Richmond documents for the years 1775 thru 1866

Richmond, VA - 25 March 1775

George Washington letter to John Augustine Washington... I have promisd to review the Independant Company of Richmond sometime this Summer, they having made me a tender of the Command of it...

Richmond, VA - 25 March 1775

I had like to have forgotten to express my entire approbation of the laudable pursuit you are engaged in, of training an independent company.

Richmond, VA - 11 June 1780

Thomas Jefferson letter to George Washington... Major Galvan, as recommended by your Excellency, was despatched to his station without delay, and has been furnished with every thing he desired, as far as we were able.

Richmond, VA - 2 July 1780

Thomas Jefferson letter to George Washington... I have received from the Committee of Congress, at headquarters, three letters calling for aids of men and provisions.

Richmond, VA - 4 August 1780

Thomas Jefferson letter to Edward Stevens... Your several favors of July the 16th, 21st, and 22nd, are now before me. Our smiths are engaged in making five hundred axes and some tomahawks for General Gates.

Richmond, VA - 15 August 1780

Thomas Jefferson letter to General Gates... I spoke fully with you on the difficulty of procuring wagons here, when I had the pleasure of seeing you, and for that reason pressed the sending back as many as possible.

Richmond, VA - 8 September 1780

Thomas Jefferson letter to George Washington... As I know the anxieties you must have felt, since the late misfortune to the South, ... I take the liberty of enclosing you a statement of this unlucky affair...

Richmond, VA - 12 September 1780

Thomas Jefferson letter to General Stevens... The subsequent desertions of your militia have taken away the necessity of answering the question, how they shall be armed.

Richmond, VA - 15 September 1780

Thomas Jefferson letter to General Stevens... I beg leave to trouble you with a private letter, on a little matter of my own, having no acquaintance at camp, with whom I can take that, liberty.

Richmond, VA - 23 September 1780

Thomas Jefferson letter to General Gates... I have empowered Colonel Carrington to have twelve boats, scows, or batteaux, built at Taylor's Ferry, and to draw on me for the cost.

Richmond, VA - 23 September 1780

Thomas Jefferson letter to George Washinton... I yesterday forwarded to you a letter from Colonel Wood, informing you of his situation.

Richmond, VA - 26 September 1780

Thomas Jefferson letter to George Washington... The enclosed copy of a letter from Lord Cornwallis to Colonel Balfour, was sent me by Governor Rutledge...

Richmond, VA - 4 October 1780

Thomas Jefferson letter to General Gates... I retain in mind, and recur, almost daily, to your requisitions of August; we have, as yet, no prospect of more than one hundred tents.

Richmond, VA - 15 October 1780

Thomas Jefferson letter to General Gates... I am rendered not a little anxious by the paragraph of yours of the 7th instant...

Richmond, VA - 22 October 1780

Thomas Jefferson letter to George Washington... I have this morning received certain information of the arrival of a hostile fleet in our bay, of about sixty sail.

Richmond, VA - 25 October 1780

Thomas Jefferson letter to George Washington... By this express I hand on, from General Gates to Congress, intelligence of the capture of Augusta, in Georgia...

Richmond, VA - 26 October 1780

Thomas Jefferson letter to George Washington...The Executive of this State think it expedient, under our present circumstances, that the prisoners of war under the Convention of Saratoga, be removed from their present situation.

Richmond, VA - 28 October 1780

Thomas Jefferson letter to General Gates... I shall attend to the caveat against Mr. Ochiltree's bill.

Richmond, VA - 3 November 1780

Thomas Jefferson letter to George Washington... Since I had the honor of writing to your Excellency, on the 25th ultimo, the enemy have withdrawn their forces from the north side of James river...

Richmond, VA - 10 November 1780

Thomas Jefferson letter to George Washington... I enclose your Excellency a copy of an intercepted letter from Major General Leslie to Lord Cornwallis.

Richmond, VA - 19 November 1780

Your weight and influence, both with Congress and this State, in support of the southern operations, will be exceedingly important and necessary to my success.

Richmond, VA - 26 November 1780

Thomas Jefferson letter to George Washington... I am to apprize your Excellency, that the officers of every rank, both British and German ... have purchased within this State some of the finest horses in it.

Richmond, VA - 15 December 1780

Thomas Jefferson letter to George Washington... I had the honor of writing to your Excellency on the subject of an expedition contemplated by this State, against the British post at Detroit...

Richmond, VA - 10 January 1781

Thomas Jefferson letter to George Washington... We immediately despatched General Nelson to the lower country, with powers to call on the militia in that quarter, or act otherwise as exigencies should require...

Richmond, VA - 15 January 1781

Thomas Jefferson letter to the President of Congress

Richmond, VA - 15 January 1781

Thomas Jefferson letter to the President of Congress

Richmond, VA - 17 January 1781

Thomas Jefferson letter to the President of Congress

Richmond, VA - 18 January 1781

Thomas Jefferson letter to the Virginia delegates in congress... I enclose you a Resolution of Assembly, directing your conduct as to the navigation of the Mississippi.

