Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 23.djvu/221

 / I'f, I,) tin /{' letter, learning that the enemy had not renewed hi* attempt of ve-xtrnlav t> break through the Blue Ridge, I directed teral R. H. Anderson's Division t<> < <>mmence its march toward* Shepherdstown. It will reach there to-morrow. I also directed General Stuart, should the enemy so far have retired from his front a-- to permit of the departure of a portion of the cavalry, to march with three brigade aer.iss the Potomac, and place himself on your right and in communication with you, keep you advised of the move- ments of the enemy, and assist in collecting supplies for the army. I have not heard from him since. I also directed Imboden, if op- portunity occurred, to cross the Potomac and perform the same offices on your left. * * * *

" I am, most respectfully, yours,

" R. E. LEE, Genera/."

The letter of General Lee to General Stuart of the 22d of June, 1863, giving him specific directions as to his movements, which di- rections are communicated to General Ewell in General Lee's second letter to that officer of the same date, which I have quoted, was sent by General Lee through General Longstreet, who was on the east side of the Blue Ridge, and under whose immediate command Gen- eral Stuart was.

I have not a copy of the letter from General Lee to General Long- street enclosing General Lee's letter to General Stuart, but I have a copy of the letter from General Longstreet to General Lee acknowl- edging the receipt of the letter of the latter to General Stuart, con- taining the order which I have mentioned. It is as follows:

"HEADQUARTERS, June 22, 1863 7:30 P. M. "General R. E. Lee, Commanding, etc.:

"GENERAL, Yours of 4 o'clock this afternoon was received. I have forwarded your letter to General Stuart, with the suggestion that he pass to the enemy's rear, if he thinks he may get through. We have nothing of the enemy to-day. 1 ' Most respectfully,

"JAMES LONGSTREET, "Lifiitcnant- General Commanding. ' '

You will observe that the letter of General Lee to General Stuart, which I have quoted, and which General Stuart received through General Longstreet, contained an order to the former, in case he