Chapter XLIX: Appendix (1)

LETTERS OF GENERAL ROBERT E. LEE AND GENERAL LONGSTREET.

I.

_Lee to Anderson on Conduct of the First Corps._

August 26, 1864.

LIEUTENANT-GENERAL R. H. ANDERSON,
_Commanding Longstreet's Corps_:

GENERAL,--I take great pleasure in presenting to you my congratulations upon the conduct of the men of your corps. I believe that they will carry anything they are put against. We tried very hard to stop Pickett's men from capturing the breastworks of the enemy, but could not do it. I hope his loss has been small.

I am, with respect, your obedient servant,
R. E. LEE,
_General_.

II.

_Lee to Longstreet congratulating him on his Convalescence and anticipating Return._

CAMP PETERSBURG, August 29, 1864.

GENERAL J. LONGSTREET:

MY DEAR GENERAL,--I received yesterday your letter of the 23d, and am much gratified at your improvement. You will soon be as well as ever, and we shall all be rejoiced at your return. You must not, however, become impatient at the gradual progress you must necessarily make, but be content with the steady advance you are making to health and strength. Your progress will be the more certain and your recovery more confirmed. Do not let Sherman capture you, and I will endeavor to hold Grant till you come. I am glad to hear such good accounts of my little namesake. Good lungs are a great blessing, and nothing expands them better than a full, hearty yell. I hope Mrs. Longstreet is well, and that she is enjoying the good peaches and melons of Georgia. We have but little enjoyment here. Our enemy is very cautious, and he has become so proficient in intrenching that he seems to march with a system already prepared. He threatens dreadful things every day, but, thank God, he has not expunged us yet.

All your army friends inquire for you anxiously, and will be delighted to hear of your improvement. We shall not object to your chirography, so you must practise it often, and let me hear of your progress and well-doing. Please present my kindest regards to Mrs. Longstreet, and love to my namesake. The gentlemen of my staff are very grateful for your remembrance, and unite with me in sincere wishes for your welfare and happiness. I am sure the rest of this army would join did they know of the opportunity.

With great regard, very truly yours,
R. E. LEE.

III.

_Longstreet to Lee._

HEAD-QUARTERS ARMY CORPS,
November 24, 1864.

GENERAL R. E. LEE,
_Commanding_:

GENERAL,--From the report of scouts received yesterday, it seems that the Tenth Corps is still on this side, or if it went over to the south side, has returned. The information, too, seems to indicate the arrival of the Sixth Corps from the Valley.

Under these circumstances it will be necessary for me to force the enemy to develop the extent of his move on this side before taking any more of my troops to the south side. This I shall do, of course, as rapidly as possible. I am going to have the roads leading from White Oak Swamp to the Williamsburg road well broken up with subsoil ploughs. I think that the enemy will then have to build a corduroy there as he moves. He surely will, if I can have a good gentle rain after the roads are thoroughly ploughed. Can't you apply this idea to advantage on your side on the roads that General Grant will be obliged to travel if he goes to Burkeville? I don't know, however, but that it would be better for us to go to Burkeville and block the roads behind him. If the roads that General Sherman must travel to get to Charleston or Savannah can be thoroughly ploughed and the trees felled over them, I think that General Sherman will not be able to get to his destination in fifty days, as the Northern papers expect; and it is not thought to be possible that he can collect more than fifty days' rations before reaching the coast. If the parties are properly organized, I think that they might destroy or injure all of the roads so as to break down General Sherman's animals, and result in the capture of most of his forces.

I remain, very respectfully, yours most obediently,
J. LONGSTREET,
_Lieutenant-General_.

IV.

_Longstreet to Lee on Impressment of Gold and Measures for Final Campaign._

[Confidential.]

HEAD-QUARTERS, February 14, 1865.

GENERAL R. E. LEE,
_Commanding_:

GENERAL,--Recent developments of the enemy's designs seem to indicate an early concentration of his armies against Richmond. This, of course, would involve a like concentration on our part, or the abandonment of our capital. The latter emergency would, I think, be almost fatal,--probably quite so, after our recent reverses. To concentrate here in time to meet the movements of the enemy we will be obliged to use the little of our Southern railroad that is left us in transporting our troops, so that we cannot haul provisions over that route. I fear, therefore, that we will not be able to feed our troops unless we adopt extraordinary efforts and measures. I think that there is enough of the necessaries of life left in Virginia and North Carolina to help us through our troubles if we can only reach them. Impressing officers, however, nor collectors of taxes in kind, nor any other plan heretofore employed, is likely to get those supplies in time or in quantities to meet our necessities. The citizens will not give their supplies up and permit their families and servants to suffer for the necessaries of life without some strong inducement. For each one may naturally think that the little that he would supply by denying himself and family would go but little way where so much is needed. He does not want Confederate money, for his meat and bread will buy him clothes, etc., for his family more readily and in larger quantities than the money that the government would pay. The only thing that will insure our rations and national existence is _gold_. Send out the gold through Virginia and North Carolina and pay liberal prices, and my conviction is that we shall have no more distress for want of food. The winter is about over, and the families can and will subsist on molasses, bread, and vegetables for the balance of the year if they can get gold for their supplies. There is a great deal of meat and bread inside the enemy's lines that our people would bring us for gold; but they won't go to that trouble for Confederate money. They can keep gold so much safer than they can meat and bread, and it is always food and clothing.

If the government has not the gold, it must impress it, or if there is no law for the impressment, the gold must be taken without the law. Necessity does not know or wait for law. If we stop to make laws in order that we may reach the gold it will disappear the day that the law is mentioned in Congress. To secure it no one should suspect that we are after it until we knock at the doors of the vaults that contain it, and we must then have guards to be sure that it is not made away with.