Richmond, VA - 8 February 1781

Thomas Jefferson letter to George Washington... I have just received intelligence ... that a fleet of the enemy's ships have entered Cape Fear river.

Richmond, VA - 12 February 1781

Thomas Jefferson letter to George Washington... I am informed, through a private channel, on which I have considerable reliance, that the enemy had landed five hundred troops under the command of a Major Craig...

Richmond, VA - 17 February 1781

Thomas Jefferson letter to George Washington... we are informed that Lord Cornwallis had burned his own wagons in order to enable himself to move with greater facility...

Richmond, VA - 17 February 1781

Thomas Jefferson letter to General Gates... I learn that Lord Cornwallis, rendered furious by the affair of the Cowpens and the surprise of Georgetown, had burned his own wagons...

Richmond, VA - 26 February 1781

Thomas Jefferson letter to George Washington... I gave you information in my last letter, that General Greene had crossed the Dan, at Boyd's Ferry...

Richmond, VA - 8 March 1781

Thomas Jefferson letter to George Washington... I had the pleasure of receiving a letter from General Greene...

Richmond, VA - 19 March 1781

Thomas Jefferson letter to THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS...

Richmond, VA - 21 March 1781

Thomas Jefferson letter to THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS... The enclosed letter will inform you of the arrival of a British fleet in Chesapeake bay.

Richmond, VA - 26 March 1781

Thomas Jefferson letter to THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS... The appointment of commissioner to the war-office of this State having lately become vacant, the Executive are desirous to place Colonel William Davies, ... in that office.

Richmond, VA - 28 March 1781

Thomas Jefferson letter to THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS... I observe a late resolve of Congress, for furnishing a number of arms to the southern states...

Richmond, VA - 31 March 1781

Thomas Jefferson letter to THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS... The letters and papers accompanying this, will inform your Excellency of the arrival of a British flag vessel with clothing, refreshments, money...

Richmond, VA - 7 April 1781

Thomas Jefferson letter to THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS... Hearing that our arms from Rhode Island have arrived at Philadelphia, I have begged the favor of our Delegates to send them on in wagons immediately...

Richmond, VA - 18 April 1781

Thomas Jefferson letter to THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS... such is the present condition of Chesapeake bay, that we cannot even get an advice-boat across it, with any certainty...

Richmond, VA - 23 April 1781

Thomas Jefferson letter to George Washington... On the 18th instant, the enemy came from Portsmouth up James river, in considerable force, though their numbers are not yet precisely known to us.

Richmond, VA - 8 May 1781

By letters from North Carolina I find that Lord Cornwallis, who, I had been assured, had sailed for Charleston, is advancing towards Halifax.

Richmond, VA - 9 May 1781

Thomas Jefferson letter to George Washington... The enemy, after leaving Williamsburg, came directly up James river and landed at City Point...

Richmond, VA - 24 May 1781

Public stores and private property being removed from Richmond, this place is a less important object. I do not believe it would be prudent to expose the troops for the sake of a few houses, most of which are empty.

Richmond, VA - 6 January 1784

It gives me great pleasure to inform that the Assembly yesterday, without a dissenting voice, complimented you with fifty shares in the Potomac Company, and one hundred in the James River Company

Richmond, VA - 15 May 1784

The sanction given by your favor of the 12th to my desire of remunerating the genius which produced "Common Sense," has led to a trial in the Legislature for the purpose.

Richmond, VA - 2 July 1784

The arrangement which is to carry you to Europe has been made known to me by Mr. Short, who tells me he means to accompany or follow you.

Richmond, VA - 3 July 1784

A trial was made for a State Convention, but in a form not the most lucky. The adverse temper of the House, and particularly of Mr. Henry, had determined me to be silent on the subject.

Richmond, VA - 0 November 1784

It inclosed a cypher, for which I thank you, and which I shall make use of as occasion may require

Richmond, VA - 14 November 1784

I had intended by this post to commence our correspondence with a narrative of what has been done and is proposed to be done at the present Session of the General Assembly

Richmond, VA - 27 November 1784

The umbrage given to the Commissioners of the United States by the negociations of New York with the Indians was not altogether unknown to me

Richmond, VA - 27 November 1784

I inform you that the Bill for confirming surveys against subsequent entries has been negatived by a large majority

Richmond, VA - 4 December 1784

On Saturday last a proposition was agreed to for establishing Circuit Courts throughout this Commonwealth

Richmond, VA - 17 December 1784

Our progress in the Revisal has been stopped by the waste of time produced by the inveterate and prolix opposition of its adversaries, and the approach of Christmas.

Richmond, VA - 24 December 1784

The act empowering Congress to surrender Citizens of this State to the Sovereign demanding them, for certain crimes committed within his jurisdiction, has passed.

Richmond, VA - 25 December 1784

Be pleased to accept my congratulations on the event which has given to your talents a station in which they cannot fail to be equally useful to the public and honorable to yourself.

