Summary:
Robert E. Lee writes cavalry General William E. Jones, stationed with his command
at Staunton. Lee congratulates Jones on a successful May, 1863, raid, and orders
him to join Stuart.
Brig. Gen. W. E. JONES,
Cmdg. Valley District:
May 23, 1863.
GEN.:
I have heard of your safe arrival in Staunton with your brigade.
I am much gratified with the success of your expedition, and especially that you have accomplished so much with so little loss to your command.
In a letter of may 20, I gave directions as to the disposal of the beef-cattle, horses, &c., which you brought back with you.
I desire you to join Gen. Stuart, by easy marches, as soon as you can, giving your men and horses proper rest and refreshment.
Gen. Jenkins will relieve your cavalry pickets in the Valley, so as to leave your whole cavalry brigade free to move.
Gen. Stuart's headquarters are for the present at Culpeper Court-House.
Bring with you your transportation and equipment for service in the field for the summer's campaign on this side of the mountains, and pay particular attention to the thorough organization of your command.
I am, very respectfully, 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 25, Serial No. 40, Pages 819-820, Broadfoot Publishing Company, Wilmington, NC, 1997.
