Lee, Robert E. (1807-1870) to Ambrose Powell Hill
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03080 Author/Creator: Lee, Robert E. (1807-1870) Place Written: s.l. Type: Manuscript document Date: 8 May 1863 Pagination: 1 p. ; 32.5 x 20.4 cm. Order a Copy
Pendleton signs as Assistant Adjutant General, marking the document official. Contains the clerical signatures of General Robert E. Lee and John Archibald Campbell, Confederate Assistant Secretary of War. Pendleton informs Hill "Your letter of March 11th/63 was forwarded to the A & I Genl Richmond with the following remarks, a copy of which was sent to your at the time." Includes the statement (which accompanied Hill's letter to the Adjutant and Inspector General, Samuel Cooper). The statement, possibly issued by Lee, asserts: "My opinion is that my Chiefs of Staff in executing my general orders in relation to this army, can properly give directions to their subordinates in each Corps, relating to their several depts: without my sending the orders directly to the Corps Comdr & so down." Campbell's endorsement follows, stating "24 April 1863. The officers of Genl Lee approved." Lee endorses: "I request therefore that all orders from the Chiefs of Staff departments communicated to their subordinates, & relating to the service of their departments may be considered as emanating directly from me & executed accordingly."
Head Qrs Army No Va
May 8th 1863
Maj Genl AP. Hill
Comdg 2d Corps
General
Your letter of March 11th/63 was forwarded to the A & I Genl Richmond with the following remarks, a copy of which was sent to you at the time "Hd Qrs 20th March/63 - Resfy "submitted to the Adjt & I Genl for decision. My desire is to have the question decided correctly for the information of all My opinion is that my Chiefs of Staff in executing my general orders in relation to this army, can properly give directions to their subordinates in each Corps, relating to their several depts: without my sending the orders directly to the Corps Comdrs. & so down. It is the duty of the Corps Staff officers, on receiving these directions to apprize the Corps Commanders, & so of the division staff officers. If any objection to their execution exists, the commanders should apprize their principals, and if necessary, suspend the execution till sustained. Otherwise I shall have to give all directions, & the Corps & division Comdrs &c have to attend to all the staff operations of their commands, in addition to their military operations, which in the field in time of action &c may be the cause of delay &loss & at least half of the advantages of the Genl Staff impaired."
The question was submitted to the Hon Secy of War, whose decision is endorsed in the paper as follows.
"24 April 1863. The opinion of Genl Lee approved."
By order of the Secy of War
(Signed) J A. Campbell
A.S.W.
I request therefore that all orders from the Chiefs of Staff departments communicated to their subordinates, & relating to the service of their departments may be considered as emanating directly from me & executed accordingly.
I have the honor to be with great respect
Official Your obdt Srvt
A.S. Pendleton (Signed) R. E Lee
A.A. Genl Genl
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