Summary:
Robert E. Lee writes General J. E. B. Stuart in June, 1863, with plans for the
invasion of Pennsylvania in what became the Gettysburg campaign. He mentions
planning to send a column of General Richard Ewell's troops north, through
Chambersburg. He also expresses his fear that the Army of the Potomac might
cross into Pennsylvania before he is aware, and gives instructions for procuring
supplies in Maryland.
Maj. Gen. J. E. B. Stuart,
Comdg. Cavalry:
Hdqrs.,
June 22, 1863.
Gen.:
I have just received your note of 7.45 this morning to Gen. Longstreet. I judge the efforts of the enemy yesterday were to arrest our progress and ascertain our whereabouts. Perhaps he is satisfied. Do you know where he is and what he is doing? I fear he will steal a march on us, and get across the Potomac before we are aware. If you find that he is moving northward, and that two brigades can guard the Blue Ridge and take care of your rear, you can move with the other three into Maryland, and take position on Gen. Ewell's right, place yourself in communication with him, guard his flank, keep him informed of the enemy's movements, and collect all the supplies you can for the use of the army. One column of Gen. Ewell's army will probably move toward the Susquehanna by the Emmitsburg route; another by Chambersburg. Accounts from him last night state that there was no enemy west of Frederick. A cavalry force (about 100) guarded the Monocacy Bridge, which was barricaded. You will, of course, take charge of A. G. Jenkins' brigade, and give him necessary instructions. All supplies taken in Maryland must be by authorized staff officers for their respective departments--by no one else. They will be paid for, or receipts for the same given to the owners. I will send you a general order on this subject, which I wish you to see is strictly complied with.
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 913, Broadfoot Publishing Company, Wilmington, NC, 1997.
