Details
LEE, ROBERT E., General, C.S.A. Letter signed ("R.E. Lee, Maj. Genl. Commandg."), to Colonel Philip St. George Cocke, "Head Quarters, Va. Forces," Richmond, 10 May 1861. 1 1/4 pages, 4to, 3 small punctures (where filed by recipient?) not affecting text.
"PREPARE THE MEN FOR HARD & EFFECTIVE SERVICE"
A fine letter giving Cocke specific instructions for the early training and seasoning of the Confederate regiments being raised in northern Virginia. "It is very important that the Volunteer Troops be organized and instructed as rapidly as possible. I know you are doing all in your power towards that object. It is desired that you attach to the battalions or regiments...field officers who have been, or may be directed to report to you....Place them at such points as think best with capable instructions and equipment. The Regiments under Colonels [Samuel L.] Garland and Preston were designed for Manasses Junction. You are requested to send them there.....That the troops may be prepared for field service, it is desired that they be removed from the towns, and placed in Camps, where their instruction may be uninterrupted & rigid discipline established. Officers and men will become familiar with the necessities of service....It is impossible at this time to furnish tents, but unoccupied building might possible be obtained, or temporary plank huts established.
"I beg you will adopt the best plan in your power to prepare the men for hard, & effective service...." Published (from a letterbook copy) in R. E. Lee, Wartime Papers, ed. C. Downey and L. H. Manarin, 1961, no.23.
Provenance:
Unnamed owner (sale, Christie's, 1 October 1980, lot 65).
"PREPARE THE MEN FOR HARD & EFFECTIVE SERVICE"
A fine letter giving Cocke specific instructions for the early training and seasoning of the Confederate regiments being raised in northern Virginia. "It is very important that the Volunteer Troops be organized and instructed as rapidly as possible. I know you are doing all in your power towards that object. It is desired that you attach to the battalions or regiments...field officers who have been, or may be directed to report to you....Place them at such points as think best with capable instructions and equipment. The Regiments under Colonels [Samuel L.] Garland and Preston were designed for Manasses Junction. You are requested to send them there.....That the troops may be prepared for field service, it is desired that they be removed from the towns, and placed in Camps, where their instruction may be uninterrupted & rigid discipline established. Officers and men will become familiar with the necessities of service....It is impossible at this time to furnish tents, but unoccupied building might possible be obtained, or temporary plank huts established.
"I beg you will adopt the best plan in your power to prepare the men for hard, & effective service...." Published (from a letterbook copy) in R. E. Lee, Wartime Papers, ed. C. Downey and L. H. Manarin, 1961, no.23.
Provenance:
Unnamed owner (sale, Christie's, 1 October 1980, lot 65).