CAMP, 24th July, 1864.
My Dear Son:
I have received your letter of the 20th. Colonel Carter's
report of his operations was very satisfactory, as far as they went, but they
are not sufficient to arrest the navigation of the river. Nothing less, in my
opinion, will produce the result desired.
I have written to General Ewell on the subject, and I wish
if in your power you would help him to a conclusion. I sent yesterday General
Kershaw's division to Chaffin's, which I can ill spare, and which I fear I
shall be obliged soon to recall. General Early telegraphs that the Sixth and
Nineteenth Corps, he learned on the 23d, were moving back through Leesburg
toward Alexandria.
I presume it is for the purpose of returning to Grant, when
I shall require all the troops I can get. If anything can therefore be done, it
must be done quickly. I directed General Kershaw to take command of the
brigades under Conner, examine the enemy's position at Dutch bottom, and see
what could be done.
I have not heard from him yet. The Sixtieth Alabama has been
returned to Gracie's brigade, and B. R. Johnson's old brigade has been sent in
its place. The latter seemed much worn down, and I was in hopes a little relief
would bring it up. General Gary does not seem yet to have his cavalry well in
hand, and perhaps on its present duties it is impossible to give it that
instruction and discipline it requires.
But until he does get it in that condition, it will never
possess steadiness or reliability. Where are we to get sufficient troops to
oppose Grant? He is bringing to him now the Nineteenth Corps, and will bring
every man he can get. His talent and strategy consists in accumulating
overwhelming numbers. I see it stated in the papers that the enemy has
abandoned the Trans-Miss, country. Is it so? They must be very weak, and unless
Kirby Smith can operate to advantage in Missouri he had better cross to this side.
There must be few troops in Canby's department, now that the Nineteenth Corps
has been withdrawn. I received the package of clothes. They are very nice, and
suit admirably. They are so much admired that I fear I shall have many
applicants for their loan from the beaux. I saw F. and Rob yesterday. Both
well. Please send the accompanying letter to your mother if you can. I am glad
to learn she is improving.
Your devoted father,
R. E. LEE.
GEN. G. W. CUSTIS LEE.
SOURCE: John William Jones, Life and Letters of
Robert Edward Lee: Soldier and Man, p. 306-7