It seems to my mind that our prospects will be brighter than they have been if we can only get food for our men; and I think that the plan that I have proposed will secure the food.

There seem to be many reasons for the opinion that the enemy deems our capital essential to him. To get the capital he will concentrate here everything that he has, and we will be better able to fight him when we shall have concentrated than when we are in detachments. The Army of the Mississippi will get new life and spirits as soon as it finds itself alongside of this, and we will feel more comfortable ourselves to know that all are under one eye and one head that is able to handle them.

I remain, most respectfully and truly, your obedient servant,

J. LONGSTREET,
_Lieutenant-General_.

V.

_Lee to Longstreet on Plans for Campaign._

[Confidential.]

HEAD-QUARTERS CONFEDERATE STATES ARMIES,
February 22, 1865.

LIEUTENANT-GENERAL J. LONGSTREET,
_Commanding, etc._:

GENERAL,--Your letter of the 14th instant is received. It arrived during my absence in Richmond, and has not been overlooked. I agree with you entirely in believing that if we had gold we could get sufficient supplies for our army, but the great difficulty is to obtain the gold. It is not in the coffers of the government or the banks, but is principally hoarded by individuals throughout the country, and is inaccessible to us. I hope, under the reorganization of the commissary department, if we can maintain possession of our communications, that the army will be better supplied than heretofore, and that we can accumulate some provisions ahead. As regards the concentration of our troops near the capital, the effect would be to produce a like concentration of the enemy, and an increase of our difficulties in obtaining food and forage. But this, whether for good or evil, is now being accomplished by the enemy, who seems to be forcing Generals Beauregard and Bragg in this direction. If Sherman marches his army to Richmond, as General Beauregard reports it is his intention to do, and General Schofield is able to unite with him, we shall have to abandon our position on the James River, as lamentable as it is on every account. The want of supplies alone would force us to withdraw when the enemy reaches the Roanoke. Our line is so long, extending nearly from the Chickahominy to the Nottoway, and the enemy is so close upon us, that if we are obliged to withdraw we cannot concentrate all our troops nearer than some point on the line of railroad between Richmond and Danville. Should a necessity, therefore, arise, I propose to concentrate at or near Burkeville. The route for the troops north of James River would have to be through Richmond, on the road to Amelia Court-House, the cavalry passing up the north branch of the river, and crossing at some point above Richmond. Pickett's division would take the route through Chesterfield Court-House, crossing the Appomattox at Goode's Bridge. With the army concentrated at or near Burkeville, our communications north and south would be by that railroad, and west by the Southside Railroad. We might also seize the opportunity of striking at Grant, should he pursue us rapidly, or at Sherman, before they could unite. I wish you to consider this subject, and give me your views. I desire you also to make every preparation to take the field at a moment's notice, and to accumulate all the supplies you can. General Grant seems to be preparing to move out by his left flank. He is accumulating near Hatcher's Run depots of supplies, and apparently concentrating a strong force in that quarter. Yesterday and to-day trains have passed from his right to his left loaded with troops, which may be the body of eight thousand which you report having left Signal Hill yesterday. I cannot tell whether it is his intention to maintain his position until his other columns approach nearer, or to anticipate any movement by us which he might suppose would then become necessary. I wish you would watch closely his movements on the north side of the river, and try and ascertain whether he is diminishing his force. If he makes the move which appearances now indicate, he may draw out his whole force, abandoning his lines of defence, or hold them partially and move with the remainder of his troops.

I should like very much to confer with you on these subjects, but I fear it will be impossible for me to go north of James River, and I do not know that it will be convenient for you to come here.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
R. E. LEE,
_General_.

P.S.--Can you not return Pickett's brigade to him in order that I may withdraw Grimes's brigade from his line, its division having been ordered to our right?

R. E. L.

VI.

_Longstreet to Lee on Impressment of Men._

[Confidential.]

HEAD-QUARTERS, February 23, 1865.

GENERAL R. E. LEE,
_Commanding, etc._:

GENERAL,--Your letter of yesterday is received. I think you did not understand my letter of the 14th instant. My effort was to express conviction that Sherman's move was aimed at Richmond, and that Grant's concentration here would force us to do the same thing; and, that we might be able to do so, it was necessary that we should have gold, by impressment, to purchase our produce supplies. I think that it is not too late yet. We can surely get the gold by sending impressing officers with guards to the vaults in which it is stored.

I understand that there are twelve hundred men in Lynchburg already organized, and that we may get eight or ten thousand men in Richmond by taking everybody who is able to bear arms. The staff-officers about Richmond would be nearly enough to officer this force. If such a force can be raised and put in my lines, it can hold them, I think, and my corps can move down to the relief of Beauregard, or it may be moved over to our right, and hold Grant in check, so that Sherman will be obliged to unite with him or seek a base at New-Berne or at Wilmington. This would give Beauregard and Bragg time to unite their forces to meet Sherman and Schofield here or wherever they may appear. We shall lose more men by a move than by a battle. It is true that we may be compelled to move after the battle, but I think not. If we fight Sherman as I suggest, we shall surely drive him to the water for fresh supplies, even if we are not otherwise successful. Then we may have time to concentrate as soon as Grant, and reopen the line of communication with the South.

The local and other troops that we may get from Richmond and Lynchburg will have tolerably comfortable huts, and there will be enough old soldiers amongst them to teach them picket duty. There are also some cavalrymen who can aid them.

I should think that Grant, if he moves, can only make a partial move, similar to his last, and that would not injure us very materially.

