Resigns from Colonelcy of First United States Cavalry--Motives for this
step--Chosen to command Virginia forces--Anxiety about his wife, family,
and possessions--Chief advisor to President Davis--Battle of
Manassas--Military operations in West Virginia--Letter to State Governor
In February, 1861, after the secession of Texas, my father was ordered
to report to General Scott, the Commander-in-Chief of the United States
Army. He immediately relinquished the command of his regiment, and
departed from Fort Mason, Texas, for Washington. He reached Arlington
March 1st. April 17th, Virginia seceded. On the 18th Colonel Lee had
a long interview with General Scott. On April 20th he tendered his
resignation of his commission in the United States Army. The same day he
wrote to General Scott the following letter:
“Arlington, Virginia, April 20, 1861.
“General: Since my interview with you on the 18th inst. I have felt
that I ought no longer to retain my commission in the Army. I
therefore tender my resignation, which I request you will recommend for
acceptance. It would have been presented at once but for the struggle
it has cost me to separate myself from a service to which I have devoted
the best years of my life, and all the ability I possessed.
“During the whole of that time--more than a quarter of a century--I have
experienced nothing but kindness from my superiors and a most cordial
friendship from my comrades. To no one, General, have I been as much
indebted as to yourself for uniform kindness and consideration, and
it has always been my ardent desire to merit your approbation. I
shall carry tot he grave the most grateful recollections of your kind
consideration, and your name and fame shall always be dear to me.
“Save in the defense of my native State, I never desire again to draw my
sword.
“Be pleased to accept my most earnest wishes for the continuance of your
happiness and prosperity, and believe me most truly yours,
“(Signed)
“R. E. Lee”
His resignation was written the same day.
“Arlington, Washington City P.O., April 20, 1861.
“Honourable Simon Cameron, Secretary of War.
“Sir: I have the honour to tender the resignation of my command as
Colonel of the First Regiment of Cavalry.
“Very respectfully your obedient servant,
“R. E. Lee,
“Colonel First Cavalry.”
To show further his great feeling in thus having to leave the army with
which he had been associated for so long, I give two more letters,
one to his sister, Mrs. Anne Marshall, of Baltimore, the other to his
brother, Captain Sydney Smith Lee, of the United States Navy:
“Arlington, Virginia, April 20, 1861.
“My Dear Sister: I am grieved at my inability to see you.... I have been
waiting for a ‘more convenient season,’ which has brought to many before
me deep and lasting regret. Now we are in a state of war which will
yield to nothing. The whole South is in a state of revolution, into
which Virginia, after a long struggle, has been drawn; and though I
recognise no necessity for this state of things, and would have forborne
and pleaded to the end for redress of grievances, real or supposed, yet
in my own person I had to meet the question whether I should take part
against my native State.
“With all my devotion to the Union and the feeling of loyalty and duty
of an American citizen, I have not been able to make up my mind to raise
my hand against my relatives, my children, my home. I have therefore
resigned my commission in the Army, and save in defense of my native
State, with the sincere hope that my poor services may never be needed,
I hope I may never be called on to draw my sword. I know you will blame
me; but you must think as kindly of me as you can, and believe that I
have endeavoured to do what I thought right.
“To show you the feeling and struggle it has cost me, I send you a copy
of my letter of resignation. I have no time for more. May God guard and
protect you and yours, and shower upon you everlasting blessings, is the
prayer of your devoted brother, R. E. Lee.”
“Arlington, Virginia, April 20, 1860.
“My Dear Brother Smith: The question which was the subject of my earnest
consultation with you on the 18th inst. has in my own mind been decided.
After the most anxious inquiry as to the correct course for me to
pursue, I concluded to resign, and sent in my resignation this morning.
I wished to wait till the Ordinance of secession should be acted on by
the people of Virginia; but war seems to have commenced, and I am liable
at any time to be ordered on duty which I could not conscientiously
perform. To save me from such a position, and to prevent the necessity
of resigning under orders, I had to act at once, and before I could see
you again on the subject, as I had wished. I am now a private citizen,
and have no other ambition than to remain at home. Save in defense of my
native State, I have no desire ever again to draw my sword. I send you
my warmest love.
“Your affectionate brother,
“R. E. Lee.”
I will give here one of my father’s letters, written after the war, in
which is his account of his resignation from the United States Army:
“Lexington, Virginia, February 25, 1868.
“Honourable Reverdy Johnson,
“United States Senate, Washington, D. C.
