Lee, Robert E. (1807-1870) to Richard H. Anderson re: Early's & Sheridan's Valley campaign, strategy
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC04369 Author/Creator: Lee, Robert E. (1807-1870) Place Written: s.l. Type: Letter signed Date: 1864/08/29 Pagination: 2 p. 25.3 x 20.3 cm Order a Copy
Concerning his fears of enemy strength and his desire that Anderson cooperate with Early by moving his forces or sending Fitz Lee's cavalry into Maryland.
Hd Qrs: Army N. Va.
29th Aug: 1864
Lt. Genl R. H. Anderson
Comdg &C
General,
Your letter of the 23rd inst is received, and I am gratified to learn of your operations and their general result.
I fear that at Front Royal the enemy was too strong for the force you sent against him. I think in all cases it is the best to employ all our available force without reference to the weakness of the enemy. If we have the advantage of numbers, it renders success more certain and the loss less. I hope that you will always endeavor to bring your whole force to bear upon the enemy when practicable, as in that way alone can superiority of numbers be made valuable. You are correct in your view of the relations I wished you to bear towards Gen. Early. I only desired you to cooperate with him, not to assume command. I wish you to continue to do so as long as you can be of service. If you cannot accomplish anything where you are, and the presence of your command is not necessary in the Valley, you might cooperate [insert: more] effectively by moving into Loudoun or Fauquier, and sending a part [struck: of] [insert: or] the whole of Gen. Fitz Lee's Cavalry into Maryland east of the Blue Ridge. I have written to Gen. Early on this subject, and desire you to be governed in your operations by the situation of affairs, and the best interests of the service. Should you find that nothing can be accomplished, and your presence be unnecessary for the safety of Gen. Early, you can take a position in Culpeper convenient to the Rail Road, so that you may move readily to this place if necessary.
I desire you to consult with Gen. Early as to your joint movements, and render him all the assistance in your power.
Very respect[fully]
Your obt. servt
R. E. Lee
Genl
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