HEADQUARTERS,
Orange, September 25, 1863.
Lieut. Gen. JAMES
LONGSTREET:
GENERAL: If it gives you as much pleasure to receive my
warmest congratulations as it does me to convey them, this letter will not have
been written in vain. My whole heart and soul have been with you and your brave
corps in your late battle. It was natural to hear of Longstreet and Hill
charging side by side, and pleasing to find the armies of the east and west
vying with each other in valor and devotion to their country. A complete and
glorious victory must ensue under such circumstances. I hope the result will
equal the beginning and General Bragg will be able to reoccupy Tennessee. I
grieve for the gallant dead and mourn for our brave Hood. The names of others
have reached me, but I hope the report of their fall may not prove true. Finish
the work before you, my dear general, and return to me. I want you badly and
you cannot get back too soon. Your departure was known to the enemy as soon as
it occurred. General Meade has been actively engaged collecting his forces and
is now up to the Rapidan. All his troops that were sent north have returned and
re-enforcements are daily arriving. His cavalry and engineers are constantly
reconnoitering, and a vigorous effort was made Monday and Tuesday to turn our
left. We are endeavoring to maintain a bold front, and shall endeavor to delay
them all we call till you return.
Present my sincere compliments and admiration to the
officers around you, and accept for yourself and command my ardent wishes for
the welfare and happiness of all.
Very truly, yours,
R. E. LEE,
General.
SOURCES: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the
Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 29,
Part 2 (Serial No. 49), p. 749; John William Jones, Life and
Letters of Robert Edward Lee: Soldier and Man, p. 294-5
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