LEE, Robert E. (1807-1870). Letter signed (''RE Lee Genl'') to William Edmondson ''Grumble'' Jones, n.p., 2 February 1863. [With:] BOTELER, Alexander Robinson (1815-1892). Autograph letter signed to James Alexander Seddon, n.p., 20 January 1863,...

LEE, Robert E. (1807-1870). Letter signed ("RE Lee Genl") to William Edmondson "Grumble" Jones, n.p., 2 February 1863. [With:] BOTELER, Alexander Robinson (1815-1892). Autograph letter signed to James Alexander Seddon, n.p., 20 January 1863, concerning a petition from members of the Virginia Assembly concerning the need for better defense of the Valley.

Two pages, 248 x 196mm.

Lee orders Jones to orchestrate an attack on Union forces at Winchester. Lee is pleased that Jones, recently appointed to command of the Valley District, was in a position "to cripple the operations of the enemy. I am very desirous to expel him from the Valley." With Hooker's army stuck in the mud unable to move, Lee can afford to send reinforcements "to carry this plan into effect. I wish you therefore to be prepared with all of your available force, to move at short notice against the enemy in front while the force from this side of the ridge will gain his rear and cut off his communication from Martinsburg and endeavour to destroy or capture the force in Winchester."

Lee adds that he is "glad that you keep yourself so well advised of all movements in the Valley as well as East of the Blue Ridge, and that there is so much dissatisfaction among the troops of the enemy. You are authorized to offer to all who come into your lines treatment. I think it proper to inclose to you a letter of the Hon. A P Boteler, which has been referred to me by the Sec. of War, not that you require to be informed how easily any community becomes dissatisfied when their interests are affected, but that you may know of the existence of that feeling where you are concerned and do all in your power to remove it."

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