In preparing to take the field, in view of the abandonment of Richmond, is it your desire to keep our wagons about our camps that we may move at once? Our wagons are out all the time gathering supplies, and at times some distance; so that a very sudden move would leave them behind. Shall we continue to send them or keep them with us?...

Your obedient servant,
J. LONGSTREET,
_Lieutenant-General_.

VII.

_Lee to Longstreet._

HEAD-QUARTERS, February 25, 1865.

GENERAL,--I have received your letters of the 23d and 24th insts. I fear I did not entirely comprehend your views expressed in your letter of the 14th. I think, however, my reply meets your supposition, in the event of concentration by the enemy. I shall in that case unite all the forces possible. I think you are misinformed as to the number of men in Lynchburg. At my last call upon General Colston, commissary there, he said he had not one hundred men, and they were unarmed. I am very glad to hear that General Ewell can get force enough from Richmond to man the lines north of James River. I know him to be a brave old soldier, ready to attempt anything, but I do not know where he will find the men. Please see him and get a definite statement, for if that can be done it will lighten our labor considerably. You cannot afford to keep your wagons by you. They will have to be kept collecting provisions, forage, etc., or you will starve. I am making great efforts to gather supplies, and send you some documents which will show what the commissary-general is doing in addition to the operations of the officers of his department. It will be a grievous thing to be obliged to abandon our position, and I hope the necessity will never arise, but it would be more grievous to lose our army. I am fully alive to the benefits of procuring gold, but fear it cannot be obtained in the way you suggest; still, I will try. I am much gratified by the earnestness and zeal you display in our operations; and were our whole population animated by the same spirit, we should be invincible. The last reports from S. C. indicated that Sherman was turning eastward. It may be to reach the Pedee in search of supplies.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
R. E. LEE,
_General_.

GENERAL LONGSTREET,
_Commanding, etc._

VIII.

_Longstreet to Lee on Impressment of Gold._

HEAD-QUARTERS FIRST CORPS,
February 26, 1865.

GENERAL R. E. LEE,
_Commanding_:

GENERAL,--I have just heard from General Ewell indirectly that he can raise force enough at Richmond to hold the lines on this side, so that my corps may be withdrawn temporarily to your right, that is, if you can put a part of the Second Corps in place of Pickett's division. This arrangement will give you force enough to meet any move that the enemy may make upon your right. If he makes no move, then you can, when the proper moment arrives, detach a force to the aid of General Beauregard, and if the enemy should then press you, you can abandon Petersburg and hold your line here, and take up the line of the Appomattox. But I think that the enemy will be forced to move a force south the moment that he finds that you are reinforcing against Sherman, else he will encounter the risk of losing Sherman as well as Richmond. There is some hazard in the plan, but nothing can be accomplished in war without risk.

The other important question is provisions. We are doing tolerably well by hauling from the country and paying market prices in Confederate money. If you would give us gold I have reason to believe that we could get an abundant supply for four months, and by that time we ought to be able to reopen our communication with the South. The gold is here, and we should take it. We have been impressing food and all of the necessaries of life from women and children, and have been the means of driving thousands from their homes in destitute conditions. Should we hesitate, then, about putting a few who have made immense fortunes at our expense to a little inconvenience by impressing their gold? It is necessary for us, and I do not think that we should let our capital fall into the enemy's hands for fear of injuring the feelings or interests of a few individuals. We have expended too much of blood and treasure in holding it for the last four years to allow it to go now by default. I think that it may be saved. If it can, we should not leave any possible contingency untried.

I think, however, that the enemy's positions are so well selected and fortified that we must either wait for an opportunity to draw him off from here or await his attack. For even a successful assault would cripple us so much that we could get no advantage commensurate with our loss.

I remain with great respect, and truly, your obedient servant,
J. LONGSTREET,
_Lieutenant-General_.

IX.

_Longstreet to Lee on his "Peace" Interview with General Ord._

HEAD-QUARTERS FIRST ARMY CORPS,
March 1, 1865.

GENERAL R. E. LEE,
_Commanding_:

GENERAL,--I had another interview with Major-General Ord yesterday, and expressed the opinions that were spoken of in our interview at the President's mansion on Sabbath last. He acceded promptly to my proposition that the war must cease if we are to go to work to try to make peace, and to the proposal for a military convention. I further claimed that we could not go into convention upon any more favorable basis than an earnest desire to arrange plans for peace that should be equally honorable for both parties. To this also I understood him to give his unqualified consent. He says that General Grant has the authority to meet you if you have authority to appoint a military convention, and proposed that you should indicate your desire to meet General Grant, if you felt authorized to do so. As he made this proposition before mine, to the effect that General Grant should express his desire to meet you, and as the interview between General Ord and myself had been brought on at the request of General Ord, I did not feel that I could well do otherwise than promise to write to you of the disposition on their part to have the interview. If you think it worth your time to invite General Grant to an interview, it might be upon some other as the ostensible grounds, and this matter might be brought up incidentally. I presume that General Grant's first proposition will be to go into convention upon the basis of reconstruction; but if I have not misunderstood General Ord's conversation, General Grant will agree to take the matter up without requiring any principle as a basis further than the general principle of desiring to make peace upon terms that are equally honorable for both sides. I would suggest that the interview take place on this side, and at the place of meeting between General Ord and myself; because there are several little points upon which you should be posted before the interview, and I do not see that I can well do that by writing. Besides, as "the ice has already been broken" on this side, your interview would be relieved in a measure of the formality incident to such occasions. If it should be on this side, I hope that you will give me two or three days' notice. General Stevens is of the opinion that one thousand negro laborers on this line during this month will so strengthen our position that we will be able to spare a division, and I am satisfied that we can do so if we can have the work completed, and can get the aid that General Ewell promises us.

I remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. LONGSTREET,
_Lieutenant-General_.

X.

_Longstreet to Lee on Exchange of Political Prisoners._

HEAD-QUARTERS FIRST ARMY CORPS,
March 1, 1865.

GENERAL R. E. LEE,
_Commanding_:

GENERAL,--I neglected to mention in my letter just finished that General Ord expressed some apprehension for General Grant lest there might be some misunderstanding in regard to the exchange of political prisoners. The terms were general for the exchange of this class of prisoners, but were not intended by him, he says, to include such as were under charges for capital offences. General Grant desired that you should be advised of this construction of the terms.

I remain, respectfully, your most obedient servant,
J. LONGSTREET,
_Lieutenant-General_.

XI.

_Lee to Longstreet on Interview with General Grant._

HEAD-QUARTERS,
March 2, 1865.

GENERAL,--I have received to-day your letter of the 1st instant, and concluded to propose an interview to General Grant. As you desired to have two or three days' notice, I have appointed Monday next, 6th instant, at eleven A.M., at the point suggested by you. Will you send my letter to General Grant, and arrange with General Ord for the interview? If you will ride in to my quarters on Saturday next, 4th instant, by ten A.M., in Richmond, I shall be happy to see you, when you can enlighten me on the points you referred to in your letter.

I hope some good may result from the interview.

Very truly yours,
R. E. LEE,
_General_.

GENERAL J. LONGSTREET,
_Commanding, etc._:

P.S.--Seal the letter to General Grant before transmitting.

R. E. L.

XII.

_Longstreet to Lee urging Use of Gold._

HEAD-QUARTERS FIRST ARMY CORPS,
March 7, 1865.

GENERAL R. E. LEE,
_Commanding_:

GENERAL,--I received a letter yesterday from a friend in the interior of North Carolina assuring me that there are large quantities of provisions in the State; that many have two and three years' supply on hand, and that gold will bring anything that we need to our armies. The gold is in the country, and most of it is lying idle. Let us take it at once and save Richmond, and end the war. If we hold Richmond and keep our cotton, the war cannot last more than a year longer. If we give up Richmond we shall never be recognized by foreign powers until the government of the United States sees fit to recognize us. If we hold Richmond and let the enemy have our cotton, it seems to me that we shall furnish him the means to carry on the war against us. It looks to me as though the enemy had found that our policy of destroying the cotton rather than let it fall into their hands would break them down, and that it has forced them to the policy of sending on here to make a contract to feed and clothe our armies in order that they may get the means of carrying on the war of subjugation. If we will keep our cotton and use our gold our work will be comparatively easy.

I remain, respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. LONGSTREET,
_Lieutenant-General_.

XIII.

_Longstreet to Lee on guarding the Danville Railroad._

HEAD-QUARTERS FIRST ARMY CORPS,
March 20, 1865.

GENERAL R. E. LEE,
_Commanding_:

GENERAL,--I presume that the enemy's next move will be to raid against the Danville Railroad, and think that it would be well if we begin at once to make our arrangements to meet it. In order that we may get the troops that may be necessary to meet such a move, would suggest that we collect all the dismounted men of Generals Fitz Lee, Rosser, and Lomax, and put them behind our strongest lines, and draw out a corps of infantry and hold it in readiness for the raid. General W. H. F. Lee's dismounts might also be used behind our works to great advantage. With a cavalry force of two or three thousand men to hold the enemy in check, I think that our infantry may be able to overtake the raiding column. If we can get a large cavalry force I think that we would surely be able to destroy the raiding force.

I remain your obedient servant,
J. LONGSTREET,
_Lieutenant-General_.

XIV.

_Longstreet to Assistant Adjutant-General Taylor on Suppression of Desertion._

HEAD-QUARTERS FIRST ARMY CORPS,
March 25, 1865.

LIEUTENANT-COLONEL W. H. TAYLOR,
_Assistant Adjutant-General_:

The impression prevails amongst the Georgia troops of this command that persons at home having authority to raise local organizations are writing and sending messages to the men in the ranks here, offering inducements to them to quit our ranks and go home and join the home organizations. The large and increasing number of desertions, particularly amongst the Georgia troops, induces me to believe that some such outside influence must be operating upon our men. Nearly all of the parties of deserters seem to go home, and it must be under the influence of some promise, such as being received in the local forces. I would suggest, therefore, the publication of a general order warning all officers or persons authorized to raise local organizations against receiving such deserters or in any way harboring them, and cautioning all such parties that they shall be punished for such crimes under the twenty-second and twenty-third Articles of War. It may be well to publish the articles in the order, and to send the order South to be published in all the Southern papers. If the order is published, I would suggest that copies be sent to the Southern papers by special messenger or by parties going South who will take pains to have it published, otherwise I fear it may miscarry or be delayed by our irregular mails. Another growing evil seems to trouble us now in the shape of applications to raise negro companies, regiments, brigades, etc. The desire for promotion seems to have taken possession of our army, and it seems that nearly all the officers and men think that they could gain a grade or more if allowed to go home. I presume that many may try to go merely because they get furloughs. I would suggest, therefore, that some regulation be published upon this subject, and it seems to me that it should require the companies to be mustered in as non-commissioned officers and privates by the enrolling officers, and that all of the officers (general, field, and company) shall be selected from the officers, non-commissioned officers, and privates on duty with the armies of the Confederacy. If these matters are not speedily taken hold of by a firm hand, I fear that we shall be seriously damaged by them.