“My Dear Sir: My attention has been called to the official report of the
debate in the Senate of the United States, on the 19th instant, in which
you did my the kindness to doubt the correctness of the statement made
by the Honourable Simon Cameron, in regard to myself. I desire that you
may feel certain of my conduct on the occasion referred to, so far as my
individual statement can make you. I never intimated to any one that
I desired the command of the United States Army; nor did I ever have a
conversation with but one gentleman, Mr. Francis Preston Blair, on
the subject, which was at his invitation, and, as I understood, at
the instance of President Lincoln. After listening to his remarks, I
declined the offer that he made me, to take command of the army that was
to be brought into the field; stating, as candidly and courteously as
I could, that, though opposed to secession and deprecating war, I could
take no part in an invasion of the Southern States. I went directly from
the interview with Mr. Blair to the office of General Scott; told him
of the proposition that had been made to me, and my decision. Upon
reflection after returning to my home, I concluded that I ought no
longer to retain the commission I held in the United States Army, and
on the second morning thereafter I forwarded my resignation to General
Scott. At the time, I hoped that peace would have been preserved; that
some way would have been found to save the country from the calamities
of war; and I then had no other intention than to pass the remainder of
my life as a private citizen. Two days afterward, upon the invitation
of the Governor of Virginia, I repaired to Richmond; found that the
Convention then in session had passed the ordinance withdrawing the
State from the Union; and accepted the commission of commander of its
forces, which was tendered me.
“These are the ample facts of the case, and they show that Mr. Cameron
has been misinformed.
“I am with great respect,
“Your obedient servant,
“R. E. Lee.”
My father reached Richmond April 22, 1861. The next day he was
introduced to the Virginia Convention, and offered by them the command
of the military forces of his State. In his reply to Mr. John Janney,
the President, who spoke for the Convention, he said:
“Mr. President and Gentlemen of the Convention: Deeply impressed
with the solemnity of the occasion on which I appear before you, and
profoundly grateful for the honour conferred upon me, I accept the
position your partiality has assigned me, though I would greatly have
preferred your choice should have fallen on one more capable.
“Trusting to Almighty God, an approving conscience, and the aid of my
fellow citizens, I will devote myself to the defense and service of my
native State, in whose behalf alone would I have ever drawn my sword.”
On April 26th, from Richmond, he wrote to his wife:
“...I am very anxious about you. You have to move and make arrangements
to go to some point of safety, which you must select. The Mount Vernon
plate and pictures ought to be secured. Keep quiet while you remain and
in your preparation. War is inevitable, and there is no telling when
it will burst around you. Virginia, yesterday, I understand, joined the
Confederate States. What policy they may adopt I cannot conjecture. May
God bless and preserve you, and have mercy upon all our people, is the
constant prayer of your affectionate husband,
“R. E. Lee.”
On April 30th:
“On going to my room last night I found my trunk and sword there, and
opening them this morning discovered the package of letters and was very
glad to learn you were all well and as yet peaceful. I fear the latter
state will not continue long.... I think therefore you had better
prepare all things for removal, that is, the plate, pictures, etc., and
be prepared at any moment. Where to go is the difficulty. When the war
commences no place will be exempt, in my opinion, and indeed all the
avenues into the State will be the scenes of military operations.
“There is no prospect or intention of the Government to propose a truce.
Do not be deceived by it.... May God preserve you all and bring peace to
our distracted country.”
Again to my mother at Arlington:
“Richmond, May 2, 1861.
“My dear Mary: I received last night your letter of the 1st, with
contents. It gave me great pleasure to learn that you are all well
and in peace. You know how pleased I should be to have you and my dear
daughters with me. That I fear can not be. There is no place that I can
expect to be but in the field, and there is no rest for me to look
to, but I want you to be in a place of safety.... We have only to
be resigned to God’s will and pleasure, and do all we can for our
protection.... I have just received Custis’s letter of the 30th,
inclosing the acceptance of my resignation. It is stated that it will
take effect April 25th. I resigned on the 20th, and wished it to take
effect that day. I cannot consent to its running on further, and he
must receive no pay, if they tender it, beyond that day, but return the
whole, if need be....”
From another letter to my mother, dated May 8th:
“...I grieve at the necessity that drives you from your home. I can
appreciate your feelings on the occasion, and pray that you may receive
comfort and strength in the difficulties that surround you. When I
reflect upon the calamity impending over the country, my own sorrows
sink into insignificance.... Be content and resigned to God’s will. I
shall be able to write seldom. Write to me, as you letters will be my
greatest comfort. I send a check for $500; it is all I have in bank. Pay
the children’s school expenses....”
