The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1897-07-09
LEES ~REsIaNATIoG.
Tho Confederate Commanders Letter 20 geArsr-
son Davis After the Battle OF Gettyssurr.

son Davis After the Battle OF Gettyssurr.
From, the Globe Democrat.
WARRINGTON, July "a volume of war rec
ords now In course of preparation ct the War
Department will settle tho controversy whether
Gen. Robert e. Leo rendered his resignation
after the battle Of Gettysburg. Tho reply Of
Jefferson Davis declining to accept tho r~esiRna-
ton has been q matter of common information,
but the character of the letter in detail which
called out this reply has been a matter of infer
ence only until recently. The letter of resigna-
ton of Gen. Lee will DO frst printed officially in
a supplemental volume of tho War Records
which is now being prepared. It IL given here
with In its entirety:
CAMP ORANGE, Aug. 8, 1863.
"Hh ErceAency JeGerson Davts. President Of the
Confederate States.
"MR. PRECEDENT: Your letters of July % and
Aug. 2 have been received. and have waited
for a leisure hour to reply. but I 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 abb
sentees are returning, and I hope the earnest
and beautiful appeal made to the country in
your proclamation may stir up the whole peo-
pie. and that they may SEQ their duty and pcr.
form It. Nothing is wanted but that their for
success Of our cause. We must expect M rsveps sae
even defeats. They are sent to teach us wisdom
a an n prudence en-, to e. sali forth greater energies, and
Our people have only to be true and united, to
boar mantplly tho niisfortunes incident to war.
and all will como right in the end.
Il know how prone We are to censuro and
how ready to blame others for the nonfuIdi.
Iment OF our expectations: This is u~nbecomine
in a generous people, and I GROVE to see it's az.
preston. The general remedy for the want Of
This is natural. and in manY instance IA a ncs se nropsr
For. no matter what mny be the ability of the
officer. II he loses the confidence OF his troops
II III Annna NJ Ii far Mama
- have been prompted by these reflections
more than once since my return from Pennsyi-
priety Of selecting another commander for tphis
army. l have seen and heard Of expressions Of
the expedition. - do not ' Snow bow w f fae t dsss fss q
ing extends IN the army. Ny brother officers
have been too kind to report Il, and so far tho
troops have been too generous to exhibit IL. 1t In
fair, however. to suppose that 1t does exist, and
success Is SO necessary to us that nothing should
certify, request your Excelloncy to take measures
to supply my place. l do this with the more
myself OF my inability for the duties OF my posi-
ton. l cannot oven accomplish what i myself
oilers, 1 In addition shp 1 F sensib bSe te sdlp sSs tIo%,S Of
failure OF my bodily strength. I have not vet
recovered from the attack experienced tho past
Bile of e%xertion. and, I'm thus prevented from
making the personal examinations and giving
inc the R0r fsfd w ssTRSFT I fssi to TO BE the nes SPsrs.!Onf
am 80 dull that in making use of the eyes Of
OtherS L All frequently mlSl0d. EVERYTHING.
therefore. points to the advantages TO be derived
from n new commander, and I the more anr-
tously urge the matter upon your Exceilency
from my belief hat a younger and ADLER. man
that he will have as gallant and brave an army
as ever existed TO second his efforts, and It
would be the happiest day OF my life to see at its
head a worthy leader3,one that would accom-.
plish more nan / could perform and all that I
have wisheT. / hope your Exceilency will at
tribute my request 10 the true reason, the desire
to serve my country. and TO do all in my power
to insure the success of her righteous cause.
Il have no complaints to mako Of any one but
myself. have received nothing but Kindness
from those above me. and the most considerate
attention from my comrades and companions In
arms. To your Excellcncy I am specially in
debted for uniform kindness and consideration.
You have done everything In your power to aid
me in the work committed to my charge. with.
out emitting anything to promote the general
welfare. ipray that your efforts may at length
DO crowned with success. and that you may long
live to enjoy the thanks of a grateful people.
WITH sentimentso of great esteem. l nin. very
respectfully and truly. yours
"R. E. LEE. General"
Mr.. Davis wrote, declining TO accept the res.
ignation. and Gen. Lee remained In command
until Appomattox.