Summary:
In April, 1864, Union forces prepared to move in northern Virginia, the
Shenandoah Valley, and the West as part of General Grant's overall strategic
plan. In this letter, Robert E. Lee writes Jefferson Davis to inform him of the
situation, including his suspicion that Generals Averell and Sigel planned a
raid on Staunton or the Virginia and Tennessee Railroad.
His Excellency JEFFERSON DAVIS,
President
Confederate States:
April 30, 1864.
Mr. PRESIDENT:
My dispatch of 1.45 p.m. to-day announced to you the march of Burnside's forces through Centreville. Citizens report the arrival of his troops at Rappahannock Station. I send you the Philadelphia Inquirer of the 26th, from which you will learn that all their available forces are being advanced to the front. They are also apparently drawing troops from Florida and the southern coast. Lieut.-Col. Mosby, who was within a mile of Centreville on the 28th, the day that Burnside passed through, learned from prisoners that no troops were left at Annapolis except convalescents. I see no evidence of more troops being brought from Tennessee, and it may be inferred from newspapers sent, and from the Washington Chronicle of the 27th, that the Twelfth Corps is still in that department.
As far as I can judge, although there may be a large force in Tennessee, it seems to occupy an extended line, and is not yet concentrated as if for attack. If Gen. Johnston could be re-enforced from Mobile, or by Gen. Polk, he might be able to penetrate their lines or successfully resist their advance. Our scouts report that the engineer troops, pontoon trains, and all the cavalry of Meade's army have been advanced south of the Rappahannock. The regiments of the old Fifth Corps, which have been guarding the Orange and Alexandria Railroad, have been brought forward and replaced by negro troops. Everything indicates a concentrated attack on this front, which renders me the more anxious to get back the troops belonging to this army, and causes me to suggest, if possible, that others be moved from points at the south, where they can be spared, to Richmond. There will no doubt be a strong demonstration made north of south of the James River, which Beauregard will be able successfully to resist. I judge also, from present indications, that Averell and Sigel will move against the Virginia and Tennessee Railroad or Staunton, to resist which Gen.'s Breckinridge and Imboden should act in concert. I have requested them to do so.
With great respect, 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 33, Serial No. 60, Pages 1331-1332, Broadfoot Publishing Company, Wilmington, NC, 1997.