To my mother, still at Arlington:
“Richmond, May 11, 1861.
“I have received your letter of the 9th from Arlington. I had supposed
you were at Ravensworth.... I am glad to hear that you are at peace,
and enjoying the sweet weather and beautiful flowers. You had better
complete your arrangements and retire further from the scene of war. It
may burst upon you at any time. It is sad to think of the devastation,
if not ruin, it may bring upon a spot so endeared to us. But God’s
will be done. We must be resigned. May He guard and keep you all, is my
constant prayer.”
All this time my father was very hard at work organising and equipping
the volunteers who were pouring into Richmond from the Southern States,
but he was in constant correspondence with my mother, helping her all he
could in her arrangements for leaving her home. His letters show that he
thought of everything, even the least, and he gave the most particular
directions about his family, their effects, the servants, the horses,
the farm, pictures, plate, and furniture. Being called to Norfolk
suddenly, before going he wrote to my mother:
“Richmond, May 16, 1861.
“My Dear Mary: I am called down to Norfolk and leave this afternoon. I
expect to return Friday, but may be delayed. I write to advise you of my
absence, in case you should not receive answers to any letters that
may arrive. I have not heard from you since I last wrote; nor have I
anything to relate. I heard from my dear little Rob, who had an
attack of chills and fever. He hoped to escape the next paroxysm.... I
witnessed the opening of the convention [The Episcopal Convention of
the Diocese of Virginia] yesterday, and heard the good Bishop’s [Bishop
Meade, of Virginia] sermon, being the 50th anniversary of his ministry.
It was a most impressive scene, and more than once I felt the tears
coming down my cheek. It was from the text, ‘and Pharoh said unto Jacob,
how old art thou?’ It was full of humility and self-reproach. I saw
Mr. Walker, Bishop Johns, Bishop Atkinson, etc. I have not been able
to attend any other services, and presume the session will not be
prolonged. I suppose it may be considered a small attendance. Should
Custis arrive during my absence, I will leave word for him to take my
room at the Spotswood till my return. Smith [His brother, S. S. Lee, C.
S. N.] is well and enjoys a ride in the afternoon with Mrs. Stannard.
The charming women, you know, always find him out. Give much love to
Cousin Anna, Nannie, and dear daughters. When Rob leaves the University
take him with you.
“Truly and affectionately, R. E. Lee.”
By this time my mother and all the family had left Arlington. My
brother, Custis, had joined my father in Richmond, the girls had gone to
Fauquier county, to visit relatives, and my mother to Ravensworth, about
ten miles from Arlington towards Fairfax Court House, where her aunt,
Mrs. A. M. Fitzhugh, lived. Always considerate of the happiness
and comfort of others, my father feared that his wife’s presence at
Ravensworth might possibly bring annoyance to “Cousin Anna,” as he
called our aunt, and he wrote to my mother, urging her not to remain
there. He sympathised with her in having to leave her home, which she
never saw again.
“Richmond, May 25, 1861.
“I have been trying, dearest Mary, ever since the receipt of your letter
by Custis, to write to you. I sympathise deeply in your feelings at
leaving your dear home. I have experienced them myself, and they are
constantly revived. I fear we have not been grateful enough for the
happiness there within our reach, and our Heavenly Father has found
it necessary to deprive us of what He has given us. I acknowledge my
ingratitude, my transgressions, and my unworthiness, and submit with
resignation to what he thinks proper to inflict upon me. We must trust
all then to him, and I do not think it prudent or right for you to
return there, while the United States troops occupy that country. I have
gone over all this ground before, and have just written Cousin Anna on
the subject.
“While writing, I received a telegram from Cousin John Goldsborough [a
cousin of Mrs. Fitzhugh], urging your departure ‘South.’ I suppose he is
impressed with the risk of your present position, and in addition to the
possibility, or probability, of personal annoyance to yourself, I fear
your presence may provoke annoyance in Cousin Anna. But unless Cousin
Anna goes with you, I shall be distressed about her being there alone.
If the girls went to ‘Kinloch’ or ‘Eastern View,’ you and Cousin Anna
might take care of yourselves, because you could get in the carriage and
go off in an emergency. But I really am afraid that you may prove more
harm than comfort to her. Mr. Wm. C. Rives has just been in to say that
if you and Cousin Anna will go to his house, he will be very glad for
you to stay as long as you please. That his son has a commodious house
just opposite his, unoccupied, partially furnished; that you could, if
you prefer, take that, bring up servants and what you desire, and remain
there as independent as at home.... I must now leave the matter to you,
and pray that God may guard you. I have no time for more. I know and
feel the discomfort of your position, but it cannot be helped, and we
must bear our trials like Christians.... If you and Cousin Anna choose
to come here, you know how happy we shall be to see you. I shall take
the field as soon now as I can....
