Summary:
In January, 1863, the Army of the Potomac again went in motion toward the
Rappahannock River line. Robert E. Lee reports to Jefferson Davis on these
developments. He suggests moving some troops from Staunton to meet the
threat.
His Excellency JEFFERSON DAVIS,
President of the
Confederate States:
January 23, 1863.
Mr. PRESIDENT:
Appearances now indicate that the enemy intend to advance. They seem to be moving to the line of the Rappahannock. They have shown themselves opposite Port Royal. Our scouts also report the preparation of bridges on Mr. I Seddon's farm, to which point they are conveying their pontoons and artillery. In addition to the force reported near the mouth of the Rapidan, consisting of cavalry, with twelve pieces of artillery, marching up the White Ridge road. No infantry was seen. This last named force may be intended to join hands with Gen. Milroy, in the Shenandoah Valley, who has abandoned Moorefield and the South Branch of the Potomac, and has his advance at Front Royal.
Lieut. Smith, of the "Black Horse Cavalry," also reports that the portion of the Federal Army near Alexandria, presumed to be Gen. Slocum's command, crossed the Wolf Run Shoals on the 19th, and resumed its march on the 20th in the direction of Dumfries or Fredericksburg, moving as rapidly as possible, with a large train of wagons.
It looks as if they intended to concentrate all their forces, and make a vigorous effort to drive us from our position. The storm of yesterday and the day before will prove unfavorable for their advance, as the roads have become heavy and the streams swollen. It will also operate unfavorable to our rapid concentration to oppose them at the point they may select.
I have requested Gen. Cooper to direct all men and officers belonging to this army now in Richmond without authority, to return to their posts. I have also directed Gen. W. E. Jones, should Gen. Milroy cross the Blue Ridge, to follow with his whole force and unite with Gen. Hampton.
If there are any available troops about Staunton or Richmond, it will be well to advance them toward this line.
I have the honor to be, with great respect, your most 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 21, Serial No. 31, Pages 1111, Broadfoot Publishing Company, Wilmington, NC, 1997.
