Lee Dispatch No. 114 - May 30, 1864 (pages 208-209)

 

H^Q^^ Army N. Va.

30th May 1864.

His Excy Jeff'' Davis

 

Presdt. C. States,

M"" President,

 

As I informed you by telegraph, my conference with Gen. Beauregard resulted in the conclusion on his part, that we cannot spare any troops to reinforce this army. He thinks the enemy in his front superior to him in numbers. Of this I am unable to judge, but suppose of course that with his means of information, his opinion is correct. I think it very important to strengthen this army as much as possible, and it has occurred to me that the presence of the two armies north and south of James River, may render it possible to spare with safety some of the troops in Richmond or its defenses. It is immaterial to what State the troops may belong, as I can place them in brigades from the same, and even if they be few in numbers, they will add something to our strength. I submit this proposition to your judgment and hope you may be able to find means to increase our numbers without endangering the safety of Richmond. I think it important that troops enough should be retained to man the works at Drewry's & Chapin's Bluffs and to support the batteries around the city, in order to guard against a sudden attack by cavalry or otherwise. If this army is unable to resist Grant the troops under Gen. Beauregard and in the city will be unable to defend it.*

 

Very respectfully

Your obt. servt

R. E. Lee

Genl

 

* At 7:30 P.M., General Lee telegraphed Mr. Davis that "Genl. Beauregard says the [War] Department must determine what troops to send for him. He gives it all necessary information. The result of this delay will be disaster. Butler's troops (Smith's corps) will be with Grant tomorrow. Hoke's division at least should be with me by eight tomorrow" (O. R., 36, 3, 850). The same evening General Beauregard wired that he considered his instructions sufficient to warrant him in sending Hoke to Lee. At almost the same time the War Department ordered the transfer {ibid., 857). This correspondence regarding the transfer of troops from Beauregard must not be interpreted as a clash between that officer and Lee. Both felt, and with good reason, that their position was critical and that to weaken the one or not to reinforce the other would mean disaster.