“Ever yours truly and devotedly,
“R. E. Lee”
Three days later he was at Manassas, only a short distance from
Ravensworth, and he sent her this short note:
“Manassas, May 28, 1861.
“I reached here, dearest Mary, this afternoon. I am very much occupied
in examining matters, and have to go out to look over the ground. Cousin
John tempts me strongly to go down, but I never visit for many reasons.
If for no other, to prevent compromising the house, for my visit would
certainly be known.
“I have written to you fully and to Cousin Anna. I am decidedly of the
opinion that it would be better for you to leave, on your account and
Cousin Anna’s. My only objection is the leaving of Cousin Anna alone,
if she will not go with you. If you prefer Richmond, go with Nannie.
Otherwise, go to the upper country, as John indicates. I fear I cannot
be with you anywhere. I do not think Richmond will be permanent.
“Truly, R.”
I may as well say here, that “Cousin Anna” never did leave “Ravensworth”
during the war. She remained there, with only a few faithful servants,
and managed to escape any serious molestation. “Nannie” was Mrs. S. S.
Lee, who shortly after this time went to Richmond.
On May 25th, my father was transferred, with all the Virginia troops, to
the Confederate States Army. He ceased to be a Major-General, and
became a Brigadier. No higher rank having been created as yet in the
Confederate service. Later, when the rank was created, he was made a
full general.
By the end of May, to quote from General Long,
“Lee had organised, equipped, and sent to the field more than thirty
thousand men, and various regiments were in a forward state of
preparation.”
When the Confederate government moved from Montgomery to Richmond, and
President Davis took charge of all military movements, my father was
kept near him as his constant and trusted adviser. His experience as
an engineer was of great service to the young Confederacy, and he was
called upon often for advice for the location of batteries and troops on
our different defensive lines. In a letter to my mother he speaks of one
of these trips to the waters east of Richmond.
“Richmond, June 9, 1861.
“...I have just returned from a visit to the batteries and troops on
James and York rivers, etc., where I was some days. I called a few hours
at the White House. Saw Charlotte and Annie. Fitzhugh was away, but got
out of the cars as I got in. Our little boy looked very sweet and seemed
glad to kiss me good-bye. Charlotte said she was going to prepare to
leave for the summer, but had not determined where to go. I could only
see some of the servants about the house and the stables. They were all
well.... You may be aware that the Confederate Government is established
here. Yesterday I turned over to it the command of the military and
naval forces of the State, in accordance with the proclamation of the
Government and the agreement between the State and the Confederate
States. I do not know what my position will be. I should like to retire
to private life, if I could be with you and the children, but if I can
be of any service to the State or her cause I must continue. Mr. Davis
and all his Cabinet are here.... Good-bye. Give much love to kind
friends. May God guard and bless you, them, and our suffering country,
and enable me to perform my duty. I think of you constantly. Write me
what you will do. Direct here.
“Always yours,
“R. E. Lee.”
To my mother, who was now in Fauquier County, staying at “Kinloch,” Mr.
Edward Turner’s home, he writes on June 24th, from Richmond:
“...Your future arrangements are the source of much anxiety to me. No
one can say what is in the future, nor is it wise to anticipate evil.
But it is well to prepare for what may reasonably happen and be provided
for the worst. There is no saying when you can return to your home or
what may be its condition when you do return. What, then, can you do in
the meantime? To remain with friends may be incumbent, and where can you
go?... My movements are very uncertain, and I wish to take the field as
soon as certain arrangements can be made. I may go at any moment, and
to any point where it may be necessary.... Many of our old friends are
dropping in. E. P. Alexander is here, Jimmy Hill, Alston, Jenifer, etc.,
and I hear that my old colonel, A. S. Johnston, is crossing the plains
from California....
“As ever, R. E. Lee.”
I again quote from a letter to my mother, dated Richmond, July 12, 1861:
“...I am very anxious to get into the field, but am detained by matters
beyond my control. I have never heard of the appointment, to which you
allude, of Commander-in-Chief of the Confederate States Army, nor have
I any expectation or wish for it. President Davis holds that position.