I remain, very respectfully, your most obedient servant,
(Signed) J. LONGSTREET,
_Lieutenant-General_.

XV.

_Longstreet to Lee on Sheridan's Operations._

HEAD-QUARTERS FIRST ARMY CORPS,
March 28, 1865.

GENERAL R. E. LEE,
_Commanding, etc._:

Your telegram asking if we can spare General Pickett's division as a supporting force to our cavalry is received. I suggested that it should be sent on that service because I was apprehensive that our railroad would be in danger of being broken up behind us, leaving us without supplies sufficient to hold Richmond until our communications south could be re-established, or in case Sheridan went to N. C., his mounted force would be too formidable for that of General Johnston's, and that General Johnston would be in great danger if we shall not reinforce him. I do not think that we can well spare the division. But I think that we would choose a lesser risk by sparing it in case Sheridan's cavalry makes either of these moves contemplated than we would by holding him here to await the result of these operations. The enemy seems now to count upon taking Richmond by raiding upon our lines of communication, and not by attacking our lines of work. I think, therefore, we should endeavor to put a force in the field that can contend against that of the enemy. If Grant sends off his cavalry, he can hardly intend to make any general move of his main army until its return. In every aspect of affairs, so far as I am advised, I think that the greater danger is from keeping too close within our trenches. If we can remain where we are independently of the railroad, and if General Johnston would be safe with such a force as Sheridan's operating against him, in addition to Sherman's, we had better keep the division here. You know much more about all those points than I do, and are much better able to decide upon them. My supply train is in from Northern Neck, and starts back to-morrow for other provisions. If there is any impropriety in sending it back, please telegraph me as soon as you receive this, that I may recall it. We have about one hundred thousand pounds of meat near Dublin and eighteen thousand at New Boston. The C. S. complains that the railroad agents will not ship the meat unless it is boxed. This cannot always be done. If you can in any way aid us in this matter, we shall do very well for some time to come.

I remain, very respectfully, your most obedient servant,
(Signed) J. LONGSTREET,
_Lieutenant-General_.

XVI.

_Longstreet to Adjutant-General Taylor on Policy towards New Organizations._

HEAD-QUARTERS FIRST ARMY CORPS,
March 30, 1865.

LIEUTENANT-COLONEL W. H. TAYLOR,
_Assistant Adjutant-General_:

Your letter expressing the views of the commander-in-chief in reference to the policy to be pursued in raising negro troops is received. I am apprehensive that we shall have applications and evidence enough to take from us more men than we can well spare at this critical moment in our affairs. It seems to me that any person who has the influence to raise a company or a regiment by going home could do so as well by letters to his friends at home. If I am right in this opinion, an order announcing that the officers of the companies and regiments of colored troops would be appointed from the officers, non-commissioned officers, and privates _on duty_ with our armies would have the effect of bringing back more absentees than we should lose by making the appointments. If we may judge of our future success in getting up new organizations by the past, we may rely upon it that many will furnish the necessary evidence, and go home and there remain for eight and ten and twelve months. I think it would be well to publish a general order, explaining more clearly the policy indicated in your letter, in order that a better general understanding may exist amongst the parties who may desire to furnish evidence of their ability to get up new organizations. Otherwise I may adopt rules which would not be as favorable to the officers and men of this command as those of other commands.

I remain very respectfully, your obedient servant,
(Signed) J. LONGSTREET,
_Lieutenant-General_.

XVII.

_Lee to Longstreet on Proposed Publication of a History of Virginia Campaigns._

LEXINGTON, VA., January 19, 1866.

GENERAL J. LONGSTREET:

MY DEAR GENERAL,--Upon my return from Richmond, where I have been for a week on business connected with Washington College, I found your letter of the 26th ultimo. I regret very much that you never received my first letter, as you might then, perhaps, have given me the information I desired, with more ease to yourself and with more expedition than now. I did not know how to address it, but sent it to a friend in Richmond, who gave it to one of our officers going south, who transferred it to another, etc., and after travelling many weary miles, has been recently returned to me. I start it again in pursuit of you, though you did not tell me how to address you. I have almost forgotten what it contained, but I hope it will inform you of my purpose in writing a history of the campaigns in Virginia, and of the object that I have in view, so that you may give me all the information in your power. I shall be in no hurry in publishing, and will not do so until I feel satisfied that I have got the true story, as my only object is to disseminate the truth. I am very sorry to hear that your records were destroyed too; but I hope Sorrel and Latrobe will be able to supply you with all you require. I wish to relate the acts of all the corps of the Army of Northern Virginia wherever they did duty, and do not wish to omit so important a one as yours. I will therefore wait as long as I can.

I shall be very glad to receive anything you may give to Mr. Washington McLean, as I know you recommend no one but those who deserve your good opinion.

I am delighted to hear that your arm is still improving, and hope it will soon be restored. You are, however, becoming so accomplished with your left hand as not to need it. You must remember me very kindly to Mrs. Longstreet and all your children. I have not had an opportunity yet to return the compliment she paid me. I had, while in Richmond, a great many inquiries after you, and learned that you intended commencing business in New Orleans. If you become as good a merchant as you were a soldier, I shall be content. No one will then excel you, and no one can wish you more success and more happiness than I. My interest and affection for you will never cease, and my prayers are always offered for your prosperity.

I am most truly yours,
R. E. LEE.

XVIII.

_Lee to Longstreet--Congratulations._

LEXINGTON, VA., January 26, 1866.

LONGSTREET, OWEN & CO.,
_New Orleans_:

GENTLEMEN,--I am much obliged to you for your business card, and the pleasure it has afforded me to know that you have entered into partnership. I know you will do your work well, and please myself, therefore, with the prospect of your great success.

