Lee, Robert E. (1807-1870) to Philip St. George Cocke re: organizing Virginia's forces, Virginia's borders
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03874 Author/Creator: Lee, Robert E. (1807-1870) Place Written: Richmond Type: Letter signed Date: 24 April 1861 Pagination: 3 p. 24.9 x 19.7 cm Order a Copy
Written two days after Lee accepted command of Virginia's forces. Noting that an invasion of Virginia would be considered an act of war. With an initialed postscript.
Lincoln was convinced that the Confederate states had seceded from the Union for the sole purpose of maintaining slavery. Like President Jackson before him, he considered the Union to be permanent, an agreement by the people and not just of the states. Further, he strongly agreed with the sentiments voiced by Daniel Webster (1782-1852), when that Whig Senator declared in 1830, "Liberty and Union, now and forever, one and inseparable." Lincoln, too, believed that a strong Union provided the only firm safeguard for American liberties and republican institutions. By attacking Fort Sumter, the Confederacy had directly challeged federal authority. And so the war came.
Lincoln responded to the attack on Fort Sumter by calling on the states to provide 75,000 militia men for 90 days service. Twice that number volunteered. But the eight slave states still in the Union refused to furnish troops, and four--Arkansas, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia--seceded.
One individual who felt especially torn by the decision to support the Union or join the Confederacy was Robert E. Lee (1807-1870) of Virginia. Lee was Winfield Scott's choice to serve as field commander of the Union army, but when a state convention voted to secede, he resigned from the U.S. army, announcing to his sister that he could not "raise my hand against my birthplace, my home, my children. Save in defense of my native state, I hope I may never be called on to draw my sword." After joining the Confederate army, he predicted "that the country will have to pass through a terrible ordeal, a necessary expiation perhaps for national sins."
Head Quarters Virginia Forces
Richmond Va
Apl 24. 1861
General P. St. George Cocke
General,
Your dispatch of the 24th is at hand. I rejoice that you so fully recognize the proper policy to be pursued, and initiated it on your arrival. Continue it till compelled to change. I am endeavoring to organize the Military of the State.
Two 8-inch Columbiads, with implements and 100 rounds of ammunition go to you to day. Captain Walker, with four rifled 6 pds: was dispatched by the Governor to the Potomac, before my entering on duty. Direct him to report to you, and assign him service where you deem best.
Lieut. Semmes, State Naval Forces, has been ordered on duty to the Potomac, above Aquia Creek, he will be under you orders. [struck: unless the Governors orders to him prevent.]
Select points of rendezvous on, or, near the Rail-Roads leading to Alexandria. Leesberg would be a suitable point for forces on that road, such points on other roads as [2] you think convenient.
Establish your Head Quarters as necessary. Establish camps of instruction, and have your troops instructed in the use of their different arms. Make the necessary arrangements for their support. No bacon is to be had in Virginia. Consult with merchants in Alexandria as to the feasibility of obtaining bacon from Ohio, or Kentucky, if this is not practicable, beef & mutton must be your meat ration; the Valley of Virginia will naturally suggest itself to you as the point, from which this part of the ration can be obtained.
Let it be known that you intend to make no attack; but, invasion of our soil, will be considered as an act of war.
Very few officers of experience have as yet reported, as soon as possible some will be sent to you.
In reference to the Regiment to be raised by Mr. Funsten, I will state, that, in conformity to an Ordinance of Convention, Volunteers are accepted by companies when organized into Regiments, the Field Officers are appointed by the Governor & Council. It is not believed now that the enemy will attack you, should he do [3] so however, and you are not able to maintain your position, fall back with your forces on your reserves, on route to Gordonsville.
I am General
Very respectfully
&c &c &c
R. E. Lee
Maj. Genl. Commd
P.S.
In answer to you dispatch of the 24th instant, unless you can remove the Light boats to places of safety, where they will be secure, destroy them; and remove the buoys, so as to interrupt the navigation of the Potomac as effectively as you can
respectfully &c
R. E. L.
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