Daily Richmond Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1865-1869, 1866-01-08
ALErrER FROM GENERAL r.. e. LEE.
Why he Removed General Early-General Lees
Opinion of EarIy-His Confidence in his Ability.

When General Early was relieved from the COM
mand Of the Department of Southwest Virginia last
Spring in consequence or the unreasoning clamor
against him, that seemed TO make such change ne
cesslry, we came, says the Lynchburg TrgiHiGH,
without the knowledge of the General, but through
the agency of his brother into possession OF the let
ter of General Lee, explaining the motive that ac-
tuated him in making the change. We made fair
copy thereof intending, at some future time, to pub
lish it as an act of justice to old and firm friend
That time, in our Judgment, has now arrived, and,
as an appropriate pendant to the Generals letter.
published in our last, lay before our readers to-
day the letter in question. We know, moreover that
General Early never complained of the harsh judg-
ment pronounced upon his reverses in the Valley
nor were his feelings toward General 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 let
ter of General Lee is submitted:
HEADQ'Rs CONFEDERATE STATES ARMIEs,}
March 80, 1850.
Lieutenant General J. 4. Early
Franklin Court House, pTgiH'a:
DEAR SrR-My telegram will have informed you
that deem a change OF commanders in your depart,
ment necessary, but il is due to yOur jealous and
patriotic services that should explain the reasons
that prompted my action The situation of affairs Is
such that can neglect no means calculated to de-
veOp the resources we possess to the greatest eN-
tent, and make them as efficient possible. To tins
end it is essential that we should have the cheerful
and hearty support of the people and the full coni
dence of the soldiers, without which our efforts would
be embarrassed, and our means OF resistance weak
ened, have reluctantly arrived ut the conclusion
| that vou cannot command the united and willing CO.
oner,ton which is so essential to success Your re-
verses in the Valley of which the public and the
army Judge chiefly by the results, have, | fear, i'm
paired YOUR influence both with the people and the
soldiers, and would add greatly to the difficulties
which WILL under any circumstances, attend our
military operations in South Western Virginia.
While my own confidence in your ability. zeal, and
devotion TO the cause, is unlmpared, have never
theless felt that could not oppose what seems to be
the current OF opinion, without INJUSTICE to your repu
tatiOn and injury to the service. ! therefore felt
constrained TO endeavOr to find a commander who
would be more likely to develop the strength and
resources of the country and inspire the soldiers with
confidence, and to accomplish this purpose, Thought
il proper to yield my own opinion, and defer to that
of those to whom alone we can look for support. ]
am sure that YOU will understand and appreciate my
motives, and that no one will be more ready than
yourself to acquiesCe in any measures which the in
ercsts of the country may seem to require, regard
! less of all personal considerations. Thanking you
for the fidelity and energy with which you have al.
ways supported my efforts, and for the courage and
devotion YOU have ever manifested in the service of
! the country,
| am, very respectfully and truly,
Your Obcdicnt servant,
II. T.. LEE General