Lee, Robert E. (1807-1870) to Wade Hampton re: activities of union cavalry and defense of Richmond
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03033 Author/Creator: Lee, Robert E. (1807-1870) Place Written: Head Quarters Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 1864/10/08 Pagination: 2 p. 25 x 19.9 cm Order a Copy
Hd qrs: 8 Oct. ' 64
Genl. Wade Hampton
Commd Cavy
Genl.
The enemy's Cavy S. of James river Seems to be quiet & indisposed to continue their expeditions. If it's proceeds from want of strength or ability, we might take advantage of it to diminish our q[text loss] C. Roads and strengthen our lines at P[etersburg] thus enabling us to draw the pallet our r[eserve co]rps for active operations. Col. Spears [text loss] captured yesterday reports a division & [text loss] Cavry north of James river. I think it [possible] Kantz has received some reinforcements & probably their cavalry S. of James river is able to act offensively. I wish you would endeavor to find out its condition. There is a regt of N. C. troops at Weldon, & the Holcombe legion at Stony Creek, which if we could withdrawal, would give us a little strength. That road being held by the enemy, I think it probably for the present is not liable to attack, but that his efforts will be mainly directed to the S. side & Danville. The more troops we can throw on the [2] [inserted: right] of our line, the better able we will be to threaten him. I will write to Genl. Vance & asked if he will place reserves at Weldon in place of the N. C. Regt: add that place. What can we do to repel the Holcombe legion?
Very respy your obt servt
R. E. Lee
Genl.
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