Richmond, VA - 1 January 1785

A Resolution has passed both Houses instructing the Commissioners, appointed in June last to settle with Maryland Commissioners the jurisdiction of the Potowniac

Richmond, VA - 8 January 1785

I fear, a revival of those intrigues and contests of ambition which have more than once distracted and dishonoured the National Councils.

Richmond, VA - 19 March 1785

I will freely own to you, that I am embarrassed to reconcile the law, taken in its full extent, with the declarations you mention, and a fixed purpose of refusing pecuniary rewards.

Richmond, VA - 11 November 1785

Your letter for the Assembly was laid before them yesterday. I have reason to believe that it was received with every sentiment which could correspond with yours.

Richmond, VA - 15 November 1785

Mr. Wythe desired me to present you with his most friendly regards. He mentioned the difficulty he experiences in using his pen as an apology for not giving these assurances himself.

Richmond, VA - 9 December 1785

No decisive vote has been yet taken on the assize bill. I conceive it to be in some danger, but that the chance is in its favour. The case of the British debts will be introduced in a day or two.

Richmond, VA - 24 December 1785

The Bill for the payment of British debts is nearly a transcript of that which went through the two Houses last year, except that it leaves the periods of instalment blank, and gives the creditor an opportunity of taking immediate execution for the w

Richmond, VA - 30 December 1785

The past week has been rendered important by nothing but some discussions on the subject of British debts. The bill brought in varied from that which miscarried last year

Richmond, VA - 4 January 1786

Although I was compelled, by duty, to lay before the Council your answer to my notification of your appointment to Philadelphia, I was happy to find them concurring with me in the propriety of entreating you not to decide on a refusal immediately.

Richmond, VA - 22 January 1786

The only one of these which was pursued into an Act is the Bill concerning Religious freedom.

Richmond, VA - 22 January 1786

The bill which is considered at New York as a compliance with the requisitions of Congress, is more so in appearance than reality. It will bring no specie into the Treasury, and but little Continental paper.

Richmond, VA - 2 March 1786

You may possibly be surprised, that a work, which has already expended a considerable sum of money, should be delineated in so few words as the copies now sent contain.

Richmond, VA - 30 October 1786

I find, with pleasure, that the navigation of the Mississippi will be defended by the Legislature with as much zeal as could be wished.

Richmond, VA - 1 November 1786

The Report from the Deputies to ANNAPOLIS lies on the table, and I hope will be called for before the business of the Mississippi begins to ferment.

Richmond, VA - 1 November 1786

Paper money was the subject of discussion this day, and was voted, by a majority of 84 against 17, to be "unjust, impolitic, destructive of public and private confidence, and of that virtue which is the basis of Republican Government."

Richmond, VA - 8 November 1786

The intelligence from General Knox is gloomy indeed, but it is less so than the colours in which I had it through another channel.

Richmond, VA - 16 November 1786

The House of Delegates have done little since my last, and what was then done is still ineffectual for want of a Senate.

Richmond, VA - 24 November 1786

The House of Delegates have just passed a bill making Tobacco receivable in the tax at the market price at the several Warehouses to be fixt by the Executive.

Richmond, VA - 4 December 1786

The recommendation from the meeting at ANNAPOLIS, of a plenipotentiary Convention in Philadelphia in May next, has been well received by the Assembly here.

Richmond, VA - 6 December 1786

What our enemies have foretold, seems to be hastening to its accomplishment ; and cannot be frustrated but by an instantaneous, zealous, and steady union among the friends of the Federal Government.

Richmond, VA - 7 December 1786

In admitting Tobacco for a commutable, we perhaps swerved a little from the line in which we set out. I acquiesced in the measure myself as a prudential compliance with the clamours within doors and without

Richmond, VA - 12 December 1786

The inclosed paper will give you a knowledge of the mode and terms on which Tobacco is made a Commutable. It also contains some Resolutions of importance relative to the navigation of the Mississippi.

Richmond, VA - 21 December 1786

We hear nothing from any of the other States on the subject of the federal Convention. The ice seems to have intercepted totally the Northern communication for a considerable time past.

Richmond, VA - 24 December 1786

Your observ.ions on Tobacco as a commutable in the taxes are certainly just and unanswerable. My acquiescence in the measure was against every general principle which I have embraced

Richmond, VA - 9 January 1787

The district bill, of which I formerly made mention, was finally thrown into a very curious situation, and lost by a single voice. I refer you for its history to Col. Pendleton, who was here at the time, and is now with you.

Richmond, VA - 6 November 1787

A resolution this day passed for an absolute prohibition of all imported spirits, with some others, in my opinion, almost equally impolitic, and calculated to subject the eastern part of the State to the arbitrary impositions of the western.

Richmond, VA - 4 June 1788

I found, contrary to my expectation, that not only a very full house had been made on the first day, but that it had proceeded to the appointment of the President and other officers.

