Lee, Robert E. (1807-1870) to Joseph E. Johnston re: moving part of his army to anticipate McClellan
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03153 Author/Creator: Lee, Robert E. (1807-1870) Place Written: Richmond Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 03/25/1862 Pagination: 2 p. 27 x 21 cm + 1 engraving ; b&w ; 19.5 x 14.9 cm Order a Copy
Written as General, instructing Johnston to move to oppose McClellan during the latter's Peninsula campaign and to hold his present line. One full length black and white engraving of Lee included.
Hd. qrs: Richmond
25 March 1862
Genl. Jos: E. Johnston
Commd. Army in Northern Virga.
Genl
The President desires to know with what force you can march to reinforce the Army of the Peninsula or Norfolk. Both Armies are now threatened by the enemy assembling in great numbers, according to the reports recd, at Old Point Comfort. It Seems probable that the troops assembling there are drawn from the Army of Genl McClellan. Whether it is intended to move against Norfolk or Richmond there is as yet nothing to determine. But from the accounts received nothing less than twenty or thirty thousand men with the troops already in position, will be Sufficient Successfully to oppose them. It will be necessary therefore for you to organize a part of your troops to hold your present line, & to prepare the remainder to move to this City, to be thrown on the point attacked. The object of the President is to prepare you for a movement which now appears imperative, as no troops are available but those of your army to meet the enemy Concentrating on the Coast. As Soon as Something more definite Can be learned you will be informed, & should you receive a dispatch, Saying move at once, you will understand that you are to repair immediately to this City, where you will be informed to what point you are to direct your Course. Such arrangements as you deem necessary for the transportation & Subsistence of your troops on their march, you are desired to make. Every facility that can be given here to the same end will be prepared. This is sent by a Special Messenger to insure secrecy & dispatch."
I have the honour to be your
obt. Servt.
R. E. Lee
Genl.
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