Summary:
Robert E. Lee writes to Secretary of War Randolph on November, 1862, Confederate
positions in the Valley. He also discusses Union movements and his supply
situation. he mentions shoes and blankets sent to Staunton for Jackson.
Hon. GEORGE W. RANDOLPH,
Secretary of War, Richmond,
Va.:
November 10, 1862.
SIR:
From my last report it appears that Gen. McClellan has massed his army on the Manassas Gap Railroad, in the vicinity of Piedmont. He withdrew his force form Snicker's Gap and moved it toward Middleburg. The force at Paris and Upperville was likewise withdrawn to the Manassas Railroad. His cavalry is advanced to the line of the Rappahannock. Gen. A. P. Hill, finding Snicker's Gap open, advanced his pickets to Snickersville, where they were by last reports, and on that occasion Maj. White, with his battalion of cavalry, captured 104 prisoners and some ambulances and wagons loaded with stores. Gen. D. H. Hill's division is in the forks of the Shenandoah, guarding the passes in that direction. As long as Gen. Jackson can operate with safety, and secure his retirement west of the Massanutten Mountains, I think it advantageous that he should be in position to threaten the enemy's flank and rear, and thus prevent his advance southward on the east side of the Blue Ridge. Gen. Jackson has been, directed accordingly, and, should the enemy descend into the valley, Gen. Longstreet will attack his rear, and cut off his communications. The enemy, apparently, is so strong in numbers that I think it preferable to attempt to baffle his designs by maneuvering, rather without too great risk and loss would require more than double our present numbers.
I beg, if possible, that shoes and blankets be sent to me at Gordonsville. Those sent to Staunton will not be more than are required by Gen. Jackson.
I have the honor to be, with great respect, your obedient servant,
R. E. LEE,
Gen.
Bibliographic Information : Letter Reproduced from The War of The Rebellion: Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series 1, Volume 19, Serial No. 28, Pages 711, Broadfoot Publishing Company, Wilmington, NC, 1997.
