![[CIVIL WAR]. LEE, Robert E. (1807-1870), General, C.S.A. Document signed ("R. E. Lee"), General Orders No. 74, Headquarters, Department of Northern Virginia, 23 June 1862. 2 pages, 4to, elaborately framed with a detailed map.](https://www.christies.com/img/LotImages/2004/NYR/2004_NYR_01450_0358_000(094810).jpg?w=1)
THE PROPERTY OF A SOUTHERN GENTLEMAN
[CIVIL WAR]. LEE, Robert E. (1807-1870), General, C.S.A. Document signed ("R. E. Lee"), General Orders No. 74, Headquarters, Department of Northern Virginia, 23 June 1862. 2 pages, 4to, elaborately framed with a detailed map.
Details
[CIVIL WAR]. LEE, Robert E. (1807-1870), General, C.S.A. Document signed ("R. E. Lee"), General Orders No. 74, Headquarters, Department of Northern Virginia, 23 June 1862. 2 pages, 4to, elaborately framed with a detailed map.
LEE PRAISES STUART'S "COURAGE AND SKILL" IN HIS DARING RIDE AROUND MCCLELLAN
The buoyant, celebratory order reads: "The general commanding announces with great satisfaction to the Army the brilliant exploit of Brig. Genl. J.E.B. Stuart with part of the troops under his command. This gallant officer, with portions of First, Fourth, and Ninth Virginia Cavalry, a part of the Jeff Davis Legion, with whom were the Boykin Rangers and a section of the Stuart Horse Artillery, on June 13, 14, and 15, made a reconnaissance between the Pamunkey and Chickahominy Rivers, and succeeded in passing around the rear of the whole Federal army, routing the enemy in a series of skirmishes, taking a number of prisoners, and destroying and capturing stores to a large amount. Having most successfully accomplished its object, the expedition recrossed the Chickahominy almost in the presence of the enemy with the same coolness and address that marked every step of its progress, and with the loss of but one man, the lamented Captain [William] Latane, of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry, who fell bravely leading a successful charge against a superior force of the enemy. In announcing this signal success to the Army the general commanding takes great pleasure in expressing his admiration of the courage and skill so conspicuously exhibited throughout by the general and the officers under his command." In addition to praising several officers, Lee also singles out many privates for their actions, including "J. S. Mosby," later to win even greater fame (and infamy) as the leader of Mosby's Rangers.
Like a bobcat circling an elephant, Stuart's lightening dash around "the whole Federal Army" proved the greater dash and mobility of the Confederate forces pitted against the sluggish McClellan. Lee's morale boosting order also shows his skills as a commander. For Stuart actually went far beyond Lee's orders. Fresh off the heels of Stonewall Jackson's brilliant campaign in the Shenandoah Valley, Lee told Stuart simply to reconnoiter the Federal right and rear along the Chickahominy River. Stuart left Hanover Court House on 12 June with 1,000 men, and decided to do a lot more than gather intelligence about topography and enemy dispositions. He attacked. Over the next three days he destroyed supplies, killed and captured many bluecoats, and left his hapless pursuers in the dust. The information gathered was invaluable for Lee in plotting his next moves against McClellan at Mechanicsville and in the Seven Days battles. Even if Stuart's raids brought short term harm by convincing McClellan to strengthen his defenses, Lee grasped that the psychological impact of the feat was huge. It humiliated the Northerners and elated the Southerners.
LEE PRAISES STUART'S "COURAGE AND SKILL" IN HIS DARING RIDE AROUND MCCLELLAN
The buoyant, celebratory order reads: "The general commanding announces with great satisfaction to the Army the brilliant exploit of Brig. Genl. J.E.B. Stuart with part of the troops under his command. This gallant officer, with portions of First, Fourth, and Ninth Virginia Cavalry, a part of the Jeff Davis Legion, with whom were the Boykin Rangers and a section of the Stuart Horse Artillery, on June 13, 14, and 15, made a reconnaissance between the Pamunkey and Chickahominy Rivers, and succeeded in passing around the rear of the whole Federal army, routing the enemy in a series of skirmishes, taking a number of prisoners, and destroying and capturing stores to a large amount. Having most successfully accomplished its object, the expedition recrossed the Chickahominy almost in the presence of the enemy with the same coolness and address that marked every step of its progress, and with the loss of but one man, the lamented Captain [William] Latane, of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry, who fell bravely leading a successful charge against a superior force of the enemy. In announcing this signal success to the Army the general commanding takes great pleasure in expressing his admiration of the courage and skill so conspicuously exhibited throughout by the general and the officers under his command." In addition to praising several officers, Lee also singles out many privates for their actions, including "J. S. Mosby," later to win even greater fame (and infamy) as the leader of Mosby's Rangers.
Like a bobcat circling an elephant, Stuart's lightening dash around "the whole Federal Army" proved the greater dash and mobility of the Confederate forces pitted against the sluggish McClellan. Lee's morale boosting order also shows his skills as a commander. For Stuart actually went far beyond Lee's orders. Fresh off the heels of Stonewall Jackson's brilliant campaign in the Shenandoah Valley, Lee told Stuart simply to reconnoiter the Federal right and rear along the Chickahominy River. Stuart left Hanover Court House on 12 June with 1,000 men, and decided to do a lot more than gather intelligence about topography and enemy dispositions. He attacked. Over the next three days he destroyed supplies, killed and captured many bluecoats, and left his hapless pursuers in the dust. The information gathered was invaluable for Lee in plotting his next moves against McClellan at Mechanicsville and in the Seven Days battles. Even if Stuart's raids brought short term harm by convincing McClellan to strengthen his defenses, Lee grasped that the psychological impact of the feat was huge. It humiliated the Northerners and elated the Southerners.