Lee, Robert E. (1807-1870) to Benjamin Huger
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC08156 Author/Creator: Lee, Robert E. (1807-1870) Place Written: Richmond, Virginia Type: Letter signed Date: 7 May 1862 Pagination: 2 p. ; docket Order a Copy
Placement of troops during Petersburg Campaign
Head quarters Richmond
May 7th 1862
Maj Genl
B. Huger
Com'g Dep. of Norfolk
General
I have received your letter of the 5th inst and am pleased to learn that you are progress formably with your movements
I have this morning telegraphed to you relative to the disposition of the guns and troops
It is desired that you remove all the guns, that you possibly can; selecting the best first-
Please to have the Columbia with (a navy 68 pds) with Some of the Navy rifle guns sent to this place, Leaving four guns at Petersburg for a battery to protect obstructions in the Appomattox R[iver] The others may be sent to Raleigh N.C.
I can appreciate your objectives to dismantling [sic] the advance batteries - but think it advisably to save the more valuable guns if possible - Could they not be secured under cover of might.
Col Clarkes regiment had better be left in N. Carolina - Please order him to report to Gen'l Holmes other regiments, as they can be spaced, will be sent here - Please Consult their organization into brigades [2] when practicably - sending those of one brigade in succession - When everything has been done it is desired that you will come here also -
I have to inform you that it will be necessary to withdraw Gen'l Loring from your Command - the order will be issued in a day or two assigning him to duty elsewhere -
If the companies of Calvary formerly attacked to the Wise Legion - and now forming a pack of Davis' regiment, can be spaced, pleased send them up - that they may join their regiment now in Gen'l Johnstons Army on the Peninsula.
Very Respectfully
Your Obt Servt
R E Lee
Gen'l Comd
[docket]
Richmond May 7th Va
Genl. R.E. Lee
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