[
155]
of but one man, the lamented
Captain Latane, of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry, who fell bravely leading a successful charge against a force of the enemy.
In announcing the signal success to the army, the general commanding takes great pleasure in expressing his admiration of the courage and skill so conspicuously exhibited throughout by the general and the officers and men under his command.
had secured, by this brilliant exploit of
Stuart's, the information he desired.
As early as June 8th he had suggested to the
Secretary of War that “
Jackson be prepared to unite with the army near
Richmond, if called on.”
The next day he announced to the
Secretary of War “a glorious victory by the gallant
Jackson and his troops,” and writes to him that reenforcements should be sent to
Jackson to enable him to take the offensive again.
The 11th of June was a busy day.
Lee first prepared the instructions to start
Stuart on his expedition, and then wrote
Jackson as follows:
General: Your recent successes have been the cause of the liveliest joy to this army, as well as to the country.
The admiration caused by your skill and boldness has been constantly mingled with solicitude for your situation.
The practicability of reenforcing you has been the subject of earnest consideration.
It has been determined to do so at the expense of weakening this army.
Brigadier-General Lawton, with six regiments from
Georgia, is on the way to you, and
Brigadier-General Whiting, with eight veteran regiments, leaves here to-day.
The object is to enable you to crush the forces opposed to you, then leave your unavailable troops to watch the country and guard the passes covered by your cavalry and artillery and with your main body, including
Ewell's division and
Lawton's and
Whiting's command, move rapidly to
Ashland by rail or otherwise, as you may find most advantageous, and sweep down between the
Chickahominy and
Pamunkey, cutting up the enemy's communications, while this army attacks
General McClellan in front.
He will thus, I think, be forced to come out of his intrenchments, where he is strongly posted on the
Chickahominy, and apparently prepared to move by gradual approaches on
Richmond.
Keep me advised of your movements, and, if practicable, precede your troops, that we may confer and arrange for simultaneous attack.
I am, with great respect, your obedient servant,
(Signed) R. E. Lee, General.
