HEADQUARTERS, January
2, 1864.
HIS EXCELLENCY JEFFERSON DAVIS,
President Confederate States, Richmond.
MR. PRESIDENT: The time is at hand when, if an attempt can
be made to capture the enemy's forces at New Berne, it should be done. I can
now spare troops for the purpose which will not be the case as spring approaches.
If I have been correctly informed, a brigade from this army with Barton's
brigade, Pickett's division, now near Kinston, will be sufficient if the attack
can be secretly and suddenly made. New Berne is defended on the land side by a
line of intrenchments from the Neuse to the Trent. A redoubt near the Trent
protects that flank while three or four gunboats are relied upon to defend the
flanks on the Neuse. The garrison has been so long unmolested and experiences
such a feeling of security that it is represented as careless. The gunboats are
small and indifferent, and do not keep up a head of steam. A bold party could
descend the Neuse in boats at night, capture the gunboats, and drive the enemy
by their aid from the works on that side of the river, while a force should
attack them in front. A large amount of provisions and other supplies are said
to be at New Berne, which are much wanted for this army, besides much that is
reported in the country that will thus be made accessible to us. The gunboats,
aided by the ironclads building on the Neuse and Roanoke, would clear the
waters of the enemy and capture their transports, which could be used for
transportation. I have not heard what progress is making in the completion of
the ironclads or when they will be ready for service. A bold naval officer will
be required for the boat expedition, with suitable men and officers to man the
boats and serve the gunboats when captured. Can they be had?
I have sent General Early with two brigades of infantry and
two of cavalry under Fitz Lee to Hardy and Hampshire counties, to endeavor to
get out some cattle that are reported within the enemy's lines. But the weather
has been so unfavorable that I fear he will not meet with much success. The
heavy rain-storms will swell all the streams beyond fording and the cold
weather and snow in the mountains will present other obstacles. Many of the
infantry are without shoes and the cavalry worn down by their pursuit of
Averell. We are now issuing to the troops a fourth of a pound of salt meat, and
have only three days' supply at that rate. Two droves of cattle from the West
that were reported to be for this army have, I am told, been directed to
Richmond. I can learn of no supply of meat on the road to the army, and fear I
shall be unable to retain it in the field. I am, with great respect, your
obedient servant,
R. E. LEE,
General.
SOURCE: John William Jones, Life and Letters of
Robert Edward Lee: Soldier and Man, p. 319-20
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