Letters of R, E. Lee. 341
and sleet. I have directed Colonel Cole» chief commissary, who reports that he has not a pound of meat at his disposal, to visit Rich- mond and see if nothing can be done. The physical strength of the men, if their courage survives, must fail under this treatment. Our cavalry has to be dispersed for want of forage. Fitz Lee's and Lo- max's divisions are scattered because supplies cannot be transported where their services are required. I had to bring William H. F. Lee*s division forty miles Sunday night to get him in position. Taking these facts in connection with the paucity of our numbers you must not be surprised if calamity befalls us.' '
'* Headquarters, February 22, 1865.
- * Honourable J, C, Breckinridge, Secretary of War :
- " The troops in the Valley are scattered far sub-
sistence, nor can they be concentrated for the want of it.' » * * *
- The cavalry and artillery of the army are still scattered for want
of provender, and our supply and ammunition trains, which ought to be with the army in case of a sudden movement, are absent collecting provisions and forage — some in West Virginia and some in North Carolina. You see to what straits we are reduced."
Headquarters Petersburg, March 17, 1865.
- Honorable John C Breckinridge, Secretary of War :
- •*! have had this morning to send General
William H. F. Lee's division back to Stony Creek, whence I called it in the last few days, becauso I cannot provide it with forage. I regret to have to report these difficulties, but think you ought to be apprised of them in order, if there is any remedy, it should be ap- plied."
There being no remedy Appomattox came, where General Lee said : " Then there is nothing left me but to go and see General Grant, and I would rather die a thousands deaths."
R. S. Thomas.
