Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1866-01-13
From the Lynchhug Vifginfan. Jana
GEMS rEE aNn FAIRLY.

When Gen. Early was relieved nom
the command of the Department OF
. Southwest Virginia last spring, in conse-
ouence Of the unreasoning clamor raised
against him, that seemed 70 make such a
change necessary, we came without the
knowledge of the General, but through
the agency Of his brother, into possession
of tbefetfer of Gen. Lee, explaining the
motive that aetuated him in making the
change. We made q fair copy thereof,
intending. at some future time, TO pub
lish it ASIAN act Of justice to an old and
firm friend.
That time, in our Judgment has now
arrived, and as m appropriate pendant
TO the Generals letter published in our
last, we lay before our readers to-day the
letter in question. We know, moreover,
that Gen, Early never complained Of the
harsh Judgment pronounced upon his re-
verses in the Valley, nor were his feel
ings toward Gen. Lee affected by his
own removal from command. He
trusted to time, and the development OF
all the facts in the case, to vindicate his
military reputation. The letter of Gen.
Lee issubjomed
HEADQUARTERS G.. g. ARNIEs,
3ltn March, 1855.
Lieut.-Gcn. J. A. Early, anklin c. II, Va.
Dear Sir: Ny telegram viii have in
formed you thar deem a~chaugeof COM
manders in your Department necessary,
but IL Is due 70 your jealous and patriotic
services that l should explain the rea-
sons that prompted my action. The
situation OF affairs l. such that we can
NEGLECT no means calculated 70 develop
the resources we possess 10 the great
est extent and make them as eli
cient as possible. To this end, IL Is
essential that we should have the
cheerful and hearty support of the peo-
pIe and the full confidence Of t~hesoldlers,
without which u efforts would be en-
b~arrassrd and our means OF resistance
weakened. I have reluctantly arrived
at the conclusion that you cannot COM
mand the united and willing co-opera-
ton which is so essential TO success.
Your reverSes in the Valley, OF which
the public and the army judge chiefly
by the results, have, l fear impaired
y0ur influence both with the people and
the soldiers and would add greatly
to the difficulties which viii, under
any circumstances, attend our military
o@perations in 5. W. Virginia. While my
Wi confidence in your ability zeal and
devotion to the cause is unimpaired, ]
have nevertheless felt that / could not
10 .
oppnse what seems to be the current OF
opinion. without injustice TO your repu-
tation and injury to the service. there
fore felt constrained to endeavOr 70 md
a commander who would be more likely
10 develop the strength and resources Of
The country and inspire the soldiers with
confidence: and To accomplish this pur-
pose. thought il proper to yield my
own opinion, and defer to that OF those
10 whom alone we can look for support.
I am sure that You viii understand and
appreciate my motives, and that no one
will be more ready than yourself TO ac-
uuiesce i'm any measures which the in
terests of the country may seem 70 re-
quire.~ regardless OfaIl personal considera-
tons. Thanking you for the fidelity
and energy with which you have always
supported my efforts, and fOrthe courage
and devotion you have ever manifested
in the service of the country,
lam. very respectfully aud truly, your obe-
5sas1f servant. r. T. LEE, General.