Richmond, VA - 13 June 1788

Appearances at present are less favorable than at the date of my last. Our progress is slow, and every advantage is taken of the delay to work on the local prejudices of particular sets of members.

Richmond, VA - 20 June 1788

No question has yet been taken by which the strength of parties can be determined.

Richmond, VA - 23 June 1788

We got through the Constitution by paragraphs to-day. To-morrow, some proposition for closing the business will be made.

Richmond, VA - 25 June 1788

On the question to-day for previous amendments, the votes stood 80 ayes, 88 noes.

Richmond, VA - 27 June 1788

The Convention came to a final adjournment today. The inclosed is a copy of their act of ratification, with the yeas and nays.

Richmond, VA - 6 December 1789

When I had the honor of writing to you last, the amendments had, I believe, been under consideration in a Committee of the Whole, and ten were adopted, and the two last rejected.

Richmond, VA - 31 October 1804

Virginia is the last state, and Petersburgh the last town in the state of Virginia, in which I should have expected any open marks of hospitality and respect.

Richmond, VA - 27 March 1807

My military escort having arrived at Fredericksburgh on our way to Washington, there met a special messenger, with orders to convey me to this place.

Richmond, VA - 21 May 1807

Mr. Tyrrell will tell you of all the strange things which are passing here. Of the bills, the first which you indorsed has been paid by Mr. Alston.

Richmond, VA - 29 June 1807

I recommend to you to place Mrs. Blennerhassett and your children with Mrs. Alston, till these agitations shall be composed.

Richmond, VA - 4 August 1807

Mr. Alston and Mr. Neville successively made attempts to see you at the tavern, but were denied.

Richmond, VA - 5 August 1807

I am much gratified, my dear sir, by your letter and notes. It is impossible for us to communicate freely, except through the intervention of counsel.

Richmond, VA - 9 August 1807

I perceive the advantages from your presence, but am not at this moment able to decide whether the thing be practicable.

Richmond, VA - 27 August 1807

Mr. Luckett and I have an unsettled account to a considerable amount. He holds a bill indorsed by you.

Richmond, VA - 1 September 1807

It seems that some misapprehension exists on the subject of the bill held by Mr. Luckett.

Richmond, VA - 18 March 1811

I have great sensibility to the proposition which seems to be made to me through you as a mutual friend, to come into the Department of State

Richmond, VA - 28 October 1824

I entirely accord in the view, which you have taken on the question, whether I should continue with Gen'l. La Fayette till his arrival in Albemarle.

Richmond, VA - 4 April 1825

I have long since ceased to credit charges destitute of proof, and to consider them as mere aspersions.

Richmond, VA - 3 April 1826

I had the pleasure of receiving a few days past, under cover from you, the documents accompanying the late message of the President to the House of Representatives on the Panama mission.

Richmond, VA - 20 May 1826

I returned yesterday from North Carolina, and had the pleasure of finding your speech on the mission to Panama, under cover from yourself.

Richmond, VA - 5 January 1828

I thank you for the copy of your address on the charges made against you respecting the election of President

Richmond, VA - 28 February 1828

They decline to accept the appointment, as was apprehended, though with the expression of sentiments

Richmond, VA - 28 November 1828

I need not say how deeply I regret the loss of Judge Trimble. He was distinguished for sound sense, uprightness of intention, and legal knowledge.

Richmond, VA - 23 February 1829

I hasten to answer your letter of to-day. The intelligence it gives of the proposed Cabinet had reached here on yesterday, and filled the Jackson party with consternation.

Richmond, VA - 6 June 1832

I thank you very sincerely for the copy with which you have favored me of your speeches on the bill for renewing the charter of the Bank of the United States.

Richmond, OH - 24 March 1846

I am out among the wool-growers, with a view to the next summer's operations.

Richmond, VA - 26 April 1861

Robert E. Lee letter to wife Mary ...I am very anxious about you

Richmond, VA - 2 May 1861

Robert E. Lee letter to wife Mary with regretful explaination that she can not join him

Richmond, VA - 8 May 1861

Robert E. Lee letter to wife Mary ...I grieve at the necessity that drives you from your home

Richmond, VA - 11 May 1861

Robert E. Lee letter to wife Mary ...retire further from the scene of war

Richmond, VA - 16 May 1861

Robert E. Lee letter to wife Mary telling of the Episcopal Convention of the Diocese of Virginia

Richmond, VA - 25 May 1861

Robert E. Lee letter to wife Mary ...I sympathise deeply in your feelings at leaving your dear home

Richmond, VA - 9 June 1861

Robert E. Lee letter to wife Mary ...I have just returned from a visit to the batteries and troops...

Richmond, VA - 13 June 1861

Your information may be more accurate than we possess, in relation to the purposes of the enemy, and I will briefly reply to you on the hypothesis which forms the basis of your suggestions.

Richmond, VA - 27 June 1861

Two quiet, unobtrusive Yankee school-teachers were on the train. I had spoken to them, and they had told me all about themselves.

