Thursday, October 10, 2013

Major General Robert E. Lee to Mary Custis Lee, July 12, 1861

Richmond, July 12, 1861.

You know that Rob has been captain of Company A, of the University. He has written for a sword and sash, which I have not yet been able to get for him. I shall send him a sword of mine, but cannot procure him a sash. I am very anxious to get into the field, but am detained by matters beyond my control. I have never heard of the assignment to which you allude — of commander-in-chief of the Southern Army — nor have I any expectation or wish for it. President Davis holds that position. I have been laboring to prepare and get into the field the Virginia troops to strengthen those from other States, and the threatened commands of Johnston, Beauregard, Huger, Garnett, etc. Where I shall go, I do not know, as that will depend upon President Davis.

SOURCE: John William Jones, Life and Letters of Robert Edward Lee: Soldier and Man, p. 143-4

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