Two Wars: An Autobiography of General Samuel G. French

    Richmond, May 1, 1863.

Gen. R. E. Lee, Fredericksburg, Va.

Orders were sent on Wednesday (the 29th of April) to Gen. Longstreet to move forward his command to reënforce you. He replied he would do so immediately, but expected to be a little delayed in gathering up his transportation train to prevent its falling into the hands of the enemy, then in sight.

    S. Cooper, Adjutant and Inspector General.

No. 2. Page 752

R. E. LEE TO THE PRESIDENT

    Headquarters, Army of Northern Virginia, April 27, 1863.

His Excellency, Jefferson Davis, President of the Confederate States.

Mr. President: I have written to Gen. Longstreet to expedite, as much as possible, his operations in North Carolina, as I may be obliged to call him back at any moment…

    R. E. Lee, General.

No. 3. Page 757

GEN. S. COOPER TO GEN. D. H. HILL

    Richmond, Va., April 29, 1863.

Maj. Gen. D. H. Hill, Commanding, Goldsboro, N. C.

General: The following telegram has just been received from Gen. Lee:

The enemy is crossing below Deep Run, about the same place as before… Where his main efforts will be made I cannot say. Troops not wanted south of James river had better be moved in this direction, and all other necessary preparations made.

This renders it important that such forces as you deem judicious should be concentrated at Richmond, to be in supporting distance. Gen. Lee may telegraph you… A like dispatch has been sent to Lieut. Gen. Longstreet.

I am, General, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

    S. Cooper, Adjutant and Inspector General.

No. 4. Page 757

GEN. COOPER TO GEN. LONGSTREET

Gen. Longstreet.

The following dispatch has just been received from Gen. Lee;

    Fredericksburg, Va., April 29, 1863.

The enemy is in large force on the north bank of the Rappahannock opposite the railroad at Hamilton's crossing. He is crossing troops below the point at which he crossed in December… I hear of no other point at which he is crossing except below Kelly's Ford, where Gen. Howard has crossed with his division, said to be fourteen thousand, six pieces of artillery, and some cavalry… All available troops had better be sent forward as rapidly as possible.

    S. Cooper, Adjutant and Inspector General.

No. 5. Page 758

GEN. COOPER TO GEN. LONGSTREET

    Adjutant and Inspector General's Office,}
    Richmond, Va., April 29, 1863. }

Lieut. Gen Longstreet.

The following telegram just received since the one already communicated to you:

If any troops can be sent by rail to Gordonsville, under a good officer, I recommend it. Longstreet's Division, if available, had better come to me; and the troops for Gordonsville and the protection of the railroad, from Richmond and North Carolina if practicable. Gen. Howard, of the enemy's forces making toward Gordonsville…

The Secretary, in view of the above, directs the return of your command, or at least such portions of it as can be spared without serious risk; also any surplus force that can be spared from D. H. Hill… These movements are required to be made with the utmost dispatch.

    S. Cooper, Adjutant and Inspector General.

No. 6. Page 758

SECRETARY SEDDON TO GEN. COOPER

    War Department, C. S. A., April 29, 1863.

Gen. Cooper.

Dear General: Gen. Lee telegraphs that all available force at our command be sent at once by rail or otherwise toward Gordonsville… Telegraph French at Petersburg to send all available force at his command…

    J. A. Seddon, Secretary of War.

No. 7. Page 758

SECRETARY OF WAR TO GEN. COOPER

    War Office, Richmond, April 29, 1863.

Gen. Cooper.

Gen. Lee, by another telegram just sent the President, says: "… Longstreet's Division, if available, had better come to me…"

    J. A. Seddon, Secretary.

No. 8. Page 760

GEN. COOPER TO GEN. LONGSTREET

    Richmond, Va., April 30, 1863.

Lieut. Gen. James Longstreet, Suffolk, Va.