Richmond, VA - 29 June 1861

Poor Mr. Lamar has been brought from his camp paralysis or some sort of shock. Every woman in the house is ready to rush into the Florence Nightingale business.

Richmond, VA - 4 July 1861

Russell abuses us in his letters. People here care a great deal for what Russell says, because he represents the London Times, and the Times reflects the sentiment of the English people.

Richmond, VA - 12 July 1861

Robert E. Lee letter to wife Mary ...I am very anxious to get into the field

Richmond, VA - 13 July 1861

Mr. Chesnut doubtless had too many spies to receive from Washington, galloping in with the exact numbers of the enemy done up in their back hair.

Richmond, VA - 14 July 1861

Mr. Chesnut remained closeted with the President and General Lee all the afternoon. The news does not seem pleasant.

Richmond, VA - 16 July 1861

As far as I can make out, Beauregard sent Mr. Chesnut to the President to gain permission for the forces of Joe Johnston and Beauregard to join, and, united, to push the enemy, if possible, over the Potomac.

Richmond, VA - 17 July 1861

We are making all efforts to reinforce you. Cannot send to day, but afterwards they will go regularly

Richmond, VA - 19 July 1861

Beauregard telegraphed yesterday (they say, to General Johnston), " Come down and help us, or we shall be crushed by numbers.

Richmond, VA - 20 July 1861

You are a General in the Confederate Army, possessed of the power attached to that rank.

Richmond, VA - 21 July 1861

Robert E. Lee letter to wife Mary ...That indeed was a glorious victory

Richmond, VA - 21 July 1861

Night has closed upon a hard fought field -- Our forces have won a glorious victory The Enemy was routed & fled precipatately abandoning a very large amount of arms munitions Knapsacks and Baggige

Richmond, VA - 23 July 1861

Mrs. Davis came in so softly that I did not know she was here until she leaned over me and said : A great battle has been fought. Joe Johnston led the right wing, and Beauregard the left wing

Richmond, VA - 24 July 1861

I cannot express the joy I feel, at the beautiful victory of the 21st.

Richmond, VA - 24 July 1861

They brought me a Yankee soldier's portfolio from the battle-field. The letters had been franked by Senator Harlan. One might shed tears over some of the letters.

Richmond, VA - 27 July 1861

Mrs. Davis's drawing-room last night was brilliant, and she was in great force. Outside a mob called for the President.

Richmond, VA - 1 August 1861

The President, with his aides, dashed by. My husband was riding with him. The President presented the flag to the Texans.

Richmond, VA - 3 August 1861

Now the Yankees so far are as little trained as we are ; raw troops are they as yet. Suppose France takes the other side and we have to meet disciplined and armed men

Richmond, VA - 4 August 1861

I think you are unjust to yourself in putting your failure to pursue the enemy to Washington to the account of short supplies of subsistence and transportation.

Richmond, VA - 5 August 1861

They seem to feel that the war is over here, except the President and Mr. Barnwell ; above all that foreboding friend of mine, Captain Ingraham. He thinks it hardly begun.

Richmond, VA - 8 August 1861

To-day I saw a sword captured at Manassas. The man who brought the sword, in the early part of the fray, was taken prisoner by the Yankees.

Richmond, VA - 10 August 1861

Some excitement has been created by your letter ; the Quartermaster and the Commissary General both feel that they have been unjustly arraigned.

Richmond, VA - 13 August 1861

Jordan, Beauregard's aide, still writes to Mr. Chesnut that the mortality among the raw troops in that camp is fearful.

Richmond, VA - 14 August 1861

Last night there was a crowd of men to see us and they were so markedly critical. I made a futile effort to record their sayings, but sleep and heat overcame me.

Richmond, VA - 15 August 1861

The men rave over Mrs. Randolph's beauty; called her a magnificent specimen of the finest type of dark-eyed, rich, and glowing Southern woman-kind.

Richmond, VA - 16 August 1861

Mr. Barnwell says, Fame is an article usually home made ; you must create your own puffs or superintend their manufacture.

Richmond, VA - 17 August 1861

Captain Shannon, of the Kirkwood Rangers, called and stayed three hours.

Richmond, VA - 18 August 1861

Found it quite exciting to have a spy drinking his tea with us perhaps because I knew his profession. I did not like his face.

Richmond, VA - 23 August 1861

A brother of Doctor Garnett has come fresh and straight from Cambridge, Mass., and says (or is said to have said, with all the difference there is between the two), that "recruiting up there is dead."

Richmond, VA - 24 August 1861

Mr. Lowndes said we have already reaped one good result from the war.

Richmond, VA - 25 August 1861

Mr. Barnwell says democracies lead to untruthfulness. To be always electioneering is to be always false; so both we and the Yankees are unreliable as regards our own exploits.

Richmond, VA - 26 August 1861

The Terror has full swing at the North now. All the papers favorable to us have been suppressed. How long would our mob stand a Yankee paper here?

