Lee, Robert E. Manuscript letter signed to Colonel Henry Brevard Davidson, 29 December 1862

LEE, ROBERT E.

LETTER SIGNED ("R E LEE GENL"), TO COLONEL HENRY BREVARD DAVIDSON, DETAILING HIS STRATEGY FOR THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY

1 1/8 pages (9 7/8 x 7 3/4 in.; 252 x 200 mm) on a leaf of blue-ruled paper, "Head Quarters Army No. Va. Camp near Fredericksburg," 29 December 1862, docketed on verso; browned, mounting stub from album on right margin verso.

General Lee directs Colonel Henry Brevard Davidson, commanding the Confederate garrison at Staunton, Virginia: "Directions will be given for the baggage of the different Brigades of this Army & the men now guarding it, to be recalled from Staunton, as soon as possible. I will also direct that Jenkin's Cav. Brigade be ordered to the Valley, if they can be spared from the Dept. of West Va."

Lee also reveals his plans for General William E. Jones, then commanding all Confederate cavalry in the Valley District. "I have directed Gen'l W. E. Jones to concentrate the troops in the Valley Distr. and to drive the Enemy if possible beyond the Potomac. I am glad to find that you consider our forces sufficient for the purpose. I hope the troops under Gen Jones, those under you & Col. [John D.] Imboden, with such other aid as can be obtained, will be able speedily to rid that section of Country of the presence of the Enemy & prevent the oppression of the inhabitants which they seem to premeditate. I rely greatly upon the cooperation of yourself & Col. Imboden."

Following Stonewall Jackson's brilliant Valley Campaign of spring 1862, Lee had started to view the Shenandoah Valley as a possible "avenue of invasion" for his planned incursion of the north, which ultimately resulted in his costly defeat at Gettysburg. 

LITERATURE:

Not in Wartime Papers of R. E. Lee and presumably unpublished.

PROVENANCE:

From an archive of correspondence related to CSA Brig. Gen. Henry B. Davidson.