Lee, Robert E. (1807-1870) to John Sitcher
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC07572 Author/Creator: Lee, Robert E. (1807-1870) Place Written: Sewell Mountain, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 1 October 1861 Pagination: 2 p. ; 23.2 x 18 cm Order a Copy
Written to Gov. Sitcher of Virginia.
Hd qrs: Sewell Mt:
1 Oct 1861
His
John Sitcher
Gov of Virginia
Gov-
It is essential to the operations of the army in the west of Virga that the roads from Staunton through Monterey, from milboro through Hunstersville, & from Jacksons river through Lewisburg to the severed positions occupied by [inserted: our] troops on each, should be repaired & put in good Condition.
These roads in whole or part I believe are owned by the state, & I therefore venture to
Call your attention to the Subject, as [struck: you will be] [inserted: being] better able to give directions Concerning them. During the past Summer occasional repairs were made to the roads by working parties from the Army, but they were not properly done, for want of proper Superintendents.
I have understood that Capt. C.R. Mason is both able & willing to undertake the operation, & the only question is as to the mode of performing it. The Army is so reduced by Sickness that troops Cannot be spared at this time for the work & I do not know that it [2] would be the most economical plan [struck: So] to employ them. I understand that Capt Mason can Command 60 or 70 black laborers at fixed wages, which [inserted: force ] can be increased as desired & that he can furnish horses carts & everything necessary except axes picks & shovels. The tools being mostly in possession of the Army. He will be obliged to employ a few assistants, if any thing is done this Hall it must be done quickly. Will you be kind enough therefore to Say what is the best Cause to be pursued.
I have the honour to be your obtservt
R E Lee
Genl Commt
Genl Ro E. Lee
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