Lee Dispatch No. 107 - May 25, 1864 (pages 198-200)

 

Head Qtrs. Army No. Va.

4^ A.M. 25th May 1864.

 

His Excy Jefferson Davis

Presdt Confed. States

Richmond, Va.

 

Mr. President

 

I have the honor to enclose a dispatch of the i6th inst from Lieut Genl Grant to Major Genl Burnside, captured on the person of the A. A. A. G. 1st Brigade, 1st Division 9th Army Corps giving an account of certain successes of the Federal arms, and of the amount of reinforcements sent to the Army of the Potomac/ I understand that all the forts and posts have been stripped of their garrisons. Norfolk, Fort Monroe, Washington &c are left with but small guards, and every available man has been brought to the front. This makes it necessary for us to do likewise, and I have no doubt that your Excellency will do all in your power to meet the present emergency. If Genl Beauregard is in condition to unite with me in any operation against Genl. Grant, I should like to know it, and at what point a combination of the troops could be made most advantageously to him. We have been obliged to withdraw from the banks of the North Anna, in consequence of the ground being favorable to the enemy, and the stage of the water such that he can cross at any point.

 

Our lines cover Hanover Junction, extending up the river to Anderson's ford, and thence south to

Little River. The enemy yesterday moved around us in all directions, examining our position, and entrenching as he came, until he reached the Central Road above Verdon. I presume he has destroyed all within his reach. In the evening he fell back towards the North Anna.

 

With great respect

Your Obt. Servt.,

R. E. Lee

Genl.