Since the transfer of the military operations in Virginia to the
authorities of the Confederate States, I have only occupied the position
of a general in that service, with the duties devolved on me by the
President. I have been labouring to prepare and get into the field the
Virginia troops, and to strengthen, by those from the other States, the
threatened commands of Johnston, Beauregard, Huger, Garnett, etc. Where
I shall go I do not know, as that will depend upon President Davis. As
usual in getting through with a thing, I have broken down a little and
had to take my bed last evening, but am at my office this morning and
hope will soon be right again.... My young friend Mr. Vest has just
returned from a search in the city for ‘Dixie,’ and says he has visited
every place in Richmond without finding it. I suppose it is exhausted.
Always yours,
“R. E. Lee.”
“The booksellers say ‘Dixie’ is not to be had in Virginia. R. E. L.”
On July 21st occurred the battle of Manassas. In a letter to my mother
written on the 27th, my father says:
“...That indeed was a glorious victory and has lightened the pressure
upon our front amazingly. Do not grieve for the brave dead. Sorrow for
those they left behind--friends, relatives, and families. The former are
at rest. The latter must suffer. The battle will be repeated there in
greater force. I hope God will again smile on us and strengthen our
hearts and arms. I wished to partake in the former struggle, and am
mortified at my absence, but the President thought it more important I
should be here. I could not have done as well as has been done, but
I could have helped, and taken part in the struggle for my home and
neighbourhood. So the work is done I care not by whom it is done. I
leave to-morrow for the Northwest Army. I wished to go before, as I
wrote you, and was all prepared, but the indications were so evident of
the coming battle, and in the uncertainty of the result, the President
forbade my departure. Now it is necessary and he consents. I cannot say
for how long, but will write you.... I inclose you a letter from Markie
[Miss Martha Custis Williams--second cousin of my mother, afterward Mrs.
Admiral Carter, U.S.N.]. Write to her if you can and thank her for her
letter to me. I have not time. My whole time is occupied, and all my
thoughts and strength are given to the cause to which my life, be it
long or short, will be devoted. Tell her not to mind the reports she
sees in the papers. They are made to injure and occasion distrust. Those
that know me will not believe them. Those that do not will not care for
them. I laugh at them. Give love to all, and for yourself accept the
constant prayers and love of truly yours,
“R. E. Lee.”
It was thought best at this time to send General Lee to take command
of military operations in West Virginia. The ordinary difficulties of
a campaign in this country of mountains and bad roads were greatly
increased by incessant rains, sickness of all kinds amongst the new
troops, and the hostility of many of the inhabitants of the Southern
cause. My father’s letters, which I will give here, tell of his trials
and troubles, and describe at the same time the beauty of the scenery
and some of the military movements.
About August 1st he started for his new command, and he writes to my
mother on his arrival at Huntersville, Pocahontas County, now West
Virginia:
“Huntersville, August 4, 1861.
“I reached here yesterday, dearest Mary, to visit this portion of the
army. The day after my arrival at Staunton, I set off for Monterey,
where the army of General Garnett’s command is stationed. Two regiments
and a field-battery occupy the Alleghany Mountains in advance, about
thirty miles, and this division guards the road to Staunton. The
division here guards the road leading to the Warm Springs to Milboro and
Covington. Two regiments are advanced about twenty-eight miles to Middle
Mountain. Fitzhugh [Major W. H. F. Lee--General Lee’s second son] with
his squadron is between that point and this. I have not seen him. I
understand he is well. South of here again is another column of our
enemies, making their way up the Kanawha Valley, and, from General
Wise’s report, are not far from Lewisburgh. Their object seems to be to
get possession of the Virginia Central Railroad and the Virginia and
Tennessee Railroad. By the first they can approach Richmond; by the last
interrupt our reinforcements from the South. The points from which we
can be attacked are numerous, and their means are unlimited. So we must
always be on the alert. My uneasiness on these points brought me out
here. It is so difficult to get our people, unaccustomed to the
necessities of war, to comprehend and promptly execute the measures
required for the occasion. General Jackson of Georgia commands on the
Monterey line, General Loring on this line, and General Wise, supported
by General Floyd, on the Kanawha line. The soldiers everywhere are sick.
The measles are prevalent throughout the whole army, and you know that
disease leaves unpleasant results, attacks on the lungs, typhoid, etc.,
especially in camp, where accommodations for the sick are poor. I
travelled from Staunton on horseback. A part of the road, as far as
Buffalo Gap, I passed over in the summer of 1840, on my return to St.
