Letters / Correspondence

Robert E. Lee

1,301-1,350 of 2,632 letters
Letters table
No. Sender Recipient Preview Date, oldest first
1301 Robert E. Lee Mary Anna Randolph Custis Lee I have recd dear Mary your letter of the 1st Inst: by Major Taylor. When he went to Richmond I supposed you were in Hanover, & as his departure was sudden I did not write. I am very sorry to... Dec. 7, 1862
1302 Robert E. Lee Jefferson Davis Mr. President: A scout, who has been absent for several weeks, returned last night. He has visited the cities from Washington to New York, inclusive. The former city he left on the night of the 2d... Dec. 8, 1862
1303 Robert E. Lee John D. Imboden Colonel: Your letter of the 6th, to General Jackson, has been referred to me. I regret that you were prevented by the snow-storm from making your descent upon Colonel Latham. As regards the supply... Dec. 8, 1862
1304 Robert E. Lee James Longstreet I have considered your remarks and those of Gen Pickett, dated respectively Dec 29th & 28th, in reply to a reference by [illegible] to yourself for information why an order of Lt Col Corley Ch... Dec. 9, 1862
1305 Robert E. Lee Mary Anna Randolph Custis Lee I return a bit Sent up by Custis. It is not the one I wished. He misunderstood me. But I do not want the one I wrote for now, as I have one that will answer as well. I have no way of carrying this... Dec. 11, 1862
1306 Robert E. Lee William N. Pendleton General: General Longstreet has just reported that the enemy is attempting to cross at Fredericksburg, and is now putting down his pontoon bridges. Ascertain the best position for the two big guns,... Dec. 11, 1862
1307 Robert E. Lee Gustavus W. Smith eneral: I have received your letter of the 10th instant. The disposition of the troops that you stated appears to be judicious, and, as the enemy cannot attack all points at one time, from many of... Dec. 12, 1862
1308 Robert E. Lee Samuel Cooper General: Your dispatch of yesterday has been received. It will be impossible to re-enforce Wilmington from this army. I would wish it to be double its present strength for the work before it, if... Dec. 13, 1862
1309 Robert E. Lee Samuel Cooper I request no one to be sent to the army except those attached to it on duty. All others are hindrances.R E Lee,General, CommandingGeneral Lee:Your wish shall be observed that no one be sent to your... Dec. 13, 1862
1310 Robert E. Lee James A. Seddon Scouts sent to Gloucester report that two regiments of infantry, two of cavalry, and a battery of artillery made an excursion into the counties of Gloucester and King and Queen on Friday and... Dec. 16, 1862
1311 Robert E. Lee James A. Seddon Scouts sent to Gloucester report that two regiments of infantry, two of cavalry, and a battery of artillery made an excursion into the counties of Gloucester and King and Queen on Friday and... Dec. 16, 1862
1312 Robert E. Lee James A. Seddon As far as can be ascertained this stormy morning, the enemy has disappeared in our immediate front, and has recrossed the Rappahannock. I presume he is mediating a passage at some other point.R E Lee Dec. 16, 1862
1313 Robert E. Lee James Seddon I have the honor to report that the army of Genl Burnside recrossed the Rappahannock last night, leaving a number of his dead & some of his wounded on this side. Our skirmishers again occupy... Dec. 16, 1862
1314 Robert E. Lee Mary Anna Randolph Custis Lee I have not had time dear Mary before to day to reply to your letter of the 8th. I have grieved over the death of that little child of so many hopes & so much affection, & in whose life so... Dec. 16, 1862
1315 Robert E. Lee Francis W. Pickens Sir: While South Carolina is mourning the loss of her gallant and distinguished son, General Maxcy Gregg, permit me to join in your sorrow for his death. From my first acquaintance, when you sent... Dec. 18, 1862
1316 Robert E. Lee Howell Cobb I beg leave to express my deep sympathy in your great sorrow. Your noble and gallant brother[1] has met a soldiers death, and God grant that this army and our country may never be called upon again... Dec. 18, 1862