I wrote to your senior a few days since, at Macon, Mississippi, and hope he will receive my letter. I do not consider my partnership with him yet dissolved, and shall not let go him during life.

Wishing you all happiness and prosperity, I am, with great affection, your obedient servant,

R. E. LEE.

XIX.

_Lee to Longstreet, suggesting the Preparation of his Memoirs._

LEXINGTON, VA., March 9, 1866.

GENERAL J. LONGSTREET:

MY DEAR GENERAL,--Your son Garland handed me a few days since your letter of the 15th of January, with the copies of your reports of operations in East Tennessee, Wilderness, Virginia, and of some of my official letters to you. I hope you will be able to send me a report of your operations around Suffolk and Richmond previous to the evacuation of that city, and of any of my general orders which you may be able to collect.

Can you not occupy your leisure time in preparing your memoirs of the war? Every officer whose position and character would give weight to his statements ought to do so. It is the only way in which we may hope that fragments of truth will reach posterity. Mrs. Longstreet will act as your amanuensis. I am very sorry that your arm improves so slowly. I trust it will be eventually restored to you. You must present my kindest regards to Mrs. Longstreet. I hope your home in New Orleans will be happy; that your life, which is dear to me, may be long and prosperous.

Most truly yours,
R. E. LEE.

XX.

_Longstreet to Lee on Battle of Gaines's Mill._

NEW ORLEANS, LA., March 20, 1866.

GENERAL R. E. LEE,
_Lexington, Va._:

MY DEAR GENERAL,--Your favor of the 9th instant is received. The papers or copies sent by Garland contain everything that I have or can get in the shape of your letters and orders. I shall be able to give you an account of movements, etc., connected with the Suffolk campaign and the siege of Richmond when I can get our diaries,--that is, Sorrel's, Latrobe's, and my own. But I fear that I shall not be able to do so in time to meet your desires. I shall send all that I can gather together to your house as soon as I can. I have sometimes thought that I would make the effort to write at some future time, but begin to despair of my arm. It is too much labor to write with my left hand, and it gives me inconvenience, indeed pain, to keep my right hand in the constrained position necessary in writing. Our business affairs occupy my days from nine till four P.M., so I am glad to give my arm rest after that time. Mrs. Longstreet would be rather a poor amanuensis in the evening, my only spare time, as her two little boys, Lee and Jim, occupy most of her time. She is trying to get a picture of Lee to send you. I delivered your message that you "regretted that you had not been able to return the compliment." To go back to history and the war. There is one portion of our records as written that I should like corrected,--the battle of Gaines's Mill. Your report of that battle does not recognize the fact that the line in my front, that is, the enemy's line, was broken by the troops that were under my orders and handling. A part of Jackson's command, being astray, reported to me just as I was moving my column of attack forward,--Whiting's division,--and I put it in my column of attack, as stated in my report. I think that you must have overlooked my report on this point, and have been guided by Jackson's. Jackson knew nothing of the matter of my having his troops, I suppose, and merely made his report from riding over the ground after the battle. I presume that he was not within one mile of the division when I put it in, and had no idea of its whereabouts. General Whiting reported to me that he had lost his way, and did not know where to find General Jackson, and offered his troops if I had use for them. I was then moving to assault, and put Whiting in a little behind Pickett's brigade. The commands made the assault together, and broke the enemy's line. Anderson's brigade followed and secured it, the assaulting columns being somewhat broken in making the charge. Just after breaking his lines the enemy made a severe attack, and would have recovered his position, I think, but for the timely support of Anderson's and Kemper's brigades at this point. Another fact should not be lost sight of in this connection. A. P. Hill had made several formidable attacks at the same point, and had fought manfully against it for several hours, and though not entirely successful, he must have made a decided impression, and have injured the enemy as much as he was himself injured, and thus weakened the enemy's lines so as to enable us to break them. It is quite common to give those credit only who show results, but it frequently happens, as in this case, that there are others who merit as much who are not known by results,--that is, who are not seen by others than those on the ground.

If you can come across my son when you have an idle moment, I hope that you will give him a few words of kindly advice and encouragement. He is taught to look up to you as superior to others. Mrs. Longstreet joins me in affectionate salutations.

I remain very truly yours,
J. LONGSTREET.

XXI.

_Lee to Longstreet--Situation and Prospects._

LEXINGTON, VA., May 25, 1866.

GENERAL J. LONGSTREET:

MY DEAR GENERAL,--I was very glad to receive your letter of the 18th, but you told me so little of yourself that I presume you intend writing to me again shortly. But what you did say was very satisfactory, and I am much pleased to know that your prospects in a commercial point of view are good and progressive. I hope they may regularly and surely advance. I feel much obliged by your kind proposition as regards myself. For the present I must remain where I am. When I see that I have done all the good that I can accomplish for Washington College I may find it necessary to do something that will enable me to procure a competence for my family. I will then turn my hand to whatever may offer. For myself I want nothing but my food and clothes. I send in compliance with your request a number of autographs, enough, I should think, to last for all time; but if they will be of any service to you I will send more. Mr. Lowe has not yet reached Lexington. It will give me pleasure to see him when he does, as he comes from you. As you did not mention your arm, I hope that is improving too. You must never omit to mention it, Mrs. Longstreet, and your children when you write. I see Garland very often in my walks, but very rarely at my house.... All unite in kindest regards to yourself and family.

Most truly yours,
R. E. LEE.

INDEX.

A.

Adams, General, wounded at Chickamauga, 446.

Alden, Bradford R., at Jefferson Barracks, 17;
friendliness of, to Longstreet, 632.

