Connecticut western news., 1876-02-04
A PIECE OF SECRET HISTORY.
Robert E. Lee Tenders his Resignation to Jefferson Davis after the Battle of Gettysburg.


 Robert E. Lee Tenders his Resignation to
 Jefferson Davis after the Battle Of Gettysburg.
 Scri6ner's Monthly for February con- tains the following letter written by the commander of the Confederate army after the battle of Gettysburg, August Sth, 1863. It will be read with in terest:
 MIR. PRESIDENT Your letters of July 18th and August 2d have been received, and have waited for a leisure hour to reply, but fear that will never come. I am extremely obliged to you for the attention given to the wants of this army, and the efforts made to supply them. Our absentees are return ing, and hope the earnest and beauti- full appeal made to the country in your proclamation may stir up the whole peo- pie, and that they may see their duty and perform it. Nothing is wanted but that their fortitude should equal their bravery, to insure the success of our cause. We must expect reverses, 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 peo- pie have only to be true and united, to bear manfully the misfortunes incident to war, and all will come right in the end.
 l know how prone we are to censure, and how ready to blame others for the nonfulfllment of our expectations. This is unbecoming in a generous people, and grieve to see its expression. The gen. eral remedy for the want of success in a military commander is his removal. This is natural, and in many instances proper. For, no matter what may be the ability of the officer, if he loses the confidence of his troops, disaster must sooner or later ensue.
 I have been prompted by these reaec- tions more than once since my return from Pennsylvania to propose to your excellency the propriety of selecting an- other commander for this army. have seen and heard of express ons of discon- tent in the public journals at the result of the expedition. l do not know how far tbis feeling extends in the army. My brother officers have been too kind to report it, and so far the troops have been too generous to exhibit it. It is fair, however, to suppose that it does exist, and success is so necessary to us that nothing should be risked to secure it. therefore, in all sincerity, request your excellency to take measures to supply my place. I do this with the more earnestness because no one is more aware than myself of my inability for the duties of my position. I cannot even accomplish what I myself desire. How can l fulfill the expectations of others In addition, sensibly feel the growing failure of my bodily strength. I have not yet recovered from the attack ex- perienced the past spring. am becom- ing more and more incapable of exer- tion, and am thus prevented from mak- ing the personal examinations and giving the personal supervision to the opera essary. am so dull that in making use of the eyes of others I am frequently misled. Everything therefore points to commander, and the more anxiously urge the matter upon your excellency from my belief that younger and abler ed. I know that he will have as gallant huu UIHNo au aIu1y us ever o41SGeu CO second his efforts, and it would be the happiest day of my life to see at it's head worthy leader; one that would accom- plish more than could perform, and all that have wished. hope your excel lency will attribute my request to the true reason, the desire to serve my coun- try, and to do all in my power to secure the success of her righteous cause. have no complaints to make of any one but myself. I have received noth- ing but kindness from those above me, and the most considerate attention from my comrades and companions in arms. To your excellency I am specially in debted for uniform kindness and con- sideration. You have done everything in your power to aid me in the work committed to my charge, without omit ting anything to promot the general welfare. pray that your efforts may at length be crowned with success, and that you may long live to enjoy the thanks of a grateful people.
 With sentiments of great esteem I am very respectfully and truly yours, R. D. LEE, General.