1317 Robert E. Lee Wade Hampton General: When I proposed your transfer to the cavalry, I understood you, in giving your assent, to say that you did not desire it to be permanent. The death of General Gregg, so deeply regretted by... Dec. 18, 1862
1318 Robert E. Lee Ambrose Burnside I have been informed that private John W. Irwin of Company A 9th Virginia Cavalry, has been captured by some of the troops under your command, and is being tried as a spy. Presuming if this... Dec. 19, 1862
1319 Robert E. Lee Samuel Cooper General: I have had the honor to receive your letter of the 17th instant, in reference to the First Regiment Georgia Regulars. At this time, ignorant of what movement General Burnside may next... Dec. 19, 1862
1320 Robert E. Lee Samuel Cooper General: I have the honor to state, in reply to your letter of yesterday, in reference to the mail for these headquarters, that I requested no one cause its detention in Richmond. There is no... Dec. 20, 1862
1321 Robert E. Lee Mary Anna Randolph Custis Lee I have just recd your letters of the 11th & 19. The former written before your visit to Hickory hill & the latter on your return to Richmd. I am glad dear Chass is out of Richmond. I hope... Dec. 21, 1862
1322 Robert E. Lee Jeb Stuart General: You are desired to proceed with a portion of the cavalry across the Rappahannock, penetrate the enemy’s rear, ascertain, if possible, his position and movements, and inflict upon him such... Dec. 23, 1862
1323 Robert E. Lee Mary Anna Randolph Custis Lee I will Commence this Holy day dearest Mary by writing to you. My heart is filled with gratitude to Almighty God for his unspeakable mercies with which he has blessed us in this day, for those he... Dec. 25, 1862
1324 Robert E. Lee Mildred Childe Lee I have pleased myself in reminiscences to day, of the many happy Xmas’ we have enjoyed together at our once happy home. Notwithstanding its present desecrated & pillaged condition, I trust that... Dec. 25, 1862
1325 Robert E. Lee Eleanor Agnes Lee I have not heard of you for a long time. I do not know where you are, or to how to address you. I hope you are well & enjoying the happiness of doing all the good you can. I wish you were with... Dec. 26, 1862
1326 Robert E. Lee Laura Chilton Wise I return my grateful thanks for the prayer book sent me by Miss Em & yourself. It will be very highly prized & I have read from it this morg the services of the day.With my best wishes for... Dec. 28, 1862
1327 Robert E. Lee Laura Mason Chilton Wise I return my grateful thanks for the prayer book sent me by Miss Em & yourself. It will be very highly prized & I have read from it this morg the services of the day.With my best wishes for... Dec. 28, 1862
1328 Robert E. Lee Henry Brevard Davidson Colonel: I have received your letter of the 24th instant. Directions will be given for the baggage of the different brigades of this army, and the men guarding it, to be recalled from Staunton as... Dec. 29, 1862
1329 Robert E. Lee James A. Seddon Sir: I have the honor to transmit herewith two letters from Brig. Gen. W. E. Jones, of the 26th instant. General Jones, by my direction, was left in command of the troops in the valley by General... Dec. 29, 1862
1330 Robert E. Lee Samuel Jones General: It is reported by General W. E. Jones, in command of the Valley District, that General Milroy has established himself at Petersburg and in the valley of the South Branch of the Potomac,... Dec. 29, 1862
1331 Robert E. Lee William E. Jones General: Your letter of the 26th has been received. By the enclosed order you will see that you are assigned to the command of the Valley District. I wish you to take all measures for its... Dec. 29, 1862
1332 Robert E. Lee Gustavus W. Smith Your letter of the 1st instant has been received. As you seem to be certain that the enemy are reinforcing Suffolk and passing troops from that point to New Berne, I would recommend that you... Jan. 4, 1863
1333 Robert E. Lee George Washington Custis Lee Col: Corley informs me that Major Walley has recd some good cloth, a part of which is to be applied to the necessities of this army. All that I want at present is a pair of pantaloons. Will you get... Jan. 5, 1863