Richmond, VA - 27 August 1861

The North is consolidated ; they move as one man, with no States, but an army organized by the central power.

Richmond, VA - 29 August 1861

Women who come before the public are in a bad box now. False hair is taken off and searched for papers. Bustles are " suspect." All manner of things, they say, come over the border under the huge hoops now worn; so they are ruthlessly torn off.

Richmond, VA - 31 August 1861

Congress adjourns to-day. Jeff Davis ill. We go home on Monday if I am able to travel.

Richmond, VA - 1 September 1861

North Carolina writes for arms for her soldiers. Have we any to send ? No.

Richmond, VA - 2 September 1861

No discouragement now felt at the North. They take our forts and are satisfied for a while.

Richmond, VA - 13 September 1861

While you were in the Valley of Virginia, your army and that of General Beauregard were independent commands ; when you marched to Manassas, the forces joined and did duty together.

Richmond, VA - 14 September 1861

Its language is, as you say, unusual ; its arguments and statements utterly one-sided

Richmond, VA - 27 September 1861

The Yankees are burning everything they can reach, and God only knows what excesses they may commit on the defenseless, should they have the power.

Richmond, VA - 25 October 1861

You were unquestionably wrong in the order to recruit a company for the Provisional Army. The Congress, with jealous care, reserved to men of such companies the power of selecting their own officers.

Richmond, VA - 30 October 1861

Yesterday my attention was called to various newspaper publications purporting to have been sent from Manassas, and to a synopsis of your report of the battle of the 21st of July past

Richmond, VA - 3 November 1861

Reports have been and are being widely circulated to the effect that I prevented General Beauregard from pursuing the enemy after the battle of Manassas

Richmond, VA - 5 November 1861

Robert E. Lee letter to wife Mary ...Saturday evening I tried to get down to you

Richmond, VA - 10 November 1861

When I addressed you in relation to your complaint because of the letters written to you by Mr. Benjamin, Acting Secretary of War, it was hoped that you would see that you had misrepresented his expressions, and would be content.

Richmond, VA - 21 February 1862

The enemy are for the time occupied with the interior, and I have directed Captain Hollins to move up the river with his fleet In two or three weeks it is expected that some fourteen vessels, to be manned by "river men," will be ready to leave New Or

Richmond, VA - 28 February 1862

The heavy guns at Manassas and Evansport, needed elsewhere, and reported to be useless in their present position, would necessarily be abandoned in a hasty retreat. I regret that you find it impossible to move them.

Richmond, VA - 6 March 1862

I was fully impressed with the difficulties which you presented when discussing the subject of a change of position. To preserve the efficiency of your army, you will, of course, avoid all need less exposure

Richmond, VA - 14 March 1862

Robert E. Lee letter to wife Mary...I have been placed on duty here to conduct operations under the direction of the President

Richmond, VA - 15 March 1862

Robert E. Lee letter to wife Mary ...I hope our son will do his duty and make a good soldier

Richmond, VA - 15 March 1862

It is true I have had many and alarming reports of great destruction of ammunition, camp equipage, and provisions, indicating precipitate retreat ; but having heard of no cause for such a sudden movement I was at a loss to believe it.

Richmond, VA - 15 March 1862

I have no report of your reconnaissance, and can suggest nothing as to the position you should take

Richmond, VA - 26 March 1862

My confidence in you has never wavered, and I hope the public will soon give me credit for judgment, rather than continue to arraign me for obstinacy.

Richmond, VA - 29 April 1862

general robert e lee letter to general T.J Jackson April, 29th 1862

Richmond, VA - 1 May 1862

Your announcement to-day that you would withdraw to-morrow night, takes us by surprise, and must involve enormous losses, including unfinished gunboats.

Richmond, VA - 30 May 1862

General Lee rises to the occasion . . . and seems to be equal to the conception. I hope others will develop capacity in execution. . . .

Richmond, VA - 19 June 1862

Mrs. Greenhow when she came brought me three oranges and a box of Jelly.

Richmond, VA - 20 June 1862

Your despatch, informing me that General Beauregard had turned over the command to you and left for Mobile, on surgeons' certificate, was duly received.

Richmond, VA - 31 July 1862

On the 22d of this month a cartel for the exchange of prisoners of war was signed between Major-General D. H. Hill, in behalf of the Confederate States, and Major-General John A. Dix, in behalf of the United States.

Richmond, VA - 31 July 1862

On the 23d of this month a cartel for a general exchange of prisoners was signed between Major- General D. H. Hill, in behalf of the Confederate States, and Major- General John A. Dix, in behalf of the United States.

Richmond, VA - 1 August 1862

you were instructed by the Secretary of War to make inquiries of the General in command of the United States forces, relative to alleged murders committed on our citizens by officers of the United States army

Richmond, VA - 11 November 1862

I concur with you as to the policy of allowing the conscripts, as far as the state of the service will permit, to select the companies and regiments in which they are to serve.

