Hd Qrs: 20 Jany ’64.
Mr President
I heard some days since that several men of this army mostly Louisianians that were in or passed through Richmond, were joining Genl Morgans Command. I wrote to the Secy. of War on the subject & requested it might be stopped. Since then I have recd other evidences of the fact. A member of my staff informs me that Dr T. W. Hancock of Jackson Hospital Richmond stated to him yesterday, that a recruiting officer of Genl Morgan has visited his Hospital, promised the men clothing & two months furlough, & that 25 or 30 convalescents whom he was about to send to this army, deserted & he understands were forwarded to Decatur Geo: Dr. Hancock also stated that he heard from 200 to 250 men in other Hospitals had been ordered away. I am sure that Genl Morgan would neither countenance or authorize such proceedings, but I know how unscrupulous many men are in raising companies. You will see if this conduct is allowed, that all discipline is destroyed & our armies will be ruined.
I have therefore to request that all these men be returned to this army, & that the officers, who have been engaged in this illicit conduct be punished. I have the honour to be
Your obt servt
R. E. Lee Genl.
W. J. De Renne CollectionWormsloe, Chatham County, Georgia (1914)
Printed in Douglas Southall Freeman, Lee’s Dispatches, Dispatch No. 73.