General Lee compliments cook's, McRae's and Lane's brigades for their gallantry at Reames's Station.
As
General Lee, in person, put
General Conner in command of my brigade during my absence, I was required on my return to report to him in person to have
General Conner relieved.
It was during this visit to Army Headquarters that
General Lee told me
North Carolina had cause to be proud of
Cooke's,
McRae's and
Lane's brigades, for, by their gallantry at Reames's Station, they had not only put her but the whole Confederacy under a debt of gratitude which could never be repaid.
He also told me, at the same time, that he had written to
Governor Vance, expressing his high appreciation of their services.
I suppose the following is an extract from the letter referred to: