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Varina Davis, Jefferson Davis: Ex-President of the Confederate States of America, A Memoir by his Wife, Volume 2

edge of the country which you have acquired will render you less dependent for topographical information. But suppose, my dear friend, that I were to admit, with all their implications, the points which you present, where am I to find that new commander who is to possess the greater ability which you believe to be required? I do not doubt the readiness with which you would give way to one who could accomplish all that you have wished, and you will do me the justice to believe that, if Providence should kindly offer such a person for our use, I would not hesitate to avail of his services. My sight is not sufficiently penetrating to discover such hidden merit, if it exists, and I have but used to you the language of sober earnestness, when I have impressed upon you the propriety of avoiding all unnecessary exposure to danger, because I felt your country could not bear to lose you. To ask me to substitute you by someone in my judgment more fit to command, or who would possess mo

Chapter 39: General Lee's offer of resignation. The President was a prey to the acutest anxiety during this period, and again and again said, If I could take one wing and Lee the other, I think we could between us wrest a victory from those people. At another time he exclaimed, With Jackson, Lee would be on his feet. When General Lee had returned to Virginia after his repulse at Gettysburg, although he had withdrawn his army thoroughly organized, with confidence and pride unimpaired, and was in full possession of his legitimate line of defence, he was conscious that all had not been accomplished which the late advance was designed to compass. The tone of the public press and the sentiment of the country indicated dissatisfaction with the result of the campaign, from which grander achievements had been expected than the number of troops and extent of our resources justified. General Lee could not remain entirely indifferent or unaffected by such expressions. As he pac

m specially indebted for uniform kindness and consideration. You have done everything in your power to aid me in the work committed to my charge, without omitting anything to promote the general welfare. I pray that your efforts may at length be crowned with success, and that you may long live to enjoy the thanks of a grateful people. With sentiments of great esteem, I am very respectfully and truly yours, R. E. Lee, General. To His Excellency Jefferson Davis, President of the Confederate States. The reply to this letter by President Davis so clearly illustrates the close and confidential relations existing between these two distinguished patriots, and is so honorable to both, that it is given in full. Richmond, Va., August 11, 1863. General R. E. Lee, Commanding Army of Northern Virginia. General: Yours of the 8th instant has been received. I am glad that you concur so entirely with me as to the wants of our country in this trying hour, and am happy to add that, aft

ready to blame others for the non-fulfilment of our expectations. This is unbecoming in a generous people, and I grieve to see its expression. The general remedy for the want of success in a military commander is his removal. This is natural, and in many instances proper. For, no matter what may be the ability of the officer, if he loses the confidence of his troops, disaster must sooner or later ensue. I have been prompted by these reflections more than once, since my return from Pennsylvania, to propose to your Excellency the propriety of selecting another commander for this army. I have seen and heard of expressions of discontent in the public journals at the result of the expedition. I do not know how far this feeling extends in the army. My brother officers have been too kind to report it, and so far the troops have been too generous to exhibit it. It is fair, however, to suppose that it does exist, and success is so necessary to us that nothing should be risked to secu

y at length be crowned with success, and that you may long live to enjoy the thanks of a grateful people. With sentiments of great esteem, I am very respectfully and truly yours, R. E. Lee, General. To His Excellency Jefferson Davis, President of the Confederate States. The reply to this letter by President Davis so clearly illustrates the close and confidential relations existing between these two distinguished patriots, and is so honorable to both, that it is given in full. Richmond, Va., August 11, 1863. General R. E. Lee, Commanding Army of Northern Virginia. General: Yours of the 8th instant has been received. I am glad that you concur so entirely with me as to the wants of our country in this trying hour, and am happy to add that, after the first depression consequent upon our disasters in the West, indications have appeared that our people will exhibit that fortitude which we agree in believing is alone needful to secure ultimate success. It well became Sid

