Summary:
Robert E. Lee writes General Richard Ewell concerning July, 1863, troop movements
in the Valley. Lee reports that he ordered Imboden's cavalry from Staunton to
Winchester.
Lieut. Gen. R. S. Ewell,
Comdg. Corps:
July 20, 1863.
Gen.:
Unless I receive contrary information to what I now possess, Gen. A. P. Hill's corps will move in the morning for Rappahannock County.
Gen. Stuart has been directed with his cavalry to continue in the Valley until he finds the forces of the enemy sufficiently reduced; then to withdraw, and interpose his forces between the enemy and the portion of the army east of the Blue Ridge. He will notify you of all movements of the enemy of any importance.
I have directed Gen. Imboden to return to Winchester with his troops from Staunton.
Col. Imboden with his cavalry will remain with you until you leave the Valley, and you must give directions to all the other troops.
I think it probable that you will be required to follow me in a few days, so be prepared with provisions, &c., to move at short notice.
I have directed Col. Wharton, who commands such troops from Gen. Sam. Jones as have arrived, to occupy Winchester and to receive your instructions.
Should you not require Col. James B. Terrill (now in Winchester, belonging to Early's division), I suggest that he be directed to move to Front Royal, to guard the pontoon bridge, which I will leave there for you.
I suggest that you move higher up the Valley, in the direction of Berryville or Milwood, so as to be prepared to vacate the Valley if pressed by superior numbers, or to join me, as circumstances may require.
Should your line of march by Chester Gap be cut off, you can proceed west of the Massanutten Mountain, and go by Thornton's or Swift Run Gap.
I will march with A. P. Hill's corps. Please send me any information of the enemy's movements which you may deem important.
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 27, Serial No. 45, Pages 1027, Broadfoot Publishing Company, Wilmington, NC, 1997.
