Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1876-02-15
GENERAL ROBERT E. LEE.
4" Important Letter ZsnGeriag h1 RsGS,
matiOn TO Rresideas DaViI.

]
ScriSasr's Nogosins for February contains
what purpOrts to be "a piece of secret history"
written by Southern man, in which letter
of General r. E. Lee is given, never horets-
fore published, rendering bis resignation a.
commander Of the Confederate armies after
the battle of Gettysburg. The following is
General LeS's letter:
CAMP oRANOE, August 8, 1858.
/ -Hr Tresident:
Your letters of 18th July aud I'd AuEuuI
have been received, aud have waited for q
leisure hour to reply, but I fear that it win
never come. atm extremely obliged to you
for the attention given to the wants Of this
army aud the efforts made to supply the1.-
Cor absontees are returning, and hope the
earnest and beautiful appeal made 10 the
country IN your proclamation may Gtir up the
whole people. and that they may see their
duty aud perform it Nothing is wanted but
that their fortitudS should equal their bravery
to insure tho success of our cause. We must
expect rev0rses, even defeats They are sent
to teach us wisdom and prudence, to call forth
greater energies, and to prevent our falling
into greater disasters. Our people have oGly
TO be true aud united, to bear maufulIy the
misfortuues incident to war, aud all will come
right in the end.
know how prone wo are to csEsure, aud
how ready to blame others for the nopful6l-
meut Of our expectations. This is unbccom.
ing in a generous people, and grievo to see
its expression. The general remedy for the
want of success in military commander 10
his removal. This is natural, and in many
instances prorer. For, no matter what may
! be tie ability Of the officer, il he lOoGos the
confidence Of his troops, disaster must sooner
or later ensue.
l have been prompted by these reflections
more than once since my return frSm Penn
sylvania to propose to your sxcellsncy the
proptiety Of selecting another apderlfor
this army. have seen and heard Of express
sions of discomfort in the public Journals at
the result of the expedition. do not know
how far this feeling extends in the army. NJ
brother officers have been too kind TO report
it, and so far the troops have been too gsn6r-
Gus to exhibit it. 1t is fair. however, TO sup
pose that it does exikt, aud success is 20 pseos>
sary 10 Us that nothing should be risksd 10
Iscurs it.
1 therefore, iu all lincsrity, request your
ezcellency to take measures to supply my
place. do this with the more sarpoStasSG
because no one is more aware than myself et
my inability for tho duties OF nay position. I
cannot even accomplish what myself desire.
low can fulfill tho expectations Of othersI
lu addition, sepsibly feel the growing failure
of my bodily strength. have not yet re-
covered from the attack l experienced the
past spring. / am becoming more aud more
incapable of exsrtiou, aud am thus prevented
from making the personal examinations and
giving the personal supervision to the Operas
tions in the field which feel 10 be necessaEy.
! am SO dull that in making use Of the sysE
of others l am frequently miSled. Every
thing therefore points 70 the advantages 20 be
derived from new commander, and the
more auxiously urge the matter upon your ex-
celIenOy from my belief that younger and
abler man than myself can readily be obtaipsa.
know that no will have as gallant and brave
army ever existed TO second his efforts.
and It would be tho happie,t day Of my life
to see at its head 4 worthy leader; one that
would accomplish more than could perform,
and all that have wished. hope yosr ex-
celiency will attribute my request 10 the true
reason, the desire to serve my country, aud
to do all in my power to insure the sueesas sf
her righteous cause.
have no complaints 70 uIkS Of any one
but myself. have received nothing but
kindness from those above me, and the most
considsrate attention from my comrades Eud
companions in arms. To your e1sellsncy 4
am specially indebted for uniform kiDdDess
aud consideration. You have done everything
in your power to aid me in the work commit
ted to my charge, without emitting anything
to promote the general welfare. 1 pray that
your efforts may at length be croWpSd with
success, and that you may long live to enjoy
the thanks of a grateful people.
With sentiments Of great esteem, an very
respectfully aud truly yours,
Il. T. LEE, General.
His E1celIoDoy Jefferson Davis. President