HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF
NORTHERN VIRGINIA,
February 8, 1865.
HON. JAS. A. SEDDON,
Sec. of War, Richmond, Va.
SIR: All the disposable force of the right wing of the army
has been operating against the enemy beyond Hatcher's Run since Sunday.
Yesterday, the most inclement day of the winter, they had to be retained in
line of battle, having been in the same condition the two previous days and
nights. I regret to be obliged to state that under these circumstances,
heightened by assaults and fire of the enemy, some of the men had been without
meat for three days, and all were suffering from reduced rations and scant
clothing, exposed to battle, cold, hail, and sleet. I have directed Colonel
Cole, chief commissary, who reports that he has not a pound of meat at his
disposal, to visit Richmond and see if nothing can be done. If some change is
not made and the Commissary Department reorganized, I apprehend dire results.
The physical strength of the men, if their courage survives, must fail under
this treatment. Our cavalry has to be dispersed for want of forage. Fitz Lee's
and Lomax's divisions are scattered because supplies cannot be transported
where their services are required. I had to bring Wm. H. F. Lee's division
forty miles Sunday night to get him in position. Taking these facts in
connection with the paucity of our numbers, you must not be surprised if
calamity befalls us. According to reports of prisoners, we were opposed on
Hatcher's Run by the Second and Fifth Corps, part of the Ninth, one division of
the Sixth, Gregg's division (Third Brigade of cavalry). It was also reported
that the Twenty-third Corps (Schofield's) reached City Point on the 5th, and
that it was present. But this is not confirmed by other reports. At last
accounts it was stated to be on the Potomac, delayed by ice. A scout near
Alexandria reports it is to march on Gordonsville, General Baker on Kinston. I
think it more probable it will join Grant here.
With great respect,
your obedient servant,
R. E. LEE,
General.
Respectfully sent to the President for perusal. Please
return it.
JOHN C. BRECKINRIDGE,
Secretary of War.
[Indorsement.]
This is too sad to be patiently considered, and cannot have
occurred without criminal neglect or gross incapacity. Let supplies be had by
purchase or borrowing or other possible mode. J. D.
SOURCE: John William Jones, Life and Letters of
Robert Edward Lee: Soldier and Man, p. 352
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