[214]
General,—Your letter of 6 P. M. yesterday has been received.
If you are ready to move you can do so. I think your best course will be towards the Susquehanna, taking the routes by Emmittsburg, Chambersburg, and McConnellsburg.
Your trains had better be, as far as possible, kept on the centre route.
You must get command of your cavalry, and use it in gathering supplies, obtaining information, and protecting your flanks.
If necessary, send a staff officer to remain with General Jenkins.
It will depend upon the quantity of supplies obtained in that country whether the rest of the army can follow.
There may be enough for your command, but none for the others.
Every exertion should, therefore, be made to locate and secure them.
Beef we can drive with us, but bread we cannot carry, and must secure it in the country.
I send you copies of a general order on this subject, which, I think, is based on rectitude and sound policy, and the spirit of which I wish you to see enforced in your command.
I am much gratified at the success that has attended your movements, and feel assured that if they are conducted with the same energy and circumspection it will continue.
Your progress and direction will, of course, depend upon the development of circumstances.
If Harrisburg comes within your means capture it. General A. P. Hill arrived yesterday in the vicinity of Berryville.
I shall move him on to-day, if possible.
Saturday Longstreet withdrew from the Blue Ridge.
Yesterday the enemy pressed our cavalry with infantry and cavalry on the Upperville road, so that McLaws had to be sent back to hold Ashby's Gap.
I have not yet heard from there this morning.
General Stuart could not ascertain whether it was intended as a real advance towards the Valley or to ascertain our position. * * * * * *
I am, with great respect, your obedient servant,
R. E. Lee, General.
Later on the same day General Lee wrote the following letter to General Ewell:
headquarters, June 22, 1863—3.30 P. M.
General,—I have just received your letter of this morning from opposite Shepherdstown.
Mine of to-day authorizing you to move towards the Susquehanna, has reached you ere this.
After
