Lee, Robert E. (1807-1870) to James Longstreet
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC09249 Author/Creator: Lee, Robert E. (1807-1870) Place Written: s.l. Type: Letter signed Date: 16 March 1863 Pagination: 2 p. Order a Copy
To James Longstreet, ordering preparations to engage Union army when it crosses the Rappahannock, noting strategy of mobility to counter the union's greater numbers: "It is also reported that it is Genl. Hooker's intention to cross the river & advance as soon as the State of the roads will permit, & that in fact he has received repeated orders to that effect.… we should be prepared to concentrate to meet him wherever he shd advance in force. From present indications it is fair to presume that we shall be called upon to engage him first on the Rappahannock, and I desire you to be prepared for this movement , & endeavor to keep yourself advised of the dispositions of the enemy in your front. Also be ready to move the troops recently detached from the 1st. Corp, or such of them or others as may be necessary, in that direction. As our numbers will not admit of our meeting him on an equality everywhere, we must endeavor by judicious dispositions to be enable to make our troops available in any quarter where they may be needed & after the emergency passes in one place to transfer them to any other point that may be threatened."
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