Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1876-01-28
l PIECE OF SECRET HISTORY.

Scribner's Magazine for February con-
tains the following hitherto unpublished
letter from Gen. Robert E. Lee to Presi-
dent Jefferson Davis, written after the
battle of Gettysburg, and resigning the
command Of the Confederate forces:
CAMP ORANGE, Aug, 1863
President: Your letters Of % July and 2
Aug. have been reed, ard have waited
for leisure hour to reply, but fear
that will never come. | 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 returning, and | hope the earnest
and beautiful appeal made to the coun-
try in your proclamation may stir up the
whole people, 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
people have only to be true and united,
to bear manfully the misfortunes Incl.
Dent to war, and all will come right in
the end.
| know how prone we are TO censure,
and how ready to blame others for the
non-fulfllment OF our expectations.
This is unbecoming in a generous Peo-
pie, and grieve to see its expression
The general remedy for the want Of
success in military commander is his
removal. This is natural, and in many
instances proper. For, Lo matter what
may be the ability Of the officer, if he
loses the confidence of his troops, disas-
ter must sooner or later eusue.
| have been prompted by these rehec-
tions more than once since my return
from Penna. 10 propose to your Exc'y
the propriety Of selecting another com
mRnder for this army. | have seen and
heard Of expressions of discomfort in
the public journals at the result of the
expedition Ny brother officers have
been too kind to report it, and so far the
troops have been too generous to exhibit
it. 1t is fair, however, to suppose that
it does exist, and success is so necessary
TO US that nothing should be risked to
secure il. l, therefore, in all sincerity,
request your Exc'y to take measures to
supply my place. do this with the
more earnestness because no one is more
aware than myself of my inability for
the duties Of my position, | cannot even
accom- plish what myself desire. How
can / fulfill the expectations of others
Ia addition, / sensibly feel the growing
failure Of my bodily strength. have
not recovered from the attack l experi-
6nced the past spring | am becoming
more and more incapable of exertion,
and am prevented from making the
personal examinations and giving
the personal supervision to the op-
erations in the field which | feel to be
necessary. / am so dull that in making
use OF the eyes Of others am frequently
misled. Everything, therefore, points to
the advantages to be derived from new
commander, and ] the more anxiously
urge the matter upon your Excy from
my belief that younger and sbler man
than myself can readily be obtained. |
know that he will have as gallant and
brave an army as ever existed to second
his efforts, and it would be the hsppiest
day Of my life to see at its head worthy
leader; one that would accomplish more
than | could perform, and all that Ihavt
wished. Ihope your Exc'y will attrib
ute my request to the true reason, the de.
sire to serve my country and to do all in
my power to insure the success Of her
righteous cause.
/ have no complaints to make of any
one but myself have received nothing
but kindness from those above me, anC
the most considerate attention from my
comrades and companions in arms. Tt
your Excellency am specially indebted
for uniform kindness and consideration
You have done everything in your power
to aid me in the work committed to my
charge, without omitting anything t
promote the general welfare. pray
that yorr efforts may at length be crown
ed with success, and that you may Ions
| live to enjoy the thanks Of gratefu
people.
With sentiments Of great esteem | an
very respectfully and truly yours,
i R e LEE, General.
His Exc'y Jeff'n Davis, Pres. Confed