (1807-1870) Place Written: Headquarters Type: Letter signed Date: 1862/12/06 Pagination: 2 p. 25 x 20 cm Order a Copy
Confidential
Hd. Qrs. Army N. Va.
6th Dec 1862
Maj: Gen. G. M. Smith
Commdg &c
Richmond
General,
I have received copies of dispatches of the 2nd inst forwarded [inserted: to you] by officers serving south of James River.
They, like others transmitted to me, knowing some of the circumstances connected with them, present no definite idea of operations which may be in progress or contemplated. I presume you know what weight to give them, and should like always to have your opinion accompany them. I have found our good ladies, from whom much of this information has been derived, are not apt to take a calm and dispassionate view of events attending the war. The reports that I have received from other sources, do [struck: es] not make the force at Suffolk so large as is represented by the informants of Genl. French, and the Northern papers seem rather to indicate an apprehension of an attack by you, which I have considered was the cause of the reinforcements being sent under Genl. Cochran & others. General Burnside's Army, I am inclined to believe, is incamped between the Rappahannock and Potomac, nor can I learn of any preparations to transport it elsewhere. [2] I have scouts on both flanks north of the Rappahannock, and also on Potomac. They must be very negligent of their duty, if any movement is made without my knowledge. The steamers loaded with troops reported by paroled officers, and mentioned in your dispatch of today, I do not think passed down the Potomac. I have thought it probable that they may be part of the expedition under Genl Banks, which I see has sailed from New York, past into Hampton Roads for shelter from this late storm. This however may be determined by the character of the boats. The expedition I am inclined to believe is destined for Texas.
The withdrawal of this Army from the flank of Genl Burnside, or even a portion of it, would I think, cause his advance to Richmond, and cut us off from the supplies we are now drawing from the Valley of the Rappahannock. I think it important to keep him at a distance as long as possible. If you can, with the forces in the vicinity of Richmond, retard, if not successfully oppose the advance of the enemy South of James River, the Army could arrive there in time to give battle. I hope your strength is sufficient for this purpose, and I should be glad to know the number of troops you would be able to concentrate, when occasion requires it.
I am very respectfully,
Your Obt. Servt
R. E. Lee
Genl
[docket]
Genl Robert Lee to Genl G. W. Smith
Dec. 6th 1862
Citation Guidelines for Online Resources
The copyright law of the United States (title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specific conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be “used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research.” If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of “fair use,” that user may be liable for copyright infringement. This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law.