[Telegram] Received at Richmond, Va. July 12 1864. at 8.45 P.M. Hd. Qrs. Near Petersburg 12
His Excy Jeffn. Davis Prest. C.S.
Telegram of to-day received. I regret the fact stated. It is a bad time to release [relieve] the commander of an army situated as that of Tenne. We may lose Atlanta and the army too. Hood is a bold fighter. I am doubtful as to other qualities necessary.
(Signed) R. E. Lee
[Endorsed] Genl. R. E. Lee Hd. Qrs. Army N. Va. July 12 1864. Telegram in cypher. Recd. July 12 1864.
W. J. De Renne CollectionWormsloe, Chatham County, Georgia (1914)
Printed in Douglas Southall Freeman, Lee’s Dispatches, Dispatch No. 158.