Richmond, VA - 0 February 1863

TO-DAY I rode on ahead of my division, stopped for a moment at our old home, ran into the garden and gathered for my darling some lilies of the valley, planted by my sweet mother

Richmond, VA - 23 February 1863

Robert E. Lee letter to wife Mary ...The weather is now very hard upon our poor bushmen.

Richmond, VA - 8 May 1863

So far as we have learned here, the enemy seem to confine their operations to the country below Lake Providence and would appear to be endeavoring to carry out the avowed purpose of preventing the cultivation of the crops

Richmond, VA - 19 June 1863

Rose O'Neal Greenhow letter to frined A. Boteler... I saw the President this morning and he affords me every facility and and in carrying out my mischief

Richmond, VA - 2 July 1863

Having accepted your patriotic offer to proceed as a military commissioner, under flag of truce, to Washington, you will herewith receive your letter of authority to the Commander-in-Chief of the Army and Navy of the United States.

Richmond, VA - 2 July 1863

Numerous difficulties and disputes have arisen in relation to the execution of the cartel of exchange heretofore agreed on by the belligerents, and the commissioners for the exchange of prisoners have been unable to adjust their differences.

Richmond, VA - 15 July 1863

When I learned that prejudice and malignity had so undermined the confidence of the troops at Vicksburg in their commander as to threaten disaster, I deemed the circumstances such as to present the case foreseen in Special Order No. 275

Richmond, VA - 24 July 1863

This is not the first intimation I have received that Holden is engaged in the treasonable purpose of exciting the people of North Carolina to resistance against their Government, and co-operation with the enemy

Richmond, VA - 10 August 1863

I screamed again and again until my whole household came rushing in, and then came the negroes from the yard, all wakened by my piercing shrieks. This may have been a dream, but it haunts me.

Richmond, VA - 11 August 1863

I am glad that you concur so entirely with me as to the wants of our country in this trying hour

Richmond, VA - 13 August 1863

Robert E. Lee letter to his soldiers ...a day of fasting, humiliation, and prayer.

Richmond, VA - 27 August 1863

The disasters in Mississippi were both great and unexpected to me. I had thought that the troops sent to the State, added to those already there, made a force large enough to accomplish the destruction of Grant's army.

Richmond, VA - 31 August 1863

I have wished for several days past to return to the army, but have been detained by the President.

Richmond, VA - 7 September 1863

He had an odd habit of falling into a state of incessant winking as soon as he became the least startled or agitated. In such times he seemed persistently to be winking one eye at you.

Richmond, VA - 23 September 1863

I have read with emotion the deep grief therein expressed for the ruin and devastation caused by the war which is now being waged by the United States

Richmond, VA - 1 November 1863

Robert E. Lee letter to wife Mary ...I am sorry you find such difficulty in procuring yarn for socks, etc.

Richmond, VA - 5 November 1863

Robert E. Lee letter to wife Mary ...I had not been on horseback for five days previously and feared I should not get through.

Richmond, VA - 28 November 1863

Our pleasant home sojourn was soon broken up. Johnny had to go back to Company A, and my husband was ordered by the President to make a second visit to Bragg's Army.

Richmond, VA - 30 November 1863

I must describe an adventure I had in Kingsville. Of course, I know nothing of children : in point of fact, am awfully afraid of them.

Richmond, VA - 30 November 1863

Anxiety pervades. Lee is fighting Meade. Misery is everywhere.

Richmond, VA - 2 December 1863

Bragg begs to be relieved of his command. The army will be relieved to get rid of him. He has a winning way of earning everybody's detestation. Heavens, how they hate him !

Richmond, VA - 4 December 1863

In the street a barrel of flour sells for one hundred and fifteen dollars.

Richmond, VA - 5 December 1863

Wigfall was here last night. He began by wanting to hang Jeff Davis. My husband managed him beautifully. He soon ceased to talk virulent nonsense

Richmond, VA - 9 December 1863

Come here, Mrs. Chesnut, said Mary Preston to-day, " they are lifting General Hood out of his carriage, here, at your door."

Richmond, VA - 10 December 1863

Mrs. Davis and Mrs. Lyons came. We had luncheon brought in for them

Richmond, VA - 14 December 1863

Drove out with Mrs. Davis. She had a watch in her hand which some poor dead soldier wanted to have sent to his family.

Richmond, VA - 19 December 1863

I have directed a supply of arms, say 25,000, to be sent to you across the Missi. & have telegraphed to Genl. Johnston to correspond with you so as to secure your cooperation in giving protection & transportation to the arms

Richmond, VA - 19 December 1863

A box has come from home for me. Taking advantage of this good fortune and a full larder, have asked Mrs. Davis to dine with me.

Richmond, VA - 24 December 1863

As we walked, Brewster reported a row he had had with General Hood.

Richmond, VA - 25 December 1863

Yesterday dined with the Prestons. Wore one of my handsomest Paris dresses (from Paris before the war).

