CAMP, PETERSBURG, 27th
August, 1864.
MY DEAR CUSTIS:
I have received your letter of the 26th. I issued the order
for the reorganization of Dearing's and Young's brigades, etc., as soon as
received from the A. and I. General's office. As far as I could judge from the
reports made to me it produced dissatisfaction. I replied I knew none of the
reasons for the change ordered, but that they must be made unless countermanded
by the A. and I. General, from whom the order emanated. Hampton requested
permission to present a counter-project to effect the same purpose, which he
thought better, which was assented to, and which was forwarded to the A. and I.
General.
The troops have been in such constant motion and action that
the order for the changes could not without detriment have been carried out,
and I understand from H. that it would probably be modified. I will get the
papers and see if the difficulties stated can be harmonized. I think the
brigades can be made homogeneous without separating commands who are anxious to
serve together.
I think it important to satisfy the men as well as officers.
All have a hard time, and I am anxious to promote pleasant feelings, and take
away any excuse for bad conduct, desertion, etc. I am very much occupied now,
and am much in the field. It may be some days before I can attend to this
matter.
There are several things about which I wish to see the
President and shall take the first day when there is an indication of quiet to
go to Richmond. Grant is moving his troops backward and forward, right and
left, constantly, and it is difficult to discover his intention. The worst of
it is, he is so situated that he can disclose and conceal such movements as he
desires. You must thank Major F. for the packages. I have received a letter
from his brother which I have not been able to reply to. I do not want the
articles sent here. I will attend to them if I go to Richmond.
I have only one earthly want, that God in His infinite mercy
will send our enemies back to their homes. I am glad that F. R. and Bev. are
doing well. Tell the former his division did splendidly on the 25th, charging
the enemy's breastworks on foot, as if they were armed with bayonets. He should
not have gotten poisoned. What did B. let them strike him for? I am much
concerned about Bev. I trust he will do well. I have just received three stand
of colors taken by Chambliss's brigade. Where are daughter and sweet Annie gone
to? They had better come to see their papa. The sight of them would assuage the
flies by day, and mosquitoes by night.
Between the two I have no peace. If there was an unsmoked
mouth in the house, I would send them a kiss, but the thing is out of the
question. Ask Miss Mary Triplett to officiate for me. I can assure them they
will be the gainers. Love to all, and kind regards to the gentlemen.
Truly your father,
R. E. LEE.
GEN. G. W. CUSTIS LEE.
SOURCE: John William Jones, Life and Letters of
Robert Edward Lee: Soldier and Man, p. 305-6
No comments:
Post a Comment