Summary:
Robert E. Lee writes General Gabriel Wharton concerning fighting in western Virginia in August, 1863. Lee orders Wharton to move his men through Staunton and report to Colonel William Jackson in western Virginia. Lee also directs that that all sick men be sent to Staunton by rail.

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Gen. G. C. WHARTON,
Cmdg. Brigade:

August 24, 1863.

GEN.:

Gen. Sam. Jones reports by telegraph that the enemy has driven Col. Jackson out of Pocahontas, and is pressing him back toward Warm Springs. Another column is moving down from Beverly toward Lewisburg. He represents himself in great need of all the troops sent to this army.

I have, therefore, to request that you will make arrangements at once to report to him, proceeding via Staunton and Warm Springs, with your brigade and three field batteries. Jenkins' brigade is also ordered.

I have directed Col. Corley to use the railroad to the extent of its ability, without stopping supplies, to transport the sick and feeble, &c., of your command to Staunton. You had better send him the number you with forwarded by rail.

You can take the road through Charlottesville or Stanardsville, as you may deem best.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

R. E. LEE,
Gen.

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Bibliographic Information : Letter Reproduced from The War of The Rebellion: Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series 1, Volume 29, Serial No. 49, Pages 665-666, Broadfoot Publishing Company, Wilmington, NC, 1997.