1334 Robert E. Lee Jefferson Davis Received at Richd Apl 30th 1863 at 8:50 A.M. By telegraph from Fredericksburg 30To His Ex Presdt DavisDispatch of 11.30 P.M. yesterday received. Genl Stuart is supposed to have crossed Rapidan last... Jan. 8, 1863
1335 Robert E. Lee Mary Anna Randolph Custis Lee I have endeavoured for Several days dear Mary to write to you, but have found it impossible. Now I have only a few moments. Fitzhugh has returned from his scout & I hope has been able to visit... Jan. 8, 1863
1336 Robert E. Lee James A. Seddon Sir: I have the honor to represent to you the absolute necessity that exists, in my opinion, to increase our armies, if we desire to oppose effectual resistance to the vast numbers that the enemy... Jan. 10, 1863
1337 Robert E. Lee John D. Imboden Colonel: I thank you for your letter of the 2d instant, received yesterday. I am much gratified to hear of the gallant conduct of Captains McNeill and Imboden, and hope they will continue to harass... Jan. 10, 1863
1338 Robert E. Lee Jefferson Davis I have the honour to have received your letter of 7th inst, with the two inclosures from Col. Imboden. In accordance with your instructions I have addressed a communication to Gen. Halleck upon the... Jan. 11, 1863
1339 Robert E. Lee George Washington Custis Lee I am delighted my dear Son at your Safe return to Richmond & to learn of your good health. Your letter which I have just recd also strengthens my hope of our ability to hold the Misspi. God... Jan. 11, 1863
1340 Jefferson Davis Robert E. Lee I have received the following dispatch from Governor Vance:Can you not spare General Lee to come down a few days and survey the situation I North Carolina? It would inspire confidence. A defeat... Jan. 12, 1863
1341 Robert E. Lee Howell Cobb Your letter of 5th inst: was handed to me today by Lt Col. Glenn.1 In the frequent conversations which I held with Gen. T R R Cobb with reference to his legion, he expressed an earnest desire to... Jan. 12, 1863
1342 Robert E. Lee Samuel Jones General: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 6th instant, and approve of the course you have adopted with reference to General Jenkins’ cavalry brigade. I hope that... Jan. 12, 1863
1343 Robert E. Lee Jefferson Davis Mr. President: I have had the honor to receive your dispatch of yesterday,For several days past there have been general indications of some movement by the army of Burnside, but nothing... Jan. 13, 1863
1344 Robert E. Lee James A. Seddon Sir: Your letter of the 12th instant is received. In reply to that portion which refer to complaints of the inactivity of our troops in the valley, I can only say that General Jones, who has always... Jan. 14, 1863
1345 Robert E. Lee James A. Seddon I go down this morning to examine the preparations which the enemy seem to be making on the banks of the Rappahannock. I understand that a redoubt has been built on the hill overlooking the river,... Jan. 19, 1863
1346 Robert E. Lee Jefferson Davis I go down this morning to examine the preparations which the enemy seem to be making on the banks of the Rappahannock. I understand that a redoubt has been built on the hill overlooking the river,... Jan. 19, 1863
1347 Robert E. Lee Jefferson Davis Mr. President: A scout just returned from Washington City reports that the impression is prevalent there that General Burnside’s army is preparing to advance. The river is filled with transports... Jan. 21, 1863
1348 Robert E. Lee Mary Anna Randolph Custis Lee I found on my arrival your letter by Rob. The socks I have sent to Genl Hood for his Texans. They are far from their wives & daughters & their homes. I have recd from a kind lady in Alaba a... Jan. 21, 1863
1349 Robert E. Lee William E. Jones General: I have the honor to acknowledge your letter of the 14th instant, and the report of Captain Richardson with regard to supplies in the upper part of the valley. The evacuation of Moorefield... Jan. 21, 1863
1350 Robert E. Lee Henry Brevard Davidson Colonel: From present appearances, I am inclined to believe that General Burnside is concentrating all the forces within his reach, with a view of advancing south of the Rappahannock. The troops in... Jan. 22, 1863