CASTLE H1LL, COBHAM P.
O., 28th April, 1861.
MY DEAR SIR:
Being recently in Richmond on business for a single day, I
had it very much at heart to call and pay my respects to you.
But being prevented from doing so by very urgent
engagements, I hope you will allow me, in this form, to express to you the very
great gratification I have felt at your appointment to the chief command of our
military and naval forces. The moment is one of so much exigency as to call for
a combination of qualities rarely found united in the same character.
In you we feel that we possess them all in their highest
development. The confidence and heart of the whole State are with you; and
while in so general an acclamation of approbation and congratulation, no one
voice can have much value, I trust you will not deem it intrusive if I venture to
add mine, with the assurance of the highest respect and warmest good wishes
with which I am truly and faithfully,
Yours,
W. C. RIVES.
MAJ.-GEN. ROBERT E. LEE.
SOURCE: John William Jones, Life and Letters of
Robert Edward Lee: Soldier and Man, p. 141
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