Summary:
In mid-1863, Lee sent General James Longstreet's corps west to strengthen
Confederate efforts in Tennessee. In this January, 1864, letter, Longstreet
writes Lee regarding plans for campaigning in the coming year, and preparations
for Longstreet's return east. He asks that supplies be ready at Staunton or
Gordonsville for use upon his arrival in Virginia.
Gen. R. E. LEE, Cmdg., &c.:
Russellville, E. Tenn.,
January 10, 1864.
GEN.:
I have been trying to work out some plan by which we may begin operations before the enemy, and at least disconcert his plans. I do not think we can do anything here or at Chattanooga. I have concluded there is no other opportunity but in Virginia. If we could leave our cavalry here to destroy the railroad and take our infantry to Virginia, it seems to me that we might, by using the turnpike roads, throw our forces behind Gen. Meade me catch him in the mud, and either push on and get Washington or fight him to greater advantage than we can have anywhere else; or you might make arrangements to mount a corps, for locomotion, and throw it with your cavalry behind Meade, and let it push on and get Washington. These plans cannot be well digested, as I have no information as to the difficulties, &c.
If the plan to mount a corps is thought practicable we should take every precaution to prevent its being known or suspected and I would suggest that in collecting saddles for the purpose that the Quartermaster-Gen. be ordered to collect them for Gen. Kirby Smith, and let the horses and mules be got together in Gen. Johnston's name. We could begin to retire from here about the 10th of February, and upon reaching Briston have transportation for Gordonsville ready. Everything should be in readiness for us upon our arrival at Gordonsville or Staunton, so that we should meet with no delay. This should be by the 1st of March, so as to have the full benefit of the bad roads. My position under present circumstances seems to be somewhat precarious. I am just strong enough to tempt the enemy to concentrate against me, and either destroy me or drive me back as far as chooses.
Gen. Johnston cannot aid me, as the enemy can occupy this fortifications about Chattanooga, and send up such forces here as he chooses. We should have the means of communication and cooperation, or we should not allow armies to lie between us.
I remain, general, very respectfully, your most obedient servant,
J. LONGSTREET,
Lieut.-Gen., Cmdg.
Bibliographic Information : Letter Reproduced from The War of The Rebellion: Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series 1, Volume 32, Serial No. 58, Pages 541-542, Broadfoot Publishing Company, Wilmington, NC, 1997.
