Lee, Robert E. (1807-1870) to Jefferson Davis
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01026 Author/Creator: Lee, Robert E. (1807-1870) Place Written: Head Quarters, Army of Northern Virginia Type: Letter signed Date: 9 June 1864 Pagination: 3 p. ; 25 x 20 cm Order a Copy
Written less than a week after the Battle of Cold Harbor, 1-3 June 1864, where Union General Ulysses S. Grant defeated the Confederates. Lee attempts to anticipate Grant's next move and warns of another major engagement. Lee notifies Davis of his plans to check Grant's advances by sending General Jubal Early to deal with Union General David Hunter, and General Wade Hampton and Fitz Hugh Lee to handle Union General Philip Sheridan. These moves forced the Union generals to abandon the valley. Lee seeks information through captured prisoners and newspaper reports about union troop strength and movements, especially about General Pope in the Valley. Lee suggests that General Kirby Smith and his troops be sent to Georgia to aid General Joseph Johnston, where Union General William T. Sherman was advancing toward Atlanta. Davis did not take his advice and Sherman captured Atlanta in time to help Lincoln win the election of 1864.
1st & 2nd Army Nor Va
9th June 1864
His Excy Jeffr. Davis
President C. States
Mr. President,
In my report to the Hon Secty of War yesterday evening, I stated that Gen Sheridan with a large force of cavalry had crossed the Pamunkey o the afternoon of the 7th at New Castle Ferry, and encamped that night about Dunkirk and Aylett's on the Matapony. He was accompanied by artillery, wagons, ambulances, and beef cattle. I have received no definite information as to his purpose, but conjecture that his object is to cooperate with Gen Hunter, and endeavor to reach the James, breaking the rail roads &c. as he passes, and probably to descend on the south side of that river. I think it necessary to be on our guard and make every arrangement in our power to thwart his purpose and protect our communications and country. I have directed Genls Hampton and Fitz Lee with their divisions to proceed in the direction of Hanover Junction , and thence, if the information they receive justifies it, along the Central RR, keeping the enemy on their right, and shape their course according to his. The pause in the operations of Genl Grant induces me to believe that he is awaiting the effect of movements in some other quarter to make us change our position, and renders the suggestion I make with reference to the intention and destination of Genl Sheridan more probable. It was stated by a prisoner captured yesterday belonging to Gen Sheridan's command, that they had heard that Genl Morgan was in Pa, and that they were going in pursuit. I mention this improbable story as you may know whether there is any truth in the statement with reference to Genl Morgan. A negro servant belonging to our army who had been captured by the enemy, made his escape from Genl Sheridan yesterday at 10 a.m. near Magonick Church, and was under the impression that they would encamp that night at Bowling Green. Three prisoners brought in to Genl Hampton confirm in part the statement of the servant.
An extract from the Philadelphia Inquirer published in our papers reports that the army of the Nwest under Gen Pope was on its way to reinforce that of the Potomac, and a gentleman from the Valley says that a force of two or three thousand men, believed to be under Gen Pope, was moving to join Gen Hunter, and should have reached Staunton by this time. There may be therefore some probability in the story. I do not know whence reinforcements can be drawn to our armies unless Gen Kirby Smith can cross a part of his force to join Gen Johnston and enable him to assume the offensive.
Very respectfully
Your obt. servt.
R. E. Lee
Genl.
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