s, and that you may long live to enjoy the thanks of a grateful people. With sentiments of great esteem, I am very respectfully and truly yours, R. E. Lee, General. To His Excellency Jefferson Davis, President of the Confederate States. The reply to this letter by President Davis so clearly illustrates the close and confidential relations existing between these two distinguished patriots, and is so honorable to both, that it is given in full. Richmond, Va., August 11, 1863. General R. E. Lee, Commanding Army of Northern Virginia. General: Yours of the 8th instant has been received. I am glad that you concur so entirely with me as to the wants of our country in this trying hour, and am happy to add that, after the first depression consequent upon our disasters in the West, indications have appeared that our people will exhibit that fortitude which we agree in believing is alone needful to secure ultimate success. It well became Sidney Johnston, when overwhelmed by

advance was designed to compass. The tone of the public press and the sentiment of the country indicated dissatisfaction with the result of the campaign, from which grander achievements had been expected than the number of troops and extent of our resources justified. General Lee could not remain entirely indifferent or unaffected by such expressions. As he paced before his camp-fire on the night of July 4th, when his army was marching by on its way to the Potomac, he said to General Longstreet in the presence of other officers: It is all my fault. So at Camp Orange, with manly dignity and generosity as remarkable as it is rare, denying no responsibility, indulging in no censures, he took upon himself alone the soul-depressing burden of the day, and wrote to the President the following touching and noble letter: camp Orange, August 8, 1863. Mr. President: Your letters of July 28th and August 2d have been received, and I have waited for a leisure hour to reply, but I fear

Chapter 39: General Lee's offer of resignation. The President was a prey to the acutest anxiety during this period, and again and again said, If I could take one wing and Lee the other, I think we could between us wrest a victory from those people. At another time he exclaimed, With Jackson, Lee would be on his feet. When General Lee had returned to Virginia after his repulse at Gettysburg, although he had withdrawn his army thoroughly organized, with confidence and pride unimpaired, and was in full possession of his legitimate line of defence, he was conscious that all had not been accomplished which the late advance was designed to compass. The tone of the public press and the sentiment of the country indicated dissatisfaction with the result of the campaign, from which grander achievements had been expected than the number of troops and extent of our resources justified. General Lee could not remain entirely indifferent or unaffected by such expressions. As he pa

ray that your efforts may at length be crowned with success, and that you may long live to enjoy the thanks of a grateful people. With sentiments of great esteem, I am very respectfully and truly yours, R. E. Lee, General. To His Excellency Jefferson Davis, President of the Confederate States. The reply to this letter by President Davis so clearly illustrates the close and confidential relations existing between these two distinguished patriots, and is so honorable to both, that it isPresident Davis so clearly illustrates the close and confidential relations existing between these two distinguished patriots, and is so honorable to both, that it is given in full. Richmond, Va., August 11, 1863. General R. E. Lee, Commanding Army of Northern Virginia. General: Yours of the 8th instant has been received. I am glad that you concur so entirely with me as to the wants of our country in this trying hour, and am happy to add that, after the first depression consequent upon our disasters in the West, indications have appeared that our people will exhibit that fortitude which we agree in believing is alone needful to secure ultimate success

Chapter 39: General Lee's offer of resignation. The President was a prey to the acutest anxiety during this period, and again and again said, If I could take one wing and Lee the other, I thinkLee the other, I think we could between us wrest a victory from those people. At another time he exclaimed, With Jackson, Lee would be on his feet. When General Lee had returned to Virginia after his repulse at GettysLee would be on his feet. When General Lee had returned to Virginia after his repulse at Gettysburg, although he had withdrawn his army thoroughly organized, with confidence and pride unimpaired, and was in full possession of his legitimate line of defence, he was conscious that all had not beGeneral Lee had returned to Virginia after his repulse at Gettysburg, although he had withdrawn his army thoroughly organized, with confidence and pride unimpaired, and was in full possession of his legitimate line of defence, he was conscious that all had not been accomplished which the late advance was designed to compass. The tone of the public press and the sentiment of the country indicated dissatisfaction with the result of the campaign, from whichievements had been expected than the number of troops and extent of our resources justified. General Lee could not remain entirely indifferent or unaffected by such expressions. As he paced befo