Lee, Robert E. (1807-1870) to Earl Van Dorn
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03249 Author/Creator: Lee, Robert E. (1807-1870) Place Written: San Antonio, Texas Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 7 December 1860 Pagination: 2 p. : docket ; 25 x 20 cm Order a Copy
Lee adds a seemingly throw-away comment taking notice that the Secretary of War has appropriated more funds to the Western forts "I hope we shall be Comfortable while in the Union"
San Antonio, Texas
7 Decr 1860
My dear Major
I shall have to reply unofficially to your letter of the 3rd just recd. in reference to the allowance of hay. The Circular from the chief to Qr Mr which I hope you have recd answers your inquiry. But in Case it is delayed on the route I will state that the full ration of hay is allowed.
I have the Satisfaction also to inform you that in reply to my letters on the Subject to the Secy of War, the Qr Mr Genl [inserted: (to whom my report was refused)] informs me that he will relieve this Dept. from the expense of the Support of Forts Smith, Arbuckle, Washita, & to Cobb, which is the most burdensome, & where they have to pay upwards of $4.00 a bushel for Corn, & by the aid of the fund for Suppression of Indian Hostilities, I hope that we will be put on our leggs [sic] again, & that on the arrival of the Genl that the full allowance of grain will be restored which it was very grievous to me to reduce. I would rather have put myself in half rations than the horses & mules.
Genl Johnston also writes me that the Secy has determined to give us Some of the funds appropd long Since for Forts on the Western frontier of Texas. So I hope we shall be Comfortable while in the Union.
I am looking for the Genl every day. Nichols has joined him. Capt. Cosby has arrived without his wife - will make his way up to you as Soon as he Shakes [2] off Some of his grief. I shall be lumbering along Somewhere Soon. Remember me to my Lady
Very truly
R E Lee
Major Earl Van Dorn
[docket]
R. E. Lee
1860
Singular experience
about The Union
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