HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF
NORTHERN VIRGINIA,
PETERSBURG, VA., August
4, 1864.
MR. PRESIDENT:
A scout reported that on Sunday, the 31st ultimo, a body of
cavalry estimated at two brigades moved toward the James River in the direction
of City Point, and this may be the force of cavalry which has been shipped
North. I fear that this force is intended to operate against General Early, and
when added to that already opposed to him may be more than he can manage. Their
object may be to drive him out of the Valley and complete the devastation they
commenced when they were ejected from it. General Grant's plan of operations
here appears to be to mine and bombard our lines with a view of driving us from
them, and as he is very strongly fortified he can operate with fewer troops and
enable him to detach a sufficient force for the purpose indicated. The largest
force which I can detach would be Kershaw's and Field's divisions and that
would leave not a man out of the trenches for any emergency which might arise.
If it is their intention to endeavor to overwhelm Early, I think it better to
detach troops than to hazard his destruction and that of our railroads, etc.,
north of Richmond, and therefore submit the question to the better judgment of
your Excellency.
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. 336-7
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