Summary:
Robert E. Lee writes General Richard Ewell concerning the disposition of
Confederate forces in the Shenandoah Valley in June, 1863. Lee mentions the
expected arrival in Staunton of General Isaac Trimble to take command of forces
in the Valley.
Lieut. Gen. R. S. Ewell, Comdg. Corps:
June 10, 1863.
Gen.:
I have written to Gen. A. G. Jenkins, commanding the cavalry in the Valley District, to report to you for duty, on being notified of your arrival in the Valley. I inclose a letter to Gen. Imboden, who has been ordered down into the Valley of the South Branch of the Potomac, to fix the attention of the enemy stationed at New Creek, Cacapon Bridge, &c., and to endeavor to break the railroad connection between Cumberland and Martinsburg. He is instructed to communicate to you any intelligence of importance, and to comply with any directions you may give him. This letter you had better forward to him on reaching the Valley. He may probably be heard of at Moorefield or Romney. Gen. I. R. Trimble has been placed in command of the Valley District, though I have not yet heard of his arrival at Staunton. The Maryland troops stationed in the Valley form a part of his command. Gen. Trimble, if able to take the field, will carry out any instructions which you may give for their disposition, or, in his absence, you may give them any directions which you may think proper. I request you will keep me advised of your progress, and, as far as you can, notify me of the different stages of your march as you proceed. Gen. Jenkins is establishing a line of couriers between the Valley and my headquarters; their positions you will probably ascertain on your route.
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 879, Broadfoot Publishing Company, Wilmington, NC, 1997.