Alexander, General E. P., at Fredericksburg, 311, 316;
at Gettysburg, 389, 390, 391;
notifies Pickett to advance, 392;
goes to Tennessee with Longstreet, 437;
on Lookout Mountain, 463;
at Campbell's Station, 493;
at Knoxville, 497;
at Mechanicsville (1864), 553;
letter of, to Longstreet, on affairs at Wilderness, 570, 571.

Amazon Creek, engagement at, 606.

Amusement of soldiers, 325, 326.

Anderson, General G. B., at Seven Pines, 94;
at South Mountain, 222;
mortally wounded at Sharpsburg, 249.

Anderson, General G. T., at Sharpsburg, 242, 247;
wounded at Gettysburg, 372;
brigade of, receives Farnsworth's cavalry charge, 395;
in retreat from Gettysburg, 428;
joins Hood's division in Tennessee, 462;
in assault of Fort Sanders, 502, 503, 505, 506;
at Wilderness, 562;
captures prisoners at Farmville, 617.

Anderson, Lieutenant-General R. H., at Williamsburg, 72, 75, 76;
at Seven Pines, 94;
at Sharpsburg, 247, 249;
report of interview with General Lee at Gettysburg, 357;
in fight at Little Round Top, 372;
in command of left division on Rapidan (1864), 553;
division of, in the Wilderness, 559, 562;
succeeds Longstreet, wounded, 565;
at Five Forks, 602;
in engagement at Amazon Creek, 606;
makes attack at Rice's Station, 613;
letter to, from General Lee, 639.

Antietam, battle of. _See_ Sharpsburg.

Appendix, 639.

Appomattox, surrender at, officers urge negotiations for surrender, 618;
General Grant asks surrender, 619;
General Lee replies, asking terms, 619;
interview of General Pendleton with General Lee, 620, 621;
General Grant states terms for surrender, 622;
General Lee proposes meeting with General Grant, 622;
Sheridan's decisive action, 622;
General Lee gives orders for march to Appomattox Court-House, 623;
an account of last scenes of activity, 624;
General Lee confers with Longstreet and Mahone, 624, 625;
General Lee rides to meet General Grant, 625;
Longstreet endeavors to recall Lee, 626;
General Custer's demand of surrender from Longstreet, 627;
truce ordered, 628;
sympathy of soldiers for General Lee, 629;
Generals Grant and Longstreet meet, 630;
details of capitulation arranged, 630;
number of troops surrendered and paroled, 631.

Archer, General, at Shepherdstown, 264;
at Fredericksburg, 309;
captured at Gettysburg, 354, 389.

Arista, General, in command of Mexican forces, 22.

Armies. _See_ Confederate, Federal, Army of the Potomac, Army of
Northern Virginia.

Armistead, General, at Malvern Hill, 143;
killed beside Federal battery in Pickett's charge (Gettysburg), 394.

Armstrong, General, at Chickamauga, 441;
makes great capture of cattle, 530;
in sharp engagement on the French Broad, 532.

Army corps. _See_ Corps.

Army of Northern Virginia, losses of, in Maryland campaign, 266, 267;
condition of, on entering Maryland, 284;
reorganized in October, 1862, 290;
strength of, at Fredericksburg, 305;
strength and organization of, at Fredericksburg, 317 _et seq._;
divided into three corps, 332;
in readiness for Gettysburg campaign, 334;
organization of, in Gettysburg, 410;
in retreat from Gettysburg, 426 _et seq._;
strength of, in 1864, 552-554;
capitulation of, at Appomattox, 631.

Army of Observation, 18.

Army of Occupation, 19.

Army of the Potomac, organization of, in Maryland campaign, 209, 271;
strength of, at Antietam, 265;
losses of, at Antietam, 266;
reorganized by General Burnside, 292;
strength of, at Fredericksburg, 305;
in false position at Fredericksburg, 323;
before Gettysburg, 335;
Meade succeeds Hooker in command of, 348;
organization of, at Gettysburg, 415;
strength of, in 1864, 552;
crosses the Rapidan, 555;
posting of, at Five Forks, 593.

Army of the Tennessee, first victory of the, 456;
Longstreet offered command of, 466;
Hardee offered command of, 466 (note).

Army of Virginia organized, 153;
strength of, 153, 157.

"Attrition," policy of, 551.

Averill, General, makes raid from West Virginia into East Tennessee,
521, 522.

Avery, Colonel, death of, at Gettysburg, 375.

Ayres, General, at Five Forks, 598, 599, 601.

B.

Badeau, General, quoted on strength of Army of Potomac in 1864, 552, 553.

Baird, General, at Chickamauga, 441.

Baker, E. D., 61.

Ball's Bluff, engagement at, 61.

Banks, General N. P., in command of Second Corps, Army of Virginia, 153;
his battle against Jackson at Slaughter Mountain, 157.

Barksdale, General, at Fredericksburg, 301, 303;
takes battery at Gettysburg, 370;
guiding spirit of the battle, 371;
mortally wounded, 372.

Barlow, General, at Antietam, 250;
fall of, 252, 266;
at Gettysburg, 355.

Baxter, Colonel, crosses the river at Fredericksburg under fire, 303.

Beauregard, General G. T., at West Point, 16;
at Manassas, 33, 35;
instructions to commanders, 36;
order for battle, 44;
order miscarries, 46;
in charge of left, 49;
brave charge by, 50;
ordered West, 64;
proposal to bring, into Gettysburg campaign, 336;
prejudice against, of Davis, 432, 545;
Longstreet writes President Davis in favor of, 547.

Beauregard, Lieutenant R. T., at Chickamauga, 441.

