Lee, Robert E. (1807-1870) General Orders No. 102
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC06753 Author/Creator: Lee, Robert E. (1807-1870) Place Written: Head Quarters, Army of Northern Virginia Type: Document signed Date: 26 November 1863 Pagination: 1 p. ; 25.1 x 20 cm Order a Copy
Calling on the army to continue fighting, "A cruel army seeks to reduce ... [us] to abject slavery.... Let every man resolve... if need be, to die in defence of a cause so sacred, and worthy of the name won by this army on so many bloody fields."
Head Quarters Army No Va
November 25th 1863
General Orders}
No 102.}
The enemy is again advancing upon out Capital, and the country once more looks to this army for protection.
Under the blessings of God, your valor has repelled every provisions attempt, and invoking the continuance of His favor we cheerfully commit to Him the issues of the coming conflict.
A cruel enemy seeks to reduce our fathers and mothers. Our wives and our children to object slavery, to strip them of their property and drive them from their homes. Upon you these helpless ones rely to avert these terrible calamities, and secure to them the blessings of liberty and safety. Your past history gives assurance that their trust will not be in vain.
Let every man remember that all he holds dear depends upon the faithful discharge of his duty and resolve to fight and if need be to die in defence of a cause so Sacred, and worthy of the name even by this army on so many bloody fields.
R E Lee
Genl
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