Louis, after bringing you home. If any one had then told me that the
next time I travelled that road would have been on my present errand, I
should have supposed him insane. I enjoyed the mountains, as I rode
along. The views are magnificent--the valleys so beautiful, the scenery
so peaceful. What a glorious world Almighty God has given us. How
thankless and ungrateful we are, and how we labour to mar his gifts. I
hope you received my letters from Richmond. Give love to daughter and
Mildred. I did not see Rob as I passed through Charlottesville. He was
at the University and I could not stop.”
A few days later there is another letter:
“Camp at Valley Mountain, August 9, 1861.
“I have been here, dear Mary, three days, coming from Monterey to
Huntersville and thence here. We are on the dividing ridge looking north
down the Tygart’s river valley, whose waters flow into the Monongahela
and South towards the Elk River and Greenbriar, flowing into the
Kanawha. In the valley north of us lie Huttonsville and Beverly,
occupied by our invaders, and the Rich Mountains west, the scene of our
former disaster, and the Cheat Mountains east, their present stronghold,
are in full view.
“The mountains are beautiful, fertile to the tops, covered with the
richest sward of bluegrass and white clover, the inclosed fields
waving with the natural growth of timothy. The inhabitants are few and
population sparse. This is a magnificent grazing country, and all it
needs is labour to clear the mountain-sides of its great growth of
timber. There surely is no lack of moisture at this time. It has rained,
I believe, some portion of every day since I left Staunton. Now it
is pouring, and the wind, having veered around to every point of the
compass, has settled down to the northeast. What that portends in these
regions I do not know. Colonel Washington [John Augustin Washington,
great-nephew of General Washington, and Mt. Vernon’s last owner bearing
that name], Captain Taylor, and myself are in one tent, which as yet
protects us. I have enjoyed the company of Fitzhugh since I have been
here. He is very well and very active, and as yet the war has not
reduced him much. He dined with me yesterday and preserves his fine
appetite. To-day he is out reconnoitering and has the full benefit of
this rain. I fear he is without his overcoat, as I do not recollect
seeing it on his saddle. I told you he had been promoted to a major in
cavalry, and is the commanding cavalry officer on this line at present.
He is as sanguine, cheerful, and hearty as ever. I sent him some
corn-meal this morning and he sent me some butter--a mutual interchange
of good things. There are but few of your acquaintances in this army.
I find here in the ranks of one company Henry Tiffany. The company is
composed principally of Baltimoreans--George Lemmon and Douglas Mercer
are in it. It is a very fine company, well drilled and well instructed.
I find that our friend, J. J. Reynolds, of West Point memory, is
in command of the troops immediately in front of us. He is a
brigadier-general. You may recollect him as the Assistant Professor
of Philosophy, and lived in the cottage beyond the west gate, with
his little, pale-faced wife, a great friend of Lawrence and Markie. He
resigned on being relieved from West Point, and was made professor of
some college in the West. Fitzhugh was the bearer of a flag the other
day, and he recognised him. He was very polite and made inquiries of us
all. I am told they feel very safe and are very confident of success.
Their numbers are said to be large, ranging from 12,000 to 30,000, but
it is impossible for me to get correct information either as to their
strength or position. Our citizens beyond this are all on their side.
Our movements seem to be rapidly communicated to them, while theirs come
to us slowly and indistinctly. I have two regiments here, with others
coming up. I think we shall shut up this road to the Central Railroad
which they strongly threaten. Our supplies come up slowly. We have
plenty of beef and can get some bread. I hope you are well and are
content. I have heard nothing of you or the children since I left
Richmond. You must write there.... The men are suffering from the
measles, etc., as elsewhere, but are cheerful and light-hearted. The
atmosphere, when it is not raining, is delightful. You must give much
love to daughter and ‘Life’ [Pet names for his two daughters, Mary and
Mildred]. I want to see you all very much, but I know not when that
can be. May God guard and protect you all. In Him alone is our hope.
Remember me to Ned [M. Edward Carter Turner, of Kinloch, my father’s
cousin] and all at ‘Kinloch’ and Avenel [The house of the Berbeleys, in
Fauquier County]. Send word to Miss Lou Washington [Eldest daughter
of John Augustin Washington] that her father is sitting on his blanket
sewing the strap on his haversack. I think she out to be here to do it.
Always yours,
“R. E. Lee.”
In a letter to his two daughters who were in Richmond, he writes:
“Valley Mountain, August 29, 1861.
