Robert Lee letter to James Longstreet, 31 August 1863

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[Confidential.]

RICHMOND, August 31, 1863.

LIEUTENANT-GENERAL J. LONGSTREET,

Head-quarters Army of Northern Virginia :

GENERAL, I have wished for several days past to return to the army, but have been detained by the President. He will not listen to my proposition to leave to-morrow. I hope you will use every exertion to prepare the army for offensive operations, and improve the condition of our men and animals. I can see nothing better to be done than to endeavor to bring General Meade out and use our efforts to crush his army while in its present condition.

Very respectfully and truly yours,

R. E. LEE

General.

More Resources

    Author:
    Robert E. Lee

    Source:
    From Manassas to Appomattox Memoirs of the Civil War in America, James Longstreet, 1896