Our Collection

At the Institute’s core is the Gilder Lehrman Collection, one of the great archives in American history. More than 85,000 items cover five hundred years of American history, from Columbus’s 1493 letter describing the New World through the end of the twentieth century.

Lee, Robert E. (1807-1870) to Gov. John Milton

High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.

Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01424 Author/Creator: Lee, Robert E. (1807-1870) Place Written: Richmond, Virginia Type: Letter signed Date: 12 April 1862 Pagination: 1 p. : docket ; 28 x 22 cm Order a Copy

Lee asks the Florida governor if the state could raise troops to defend Pensacola.

Hd qrs. Richmond,
April 12th, 1862
His Excellency,
John Milton,
Govr of Florida.
Sir
I have just received a letter dated Tallahasse Fla April 4th 1862 from Colonel Dillworth the late Commander of the Department of Fla. informing me that he was using all the available troops both Cavalry & Infry and that it was not possible to spare two armed Cavalry Companies for the defense of Pensacola. Could not the State raise and arm two Companies for that purpose? The order for the movement of Colonel Davis' Regiment is still in force but I have not been notified of the cause of its delay.
I am Sir.
Very Resptly
Your Obt Svt.
R E Lee
General

Citation Guidelines for Online Resources