“My Precious Daughters: I have just received your letters of the 24th
and am rejoiced to hear that you are well and enjoying the company of
your friends.... It rains here all the time, literally. There has not
been sunshine enough since my arrival to dry my clothes. Perry [his
servant--had been in the dining-room at Arlington] is my washerman, and
socks and towels suffer. But the worst of the rain is that the ground
has become so saturated with water that the constant travel on the roads
has made them almost impassable, so that I cannot get up sufficient
supplies for the troops to move. It is raining now. Has been all day,
last night, day before, and day before that, etc., etc. But we must be
patient. It is quite cool, too. I have on all my winter clothes and am
writing in my overcoat. All the clouds seem to concentrate over this
ridge of mountains, and by whatever wind they are driven, give us rain.
The mountains are magnificent. The sugar-maples are beginning to turn
already, and the grass is luxuriant.
“‘Richmond’ [His horse] has not been accustomed to such fare or such
treatment. But he gets along tolerably, complains some, and has not much
superfluous flesh. There has been much sickness among the men--measles,
etc.--and the weather has been unfavourable. I hope their attacks are
nearly over, and that they will come out with the sun. Our party has
kept well.... Although we may be too weak to break through the lines, I
feel well satisfied that the enemy cannot at present reach Richmond by
either of these routes, leading to Staunton, Milborough or Covington.
He must find some other way.... God Bless you, my children, and preserve
you from all harm is the constant prayer of
“Your devoted father,
“R. E. Lee.”
On account of rheumatism, my mother was anxious to go to the Hot
Springs in Bath County. She was now staying at “Audley,” Clarke County,
Virginia, with Mrs. Lorenzo Lewis, who had just sent her six sons into
the army. Bath County was not very far from the seat of war in western
Virginia, and my father was asked as to the safety of the Hot Springs
from occupation by the enemy. He writes as follows to my mother:
“Valley Mountain, September 1, 1861.
“I have received, dearest Mary, your letter of August 18th from Audley,
and am very glad to get news of your whereabouts.... I am very glad you
are enabled to see so many of your friends. I hope you have found all
well in your tour, and am very glad that our cousin Esther bears the
separation from all her sons so bravely. I have no doubt they will
do good service in our Southern cause, and wish they could be placed
according to their fancies.... I fear you have postponed your visit
to the Hot too late. It must be quite cold there now, judging from the
temperature here, and it has been raining in these mountains since July
24th.... I see Fitzhugh quite often, though he is encamped four miles
from me. He is very well and not at all harmed by the campaign.
“We have a great deal of sickness among the soldiers, and now those
on the sick-list would form an army. The measles is still among them,
though I hope it is dying out. But it is a disease which though light
in childhood is severe in manhood, and prepares the system for other
attacks. The constant cold rains, with no shelter but tents, have
aggravated it. All these drawbacks, with impassable roads, have
paralysed our efforts. Still I think you will be safe at the Hot, for
the present. We are right up to the enemy on three lines, and in the
Kanawha he has been pushed beyond the Gauley.... My poor little Rob I
never hear from scarcely. He is busy, I suppose, and knows not where to
direct....
“With much affection,
“R. E. Lee.”
From the same camp, to my mother, on September 9th:
“...I hope from the tone of your letter that you feel better, and wish I
could see you and be with you. I trust we may meet this fall somewhere,
if only for a little time. I have written to Robert telling him if,
after considering what I have previously said to him on the subject of
his joining the company he desires under Major Ross, he still thinks it
best for him to do so, I will not withhold my consent. It seems he will
be eighteen; I thought seventeen. I am unable to judge for him and he
must decide for himself. In reply to a recent letter from him to me on
the same subject, I said to him all I could. I pray God to bring him
to the right conclusion.... For military news, I must refer you to the
papers. You will see there more than ever occurs, and what does occur
the relation must be taken with some allowance. Do not believe anything
you see about me. There has been no battle, only skirmishing with
the outposts, and nothing done of any moment. The weather is still
unfavourable to us. The roads, or rather tracks of mud, are almost
impassable and the number of sick large....
“Truly and devotedly yours,
“R. E. Lee.”
My mother was at the Hot Springs--I had taken her there and was with
her. I don’t now remember why, but it was decided that I should return
to the University of Virginia, which opened October 1st, and continue my
course there. While at the Springs my mother received this letter from
my father:
“Valley Mount, September 17, 1861.
