Lee, Robert E. (1807-1870) to Jefferson Davis, re: the waning strength of Confederate forces
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02042 Author/Creator: Lee, Robert E. (1807-1870) Place Written: Hd Qrs, Army N. Va. Type: Letter signed Date: 1865/01/10 Pagination: 2 p. 26 x 20 cm Order a Copy
Signed as commander in chief of Confederate forces. Lee comments particularly and generally about the positions held by his generals and the weakened condition of all armies.
Hd Qrs. Army NVA
10th Jany 1865
His Excy. Jefferson Davis
President Confed States
Richmond,
Mr. President,
I have received tonight the dispatch from Gen. Hardee of the 8th inst. which you have done me the honor to forward. The dispositions made by Gen. Hardee appear to me to be judicious, and as far as I can judge at this distance, the line he proposes to hold is the best. All he wants is sufficient troops. According to his statement he will have with Conner's brigade, over 20.000 men. This is exclusive of the 5.000 militia promised by [South Carolina's] Gov. Magrath, and also of Gen. G. W. Smith's command. This will swell his force to 27000. Ten thousand additional troops ought to be obtained from Georgia, and I hope no effort will be spared to get them. I do not know what Hood can accomplish, or what he proposes to do, but his force should not be kept idle, and unless he can deal the enemy some important blow, his troops, or at least a portion of them should be brought east. If he adopts a defensive course, no more troops will be [2] required there than enough to hold Thomas in check.
The only aid that I can give Hardee in addition to what I have done, is to send down Butler's Division of Cavalry. Part of it is there now under Young and I will send the balance should you deem it judicious to do so. But in that event I should have to send Gen. Hampton, or it might be merged in Wheeler's cavalry and thus lost. Gen. Hardee informs me that he has no command for Gen. R. H. Anderson, though he would like to have his assistance.
An expedition has left Grant's army which I think is probably intended to repeat the attack against Wilmington. I have not yet learned its strength, but from the number of transports that have descended James River, I should judge it was not larger than the former. Still Gen. Bragg may have to be reinforced, which will further weaken this army. The 8th Corps and a portion of the black troops are said to form the land troops of the expedition.
I am with great respect
Your obt. servt.
R. E. Lee
Genl.
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