Lee, Robert E. (1807-1870) to Thomas R.R. Cobb re: Congress meeting in a few days, defense of Col. Benning
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03768 Author/Creator: Lee, Robert E. (1807-1870) Place Written: Hd. Qrs. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 23 July 1862 Pagination: 1 p. 18.7 x 24.3 cm Order a Copy
Noted as Private at top.
Private
Hd Qrs: 23 July '62
My Dear Col.
I am very much obliged to you for your kind attention to my request & hope that this unpleasant matter will be properly decided. But however decided by proper authority, I trust it will be assented [insert: to] by all good Citizens. If it is wrong, it Can so easily be rectified. Congress in a few days itself will Correct it if necessary. Why give our enemies the advantage, & pleasure of our differences? There is one responsibility resting in every man in the Confederacy that is paramount to every other. I Cannot Spare Col. Bennings. His regt Cannot. The Army Cannot. The Country Cannot. He Can do his duty, though others may do wrong.
With high respect
very truly yours
R. E. Lee
Col: Thos: R. R. Cobb
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