Confederate General Robert E. Lee seeks to bolster his army both in terms of manpower and firearms. Today he writes Georgia governor Joseph E. Brown (image), noting that many Georgia volunteer companies are arriving in Virginia without weapons. Lee requests weapons from Brown, having already made similar requests from politicians of other states. A Baptist…
The fallout in Virginia continues as Robert E. Lee resigns his commission with the U. S. Army in order to fight on behalf of his native state. Lee writes to General Winfield Scott, his friend and mentor: Arlington, Washington City P.O. April 20, 1861 General: Since my interview with you on the 18th instant I…
Today a career United States military officer accepts U.S. Secretary of War Simon Cameron’s offer of a commission as colonel of the First Cavalry. The officer’s name is Robert E. Lee. U.S. President Abraham Lincoln had submitted the commission to the Senate on March 21, and the offer was formalized four days later. Even as…