Richmond, VA - 1 January 1864

General Hood's an awful flatterer I mean an awkward flatterer. I told him to praise my husband to some one else, not to me.

Richmond, VA - 4 January 1864

My husband came in and nearly killed us. He brought this piece of news: " North Carolina wants to offer terms of peace ! !"

Richmond, VA - 5 January 1864

At Mrs. Preston's, met the Light Brigade in battle array, ready to sally forth, conquering and to conquer.

Richmond, VA - 8 January 1864

Apart from insuperable objections to the line of policy you propose (and to which I will presently advert), I cannot see how the more material obstacles are to be surmounted.

Richmond, VA - 8 January 1864

Snow of the deepest. Nobody can come to-day, I thought. But they did!

Richmond, VA - 9 January 1864

At Mrs. Davis's the hired servants all have been birds of passage. First they were seen with gold galore, and then they would fly to the Yankees, and I am sure they had nothing to tell.

Richmond, VA - 12 January 1864

To-night there will be & great gathering of Kentuckians. Morgan gives them a dinner. The city of Richmond entertains John Morgan.

Richmond, VA - 12 April 1864

Robert E. Lee letter to President Davis ...My anxiety on the subject of provisions for the army is so great that I cannot refrain from expressing it

Richmond, VA - 6 November 1864

Robert E. Lee letter to his youngest daughter Mildred ...Now in your youth you must be careful to discipline your thoughts, words, and actions

Richmond, VA - 25 January 1865

As usual, Mrs. Davis was vivacious and entertaining. She amusingly described her rescue of a little orphan negro from a "great black brute" who had constituted him self the boy's guardian.

Richmond, VA - 10 February 1865

Mary Custis Lee letter to friend Rosa...I wish we could have visited you in sending some fine beaux but alas the stern necessities of war forbid

Richmond, VA - 21 February 1865

The article enclosed from the Register and Advertiser is a substantial expression of my own views on the subject of employing for the defence of our Country all the able-bodied men we have without distinction of color

Richmond, VA - 10 April 1865

Robert E. Lee letter to confederate soldiers ...the Army of Northern Virginia has been compelled to yield to overwhelming numbers and resources

Richmond, VA - 21 June 1865

Robert E. Lee letter to Albert Ordway ...I propose establishing my family next week in Cumberland County, Virginia

Richmond, VA - 24 June 1865

Robert E. Lee letter to son Robert ...I have just returned from a visit to your Uncle Carter

Richmond, VA - 29 July 1865

Robert E. Lee letter to son Fitzhugh ...I want to get in some grass country, where the natural product of the land will do much for my subsistence

Richmond, VA - 21 August 1865

Robert E. Lee letter to son Robert ...You must keep your eyes open, you precious boy, and not run against noxious vines and fevers

Richmond, VA - 24 August 1865

Robert E. Lee letter to committee at Washington College...The proper education of youth requires not only great ability,but I fear more strength than I now possess

Richmond, VA - 19 September 1865

Robert E. Lee letter to wife Mary ...on riding up to the hotel was met by Professor White, of Washington College

Richmond, VA - 6 October 1865

Robert E. Lee letter to daughter Agnes ...Though marble to women, he is so only externally, and you will find him warm and cheering

Richmond, VA - 29 October 1865

Robert E. Lee letter to daughter Mildred ...You know I am a poor hand and can do nothing without your advice

Richmond, VA - 16 November 1865

Robert E. Lee letter to daughter Agnes ...As she would not marry Custis, she may marry whom she chooses.

Richmond, VA - 20 November 1865

Robert E. Lee letter to wife Mary ...I am much disappointed that you did not arrive on the boat last night

Richmond, VA - 21 November 1865

Robert E. Lee letter to wife Mary ...received your letter of the 17th, and return the photographs with my signatures

Richmond, VA - 23 November 1865

Mary Custis Lee letter to Mrs. H. R. Glenn...I expect to join my husband at Lexington on Tuesday next

Richmond, VA - 5 December 1865

Robert E. Lee letter to daughter Agnes ...I have autographed the photographs and send a gross of the latter and a lock of hair

Richmond, VA - 3 January 1866

Robert E. Lee letter to daughter Agnes...your mother says her experience has taught her that when a young woman makes up her mind to get married, you might as well let her alone

Richmond, VA - 29 January 1866

Robert E. Lee letter to daughter Agnes ...I had quite a successful journey up, notwithstanding the storm

Richmond, VA - 10 February 1866

Robert E. Lee letter to Mr. P. S. Worsley ...I have received the copy of your translation of the Iliad which you so kindly presented to me

Richmond, VA - 14 March 1866

Robert E. Lee letter to Mr. P. S. Worsley ...Less mental labour and more of the fresh air of Heaven might bring to you more comfort, and to your friends more enjoyment

Richmond, VA - 16 April 1866

Robert E. Lee letter to A. W. Beresford Hope ...Your assurance of the esteem in which I am held by a large portion of the British nation, ... is most grateful to my feelings