“I received, dear Mary, your letter of the 5th by Beverly Turner [A son
of Mr. Edward Turner, of ‘Kinloch’], who is a nice young soldier. I am
pained to see find young men like him, of education and standing, from
all the old and respectable families in the State, serving in the
ranks. I hope in time they will receive their reward. I met him as I was
returning from an expedition to the enemy’s works, which I had hoped to
have surprised on the morning of the 12th, both at Cheat Mountain and
on Valley River. All the attacking parties with great labour had reached
their destination, over mountains considered impassable to bodies of
troops, notwithstanding a heavy storm that set in the day before and
raged all night, in which they had to stand up till daylight. Their arms
were then unserviceable, and they in poor condition for a fierce assault
against artillery and superior numbers. After waiting till 10 o’clock
for the assault on Cheat Mountain, which did not take place, and which
was to have been the signal for the rest, they were withdrawn, and,
after waiting three days in front of the enemy, hoping he would come out
of his trenches, we returned to our position at this place. I can not
tell you my regret and mortification at the untoward events that caused
the failure of the plan. I had taken every precaution to ensure success
and counted on it, but the Ruler of the Universe willed otherwise and
sent a storm to disconcert a well-laid plan, and to destroy my hopes.
We are no worse off now than before, except the disclosure of our plan,
against which they will guard. We met with one heavy loss which grieves
me deeply: Colonel Washington accompanied Fitzhugh on a reconnoitering
expedition, and I fear they were carried away by their zeal and
approached the enemy’s pickets. The first they knew was a volley from a
concealed party within a few yards of them. Their balls passed through
the Colonel’s body, then struck Fitzhugh’s horse, and the horse of one
of the men was killed. Fitzhugh mounted the Colonel’s horse and brought
him off. I am much grieved. He was always anxious to go on these
expeditions. This was the first day I assented. Since I had been thrown
into such intimate relations with him, I had learned to appreciate him
very highly. Morning and evening have I seen him on his knees praying to
his Maker.
“‘The righteous perisheth and no man layeth it to heart, and merciful
men are taken away, none considering that the righteous is taken away
from the evil to come.’ May God have mercy on us all! I suppose you are
at the Hot Springs and will direct to you there. Our poor sick, I know,
suffer much. They bring it on themselves by not doing what they are
told. They are worse than children, for the latter can be forced....
“Truly yours,
“R. E. Lee.”
On the same day he wrote the Governor of Virginia:
“Valley Mountain, September 17, 1861.
“My Dear Governor: I received your very kind note of the 5th instant,
just as I was about to accompany General Loring’s command on an
expedition to the enemy’s works in front, or I would have before thanked
you for the interest you take in my welfare, and your too flattering
expressions of my ability. Indeed, you overrate me much, and I feel
humbled when I weigh myself by your standard. I am, however, very
grateful for your confidence, and I can answer for my sincerity in the
earnest endeavour I make to advance the cause I have so much at heart,
though conscious of the slow progress I make. I was very sanguine of
taking the enemy’s works on last Thursday morning. I had considered the
subject well. With great effort the troops intended for the surprise
had reached their destination, having traversed twenty miles of steep,
rugged mountain paths; and the last day through a terrible storm, which
lasted all night, and in which they had to stand drenched to the skin in
cold rain. Still, their spirits were good. When morning broke, I could
see the enemy’s tents on Valley River, at the point on the Huttonsville
road just below me. It was a tempting sight. We waited for the attack on
Cheat Mountain, which was to be the signal. Till 10 A. M. the men were
cleaning their unserviceable arms. But the signal did not come. All
chance for a surprise was gone. The provisions of the men had been
destroyed the preceding day by the storm. They had nothing to eat
that morning, could not hold out another day, and were obliged to be
withdrawn. The party sent to Cheat Mountain to take that in rear had
also to be withdrawn. The attack to come off the east side failed from
the difficulties in the way; the opportunity was lost, and our plan
discovered. It is a grievous disappointment to me, I assure you, but for
the rain-storm, I have no doubt it would have succeeded. This, Governor,
is for your own eye. Please do not speak of it; we must try again. Our
greatest loss is the death of my dear friend, Colonel Washington. He and
my son were reconnoitering the front of the enemy. They came unawares
upon a concealed party, who fired upon them within twenty yards, and
the Colonel fell pierced by three balls. My son’s horse received three
shots, but he escaped on the Colonel’s horse. His zeal for the cause to
which he had devoted himself carried him, I fear, too far. We took some
seventy prisoners, and killed some twenty-five or thirty of the
enemy. Our loss was small besides what I have mentioned. Our greatest
difficulty is the roads. It has been raining in these mountains about
six weeks. It is impossible to get along. It is that which has paralysed
all our efforts. With sincere thanks for your good wishes,
“I am very truly yours,
“R. E. Lee.
“His Excellency, Governor John Letcher.”