Beaver Dam Creek. _See_ Mechanicsville.

Bee, General Bernard E., at Manassas, 46, 48;
gives name of "Stonewall" to Jackson, 49.

Benning, General, at Gettysburg, 370, 396;
in retreat from Gettysburg, 431;
at Chickamauga, 448;
at Petersburg, 606.

Bermuda Hundred, Pickett's division assigned to, 574;
assault on, by Parke (Petersburg), 605.

Berry, General, at Fredericksburg, 309.

Birney, General, at Fredericksburg, 309;
at Gettysburg, account of affair at Peach Orchard, 366;
at Wilderness, 559.

Blackburn's Ford, engagement at, 38.
_See_ Manassas, First.

Blair, Hon. Montgomery, peace mission of, 583.

Bonham, General M. S., at Manassas, 52.

Bostan, Colonel, killed, 630.

Boteler's Ford, 264.
_See_ Shepherdstown.

Bowen, Orderly, killed at Wilderness, 564.

Bragg, General Braxton, at West Point, 17;
threatening near Chattanooga, 434, 436;
Longstreet at head-quarters of, 438;
plan of, for Chickamauga, 439;
gives orders to Longstreet's division commanders, 447;
disturbed by plan of battle, 452;
absence of, from field, 455, 457;
order for retreat, 456, 457;
did not know result of Chickamauga until next day, 458;
receives report of battle from Longstreet, 461;
refuses to pursue the enemy, 462, 463;
officers call for removal of, 464;
puts Generals Polk and Hindman under charges, 465;
inquiry in regard to, by President Davis, 465;
on affairs subsequent to Chickamauga, 471;
criticism upon, 472;
ignores signal service reports and is surprised, 474, 475;
plans to capture Hooker's rear-guard by night attack, 475;
orders Longstreet into East Tennessee, 481;
urges Longstreet to make rapid movement, 483;
orders speedy attack of Knoxville by Longstreet, 501;
orders Longstreet to co-operation with his army after defeat at
Chattanooga, 507;
relieved of command by General Hardee, 515;
called to Richmond as commander-in-chief, 516;
suggestions of, before authorities at Richmond, 545;
action of, after Chickamauga criticised by Longstreet before
authorities at Richmond, 546;
ordered to Wilmington, 580;
comment on, by Confederate newspaper, 582 (note).

Branch, General L. O'B., report of, on march to Mechanicsville, 123.

Brandy Station, cavalry engagement at, between Stuart and Pleasonton,
338.

Brannan, General, at Chickamauga, 442.

Bratton, Colonel, in attack on Hooker's rear-guard near Lookout
Mountain, 476, 477.

Breckenridge, Major-General J. C., at Chickamauga, 441;
in assault, 445, 446;
appointed Secretary of War, 583, 584.

Bristoe Station, engagement at between Ewell and Hooker, 170.

Brockenbrough, General, at Fredericksburg, 307;
at Gettysburg, 354.

Bryan, General, in assault on Fort Sanders, 505, 520.

Buckner, General Simon, at Chickamauga, 439;
gives opinion adverse to Bragg, 465;
letter to, from Longstreet, 484, 485.

Buford, General, at Gettysburg, 351, 352, 353.

Bull Run. _See_ Manassas.

Bull's Gap, Longstreet's army at, 542.

Burnside, General A. E., ordered to Fredericksburg to aid Pope, 159;
begins work at "Burnside's bridge," 244;
continuance of, 254, 256, 257, 258;
McClellan's orders to, for taking bridge, 258;
effects crossing, 260;
battle concentrates against, 261;
his advance arrested, 262;
assigned to command Army of the Potomac, 291;
reorganizes army in three "Grand Divisions," 292;
submits plan to President Lincoln, 292;
plan of, for crossing Rappahannock at Fredericksburg, 301;
plan of, for battle, 304;
orders that Marye's Hill must be carried before night, 312;
orders of, to Franklin criticised, 315;
memorandum of, for renewal of attack on Marye's Hill, captured, 316;
abortive moves by, 322 _et seq._;
in East Tennessee, 434, 436, 480, 481;
has army of twenty-five thousand men north of Knoxville, 482;
acts on defensive at Knoxville, 488;
sends troops to Little Tennessee River, 490;
report of, on condition at Knoxville, 499, 500;
relieved of command at Knoxville by General Foster, 514;
in command of Ninth Corps in Virginia, 552.

Burnside's bridge. _See_ Burnside, General A. E., and Sharpsburg.

Butler, General Benjamin F., in front of Richmond, 575, 576;
move on Fort Fisher, 580.

C.

Campaign in far South, consideration of, 540.

Campaign of 1864, 551 _et seq._

Campbell, Judge J. A., 583.

Campbell's Station, engagement at, 492, 494.

Cannon-shots, remarkable, 254, 255.

Capitulation. _See_ Appomattox, surrender at.

Carr, General, at Dandridge, 526.

Cashtown, Lee calls for concentration at, 348.

Chambersburg, Confederates at, 351.

Chancellorsville, losses at, 327;
criticism upon, 329, 330.

Chantilly, battle of, 193;
killing of Kearny and Stevens at, 194.

Charles City Cross-Roads. _See_ Frayser's Farm.

Chattanooga, Federal army at, 462 _et seq._

Cheatham, General, at Chickamauga, 441;
gives opinion adverse to General Bragg, 465.

Chester Gap, Longstreet's command at, in retreat from Gettysburg, 431.

Chickahominy River, McClellan advances to, 82 (_see_ Seven Pines);
fighting along the, in summer of 1862, 120 _et seq._;
McClellan changes base from, to James River, 132.