HEADQUARTERS,
PETERSBURG, February 22, 1865.
HON. J. C. BRECKINRIDGE,
Sec. of War, Richmond, Va.
SIR: I have just received your letter of the 21st. I concur
fully as to the necessity of defeating Sherman. I hope that General Beauregard
will get his troops in hand at least before he can cross the Roanoke. If any
additions can be given him, it cannot be south of that stream. The troops in
the Valley are scattered for subsistence, nor can they be concentrated for the
want of it. The infantry force is very small. At the commencement of winter I
think it was reported under 1,800. That in western Virginia you know more about
than I do, and there are only two regiments in western North Carolina. These
united would be of some assistance. At the rate that Beauregard supposes
Sherman will march, they could not be collected at Greensboro in time, still, I
hope to make some use of them. But you may expect Sheridan to move up the
Valley and Stoneman from Knoxville as Sherman draws near Roanoke. What, then,
will become of those sections of country? I know of no other troops that could
be given to Beauregard. Bragg will be forced back by Schofield, I fear, and
until I abandon James River nothing can be sent from this army.
Grant, I think, is now preparing to draw out by his left
with the intent of enveloping me. He may wait till his other columns approach
nearer, or he may be preparing to anticipate my withdrawal. I cannot tell yet.
I am endeavoring to collect supplies convenient to Burkeville. Everything of
value should be removed from Richmond. It is of the first importance to save
all powder. The cavalry and artillery of
the army are still scattered for want of provender, and our supply and
ammunition trains, which ought to be with the army in case of a sudden
movement, are absent collecting provisions and forage, some in western Virginia
and some in North Carolina. You will see to what straits we are reduced. But I
trust to work out.
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. 356-7
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