HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF NORTHERN
VIRGINIA,
RAPIDAN, December 7,
1863.
HIS EXCELLENCY JEFFERSON DAVIS,
President Confederate States, Richmond.
MR. PRESIDENT: I have had the honor to receive your
dispatch inquiring whether I could go to Dalton. I can, if desired, but of
the expediency of the measure you can judge better than I can. Unless it is
intended that I should take permanent command, I can see no good that will
result, even if in that event any could be accomplished. I also fear that I
would not receive cordial co- operation, and I think it necessary if I am
withdrawn from here that a commander for this army be sent to it. General
Ewell's condition, I fear, is too feeble to undergo the fatigue and labor incident
to the position. I hope your Excellency will not suppose that I am offering any
obstacles to any measure you may think necessary. I only seek to give the
opportunity to form your opinion after a full consideration of the subject. I
have not that confidence either in my strength or ability that would lead me of
my own opinion to undertake the command in question.
I am, with great
respect, your obedient servant,
R. E. LEE,
General.
SOURCE: John William Jones, Life and Letters of
Robert Edward Lee: Soldier and Man, p. 292-3
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